Earle McCurdy says he would stop the sale of former provincial parks
Provincial New Democrat Leader Earle McCurdy announced Thursday, if he wins in this November's election, he would stop the sale of former provincial parks.
The PC government announced in July that it's offering up former provincial parks for sale at market price. The offer applies to parklands that were deproclaimed by the government in the 1990s, including Northern Bay Sands, Middle Cove, and Cochrane Pond.
Current operators of these parks have the opportunity to own the land, provided they continue to use it for recreational purposes.
At the announcement, McCurdy said privatization could be dangerous.
"We believe that the announcement of the provincial government opens the doors to uses that should put a lot of questions in the mind of the public. Will they continue to enjoy access? At what cost? Under what conditions?" McCurdy said.
"I can summarize it, I'll put it in a tweet for you. Hashtag privatizing parks bad idea."
McCurdy made the announcement at Marine Park — one of the parks currently up for sale. He did not ask permission from the park's owners, who currently lease the land, beforehand.
Owner David Snow said that McCurdy's concerns over public access are unfounded. Snow said he put $3.5 million into the park since acquiring it and has implemented several services to increase the public's enjoyment of the area.
Snow said he does not yet have a position on the present government's policy and is waiting to see more details on things like pricing.
