Yukon environmental groups rally ahead of Peel appeal - Action News
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Yukon environmental groups rally ahead of Peel appeal

Opponents of the Yukon government's plan for the Peel River Watershed offered a twist on a old folk song Wednesday, singing 'Let the river be unbroken' during a rally ahead of a major court battle next week.

Next act in legal battle returns to court August 20

Kate White, NDP MLA for Takhini-Kopper King, takes the stage with a banner at a rally ahead of a major court battle next week. The Yukon government will be in court to appeal a court decision that struck down its land use plan for the Peel Watershed. (Philippe Morin/CBC)

Opponents of the Yukon government's plan for the Peel River Watershedoffered a twist on an old folk song Wednesday, singing"Let the river be unbroken" during a rally ahead of a major court battle next week.

The Yukon Court of Appeal is set to hear arguments over the territorial government's management plan for the Peel starting August 20. The Yukon government filed for an appealin December after theYukon Supreme Court struck down its controversial land use plan.

'I think it definitely needs to be protected, for sure,' said Julia Frashier. 'To preserve the beauty of the Yukon.' Joe Parker agreed it's a good cause. (Philippe Morin/CBC)
Katharine Sandiford was among those attending a noonhour rally at the Whitehorsewaterfront Wednesday.

"It's important because it should be protected," she said. "The plan says it should be protected. And we're here to raise spirits about the appeal processwhich is happening and raise confidence that it will all work outthe way it should."

Sandiford said she's opposed to opening the Peel up to development because she's worried about what kind of planet her children will inherit."It's extra important to preserve these last, pristine wild places because there will be so few left at the rate that we're chomping through it."

The Peel Watershed drains 14 per cent of Yukon's territory, mostly pristine wilderness. (Philippe Morin/CBC)
Deb Higgins says she wants to see the Peel protected because it's a unique place."I've been there myself to paddle the Snake River and it's such an unbelievably beautiful place. That's partly why I'm here."

Some younger people attended the rally."I believe it's a good cause to support," said Joe Parker. "I just wanted to come check it out."

"I think it definitely needs to be protected,for sure," said JuliaFrashier. "To preserve the beauty of the Yukon."

Children sang at the rally. (Philippe Morin/CBC)

Children were involved in art such as dipping hands in paint for a large banner. "It's great to get the kids involved. Give them a sense of taking some ownership, having a voice, and standing up for what they believe in," Higgins said.

The Peel Watershed appeal hearing is scheduled for the Yukon Law Courts on August 20and 21.