Smart Growth in Summerland?

Maybe some of you have noticed that certain people are starting to throw the "Smart Growth" catch phrase around to validate their large scale development plans. It certainly is good timing that we have Tom Lancaster, Community Assistance Program Coordinator for Smart Growth BC scheduled to speak at our next Association Meeting, Centre Stage Theatre, August 24th at 7:30. From their website, "Smart, sustainable growth is development that enhances our quality of life, protects our environment, and uses tax revenues wisely. Smart Growth communities respect, maintain, and restore the natural functioning of the landscape. Our communities can be more environmentally friendly, energy efficient, and cost effective, by respecting natural ecosystems - particularly agricultural land and stream systems". Smart Growth BC has taken a clear position on the ALR. This organization "supports the preservation and protection of our Agricultural Land Reserve as a means to contain urban growth and maintain a productive, secure and economically viable agricultural land base in BC".

Do you think the proposed golf course development, using ALR land, represents Smart Growth? Do you think transforming unique and precious parkland into housing represents Smart Growth? Check out the Sprawl Fact Sheet on the Smart Growth website, and be sure to join us at our next Association Meeting. I do hope Mayor and Council will accept the invitation as well.