Walnut Beach Resort (File photo)
By Vanessa Broadbent
Osoyoos Times
Walnut Beach Resort is under investigation by Environment and Climate Change Canada’s (ECCC) enforcement branch after dozens of swallow nests were allegedly destroyed at the resort.
A CBC article published Aug. 13 alleges that a guest at the resort reported seeing the remains of 148 nests, and that a complaint was lodged with the Canada Wildlife Service, provincial ministry of Forests, lands, Natural Resource Operations, and the B.C. SPCA.
The federal Species at Risk Act lists both barn and bank swallows as threatened species.
ECCC told the Osoyoos Times it could not comment on the incident as it is an open file, but confirmed that it is aware of the alleged incident and is looking into the matter.
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“When ECCC enforcement officers find evidence of an alleged contravention, they may take enforcement measures in accordance with the Compliance and Enforcement Policy for the Habitat Protection and Pollution Prevention Provisions of the Fisheries Act. Available enforcement measures include written warnings, directions, and charges leading to prosecution,” spokesperson Veronica Petrò said.
The Osoyoos Times reached out to Walnut Beach Resort general manager Don Brogan for comment, but received no response.
However, the CBC reported that Brogan said the allegations aren’t true.
“It’s not correct, but I can’t comment on it. It’s under investigation,” he told the CBC.
