There has been another triumph in the efforts to protect the valuable and iconic heard of Big Horn Sheep in our Columbia Valley.

Village of Radium Hot Springs Mayor Clara Reinhardt, Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Electoral Area G Director Gerry Wilkie, MLA Clovechok, Radium resident Kent Kebe and the Windermere Rod and Gun Club have lobbied the government for the past year to reduce speeds on the Radium Hill, immediately south of the village coming into town.

During yesterday’s Legislature, Doug Clovechok was able to push the agenda.

He’s provided the following public statement on his Facebook page.

“Yesterday in the Legislature I had the opportunity to ask the Minister of Transport important questions in what is known as the Estimates Process.

“Mayor Clara Reinhardt, RDEK Director Gerry Wilkie, myself, Kent Kebe, and the Windermere Rod and Gun Club have lobbied the government for the past year to reduce speeds on the Radium Hill coming into town. This has been just one aspect of the larger work we have carried out over the last few years towards getting an overpass.
“We heard loud and clear from our constituents that they felt the speed reduction was necessary.

“I can now confirm that the speed will be reduced this fall from 90km to 70 km from the top of Mile Hill past the pullouts to the 60 km in Radium.
Currently the sheep have moved to summer grazing areas.

“Thank you to all the voices who spoke with us. The momentum continues to grow in our common effort to protect the Sheep. MOTI has also confirmed that there is a newly designated Project Manager for the Sheep overpass and that the province has been in conversation with the federal government about funding the project.

“This is great news.

“As Margaret Mead said; “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has”. “