Dear Editor:
I was recently approached by someone who is part of a group opposed to the Banks Crescent project, encouraging me to sign their online petition to stop the iCasa Resort Living project.
I went to their site and read and re-read the questions I was expected to ponder before signing the petition and it occurred to me just how ambiguous and misleading these questions truly are.
For example,
The first question, “Do you want to preserve Agricultural Land?” Well, of course I do.
But the iCasa project will not be located in the Agricultural Land Reserve. If it was, this question would be a moot point.
That being said, the property owner is within his/her right to freely apply for rezoning within District guidelines.
Do I oppose the development of agricultural land to build homes on Cartwright Mountain or Lighthouse Landing in Trout Creek? Lands that were considered agricultural and forested before rezoning for low or medium density housing units. Of course not – and neither do the many residents who joined our community and built beautiful homes in both locations.
The second question, “Do you want to save Summerland’s fish hatchery?” Well, of course I do.
But until this development came to light I hadn’t given the hatchery much thought, let alone worry about its demise.
Based on an engineering assessment supplied to the district from the developer, a second independent geotechnical engineering consultant concurs there is no impact expected on the quality or quantity of ground water from the underlying aquifer as a result of the development.
All conditions have been met to ensure the continued success of the hatchery including the future development of a new contingency lake water supply option for the District that the hatchery will have access to.
The cost of this new water source will be entirely paid by the developer. So why would I be concerned?
The third question, “Does it make sense to have a seniors development in a high hazard, steep sloped area of Summerland?” Well, of course not.
But the project is not being built in a high hazard development permit area as defined by the District of Summerland’s Engineering Department.
One could ask does it make sense to have a housing development consisting of single family homes and townhomes on the cusp of any steep sloped area?
Well I suppose we should ask the many residents who enjoy spectacular views from their homes and townhomes precariously perched on the edge of many sandy Summerland slopes.
The questions put to local residents on this petition to gain their support are misleading.
I am a supporter of the iCasa project. I base my support on sound judgement and facts.
I realize the many short and long term economic benefits this project will bring to our community.
If you are of a similar mindset, visit the Citizens Supporting iCasa website www.summerlandcsi.com. We want to hear from you.
It’s time the silent majority spoke up.
Angela Sielmann
Summerland