Protect Munson Pond wetlands, advocates press Kelowna mayor

Kelowna Mayor Tom Dyas met with local advocates who urged a fuller review and public consultation on the proposed Burtch Road Extension through Munson Pond wetlands; several environmental permits remain outstanding and construction cannot proceed until they are resolved.

Kelowna Mayor Tom Dyas met with local advocates to discuss concerns about the proposed Burtch Road Extension through Munson Pond wetlands. Advocates asked for a fuller project review and a more robust public consultation process. The city has so far addressed the road's design but not whether the road should be built; the project is part of the city's 2040 Master Transportation Plan. Construction cannot proceed while several required environmental permits remain outstanding. Key points: - Mayor Tom Dyas met with advocates raising concerns about the Burtch Road Extension and requesting a fuller review and public consultation. - The city has addressed road design but has not revisited whether the road should be built; the project is listed in the 2040 Master Transportation Plan. - Several permits remain outstanding, including a Water Sustainability Act section 11 change approval or notification, a Wildlife Act general wildlife permit, and a scientific fish collection permit, and construction cannot proceed until required permits are approved. - Advocates report more than 5,000 petition signatures and comments collected online and on paper in support of protecting the Munson Pond wetlands. Summary: Decisions about the outstanding environmental permits and any additional public review will determine whether the Burtch Road Extension proceeds through Munson Pond wetlands. Advocates have requested a public meeting and an independent wetland biologist study; those requests and the permit outcomes are pending. Undetermined at this time.