The NCC update on efforts to create the Urban Wilderness Park at Williams Lake, held at the Saraguay House yesterday evening, was well attended, upbeat and even mellow at the same time. The mellowness reflected the beautiful setting on the Arm and the serene spring evening.
Three people spoke briefly. To paraphrase their themes:
Craig Smith: The urban wilderness park is going ahead, no question. The Nature Conservancy of Canada is excited about its first venture into an urban space, and sees it as a unique opportunity to connect urban folk with wilderness and hence to generate support for protecting wilderness areas more broadly.
Steve Adams: The councillors voted 15 to zero in favour of it. That’s unheard of!
Marla Cranston: My working days are stressful as they are for so many of us. Being able within a few minutes to access a wilderness area after work and on weekend keeps me going and inspired. It’s an incredible asset for working people and families.
For more information about the Urban Wilderness Park and how to support it, visit: www.natureconservancy.ca/wildparkhrm.
