Environmentalists take aim at bypass

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star - February 13, 2008

The City of Vernon’s transportation plan could result in ecological disaster, warns an environmental group. The North Okanagan Naturalists Club has come out opposed to the draft plan and specifically a corridor being preserved for the western bypass. “It’s more than a transportation plan. It opens up the Bella Vista grasslands to development,” said Jim Bodkin, a club member. “We are frightened and we feel a sense of betrayal on this.” The bypass is included in the transportation plan as a long-term goal (25 years or more). It would divert traffic from downtown, and run from Highway 97, near the army camp, through Mission Hill, Okanagan Landing and Bella Vista before reconnecting with the highway near Swan Lake. “The bypass is just a smoke-screen. The real plan is to open up Bella Vista to development,” said Bodkin. The club insists that the proposal goes against public wishes to protect green spaces and sensitive ecosystems as identified during the official community plan review. “Grasslands are the most threatened ecosystem we have in B.C.,” said Bodkin.

City officials state the transportation plan only calls for the corridor to be preserved and it doesn’t mean that construction of the bypass will actually occur. The club disagrees. “Clearly if these routes are somehow reserved, the steamroller momentum of development demand will ensure they become reality,” states a release. While the city is planning input sessions on the transportation plans, the club hopes to hold public meetings on the Bella Vista grasslands. “The city has put a spin on what it’s selling,” said Bodkin, who wants a grasslands park established.
Mayor Wayne Lippert points out that the transportation plan is just a draft at this point, and no final decisions have been made. “It’s a serious concern and we are aware of it,” he said of the possible environmental implications. “Everything is open right now. There is no guarantee anything will go through.” Because of those concerns, Lippert says a series of meetings will be held so residents can provide feedback.

The city will hold open houses on the draft transportation plan at Paddlewheel Park Hall Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m.; the Vernon Recreation Complex Feb. 18 to 29 from 3 to 6 p.m.; Okanagan Landing Elementary Feb. 20 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.; and the Halina Centre Feb. 23 from 1 to 5 p.m. “They are full public consultation sessions,” said Leon Gous, chief administrative officer. There will also be a public input session at city hall March 25 at 5:30 p.m. “All parties will be able to attend because it will be after normal working hours,” said Lippert. “They can state their case as to why other options should be done over this one (western bypass).” Lippert added that once the transportation plan is before council for consideration, there will also be public hearings.