Middle ground found during the Great Blue Heron hearing

Vernon city council has voted unanimously on a motion to protect the great blue heron rookery on 20th Street in Vernon, from the potential impact of a development planned for 5000 20th Street.

The developers, Brennan Scott and Melissa Wetteland of Scotland Constructors Ltd., were part of a COVID-19 restricted crowd, with 50 people in the recreation centre, 50 in the Dogwood gym and more listening outside. Dozens of people spoke in the nearly 3 hour hearing. Council also received 253 written submissions and over 21,000 people signed an online petition at change.org.

The developer plans a low rise apartment complex on the site.

“I grew up 3 blocks from the rookery and went to Harwood school, I signed a petition as a kid to protect the herons, I don’t want to disturb or hurt anything,” Scott told the crowd.

Multiple speakers implored council to put the herons ahead of any development, with an emphasis on restricting any construction activity during the sensitive nesting period from February to September.

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The great blue heron is listed as a species at risk by the federal government and a blue listed species by the province, meaning they have characteristics that make them particularly sensitive to human activities or natural events. The designations include protection and fines from both levels of government for any harassment of the birds.

“They are already living on a postage stamp of land and it has continued to get smaller and smaller,” said Jane Weixl.

Following the public hearing, Councillor Brian Quiring made a motion to require the developers to have a protection and mitigation plan crafted by a Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP) in place before a development permit would be issued for any construction, which was endorsed by all of council.

It was also noted during the hearing that the active transportation corridor right of way would go through land near the rookery. City staff provided assurances to the crowd that would only proceed if the rookery were no longer in existence. The cottonwood trees the birds nest in have a life span of about 35 years and the herons will eventually have to find a new home.

The course of action seems to have support of the developer and vocal supporters of the herons.

Vernon Mayor Victor Cumming on the outcome.

“If the final plan is adequate I would be happy,” said Weixl “And I’m thrilled about the active transportation corridor not moving ahead while the rookery is still there.”

The developer hasn’t given a time frame or revealed any detailed plans for construction.