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LETTER: Developer optimistic fisheries concerns can be addressed

There were three items requested in the and we are working towards the resolution of all
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Dear Editor:

We are in receipt of the Freshwater Fisheries Society of B.C.’s letter to Mayor and Council dated April 12 in which the FFSBC states they have withdrawn from the city’s collaborative review process of the project.

It is further our understanding that the project review process will continue between the applicant and the district directly. To this end, we wish to provide a brief but positive update.

There were three items requested in the FFSBC’s letter and we are working towards the resolution of all three as follows:

1. A contingency, in the event of impacts to Shaughnessy Spring water quality, to provide an alternative water source for the hatchery that meets the requirements of the society;

The Lark development team includes Bruce Nidle PGL’s Senior Fisheries Specialist. Bruce has been working with us to ensure all aspects of the FFSBC’s concerns are addressed and will continue to provide recommendations and industry standards for the new water source as to be suitable for fish production.

2. The provision of construction-phase and post-construction water quality monitoring of the aquifer and spring that meets the requirements of the Society;

The Lark development team will develop the capacity for on-site construction-phase water quality monitoring. This ability will remain in place post-construction.

3. Submission of an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan and associated environmental monitoring plan from the Lark Group to the district for review by an independent qualified professional.

The referenced plans have been submitted to the city with the applicant receiving conceptual approval of the same as of the date of this letter.

We are pleased to be moving forward with the development concept of a new water source to be provided to the FFSBC. We believe this amenity contribution to the District of Summerland responds to a stronger community desire than the previously proposed stairwell connecting MacDonald Place to MacDonald Street.

Malek Tawashy

Development Project Manager Lark Enterprises Ltd., Kelowna