Exercise #3
June 19, 2025 By: Shelsey Ambrosi
Development digs up deep concerns from North Okanagan Naturalists
This article focusses on concerns from the North Okanagan Naturalist Club around a developmental proposal which requires 421 hectares for a proposed 3960 housing units. The potential development requires urban sprawl into already sensitive areas that are intact, natural ecosystems that provide habitats for species at risk in the Okanagan. The North Okanagan Naturalist Club voice concerns around the potential for increased single-vehicle traffic and strain on infrastructure, long-term environmental damage, and the 421 hectares required for this proposed development. Additional housing in the region is most certainly required; however, there must be a way to do it without disrupting or destroying habitats and other avenues should be explored.
Portion of park blocked off for next phase Vernon Creek naturalization project
https://www.castanet.net/news/Vernon/554566/Portion-of-park-blocked-off-for-next-phase-Vernon-Creek-naturalization-project
This news article shares the city of Vernon’s naturalization project, which is located at the city’s core and reveals sustainability and conservation within an urban area. The naturalization project is accompanied by flood mitigation, the return of trout, and the return of Kokanee and sockeye salmon to the creek to spawn in their habitat, as well as duck ponds upstream. I find this incredibly interesting as this is the first time I have heard of “Naturalization Projects” in the area. It is great to see cities shifting towards sustainability and ecological protection, proving these practices can be implemented no matter how small, large, or developed the city is.
Hi Shelsey,
Thanks for sharing these two really interesting stories! I completely agree with your point that new housing is important—but not at the cost of critical ecosystems. It’s frustrating how often urban sprawl is still prioritiSed over smarter, more sustainable infill development. I was especially intrigued by the Vernon Creek naturalisation project you mentioned. Like you, I hadn’t heard of naturaliSation efforts in that area before, and it’s inspiring to see a local government working to restore habitats and manage flooding at the same time. It’s a great example of how urban planning and conservation can go hand in hand- something we really need more of, especially in fast-growing communities.