CEAC responds to Cochrane River Park proposal

We’ve prepared the following response regarding the Cochrane Environmental Action Committee’s (CEAC) involvement with the Cochrane River Park proposal.  We appreciate the questions we’ve received to date, and would like to clarify CEAC’s position.

To be clear, we are in support of the process to scope the decision-making protocols.  At this early stage no decisions have been made about whether or not to proceed or to select the preferred location.  One of the first steps is seeking community feedback, which is the current point in a very long and complex process.

Environmental integrity and protection are paramount to this project and has been a key pillar in all discussions.  CEAC’s involvement is obviously driven by this perspective.  If a decision is made to proceed with this proposal there will be many aspects to be considered and resolved, from engineering to economics to environment.  Many organizations will be involved, should we reach that point.  CEAC will be one of the groups involved in ensuring integrity and enhancement of the river and the riparian areas.  

The take away message is that no decisions have been made about whether or not the Wave Park proposal proceeds.  It has been clear from the beginning that protection of the environment is of the utmost priority to the group exploring the potential project.  CEAC is and will be there to offer our input and assistance.

CEAC is a very small organization and is always looking for passionate and dedicated individuals to help us whether it is riparian area protection, sustainable development, air quality or other environmental matters.  We would like to invite you to join CEAC and help us to make Cochrane and area more environmentally aware and active.