Solar and storage ahead of housing

Dear Editor:

Together, with many others, I am happy to be a resident of Summerland because of the many progressive things that are happening here. One of them is the solarand-storage project proposed for 13500 Prairie Valley Road.

I was pleased to receive all the invitations to attend open houses and information meetings about the decisions being made. I always understood that no site was perfect, but when all criteria were weighed, the Prairie Valley Road site was the best choice. I only have to look at the District of Summerland webpage to be reminded how this process unfolded and what the reasons for the decisions were. As always, even the best choice will not please everyone.

As with all district properties, there are other potential uses for this site, including housing. The site is heavily used by bikers, hikers, horse riders and dog walkers. A solar installation will preserve and enhance those activities in a way that housing would not. Housing there would also add to Prairie Valley Road traffic. We don’t know the cost of putting housing on the site, nor who would benefit or be compromised by it. There are also contamination issues of the site that need to be addressed.

The solar-and-storage installation will be a beacon of hope for other communities about what can be done to start building self-sufficiency and resiliency. Its proximity to town will attract people to visit, learn about solar and use the trails. It will enhance Summerland’s a reputation as a creative and forward-thinking community.

I look forward to visiting the completed site and walking the trails. I will proudly tell my family, friends and people from other communities about it.

Barry Loewen Summerland