By Dominic Abassi

Contentious plants stolen from Colliery Park

Jun 20, 2016 | 3:30 PM

The Colliery Dam Park Preservation Society is condemning an act of targetted vandalism in the park.

Roblyn Hunter, a director with the society, says they’ve been informed that someone stole about 150 of one species of plant that had recently been planted around the newly constructed spillway.

Concerns had been raised to the city by a society member about the species of plant, Oxalis oregana, being invasive, however staff didn’t believe it was a concern and planted them anyway, according to Hunter.

Hunter says news of the theft is disappointing, noting collaboration with the city surrounding the landscaping work has been amazing.

“I’m hoping that we can move forward with this, it’s not supported by our society and community members are not happy with this either,” said Hunter.

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“This person, or persons, I have no idea who it is, they’re not getting any support from our community over this.”

The city’s Al Britton would only confirm the RCMP is investigating a theft of plants from around the spillway, but wouldn’t elaborate.

Hunter says it’s their understanding the plants are worth about $400, plus more than $1,000 in labour for planting. She says it’s no coincidence and it’s clear the contentious plant was targetted, noting they don’t believe any other plants were stolen.

Hunter says the city has been very inclusive and really listening to what it is they and the community want.

“I’m very discouraged that a community member, or members, have taken it on themselves to interfere with that process. I hope the individuals get the message loud and clear that this is not supported.”

When it comes to the landscaping work being done around the new spillway, Hunter says it will never look the way it did and that’s just a fact.

“We cannot go back and redo what was there so we have to move on. Right now it looks very domesticated, there’s no wildness to it. But I appreciate the city is doing what they can with what is there.”

It will take years for mother nature to create the artistry that was originally there, according to Hunter.

An email to Nanaimo RCMP inquiring about their investigation was not answered.