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Fisheries society asks for answers

Concerns raised about potential effects of Banks Crescent development

The manager of the trout hatchery in Summerland is asking for answers about the effects the proposed iCasa development would have on the water from Shaughnessy Springs.

Speaking before municipal council on Monday evening, Kyle Girgan, manager of the hatchery, said concerns include the temperature of the water, the potential for pathogens, how it is being delivered to the hatchery, invasive mussels and the presence of gases in the water.

“Insufficient details have been provided,” he said, adding that without the details, the Freshwater Fisheries Society of B.C. will remain opposed to the development proposal.

The Freshwater Fisheries Society of B.C. operates six trout hatcheries around British Columbia. Each year, eight million fish are stocked in 600 lakes provincewide.

In Summerland, the hatchery uses water from Shaughnessy Springs.

Since the iCasa development proposal was first made public last fall, concerns have been raised about the effects of this development on the springs.

“We absolutely need specifics,” Girgan said. “In order for this to move forward, we are going to have to talk specifics.”

The development proposal is for a seniors housing facility on Banks Crescent.

The proposal is now at second reading, and a public hearing is still required.



John Arendt

About the Author: John Arendt

John Arendt has worked as a journalist for more than 30 years. He has a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Journalism degree from Ryerson Polytechnical Institute.
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