Group urges Mayor Bowman against Parker wetlands rapid transit line

Monday's announcement of federal and provincial money to complete Phase 2of Winnipeg's bus rapid transit isn't slowing down a group trying to save the Parker wetlands.

Thatarea, locatednear the rail line west ofPembinaHighway, is slated to be developed as part of theBRTline.

CalDueck, whoheads up the Parker Wetlands Conservation Committee, which has been trying to save the area since the proposed bus route was first revealed two years ago, isappealing to Mayor Brian Bowman to examine the deal carefully.

"No due process has been followed. No duediligencehas been done for the Parker wetlands," he said."And so we're asking Mayor Bowman to delay this [and]do the proper studies."

Dueck, who is also pressinghis appeal to the provincial minister ofconservation, saidthe Parker wetlands are an ecologically important area and should not be developed.

Those rallying for its preservationsaythe green space is home to rare birds and plants and that thecitys own assessment department has labelled it as an environmentally-sensitive natural heritage area.

Bowmansaidhe's well aware of people's concerns with the development of that area. He noted thatCoun. JohnOrlikowhas also been critical of the route andBowman insists the city is listening.

"Coun.Orlikowhas been someone who has voiced with me and with council issues that he wants to work on and resolve. What I can say is that those concerns are being heard at city hall," he said.