A group from Salmon Arm will be heading to Vancouver to be present for the court challenge launched by the Neskonlith Indian Band versus the City of Salmon Arm and Salmon Arm Shopping Centres Inc.
The band is challenging the Hazardous Areas Development Permit for the SmartCentres shopping centre development because of concerns about flooding, as well as citing lack of consultation by the city. It is not seeking monetary reward or compensation of legal fees.
Bonnie Thomas of the Switzmalph Cultural Society said a group of Neskonlith elders as well as a couple of youth are expected to go, “just to see some of the work taking place, giving them an idea of some of the issues.”
One hundred and twenty people signed a petition advertised in local media expressing their support for the Neskonlith in the judicial review to be heard in B.C. Supreme Court.
The hearing begins Monday, March 19 at 10 a.m. in the Vancouver Law Courts and is expected to continue all week.
