By Tom Mark

Green Leader Enters Stickle Pickle

Aug 25, 2017 | 9:07 AM

Update 11 am

The former Green Party candidate in Vernon-Monashee is pleased to see leader Andrew Weaver has entered the fray over Stickle Road.

Weaver sent a letter to Transportation Minister Claire Trevena asking her to take a look at the 20th street extension project, halt it for more study and reduce the speed limit on the highway.

Keli Westgate says she`s cautiously optimistic.

“I`m glad to know that the minister is now aware that there is strong public displeasure with this plan. What results of it, I don`t know.”

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Weaver expressed his concern at the harm it could do to the BX Creek Delta Wetland.

Westgate says it`s good to have another voice.

“And I think it`s good for the community to know that they can access multiple levels of government and they haven`t been able to do that with the current MLA it doesn`t sound like and that`s been frustrating for people – not feeling like they`re being listened to.”

Weaver also suggested a reduced speed limit on the highway to 50 kilometres an hour.

Westgate admits that might be too low, but sees nothing wrong with something like 70 to make the area safer.

Opponents the 20th street extension through BX Creek Delta Park to Stickle Road have a new ally.

Green Party leader Andrew Weaver has sent a letter to Transportation Minister Claire Trevena wanting to know what`s going on.

Weaver tells her he has received a significant amount of of correspondence from people concerned about the project.

He`s particularly concerned about the effect the project will have on the wetland, noting it is a key habitat for four protected species.

Dear Minister Trevena,
I have received a significant amount of correspondence from British Columbians concerned
about the Highway 97 – Stickle Road intersection project. Their concerns are generally as
follows:
“In the interest of saving a wetland with protected species in it, making the intersection in
question safe for not just cars, but also bikes and pedestrians, would the Ministries
involved take the stop-gap measure to stop the current plan and lower the speed limit to
50 km/hour and take the time to develop a plan that works for multiple different
stakeholder groups?”
It is my understanding that the impacted wetland is key habitat for four protected species – the
screech owl, Western skink, Western grebe, and American badger – and that the proposed
changes will not accommodate bike or pedestrian travel. I view these as substantial drawbacks to
the proposal as it currently stands and would appreciate clarification as to why they are not being
better addressed.
Thank you for your insight into this matter.
Best wishes,
Andrew Weaver, MLA
Oak Bay – Gordon Head