Concerned resident plans to go ahead with"Information Day to save Fraser Foreshore Park"

The organizer behind an event planned at Fraser Foreshore Park this weekend, is hoping it will help raise awareness about the possibility of 21-acres of parkland being undedicated to build the city’s Green Recycling and Organics (GRO) facility.

Cynthia Chan is the organizer behind the “Information Day to Save Foreshore Park” event on Sunday, March 19.

Chan told the Beacon that the event will go ahead as planned, despite Mayor Mike Hurley announcing an emergency council meeting will take place on March 20 to reconsider the alternative approval process (AAP), which currently requires residents against the undedication of parkland to send in a ballot to the city.

Chan, who is a Burnaby resident herself, said the purpose of the event is to “try to protect the environment.”

“It’s a sensitive ecological area. It’s full of wildlife and different kinds of birds. It’s just an amazing place,” she said.

Chan said she was encouraged to see Mayor Hurley announce the special council meeting.

“It shows that the city is listening to the community’s concerns,” she told the Beacon.

“However, I think it’s important to proceed with cautious optimism until we hear official word that the process is cancelled altogether. Furthermore, we need to hear more about this green waste facility and what other options are being explored and available.”

Over the past weeks, the GRO facility has seen concern from residents due to the environment impact it could cause at Fraser Foreshore.

Currently, the city is still running an alternative approval process (AAP), allowing citizens who oppose the undedication bylaw of the parkland to send in an elector response form (which can only be sent in via mail or hand delivered to city hall) against the decision. If the city receives less than 16,250 submissions voting against the project (10% of the city’s electorate) by April 28, then council may proceed with the project. Those who approve of the undedication do not need to vote.

Residents have also expressed that the AAP process itself, with some arguing there has been a lack of engagement and accessibility, as the elector response forms are only available to pick up at the public library, at city hall, and online. The only want to return your form is by mail or dropping it off at city hall before the deadline of April 28.

However, that could change on Monday, if council decides to walk back on the AAP process altogether.

Chan said she’s not too sure about what the turnout could be. So far, she’s said she’s been connecting and sharing the event with people online and by word of mouth.

She added that she does not belong to any local groups made of residents and environmentalists who have been organizing against the proposed park undedication.

Instead, she said she felt the need to raise awareness as a concerned citizen.

“Until we hear the official word from the city and Mayor that the AAP is cancelled and that the city won’t ever touch Foreshore Park, we are going to proceed with the event to raise awareness about this and put our best foot forward to save Foreshore Park and protect Burnaby parkland,” she said.

“For me, this issue is not over til it’s over. “

The event will take place from 12 to 4pm at Fraser Foreshore Park on Sunday, March 18 at the main entrance near the playground and public picnic area. More info here.