Debates of May 14, 2007 (day 6)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories has one of the most impressive parks systems in all of Canada. On May 1, 2007, the system was improved when the Department of ITI launched its new territorial parks on-line reservation system. The web address is www.campingnwt.ca.

The on-line reservation system is one of several initiatives being undertaken by Industry, Tourism and Investment to enhance the camping experience in NWT parks.

In 2006, we were pleased to roll out the first phase of the on-line reservation program at Fred Henne Park in the North Slave region. This year, we’ve expanded the service to all of the other major territorial parks in the territory. In the North Slave region this includes Prelude and Reid Lake parks. In the South Slave: Twin Falls, Hay River and Queen Elizabeth parks. In the Deh Cho: Sambaa deh, Blackstone, Fort Simpson, and in the Inuvik region: Happy Valley and Jak Park Campground.

A key feature of the on-line reservation system is the ability to actually see pictures of the site you are interested in. You can see what amenities are available and then be able to book the site on-line. This is accomplished thanks to the installation of satellite communications in each of the participating parks. We have been able to provide this value-added tool to the public due to the cooperation and support of our various parks contractors across the NWT. I would like to commend our private sector partners for this support.

Mr. Speaker, this initiative, as well as constantly improving park facilities and infrastructure and ongoing staff training, are all part of the department’s goal to make camping in the NWT a memorable and positive experience. Thank you.

---Applause