More private hotels planned for B.C. parks

The B.C. government has invited developers to submit proposals for the constructionof large hotels and other lodgings in a dozen provincial parks.

Environment Minister Barry Penner says that as the population ages, many people who visit parks want more comfortable accommodation than a sleeping bag on the ground.

Penner saysthe government's fixed-roof accommodation development is part ofthe plan to capitalize on an expected tourism boom leading up to the 2010 Olympic Games.

Penner says there could be a range oflodgings, from simple tent-like yurts to hotels with 100 rooms or more.

Gwen Barlee of the Western Canadian Wilderness Committee is concerned about the plan, and doesn't like the fact that the new park lodgings will be built for profit.

"It also talks about your aiming this towards well-heeled tourists and high-end lodges," she told CBC News. "And that's not aiming this toward your average British Columbian."

There are already about 160 fixed-roof accommodation facilities in B.C. provincial parks including the Manning Park Lodge.