For more than a year, the proposed Banks Crescent development has dominated the local news in Summerland.
The development proposal is for a 424-unit seniors housing facility, on 5.7 hectares overlooking Okanagan Lake.
Many in the community have strong feelings about this project.
Some living near the site, as well as others in the community signed petitions, wrote letters, spoke at council meetings and posted signs to show their opposition to this project.
The reasons given were about the potential negative effects of this development, including the impact on Summerland’s trout hatchery, increased traffic on nearby streets, changes to the character of the surrounding neighbourhood and the risk of building on the proposed site.
Others spoke out, wrote letters and signed a petition in favour of the development.
The need for additional seniors housing was often mentioned, as was the need for the jobs this development would bring.
While many debated the advantages and disadvantages of this proposal, others said a seniors housing facility was needed, but not in this location.
When an issue is as heated as this one, there is no way to make a decision which will please everyone involved.
For this reason, the decision-making process moved slowly. There were many complexities involved in this development, and the members of council had to understand what was involved before they could make an informed decision.
The fact-finding process was necessary, and should be a part of any big decision. Without adequate information, it is impossible to make a wise decision.
Not everyone will be happy with the outcome, but all should be able to realize this decision has not been made lightly.