Dear Editor,
So there’s a petition to stop a pollinators garden in Crippen Park. Has anyone noticed that many of the same people also opposed the soccer field, the lights for the soccer field, and the recent rezoning of Lot 2 of the Community Lands? In each case, the opponents are alerting us to ecological disaster and a grave threat to our unique way of life.
Have a look at the activity on the soccer field. Far from a threat, it’s the liveliest place on the island, where dozens of children, teens, women and men are enhancing our community through healthy on-island recreation and social interaction.
This all-too-frequent opposition to any change -- in this case, to a small garden on ALR land! -- is, I feel, actually destructive to our way of life. Sadly, over time it has crushed initiative, creativity and volunteerism, not to mention eroded many friendships. When I decided to join this BAA working group, people told me, why bother? Your work will just be attacked as “anti-Bowen” and it will result in yet another division in the community.
But I couldn’t resist - the project is just too appealing. After several years of consultation with Metro Vancouver, and discussions with many Bowen groups along the way, we now have an opportunity to create something special and beautiful and important in our beloved outdoor/education hub in Crippen Park, and do so in a uniquely Bowen manner.
I understand fears about change. But certainly a pollinator demo garden in the meadows is not a step on the slippery slope to an urban lifestyle! Thank goodness Bowen’s habitual opposers didn’t prevail on the soccer field. I hope they can widen their outlook, reconsider their stance, and join us in this worthy endeavour.
Heather Prittie
