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Summerland mayor to meet with mines minister

Doug Holmes disappointed with the lack of communication surrounding a gravel pit approval
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Summerland mayor Doug Holmes will meet with the B.C. Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation to discuss a gravel pit proposal that has been approved. (Summerland Review file photo)

The mayor of Summerland has scheduled a meeting with  B.C. Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation Josie Osborne to discuss a gravel pit that has been approved for Summerland.

The gravel pit was approved for 27410 Garnet Valley Rd., following an application notice that dates to December 2023.

The proposal, made by the province’s Inspector of Mines, came despite plenty of opposition and concerns from the municipality of Summerland as well as from numerous groups and organizations. 

Those who have spoken out against the proposal include Summerland’s mayor and council, the Penticton Indian Band, the Lower Similkameen Indian Band, the Summerland Chamber of Commerce, the Penticton and Wine Country Chamber of Commerce, the BC Wildlife Federation and residents and businesses near the proposed gravel pit.

Summerland mayor Doug Holmes said the ministry did not consult with the local government before making the decision to approve the gravel pit.

“We are disappointed with the process,” he said. “It’s a total disregard to the municipality’s role.”

The decision was made by provincial staff rather than the legislature or the municipality of Summerland, Holmes said.

He added that he does not know if ministry representatives have been to the property to determine if the location is suitable.

Among the concerns raised about the gravel pit are the effects on Garnet Valley Road, environmental concerns and the potential effects on agriculture and agri-tourism in the region.

“A lot of people are a little dumbfounded on how it could be approved,” Holmes said.

The meeting with the minister is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 17.



John Arendt

About the Author: John Arendt

I have worked as a newspaper journalist since 1989 and have been at the Summerland Review since 1994.
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