To the Editor:
Ducking a fence and scrambling down a steep hillside to splash in the pristine waters of our fabulous rivers and lakes, kayaking or wandering along the banks observing the abundant wildlife has been a right of passage for those growing up in the Creston Valley. Over the past few years, we have all watched with alarm as the access to our favorite swimming or bird watching spots have been blocked off for whatever reason seemed logical enough to warrant the cost and effort.
While other communities in the Kootenays have taken a proactive approach to maintaining access to their rivers and lakes, working with private landowners, user groups and governments, we have taken a complacent, reactive approach, simply banning access to the water.
As a parent and educator who grew up fully immersed in the Kootenay lifestyle, I find a huge gap in our approach to teaching youth to be conscientious and concerned about water and environmental issues, when these same children will not have the opportunity to wander in our forests and swim freely in our rivers.
A few years ago, I could never have imagined that it would be possible for the Point to be taken from us for any reason. That place is as deeply ingrained in the roots of this community as are apples and Kokanee beer. This year, as of September, there was no longer any legal access to the Point. Actually, there is not a single designated place to park, access and walk anywhere along water in our whole beautiful valley! For sure, there are places one can go. I go, but I have to park illegally, trespass across a neighbour’s property and scale a cliff face to get to the beautiful hidden gems that are the heart of our home. Now, I also have to worry about getting my car towed.
I love Creston. I love the people, the mountains, the water, the clean air, the fruit, the climate, the quirky farming mentality and even that our time doesn’t change. Creston is unique, and I strongly believe that we are a community that is equally interested in creating safe access, parking, toilets and garbage collection services for ourselves and visitors so all can enjoy our rivers and forests. Our children can be raised within this environment, learning to love and respect it so caring for it is as natural as breathing.
We have seen that we can lose it. We are losing it. We are the caretakers of this community. We have an incredible opportunity to create a legacy for our children and the future. Please be a part of the conversations and brainstorming around making access to our rivers, walking trails, parking and maintenance a number one priority.
We are hosting a community trails meet and greet event at 7 p.m. Jan. 15 to share ideas, brainstorm and enjoy the company of other trails enthusiasts. The Downtowner Motor Inn has generously donated its conference room for this event, and refreshments will be served.
Mary Jayne Blackmore
Lister