Yellowknife (Dec 03/04) - Members of Ecology North say they want to be involved in the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline project.

A discussion about the subject at the organization's annual general meeting Nov. 24 confirmed membership interest in the issue.

"There was quite a strong voice for Ecology North to be involved in it," said Shelagh Montgomery, a board director. The board is awaiting acceptance of its proposal for participant funding from the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency that would allow them to conduct their own environmental review of the project.

If the funding comes through, the group would focus on issues related to climate change caused by the pipeline, said Montgomery.

Other issues on the Ecology North agenda for 2004/2005 include continued activism in city planning and development. "I suspect issues around city planning and greenspace would remain a priority," said Montgomery.

The past year's projects included the Save the Rocks campaign to promote sustainable development in Yellowknife, as well as the EcoTheatre project, focusing on possible development on Tin Can Hill.

The organization also hosts nature walks, bird watching and other adventures to capture public interest in the environment throughout the year.

Of the 100-150 active Ecology North members, approximately 45 people attended the meeting in the Yellowknife Library meeting room. At that time, the 2003/2004 board of directors was disbanded and a new 10-person board was elected from the audience.