Dr. David Gregory Supports Workshops

"I would support Smart Growth workshops in Summerland. I have concerns about Smart Growth though and I want to be ‘up-front’ with the concerns. The nine principles of Smart Growth can not all be successfully applied to small communities (reference Sprawl 2004 Report). Two points to consider. Firstly the notion that Summerland can significantly densify the downtown core because that is where the services already exist: is flawed. Our infrastructure is weak in the downtown core; specifically roadways. Our narrow streets can not support high density growth. Moderate density growth I agree with."

"Secondly, prime agricultural lands border on the downtown core. Too much densification of the downtown core would place some of Summerland’s best and oldest farm land at risk. This concern was a prime factor when the OCP was written in 1996.'

NOTE: Dr. Gregory raises thoughtful questions about Smart Growth. The Association has always recognised that Smart Growth Guidelines were originally developed with large towns and cities in mind, and must be carefully adapted to suit Summerland's needs. This is precisely the reason for the concensus building Workshops starting in January,