Greater Vernon residents are being urged to speak out against plans for a road in a wetland.
The North Okanagan Naturalists Club has launched an online petition against the Ministry of Transportation’s plans to extend 20th Street through BX Creek Delta Park.
“The roadbed, the road itself and sidewalks would reduce the wetland to little more than ditches,” states the petition.
The ministry’s 20th Street extension is part of a proposal to improve safety conditions at Stickle Road and Highway 97.
“People would loose a treasured greenspace which is very well used by walkers, runners, dog walkers, photographers, nature enthusiasts and commuters on foot or bike. It is an area filled with birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and plants. This is not the solution to Stickle Road,” says the club.”
The club also makes a personal plea to Transportation Minister Todd Stone.
“There is so little to be gained and so much to lose. Mr. Minister think long-term and think outside the box. It’s not worth losing another wetland for this,” it states.
Eric Foster, Vernon-Monashee MLA, supports the 20th Street extension but he doesn’t have a problem with the club’s petition.
“They can certainly do that. It’s a free country,” he said.
However, Foster insists significant work has been done by the ministries of environment and transportation while planning for the road.
“There will be minimal impact on the wetland. There’s always been an intention to put a road in there,” he said.
“We build roads every day and we have minimal impact.”