Dr. Kelly Bannister, a University of Victoria ethnobotanist is urging North Cowichan to consider the long-term consequences of developing the Echo Heights forest and to make more effort to consult with First Nations before critical decisions are made.
    Bannister is a Thetis Island resident who heads the University of Victoria’s POLIS Project on Ecological Governance. She was invited by North Cowichan council to attend September's technical planning committee meeting. The invitation came as a result of a letter written to council by Bannister about elements missing from an environmental assessment on the Echo Heights forest. Council wanted to hear more about her concerns about its development plans for the 52-acre municipal property.
    “I first read about Echo Heights in the early spring,” Bannister told The Courier. “I was interested in the controversy surrounding the fate of the forest. I was so intrigued that I made contact with a few resident expert Echo Heights hikers for a walking tour.
    “ Now I’m so impressed I am considering initiating a research project to document the biological, cultural and social significance of Echo Heights in
relation to community and ecosystem health.”
    Bannister told the committee meeting,attended by five council members as well as senior staff, that if council decides on Echo Heights without considering
all factors,there could be unforeseen consequences.
    “Decisions are often made quickly for short-term economic gain,”she said. “But that could lead to long-term problems for the economy or for the long-term social and political health of the community.”
    Since much of Bannister’s work has been with First Nations communities,council members assumed that this was the focus of her concerns.
    “There have been no expressions of First Nations concerns as of now,”chair George Seymour said. He added that the Echo Heights development has been on the table since the official community plan was adopted in 1999.
    Bannister pointed out to the committee that just because local First Nations hadn’t been involved in the on-going debate over Echo Heights didn’t mean they didn’t have concerns. She said traditional and medicinal uses of fast-disappearing plants were a very sensitive subject that weren’t likely to be discussed in the public sphere.
    And she questioned North Cowichan’s consultation process with the Penelakut and other local First Nations.
    “What we all agree on,is that we don’t know what First Nations think about Echo Heights because they haven’t been asked,”she said.
    But Bannister said that while the municipality may have not properly consulted with First Nations, she was also worried that council may not have adequately listened to concerns from the Chemainus community.
    “Does it take away from their concerns just because local people missed their chance?”she asked,referring to past Official Community Plan discussions.
    “If you use Echo Heights as an opportunity,you have a chance to leave a legacy in terms of outcome and process – a win-win. It may be a small investment for a very large gain.”