Evaluation Was Flawed

Letter to ALC follows:
Dear Mr Collins,
I have heard a rumour that the ALC is expected to grant the application for removal of ALR land for the proposed development in the northwest corner of Summerland. The rationale for granting the request is that the sector was identified as non arable in the OCP of Summerland almost ten years ago. At that time the land had not been carefully evaluated, was considered to be marginally arable, and it was considered appropriate to remove it from the ALR.

Since that time two things have happened. Firstly, the wine industry, which thrives on marginal soils, has developed exponentially. Secondly, we have the benefit of climate change. This has allowed us to expand the boundaries of agriculture beyond the historic limitations.

The previous evaluation upon which the Summerland OCP was based was flawed and the decision was wrong. If you continue the process of land removal, you will also be wrong to conclude that the land is not economically arable. You have the ability to correct the previous error but it will not be corrected by allowing the land removal.
Sincerely,
Gary Strachan