Dear Editor:
Re: Hatchery could continue to operate, Summerland Review, April 6.
I am surprised the writer, former Director of Development Services for Summerland continues to write letters in support of the Banks Crescent Project. The writer in his previous position in Summerland stated in his report to council Nov. 14, 2016 that “the proposed development may not appear directly compatible with adjoining uses in the OCP policy of location and access.”
Why then have an Official Community Plan if it’s going to be ignored?
His report also stated with regards to increased traffic and road upgrades that “there may be some bylaws with respect to surrounding roads that may be appropriate to waive.”
Why have bylaws if they can be changed at whim?
An increase in traffic of 60 times on roads that are not equipped to handle such traffic makes no sense to me at all.
Isn’t the Fish Hatchery fortunate to have so many citizens concerned over their plight of the risk to their water source by the proposed 380-unit luxury condo development?
The four separate documents the writer referred to as stating that “the water source is not at risk” were preliminary at best, absolved the companies of any liability and have all needed to be redone.
There is real potential risk not only to the hatchery but also to the surrounding neighbourhood.
The writer stated that there will likely be some issues to be managed during construction.
If the hatchery, which feeds 300 lakes in the province with fish, has even an hour disruption of clean water, it could put it out of business.
The writer also stated that a fellow asked council at a recent meeting if they would approve the Banks Crescent development even if the trout hatchery was opposed.
By the way, I am that fellow and I asked council twice and got complete silence both times.
That tells me that council plans to go ahead with this project no matter what the consequences are to anyone.
Someone needs to ask why?
The net economic benefit of this project to the town has yet to be calculated or verified.
It’s not too late for common sense to prevail and council to agree that this is the wrong location for this density and type of development.
Brian Wilkey
Summerland