The plant society estimates that there is less than one per cent of the original camas population left in the Castlegar area. The plant is also culturally significant — the Sinixt Nation harvested the plant for food, which was traded and for traditional ceremonies . At least 30 different kinds of pollinators rely on camas flowers in the spring, according to Kootenay Native Plant Society director Valerie Huff. The society said it thinks a playground makes sense for the park, but that particular location should be off limits. It did say it has requested a meeting with the plant society "to understand their concerns and possible solutions."

Source: CBC News June 15, 2020 21:45 UTC