A social media movement in opposition to the World Rainbow Gathering planned for Raft Cove is growing today.
More than 11,000 people are invited to the event, which runs until September 6, and more than 1,800 have said they will attend so far.
Locals are worried the area cannot support such a large gathering, and that many people will destroy the park.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Environment said on Friday they are continuing to monitor the situation, and will consider closing the park if necessary.
“BC Parks is currently exploring all options to ensure concerns are addressed, up to and including closing the park,” said the Ministry. Compliance and enforcement efforts are already underway.
They are also working with enforcement agencies, local government and First Nations.
There was a protest page set up on Facebook against the event, but it was removed some time late Thursday or early Friday.
However, the discussion has continued on other Facebook pages, such as Protect Raft Cove Provincial Park, and Raft Cove Rainbow Gathering Discussion Page.
Port Hardy Mayor Bev Parnham posted on Facebook on Friday that she had attended a meeting with BC Parks and other agencies.
“I attended a meeting this morning with BC Parks, First Nations, government agencies and those with an interest in resolving any issues that may arise from the proposed large gathering at Raft Cove Provincial Park. We are all deeply aware of the public safety, cultural and environmental concerns in such a sensitive area and I believe that the park has now reached capacity. BC Parks are committed to monitoring the situation and communicating any further plans to the agencies and the public. Please be assured that ongoing oversight of the situation will continue,” she wrote on Facebook.
Local residents say the area cannot accommodate such a large gathering of people, and Raft Cove is remote and difficult to get to.
According to a post on the Facebook page BC RAINBOW FAMILY ORGANIZING PAGE, there is talk of moving the Gathering to another location, but others who are at the site now are working to find a solution that works for everyone.
Rainbow member Bob Coyl explain in one of the posts:
“We are working with parks to make this happen we will no more soon as parks gets back to us the land is delicate and we do not wish to disturb any body or the land we are working with parks on a plan too make this work as soon as possible when CBC and other lied and said we have 2000 folks hear we have less then 100 right now and are not expecting a huge turn out as the koot did not work we will no more tomorrow butt locals are freaking they think lots of folks are coming and we really cant see that happening .we hare making arrangements with parks so we can haul out are poo so the site does not get damaged and we are not camping in the woods just the beach as I said this site is sensitive so respect is a must.”
There is a lot of conversation on Twitter:
http://storify.com/amyjudd/world-rainbow-gathering-in-raft-cove
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