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Water meter meeting disappoint

Questions about agricultural water on small acreages still lacking answers.

Dear Editor:

This is an open letter to the Summerland Mayor and council.

I attended the public meeting on Oct. 29 regarding the placing of meters on agriculture water on small acreages. I can only describe it as a farce.

There were no chairs set out, no co-ordination for questions but there were posters put on stands that were to answer our questions, I suppose.

Two municipal employees were present, however, they just stood and answered whatever questions that were put to them.

It was not possible to get near enough to ask them any questions due to the number of people surrounding them, and it was extremely difficult to hear their answers to the questions that were put to them.

It was readily apparent that the decisions had been made and they were there to explain the decisions.  What was conspicuous by their absence was the fact that no elected officials were present.

Apparently they feel the hired help should take the heat for them.

At the present time unless your property has two arable acres and is either a farm or in the ALR you will not be getting any further agriculture water.  It is my understanding that if you want a meter it will cost $30 a month for the meter plus the domestic water rate of $30 a month minimum.

This is over and above the residential water.

This versus the no cost meter and $137 an acre that ALR or farm property gets.  One does not need to be a mathematical genius to know this cost will be prohibitive.

We live in Garnett Valley and are in an interface area.

The fire officials suggest we keep a green space around our buildings to protect them against a possible forest fire. Pretty tough to do with a garden hose.

There were approximately 75 people at this meeting and, although I did not do an exit poll, I did not see anyone that was happy with what was transpiring.

In my opinion, the water bylaw regarding agriculture water on .5 to two acre properties needs to be revisited.

Perhaps this time the people this is affecting should be allowed some input instead of the high handed way it has been handled far.

Wayne Chenery

Summerland