Small Victories
by
Zoe Blunt
For
almost two years, we've documented and publicized the impact of Bear Mountain
development on wetlands, rare species, watercourses, recreation sites and First
Nations heritage. As a result, land-use decisions on southern Vancouver Island
now face greater demands for due diligence on environmental preservation and
democratic accountability, among other long-term effects of the campaign.
In August, Langford residents reported on
changes to the city's plans for the Bear Mountain Interchange (also known as the
Spencer Road Interchange). Construction of the interchange connecting the Trans
Canada Highway and Bear Mountain Resort commenced and then stalled for lack of
funding. The project is now going forward (with TD Bank's funding, which has
angered many), but it appears to be scaled back drastically. The overpass will
be built, but cloverleaf on-ramps are on hold until the second phase of
construction, beginning at an unknown date in the future. It is still possible
that some of the groves of Garry Oaks and wetland habitat for Red-Legged Frogs
may be spared, depending on the municipality's future direction on environmental
policy.
It seems clear that well-documented public outrage, coupled with
financial agencies' concerns about Langford's process and diligence, contributed
to the downsizing of the interchange.
Meanwhile, a movement to
strengthen First Nations heritage protection has led to a historic agreement in
the Gulf Islands. The agreement may eventually extend to places like Langford,
where Bear Mountain development and interchange construction irreparably damaged
Langford Lake Cave and Spaet Cave, despite legislation and government agencies
dedicated to preserving cultural sites. The loss of the two caves and nearby
indigenous burial grounds shocked the conscience of the community and especially
angered First Nations people across British Columbia.
Now, according to
the Victoria Times Colonist, "the Islands Trust council has approved in
principle a protocol developed with the Hul'qumi'num Treaty Group that goes far
beyond the protections offered in the provincial Heritage Conservation Act and
could become a template for similar agreements all over B.C., according to
archeologist Eric McLay."
"Such an agreement could have prevented the
destruction of spirit caves at Bear Mountain resort." (Victoria Times Colonist,
September 17, 2008.)
As we reported in "The Langford Rebellion," plans to
pave over the caves and heritage sites triggered a groundswell of criticism that
grew to include a wide range of other public policy and environmental issues.
We have done much more than shine a light on conservation concerns. We
have contributed to public policy changes that will reverberate far beyond
Langford for many years to come. Thank you for speaking out, and stay strong -
there is much more to do!
--
ZoeBlunt@gmail.com
250-885-8219
www.forestaction.ca
Read:
"The Langford Rebellion: Publc Opinion, Development and Bear Mountain"
http://forestaction.wikidot.com/the-langford-rebellion
