Climbers like new proposal
Dear Editor: As a concerned spokesperson for the local climbing and outdoor recreation community, our community is delighted to see the gift of 150 acres of protected land to Skaha Bluffs Park in the proposed new land development.
After review of the proposal we applaud the developer and Penticton council for presenting a frame work ensuring non-motorized recreational opportunities while protecting the unique ecosystems and species at risk in that area and additionally protecting Big Horn Sheep corridors.
Our recreational community’s first priority is to protect this crown jewel of Penticton for future generations while respecting the need for sustainable growth in our community.
Skaha Bluffs is a worldrenowned destination for climbing enthusiasts and recently a favoured hiking destination for tourism visitors. The City of Penticton receives direct economic benefits from these visitors, economic impact studies have estimated a minimum of $4 million contribution to the local economy at the critical shoulder tourism season with an additional indirect contribution of the same amount.
Speaking as a local resident, my hope is to see Penticton grow as a city focused on our natural beauty and enhance community with developments that improve our livability such as this proposal.
Research shows a relationship between health, well-being and the benefits of open spaces and local parks, I’m pleased to see this unique development retains green space and trails, a refreshing approach from the traditional Penticton developers who clearcut all vegetation and blast rock faces into submission. Every tree retained helps fight global warming by reducing the amount of green- house gases in the atmosphere.
The outdoor recreation community stands behind this proposal. Rolf Rybak
Penticton How do we know that the deal is done? When will we see visible proof, if ever, that it is totally put to bed without recourse to any other proposals. Maybe never. Do we take it in blind faith?
The same holds true for the current Skaha Bluffs issue. Yes, there are some information sessions, however brief and COP pointed. The question arises as to 2,650 signatures needed to quash the proposal. The wording of the question, unlike past referendums, must be clear, to the point, with no convoluted inferences so that a true assessment can be gained. Also, there needs to be a way of having outside validation as to outcome.
There are several ambiguous terms that arise in this proposed change. The biggest one is the word “significant.” This word is ambivalent in meaning. It can mean a large or small or somewhere in between. There needs to be a clear definition here.
Hopefully, when the smoke finally clears and the dust settles, we will have a concrete understanding of the implications of this proposal prior to any action taken on it. One can only hope that COP has learned from the past. Ron Barillaro Penticton