Introduction

Southern Strait of Georgia Feasibility Study

In October 2003, Canada and the Province of British Columbia signed a Memorandum of Understanding that committed the two governments to assess the feasibility of a national marine conservation area reserve in the southern Strait of Georgia area. The study area is representative of the Strait of Georgia Marine Region.

The feasibility assessment was launched in 2004 and has included dialogue with First Nations, and consultations with key stakeholders, communities and the public. As part of the consultation process, Parks Canada hosted 35 public consultations, and over 300 meetings and presentations have taken place. Technical studies analyzing ecological, cultural and socio-economic information have also been an important part of the feasibility assessment.

On October 13, 2011, the Governments of Canada and British Columbia announced a proposed boundary for a national marine conservation area reserve in the Southern Strait of Georgia. The two governments will now begin in-depth consultations with First Nations and local governments and a final boundary will be determined only after consultations are complete and the feasibility assessment is concluded.

Following First Nations and local government consultations, the Governments of Canada and British Columbia will decide if a national marine conservation area reserve is practical and desirable. If so, an establishment agreement between the Governments of Canada and British Columbia will be negotiated and an interim management plan will be developed. During interim management planning, First Nations, stakeholders, communities and the public will have opportunities to provide more feedback.