City taking action to remove environmentally damaging structures

The City of Lethbridge is removing two unauthorized structures in the River Valley. The 'World Peace Earth Shrine' is in Botterill Bottom Park. The 'World Peace Sky Shrine' is in the Lethbridge Nature Reserve. The removals come after environmental experts determined the structures are harming the environment.

The City of Lethbridge appreciates the time, effort and passion involved in these projects and understands some residents may be upset by their removal. However, the negative environmental impact they are having is equally important to the community.

The construction, maintenance and ongoing visitation to the sites are having adverse ecological impacts. Experts say several sensitive plant species are being harmed, including:

·         Circinaria hispida (Desert Vagabond Lichen)

·         Astragalus gilviflorus (Three leaf Milkvetch) 

·         Astragalus missouriensis (Missouri Milkvetch)

·         Astragalus spatulatus (Tufted Milkvetch) 

·         Tetraneuris acaulis (Stemless Four-nerved Daisy)

·         Aristida purpurea (Purple Three awn)

The disturbance of vegetation and moving of river rocks is also harmful.

“A wildlife biologist noted concerns about the increase of bare ground,” says GM of Parks, Blair Richter. “This makes it more likely that invasive plants, like leafy spurge and knapweed, will take hold in the area.”

Visitors are leaving harmful items, such as plastics and metals, at the Botterill Bottom Park structure. When the Oldman River rises, the objects will enter the waterway. These materials also pose a risk to the wildlife who call this area home.

In addition to the ecological impacts, the structures also violate multiple portions of the City’s Parks Bylaw. Building is not allowed in the parkland. This was discussed with the creator on multiple occasions, but the sites continued to expand and host in-person gatherings.

Once removal is complete, land reclamation will follow.

“They are impressive displays, and we commend the creator for the positive messages,” says Richter. “We are inviting him to propose future allowable alternatives for these projects. Those discussions can be explored once the removal and reclamation projects are complete.”

For Public Inquiries:
Call 311 | Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.