Conservation group pushing for donations to purchase Sickle Point wetlands privately after government purchase falls through

Photo: Dianne Bersea

The fight to save Kaleden's Sickle Point from development is ongoing, despite local taxpayers giving a thumbs down to the Regional District's plans to purchase it last month.

The Save Sickle Point Committee, a community grassroots group, held a drive-through event this Sunday, handing out green ribbons to those in the community who have made pledges to their campaign to be hung on gates, fences and front doors to show their support.

The committee is working to collect enough pledges to purchase the 4.8-acre property itself for conservation, since the RDOS purchase was not approved. But to do so, they will need to raise at least $1.5 million by June 1 of this year, as a portion of the overall $2.5 million purchase price that has been previously agreed upon for the land which is currently in foreclosure.

The remaining $1 million is planned to be covered by various grants, which the committee has already applied for.

They hope to conserve what they call key and rare wetlands, home to many important and at-risk wildlife species.

On Sunday, more than 100 people passed through the information stations and received their ribbons.

"I was inspired by the passion and commitment people have towards conserving Sickle Point.” said Shira Newell-Wallace, event coordinator for the committee.

“It was a non-stop afternoon of enthusiasm for the project. We were delighted that there were several new donations from $20 to $5,000 towards the purchase!”

The majority were from Kaleden, but others drove from Penticton, Okanagan Falls, Naramata, and Summerland, and all signed a petition asking the provincial government to help out with parts of the funding.

"I couldn't believe how many people were there," said committee member Doreen Olson with delight. "There was a traffic jam in Kaleden!"

MP Richard Cannings stopped by to pick up his green ribbon and show support for conservation.

The committee has also launched a new crowdfunding campaign this week, using Wayblaze, the same platform that residents of Naramata recently used to successfully raise $1 million to purchase the Centre Beach property for public use.

While Sunday's event was a success, the group still has a long way to go. To date, they have raised over $300,000 in pledges from the community through their previous fundraising campaign, and the Wayblaze Campaign is at just over $4,000. They have plans in the works for more events upcoming.

To learn more about Sickle Point or make a pledge to secure the land for conservation, click here.