More study needed on environmental declaration, Regina decides
Regina City Council wants more time to study a declaration recognizing peoples' right to a healthy environment.
It's part of a national campaign by the David Suzuki Foundation called the Blue Dot Project. More than 100 municipal governments across Canada have signed similar documents.
In Regina, some 1,400 people have signed a petition calling on council to pass the motion.
It calls on the city to ensure that infrastructure and development projects protect the environment.
It also puts a priority on such things as protecting trees, promoting recycling, promoting public transit and reducing greenhouse gases.
On Monday, Coun. Shaun Fraser brought the motion forward for council's consideration.
However, after some debate, councillors decided to send the proposal back to the administration for further study.
"The issues brought up by Blue Dot are absolutely fundamental and very important to our community," Mayor Michael Fougere said. However, there are some questions, he said.
"Due diligence and understanding the implications is really important to make the right decision," Fougere said.
Kelly Husack, the organizer for Regina Blue Dot, said she would have preferred it if council had approved the motion, but sending it to the administration for further study still represents progress.
"I would like to see it happen sooner than later, but if it did have to take up to a few months to a year... we're willing to work and support," she said.
