The West Kootenay Coalition for Jumbo Wild is doubling up on Earth Day by joining the Kootenays for a Pipeline-Free BC for a rally at Nelson City Hall Sunday at 3 p.m.
“This is the day to stand up for our wild places whether it is mountains, northland or coastline,” said Jumbo Wild organizer K. Linda Kivi. “We teamed up with Pipeline-Free BC for this gathering because, really, it’s all the same issue: what is our vision for our land and our future? We believe there is an economy of the wild. Democracy matters.”
“If all we care about is dollars, then we should realize that there is more money to be made by keeping Jumbo Wild,” said Kim Kratky, Jumbo Wild spokesman.
“That’s why people come to BC, for the wilderness. Our main focus is to let Jumbo’s French investors know there is a reason why the proposal was on the books for 20 years. Local people don’t want it.”
Kratky said the taxpayer costs of road building to Jumbo and the infrastructure of a non-elected municipality should concern everyone in BC.
Jumbo Wild has other concerns to be addressed, said Kratky.
“Back country closure is high on the list. Jumbo Glacier Resort’s Master plan calls for ‘grizzly habitat enhancement such as access management’ and that means they are planning to keep us out of certain areas we love and use,” he said.
The Earth Day rally will focus on concrete actions people can take including a postcard campaign aimed at the French investors, Compagnie des Alpes.
Organizers ask those who attend to bring toonies to help pay for stamps and cheque books to help build campaign momentum.
Kootenays for a Pipeline Free BC will have information on their upcoming event and speaker series and will be signing people up for their pipeline caravan.
Billed as the “wild-est, jumbo-est” rally yet, a car will be turned into an animal and music, art and celebration will mark this Earth Day.
Bring your teddies for the Bears for Jumbo wall of fame. And the Jumbo Jester invites you to come in costume.