Members of the Garnet Valley Agri-Tourism Association and others from the community of Summerland are preparing to raise money for a legal challenge against a decision to approve a gravel pit operation.

On Oct. 1, around 100 people attended a meeting at the Summerland Legion, organized by the association.

The Garnet Valley Agri-Tourism Association made up of businesses in the area, has earlier raised concerns about the effects of the gravel pit on their businesses and on the area.

The application for the gravel pit, at 27410 Garnet Valley Rd., was presented in December, 2023. The location is close to several homes and agri-tourism businesses in the Garnet Valley area.

Thomas Tumbach of LocalMotive Organic Delivery and Low Waste Market said the businesses and residents near the site were not contacted about the mine application.

鈥淚t is completely appalling that we weren鈥檛 even consulted,鈥� he said. 鈥淭his is not democracy; this is a dictatorship.鈥�

Scott Hazelton of Grape Escapes Guest House said the gravel pit site is within view of the guest house.

鈥淲e want to protect the valley and the residents who live here,鈥� he said.

Don Gemmell of the Trail of the Okanagans said Garnet Valley Road is an important cycling route in Summerland and the trail project 鈥� a concept to have a cycling route connecting Okanagan communities 鈥� would require the road as part of its system.

鈥淐yclists tell me Garnet Valley Road is one of the best rides,鈥� he said.

He added that the trail network would bring an economic benefit estimated at $50 million once the trail is completed.

Bob Sartor of Solvero Winery said the open pit gravel operation does not fit in with the area.

鈥淚t鈥檚 incredulous. It鈥檚 alien to that ecosystem,鈥� he said.

Steve Lornie of Garnet Valley Ranch and the Garnet Valley Agri-Tourism Association said the businesses in the area have invested tens of millions of dollars into the area. Their investments are at risk if a gravel pit becomes operational.

In addition, he said those living adjacent to the property could see their property values drop by 40 per cent if the gravel pit becomes operational, while those within three kilometres could see a drop of 10 to 15 per cent.

In response to the province鈥檚 decision, Lornie said the Garnet Valley Agri-Tourism Association is considering a legal route to challenge the decision and the way it was made.

The agri-tourism association has created a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for the legal challenge.