Ken and Arlene Boon win award from Wilderness Committee

Monday, November 25, 2013

Energetic City - Fort Saint John

Erica Fisher

Peace Region residents and anti-Site C activists Ken and Arlene Boon have been given an award by the Wilderness Committee for their efforts in the fight against the proposed dam on the Peace River. The local farmers have been recognized with the 2013 Eugene Rogers Environment Award, which is given annually to people who have made an “outstanding contribution to environmental protection in British Columbia”.

It comes with a $1,000 prize.

The Boons own Bear Flats Farm, and have been at the forefront of several protests against plans to dam the river both recently and 30 years ago. National Campaign Director at the Wilderness Committee Joe Foy says he commends their dedication to protecting their own farm and the rest of the land that would be flooded.

“Ken and Arlene are family farmers who have stepped up to become passionate spokespeople for the beauty and abundance of the Peace River Valley, and about the need to protect it by stopping the proposed Site C Dam,” he says.

The pair were unable to attend today’s AGM to accept their award, but say they were honoured to receive it.

“We appreciate the work the Wilderness Committee does for various causes such as fighting the proposed Site C dam, and hope this award can help bring public awareness to this issue,” says Ken Boon. “Arlene and I plan to put the cheque to good use in the battle to stop Site C once and for all.”

Charles Wilkinson, director of the documentary Peace Out, accepted the award on their behalf.

Photo: Ken and Arlene Boon on their farm at Bear Flats