The Citizens' Alliance of P.E.I. is hosting an anniversary social Saturday, Nov. 18, 7-10 p.m., at the Farm Centre in Charlottetown.
The event will commemorate the opposition movement that formed over five years ago in response to the Trans-Canada Highway realignment project in Bonshaw, known as the "Plan B" highway.
The first plans for the project were rejected when it was discovered the highway would shave some of the land from Strathgartney Provincial Park. A “Plan B” proposal was also met with opposition as it meant expropriating private land and cutting down old growth trees.
"The call to 'Stop Plan B' grew from citizen initiatives such as rallies and petitions, to roadside protest, to peaceful occupation of part of an Old Growth Forest on the highway survey path," says Chris Ortenburger, chairwoman of the Citizens' Alliance.
"After the construction went ahead, the group formed the Citizens' Alliance to work on issues related to both protecting the environment and to improving democratic rights."
Saturday’s event aims to look back on the protest through storytelling and videos made at the time and to look forward at improving areas of Island life. Organizers promise laughs, memories, music and fun for everyone. The evening includes refreshments and a cash bar. Freewill donations for the Citizens' Alliance will be accepted.
For more information, visit the event page for Stop Plan B Five Year Reunion on Facebook.
The Citizens' Alliance has formed other groups, such as the Coalition for the Protection of P.E.I. Water and Blue Dot P.E.I. (the right to a healthy environment), and hosted the David Suzuki's Blue Dot Tour in Summerside and a Leap Manifesto gathering.
