By Pete McIntyre

UPDATE: Pipeline protest ends in Swan Lake area; RCMP say it was ‘safe and peaceful’

Feb 20, 2020 | 12:26 PM

UPDATE 3 p.m.

Anti-pipeline protesters have ended their demonstration in the Vernon area.

About eight people were along Highway 97 at the north end of Swan Lake from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday in support the Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs who are opposed to the Coastal GasLink pipeline in northern B.C.

RCMP told Vernon Matters they were at the scene to keep an eye on the situation after being contacted beforehand by the organizers.

“Approximately eight local residents held a peaceful protest at the Swan Lake interchange on Highway 97 near Vernon,” said Cpl. Tania Finn, media relations officer. “Organizers had contacted the RCMP prior to the event in order to engage in pro-active dialogue with police. Police were on scene to monitor the situation and all those in attendance ensured a safe and peaceful event.”

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Protest on Highway 97 at north end of Swan Lake (Christine Schneider)

UPDATE 12 p.m.

A protest is taking place on the highway north of Vernon.

Several people are standing along Highway 97 and on the median at the north end of Swan Lake, with the participants saying they are supporting the Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs who are opposed to the Coastal GasLink pipeline in northern B.C.

The people are holding up signs, but are not stopping traffic.

“It should be noted that this protest is not blocking traffic and seems peaceful,” one person wrote on Facebook.

The Okanagan Indian Band and Splatsin say they are not involved in the demonstration.

RCMP are on the scene, monitoring the situation.

Vernon Matters has a message into the RCMP for information.

Protest on Highway 97 (Christine Schneider)

by Pete McIntyre

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