The Burnaby NewsLeader published my letter in support of the City of Burnaby's green street initiative that I wrote about here.
Unfortunately, you cannot link to specific NL items, so I'll just paste it here:
Feb 23 2007
Kudos to the City of Burnaby for initiating a pilot project to make Clinton Street greener while benefiting Byrne Creek and the surrounding environment. (NewsLeader, Feb. 22)
I am excited by this plan and envy local residents who will likely see the beautification of their street result in a reinforced sense of community and higher property values. What bonuses to appreciate, while also knowing their street will have a positive effect on the health of their watershed, and their own physical and mental well-being.
As a volunteer with the Byrne Creek Streamkeepers, I am elated the City has chosen this area for the pilot project.
One of our greatest concerns as stewards of our beautiful neighbourhood waterway is the impact of unrestrained flows of rainwater through street drains directly into the creek. Not only do such huge flows from impervious surfaces such as roads and parking lots contribute to erosion and sedimentation of salmon spawning areas, they also carry pollutants such as oil, antifreeze, brake-lining dust, and other toxins into the creek.
The City’s street edge alternative (SEA) project will help on both counts.
I sense that as a society we are becoming increasingly aware of our impact on our environment, and are realizing that we can all make a difference. Indeed, that we all must start making a difference if our children and grandchildren are to enjoy healthy, sustainable lives.
Such change happens person by person, neighbourhood by neighbourhood, and I am proud that the city I have chosen to live in is taking the lead in fostering such progress.
Paul Cipywnyk
Posted by Paul at February 24, 2007 01:06 PM