Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Minister of ITI, and they relate to the issue of campgrounds and camping services in the Northwest Territories. Summer is just around the corner. I think it’s going to arrive this weekend, and a lot of people want to use our parks and campground facilities.
I understand that the Minister may be conducting a review of the rates, and I’d like to ask if any consideration has been given to giving seniors a reduced rate to use our camping facilities. We would like our seniors who retire in the Northwest Territories to stay in the Northwest Territories. We do give them reduced rates on some other things. I had a constituent approach me who said that he and his wife and another couple went to one of our territorial campgrounds for one weekend, and the camping fees were $160. That’s a lot of money when you’re on a fixed income and you’re on a pension.
I’d like to ask the Minister: would he consider having a reduced rate for NWT-resident seniors? Thank you.
Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. The honourable Minister responsible for Industry, Tourism and Investment, Mr. Bob McLeod.
Thank you Mr. Speaker. We are just undertaking a review of our rates for parks, and we’ll certainly consider having a reduced rate for seniors.
I’d like to thank the Minister for that answer. My constituent will be listening.
The other thing I had raised with the Minister but wanted to put on the public record is the use of the facilities at Escarpment Creek. Escarpment Creek is a unique geological area. It is in a park that was designated for camping. Now it is gated off, and it’s available only for group activities at a rate of $300 per event.
I’d like to ask the Minister if, when considering the facilities, the rates, and so on, he’d consider Escarpment Creek being opened up again so that people driving by could stop in and take a look. Right now, they can’t. Thank you.
Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. We’re going into a bit of a different line of questioning here, but I’ll allow the Minister to answer. Mr. Bob McLeod.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Escarpment Creek is part of a park that includes other falls in the area, and we use it for group activities. In our efforts to improve services and enjoyment of the use of our parks in the Northwest Territories, we’ll certainly review the designation that we’ve given to Escarpment Creek. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, I would appreciate that
It’s a long, straight, boring road when you’re driving north. People are so glad when they get to those big blue signs as they cross over the border that say, “Twin Falls Highway” and there’s actually something to stop and look at. Escarpment Creek was always one of those places, but now there’s a big gate across there. Thanks, Mr. Speaker. That’s it. No question there.
Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. The honourable Member for Kam Lake, Mr. Ramsay.
