Stop B.X. Creek Gravel Pit

Hello Bloggers,

     It has come to our attention that a property owner is starting up a gravel pit.  Nearby residents / property owners have started a petition and informational campaign to let everyone know what this means to them and the nearby creek.  As per their handout (see below.)
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     A property located at the end of Brentwood Road, off East Vernon Road, and bordered by B.X. Creek on the west, the Grey Canal Trail on the east, and B.X. Falls Trail on the North may become a GRAVEL PIT!  The BX Falls Trail is listed by Vernon Tourism as the number one trail in the N. Okanagan and the 19.1 acre property is zoned Country Residential and is in the Agricultural Land Reserve.

     The property owner has applied for Non-Farm Use to the Agricultural Land Commission (A.L.C.) in order to develop a gravel pit.  Because of complaints about use of the land in the past year (operating a pit without a permit) the A.L.C.  hasn't made a decision yet.  This gives area residents an opportunity to voice their concerns.  A petition campaign has begun and letters from concerned citizens and groups affected are being collected.

     North Okanagan Regional District (N.O.R.D.) recently passed motions to disallow the extraction of sand/gravel from Country Residential properties in Electoral Areas "B" and "C" (there are 476 properties within a 1 Km radius of this proposed gravel pit.)  Regional Director for Area "C", Mr. Mike Macnabb and the Mayor of Vernon, Rob Sawatzky are lobbying the Minister of Energy and Mines to squash any application for mineral extraction on the B.X. Creek ravine.

     We are supported by N.O.R.D., the Naturalist Club and have spoken to the Sierra Club, Friends of BX Creek Society, Ribbons of Green, Vernon Tourism, Foothills Community Association, Allan Brookes Nature Center, B.X. Elementary School, School District 22 and others.

     Beyond the incompatibility of a gravel pit within proximity to B.X. Elementary School are concerns with the narrow country roads and lack of sidewalks, the constant dust and noise that a commercial operation generates, the danger of wildlife in the treed ravine and the disruption of the wildlife corridor.  Bears, bobcats, deer, owls and many other birds find habitat in the B.X. Ravine.  Orchards, a Bed and Breakfast, a therapeutic riding center, hay and timothy fields, cattle/horse farms and gardens surround the property.

     If the A.L.C. says No to allowing Non-Farm use, the permit goes no further.  It dies.  Please help us demonstrate THAT A GRAVEL PIT HAS NO PLACE IN AN AREA AS UNIQUE AS THE B.X. RAVINE.

How can you help?

• Sign the petition and/or ask for a petition to be emailed to you and then canvas your neighbourhood, church or groups you belong to.
• Write a letter of concern to the Morning Star Paper.
• Check out: http://www2.worksafebc.com/i/construction/Toolbox/pdfs/TG07-42_dangers_silica_dust.pdf for dangers of crystalline silica produced in the gravel industry.
• http:/www.tourismvernon.com/index.php/activities/hiking  for Trail information.
• Email your concerns to stopbscreekpit@outlook.com . Your comments will be passed onto the A.L.C. when we present our brief.
• For pick-up of petitions or letters, call Sue at (250) 545-5624, Elaine at (250) 545-3536, Louise at (250) 542-7687, Peggy at (250) 542-1661 or drop them off at any residence on Brentwood Rd.

We need to act quickly.  PLEASE HELP.

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     Here is the youtube link that the residents made

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPmElng5uUk&feature=youtu.be

     Additionally, we would like to add http://www2.worksafebc.com/i/posters/pdfs/2009/ws_09_04.pdf with regards to Silica Dust.

     In conclusion, the residents diligent work shows the threat that this part of the B.X. Creek (and ravine) is facing.  Any and all support in this endeavour will be greatly appreciated.

     Lastly, I am reminded of what Thomas Jefferson wrote to Benjamin Rush in April 21, 1803.

"It behoves every man who values liberty of conscience for himself, to resist invasions of it in the case of others; or their case may, by change of circumstances, become his own."

 Until next time, keep bloggin'!!

October's Entry

Hello all,

Sorry for the delay, our August meeting was cancelled.  The September meeting was quite informing.  Discussion orientated around the "Society for the Future Governance of Greater Vernon" petition.  The Association's members and directors were skeptical that this would be beneficial at all to any of the parties proposed.  Some members felt that it was a non-starter topic.  Others, felt that this initiative should be met with empirical and historical information.  This will require more blog postings as the information is quite involving and lengthy.  For interested individuals,  the Amalgamation of the 'former' Electoral Area "A" (a.k.a. the Okanagan Landing, down by the Vernon airport) is a prime example.  Other local examples, are the "Middleton Mountain" area, which was rezoned by the City of Vernon for "light industrial" and now sits nothing but subdivisions.  Ironically, new buyers of the aforementioned houses complained about the businesses in the 'light industrial' area despite their predating the homes' construction.

The "Society for the Future Governance of Greater Vernon" last article in the Morning Star was quite surprising, shocking and in our opinion quite contradictory.  Previously, the impression was for the Amalgamation of all Greater Vernon areas.  However, in the most recent article Mr. Peter Moore (Society Director) said there was a major misconception regarding the Society's aims.  It isn't for just the amalgamation of Greater Vernon Areas but "We are looking for a new municipality and not just an absorption by Vernon of the other jurisdictions." ( http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/news/225575722.html )

Wow.

So the obvious question that leaps to mind is.  What total costs are entailed in creating a completely new jurisdiction, involving all Electoral areas, District of Coldstream and the City of Vernon??!  Pardoning the old cliche this sounds like 'throwing out the baby with the bath water.'
Additional questions include, to remove all existing agreements and personnel would require elections for the new positions, changing of stationary/logos, negotiation for taxation, as well as the 100% funding for road maintainence (which would be alot more in fiscal costs vs the status quo.)  Unless, somehow the quote above means something else?  Also, could rural property owners (of 3 acres or more) be taxed at City of Vernon levels (on per square foot basis ??)  Would the new entity honor the agreement for "Agricultural Rates" for water as well?

For brevity sake, the plethora of additional questions will be added later.  But before the question is put to a referendum, perhaps these questions and others should have pragmatic answers first and not be based on emotional rhetoric.  Of course, we appreciate all comments on this matter so please feel free to write and leave them in the comments section below.

Of course, this blog entry accompanies the wishes for everyone to have a enjoyable Thanksgiving.  Local produce that is season is quite enjoyable and flavorful for meals.  Additionally, best wishes for a entertaining, scary but safe Halloween.

More to come (on the concerns and history) on the Amalgamation/New Municipality creation.

Stay tuned for more to come...