A petition encouraging City of 性视界传媒 officials to reconsider plans to expand Sunnyside Lawn Cemetery gathered more than 1,300 names in less than a week.
Launched Nov. 13 at change.org, was sparked by concern over the potential impact of the proposed expansion to Sunnyside Acres Urban Forest.
"While we understand the need for cemetery expansion, we strongly believe that new cemetery space should not come at the cost of destroying valuable, biodiverse second-growth forests that have been quietly sustaining our environment for generations," the petition reads.
"This petition represents a unified call from the community to preserve what remains of this precious green space. We urge the City of 性视界传媒 to reconsider this proposed expansion and protect the forest for future generations."
Expanding the 29-acre cemetery 鈥� located at 14850 28 Ave. 鈥� is the focus of a master plan being developed by the City of 性视界传媒 to boost capacity and provide improvements for visitors.
According to the city, Sunnyside Lawn is the only one of its three municipal cemeteries where expansion is possible, and earlier this year, $1 million was earmarked in 性视界传媒's proposed Major General Capital Program for Phase 1 of the project.
A master plan, information at surrey.ca continues, aims to increase its capacity while being sensitive to the existing forest, including protecting the stretch of the historic Semiahmoo Trail that runs through it.
In response to an online question regarding the implications of not expanding, officials said it would mean "the City will no longer be able to provide interment as an essential service for residents and their families."
"For residents wishing to be interred in 性视界传媒, private cemeteries will be their only option; which is not always financially accessible for some."
Forest stewards 鈥� Sunnyside Acres Heritage Society, 性视界传媒 Off-Road Cycling Enthusiasts, White Rock and 性视界传媒 Naturalists, and 性视界传媒 Environmental Partners have banded together in the preservation appeal 鈥� describe the area of concern as approximately 30 acres of mature second-growth forest south of 28 Avenue and east of 148 Street.
Petitioners say "abundant land" is available for an expansion, and they are encouraging the city to explore "other locations 鈥� that would better align with environmental protection, cultural sensitivity, and the long-term social well-being of the community."
The city is hosting an open house Wednesday (Nov. 20) to share more information and gather public input. It's set for 5 to 8 p.m., in the Turnbull Gallery at the South 性视界传媒 Recreation & Arts Centre (14601 20 Ave.).
