The structures, one in Botterill Bottom Park and the other in the Lethbridge Nature Reserve, are being taken down after environmental experts determined the structures are harming the environment. (Photo: LNN)

By Christian Oldale

City of Lethbridge removing two environmentally harmful structures in parks

Sep 17, 2024 | 10:46 AM

The City of Lethbridge is removing two unauthorized structures in the River Valley.

The structures, one in Botterill Bottom Park and the other in the Lethbridge Nature Reserve, are being taken down after environmental experts determined the structures are harming the environment.

Environmental experts say several sensitive plant species are being harmed, including:

• Circinaria hispida (Desert Vagabond Lichen)
• Astragalus gilviflorus (Three leaf Milkvetch)
• Astragalus missouriensis (Missouri Milkvetch)
• Astragalus spatulatus (Tufted Milkvetch)
• Tetraneuris acaulis (Stemless Four-nerved Daisy)
• Aristida purpurea (Purple Three awn)

The City adds the disturbance of vegetation and moving of river rocks is also harmful.Visitors are leaving harmful items such as plastics and metals at the Botterill Bottom Park structure, which enter the waterway and affects wildlife.

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In addition to the ecological impacts, the structures also violate multiple portions of the City’s Parks Bylaw, as building is not allowed in the parkland. City officials spoke with the creator of the structures about removing them, but the sites continued to expand and host in-person gatherings.

General Manager of Parks Blair Richter said, “They are impressive displays, and we commend the creator for the positive messages. We are inviting him to propose future allowable alternatives for these projects. Those discussions can be explored once the removal and reclamation projects are complete.”

The reclamation projects will begin once removal is complete.

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