Pitt Meadows is now without one of its major environmentalist groups, after the Pitt Meadows Environmental Network announced its dissolution on Monday.
One of the network’s directors, Sarah Baldock, explained that the registered society would be going away only five years after its founding.
“We held several community contact events and spoke to representatives of all levels of government,” said Baldock. “However, although we had many interesting conversations with local, provincial, and federal government representatives as well as with members of the public, we failed to gain any traction.”
Baldock explained that this didn’t signal a shortage of people interested in helping the environment though, especially within Pitt Meadows.
“So far, it just has not been a high enough priority for them to become involved or make a significant change,” she said.
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Pitt Meadows Mayor Nicole MacDonald expressed her gratitude to the network, calling its dissolution disheartening.
“Climate change is indeed a pressing issue, and council shares their concern for the well-being of our children and future generations,” said Mayor MacDonald.
“While the dissolution of the Pitt Meadows Environmental Network is a loss, it serves as a reminder of the need for continued advocacy and community involvement, whether it is conducted through an organized network, or as individuals.”
With the network officially dissolving, the group has decided to donate the remaining balance of their funds, which network member Ron Blakely called modest, but said he hoped would still be appreciated by the groups.
The funds will be split amongst the Friends in Need Food Bank and the climate action group 350 Canada.
“We do wish to thank VanCity Credit Union for their support in our early days with a donation towards acquiring resources,” said Baldock.
In addition to the remaining funds, there are also other leftover resources that the group is willing to hand down to other environmentalists, including a large banner.
“We will watch with great interest to see what developments arise from Maple Ridge’s Mayor’s Task Force on Climate Action,” said Baldock.
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“With recent distressing climate-related events such as drought and wildfires, perhaps a new group might make better progress.”