Election candidates engage in lively Summerland debate
SUMMERLAND — A moderate-sized crowd gathered for a lively debate Thursday in Summerland. The second of four all-candidates forums for the Penticton riding was presented by the Summerland Chamber of Commerce.
Incumbent Dan Ashton (BC Liberals), Connie Sahlmark (Green Party) and Tarik Sayeed (NDP) will square off again at the final two forums in Penticton on April 25 and 27.
Moderator Erick Thompson read the questions selected from those submitted by the public and members of the chamber.
Several of the questions were on hot button issues in Summerland.
“All our water sources must be protected,” Sahlmark said in response to the question of what steps you would take as MLA to protect the Summerland Trout Hatchery from development.
Sayeed said that provincial government should be involved and be present during the conversations, not just reading newspaper articles and letters to the editor.
Ashton spoke about current discussions at the ministerial level and letters received from concerned Summerland citizens saying the hatchery provides fish to more than 300 lakes and is responsible for $100 million annually in revenue.
“It’s up to the applicant that the hatchery’s water source be protected in perpetuity,” he said.
When asked whether Summerland should have its own school board, Ashton said that it’s important to consider the economies of scale and that school district 67 is not that big of an area.
“All voices need to be heard,” he said, referring to the strong citizen response over the proposed closing of the Trout Creek elementary school.
“To be frank, Summerland needs a stronger representation on the school board,” Ashton said.
In keeping with his consistent criticism of the Clark government, Sayeed said, “We shouldn’t even be in this position.”
All three candidates praised Summerland’s current efforts to reduce the community’s carbon footprint.
“Out of all the communities in the Valley, Summerland is increasingly pro-active,” Ashton said.
He also mentioned the $100,000 grant Summerland recently received for a feasibility study of a solar farm.
Sahlmark spoke of the importance of becoming independent from large utility grids through use of micro and mini systems.
“We need to build our utilities and lower peak rates,” she said.
Wind and solar potential should be captured throughout B.C., according to Sayeed.
When asked if the growing of marijuana should be allowed on ALR land, Sahlmark said the focus should be on food production and food security, while Sayeed recommended consulting and working with First Nations.
Ashton said he thought there was room for controlled use and growth of marijuana.
“There should be cultural respect. The NDP relates to communities and to First Nations,” Sayeed said, replying to the question of how he would engage the Penticton Indian Band in the development of trails in the area.
“The PIB is absolutely key. They really know this area,” Sahlmark said.
Ashton spoke of the good relationship he had with the band during his time as mayor of Penticton and chair of the regional district board.
The portion of the KVR trail between Summerland and Penticton is being turned over to the PIB for the enjoyment of people of all nations he said.
The Penticton riding also includes Peachland, Summerland and Naramata.