Dear Editor:
Being one of the property owners in the latest Official Community Plan, I would like to share my concerns on air quality.
We purchased this property in 1950.
At that time, there was a producing orchard next door and when they sprayed, I couldn’t be in my yard as the mist carries.
The people across the road with a producing cherry orchard approached me wanting to lease my acreage for a cherry orchard.
I declined due to the heavy spraying at least eight times last year.
The people next door to the orchard had their vehicle outside covered in a grey mist — once again air quality.
The lady who lived in that property got cancer, as did my husband.
Both passed away too young in 2002 and 2003, as did several others in this immediate area.
I contacted Environment Canada regarding air quality.
They told me to find out what they sprayed and the chemicals used.
I wrote to council regarding the chemicals used next door to my property and was told, “It’s agricultural land. There’s nothing you can do.”
I’m at odds as to what I’m expected to do to survive in the present environment.
Jessie Cosgrove
Summerland