Extinction Rebellion off to a slow and noisy start in Kelowna

KELOWNA – Extinction Rebellion is blocking bridges around the world as it calls for stronger action on climate change, but a dozen protesters in Kelowna didn’t quite make it as far as the Bennett bridge.

In fact, for a while, it looked like media was going to outnumber protesters by a 4 to 3 margin. Then, a miscommunication was overcome and two groups met near a grassy knoll on the east side of the bridge.

“We’re doomed,” was Holly McLeod’s simple summary of why she’s joined the global movement.

“It’s not too late,” Tracey Rose told media before the event got started. “Extinction Rebellion thinks we have 10 years before it’s too late. We need to reduce our emissions.

“I’m here for the bees that are under threat. If we lose pollinators, we lose our food.”

For Lora Berry, this was another in many protests she’s participated in but “this is the most important thing I’ve ever done in my life,” she said.

There were chants through a megaphone, large signs saying “Tell The Truth” and some encouraging honks from passing motorists.

They plan to be out again Friday and hope their support will build.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Rob Munro or call 250-808-0143 or email the editor. You can also submitphotos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.