SIDNEY — With a recent study confirming the pond in Reay Creek Park in Sidney contains at least 50 times the allowable limit of heavy metals, residents in West Sidney will be out for a community rally on Saturday, June 18.
“At issue is the cadmium and chromium that have been dumped in the creek from years of industrial activity at the airport,” said Bill Collins, spokesman for the Residents of Reay Creek, a group formed three years ago to push for a clean-up.
“The community is speaking with a single voice in urging the Federal Minister of Transportation, Marc Garneau to see this issue as a high priority for action,” Collins stated in a media release.
He was referring to letters written last month to the Minister Garneau by MLA for Saanich North and The Islands, Gary Holman and Sidney Mayor Steve Price.
Residents have also received support from North Saanich council and MP Elizabeth May, who has pushed the issue in Ottawa.
May, Holman, Price, along with the Mayor of North Saanich, Alice Finall and Adam Olsen will be speaking at the event.
In the fall of 2015, a technical working group was created, consisting of federal, provincial and municipal government representatives as well as Victoria Airport Authority.
The goal was to bring together all available information about the problem, so options for clean-up could be developed.
“Three years ago, the residents were warned that the process was going to be slow,” Collins said, “but this is ridiculous! It is time for those responsible to understand we are living next to highly toxic heavy metals. The impact may not be realized in the community until it is too late, and we are not waiting any longer!”
The rally runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the corner of Westbrook and Northbrook Drives in Sidney.
— Submitted