Community and environmental activists who've gathered near the banks of the Fraser River in North Delta say they're not leaving as they vow to halt construction of the South Fraser Perimeter Road.

The activists set up a tent camp last Friday in the 10700-block of River Road. The contingent includes members of StopThePave.org, local Council of Canadians chapters, the Critical Criminology Working Group at Kwantlen Polytechnic University and others.

Having planted trees, the coalition held a press conference Monday to show the camp as well as the clear-cut devastation that has already taken place.

Saying they're hoping the police don't force them out, Cathy Wildaner, a Ladner resident and president of the local chapter of the Council of Canadians, told the Optimist the environmental devastation, which also includes the loss of prime agricultural land, has drawn interest not only locally but around the world.

"With all these groups taking part, it shows the mass appeal and that a lot of people are concerned about this very destructive project, not just environmentalists but also ordinary citizens who don't want to lose any more tax dollars into this," she said.

The camp comes equipped with supplies, a kitchen and washroom facilities for a lengthy stay, said Wilander.

A posting on the Livable Blog's website urged people to take part in the protest, especially at night because more are needed to ensure "safety in numbers."

Sgt. Sharlene Brooks said Delta police have had officers monitoring that situation and have an operational plan in place.

"It's been very peaceful," she said Monday. "Of course, we understand and appreciate not everyone supports the South Fraser Perimeter Road expansion project and they have every right to protest. Obviously, everybody is due to return to work (Tuesday) and if the protest continues, then further options will have to be explored and considered by the landowner, by way of either a court injunction or what have you. There may be other options available to them."

Gateway Program spokesperson Geoff Freer, noting the groups are exercising their democratic right, said there's currently no plans to move the protestors. Freer said the SFPR project is roughly 25 per cent complete and there are other sections that can be worked on for the time being.

The 40-kilometre, four-lane SFPR will run along the south side of the Fraser River, extending from Roberts Bank to the junction of Highway 1 and 176th Street in Surrey. The final phase of construction of the $1 billion project will be completed in 2013, a year later than the original target.

According to the Gateway Program, the project is being built to the highest environmental standards and follows a table of commitments.

A 15-member community liaison committee for the project has begun meeting. The volunteer committee assembled by Gateway brings together municipal, First Nations, industry, residential, business and other stakeholders to discuss construction-related activities and any associated effects.

With files from Surrey Now