Calling Bluff by City Hall

Dear editor: I and several other people were invited to City Hall to give our perspective on the Skaha Bluffs expansion process.

Everyone that attended was vehemently against the alternative approval method the city is using; at any time.

The city has put the cart before the horse by starting a time limited alternative approval process before consulting with residents. The alternative method should only be used when council has no other choice.

As it appears that the city has been working on this for several years behind the scenes the only question that can be asked is: Why the secrecy?

Land matters are included as an issue in the Community Charter however the reason for this is to curb land speculation.

Land speculation was not the case in the Skaha Beach debacle and it is not the case in the Skaha Bluffs expansion. So why abuse the public’s right to know?

City staff was missing a vital detailed picture of the financials involved. A complete financial picture including the pros and the cons should have been prepared by city staff so that the public can make an informed decision.

An example of pros would be increasing the tax base to the city and should include the amount of expected revenue.

Skaha Bluff expansion will include a part of the city north of the bluff reserved in perpetuity for wildlife corridors. Currently under private ownership restrictions are limited.

Cons are: Increasing use of services required such as bus service to this community of an eventual 500 people. (No present bus service).

Detailed cost breakdowns are needed. Water pressure is apparently poor to many fire hydrants now; increasing buildup on the outskirts could have a very detrimental and costly effect for residents.

Skaha Bluffs is currently a provincial park. There are liability issues when the province takes over the new extension of the park which encroaches on city limits.

The land is going to be donated to the province for expansion of the park. The city should require that the province assume all liabilities associated with this park. The city must be absolved of any and all liabilities for the protection of its citizens once this becomes part of the city.

A complete detailed financial breakdown must be completed and since time is short should be published in both the papers on a regular basis until the alternative approval process is completed. Elvena Slump

Penticton