Members comment on Proposed Park Land Swap
Aug.8, 05, 7 p.m. Council Meeting
A well orchestrated event took place last night in the chambers of the Municipal Hall. Some of us were there to experience what looks like democracy in action.
Following is my (Caroline) take on it. I would suggest very strongly that anyone who really wants to “save the park” should not sit back and think they have been successful as of last night.
Our elected members of council have left the barn door wide open.
This matter has been sent the Parks and Recreation Commission for their recommendation.
I feel we will need to be very astute citizens and aware of each and every meeting. Peter Cluff, Director of Parks, has offered to assist. He has sent over the Terms of Reference along with commissioners names. If it is beginning to look simple, like someone else will be there to protect you, forget it. For a democracy to work you need to participate, if you don’t, you will lose your rights! Laugh if you will, you will get bit right in your rump by the doers who do want this land out for housing.
Word like Terms of Reference have a giant impact! As per the AAC Terms of Reference which ended with a local well known orchardist being FIRED FOR BEING A VOLUNTEER, which then led to another well respected orchardtist and agrologist leaving. What was the result and outcome of some of these actions: 380 ALR acres go to the ALC with full support from council. Be sure to pay attention to the Park, you are the guards!
The area in question is zoned Park Land, NOT DEDICATED PARK LAND as per the Mayor’s words of last night.
Now a little hazy history.
Check it out and confirm. Here goes. About 10 years ago the sewer line came to a stop. Council and staff of the day made a promise to sewer Glenfir School.
Very recently there was a reverse referendum about the advancement of sewer in the area. Now you are really getting it! That’s right, long range plans to sewer the park? Hidden and buried all these years. 100 acres of almost park land, or is it residential reserve lands to be sold by your council members, sure looks that way. The attack was quick.
Regards,
Caroline
A well orchestrated event took place last night in the chambers of the Municipal Hall. Some of us were there to experience what looks like democracy in action.
Following is my (Caroline) take on it. I would suggest very strongly that anyone who really wants to “save the park” should not sit back and think they have been successful as of last night.
Our elected members of council have left the barn door wide open.
This matter has been sent the Parks and Recreation Commission for their recommendation.
I feel we will need to be very astute citizens and aware of each and every meeting. Peter Cluff, Director of Parks, has offered to assist. He has sent over the Terms of Reference along with commissioners names. If it is beginning to look simple, like someone else will be there to protect you, forget it. For a democracy to work you need to participate, if you don’t, you will lose your rights! Laugh if you will, you will get bit right in your rump by the doers who do want this land out for housing.
Word like Terms of Reference have a giant impact! As per the AAC Terms of Reference which ended with a local well known orchardist being FIRED FOR BEING A VOLUNTEER, which then led to another well respected orchardtist and agrologist leaving. What was the result and outcome of some of these actions: 380 ALR acres go to the ALC with full support from council. Be sure to pay attention to the Park, you are the guards!
The area in question is zoned Park Land, NOT DEDICATED PARK LAND as per the Mayor’s words of last night.
Now a little hazy history.
Check it out and confirm. Here goes. About 10 years ago the sewer line came to a stop. Council and staff of the day made a promise to sewer Glenfir School.
Very recently there was a reverse referendum about the advancement of sewer in the area. Now you are really getting it! That’s right, long range plans to sewer the park? Hidden and buried all these years. 100 acres of almost park land, or is it residential reserve lands to be sold by your council members, sure looks that way. The attack was quick.
Regards,
Caroline
posted by Amie |
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1 Comments:
I agree with Caroline in that I think this land swap proposal stinks. I was most struck by Carla Wright's comment that it was well within the power of Council to accept the recommendation of staff that very night and go ahead with this deal with so very little public input.
It is absolutely ridiculous that this deal has been in the Municipality's hands for seven months, and all the while "in confidence". It is totally ridiculous that Pat Murphy has been, to quote, "working hard with staff to develop a fair deal, including the new park upgrades", FOR SEVEN MONTHS, unbeknownst to the citizens of Summerland. And most unseemly is the fact that this proposed deal was UNDERWAY with Municipal staff, while Council went through with the Alternative Approval Process for the Sewer Extension to the area. All current residents of Pollock Terrace and Palmer Place etc. will now be paying for this sewer extension. Do you think they may have been more likely to sign the petition to bring it to referendum if they had known it may lead to the parkland at their back door being developed?
Hidden Agendas? I don't know.
The public of Summerland was given notice of this proposal by way of two really unclear notices in the Review. Our input has been limited to the opportunity to write a letter and/or voice an opinion at ONE public hearing, with standing room only and a shortened time to speak, because, you know, there were a lot of speakers and Mayor Tom didn't feel like staying late.
If you want to make the decisions, run for Council, because the power certainly doesn't trickle down.
By
Amie, at 12:02 a.m.
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