Dear Editor:
Lately I have been hearing a lot about the Trout Hatchery in Lowertown. I wonder what they think of all this attention.
The Summerland Trout Hatchery is one of six hatcheries operated by the Freshwater Fisheries Society of B.C.
They raise fish — lots of fish.
Then they stock lakes around B.C. so that anglers have a more successful experience when they go fishing.
A fellow asked council at a recent meeting if they would approve the Banks Crescent development even if the Trout Hatchery was opposed.
I have no doubt that the Freshwater Fisheries Society does not support the Banks Crescent development.
It does nothing to aid in raising fish.
In fact it may cause the FFSBC some worry. They may need to adjust somewhat during the construction period.
It would be much easier for them if the development simply went away.
Council on the other hand has to worry about operating a water, sewer and electrical utility.
They must fix our roads, both in summer and winter.
They need to provide us with police and fire protection.
They need to maintain our parks and run our recreation programs.
Oh, and don’t raise our taxes or user fees please.
A recent letter from the hatchery states the Trout Hatchery “will require a permanent (life of hatchery) contingency water source” among other things. They also state these requirements need to be “in place prior to the start of construction of the Banks Crescent development.”
This would be a reasonable request if the hatchery water source was at risk.
There are four separate documents posted on the district’s website from professional hydrogeological engineers representing both the developer and the hatchery that say the water source is not at risk.
I have no doubt that the fish hatchery can continue to operate in Summerland for the next 100 years.
I also have no doubt that the hatchery and the Banks Crescent development can coexist.
There will likely be some issues to be managed during construction and the developers can pay for it.
Sometimes when opportunity knocks, we should open up the door.
Particularly with significant infrastructure and service costs heading our way.
The current Banks Crescent development proposes significant capital investment in our community, proposes new employment, upgraded infrastructure and additional housing.
I haven’t heard an argument that would outweigh the significant benefits this development would bring to Summerland.
Ian McIntosh
Summerland