Despite significant opposition, a proposed gravel extraction operation in Summerland has received approval.
This approval was made by the province鈥檚 Inspector of Mines.
A decision on another gravel pit, this one just outside of the community of Okanagan Falls, will be made in the same way.
The two applications are just some of the mine and gravel pit applications in the province. Other applications at present and in recent years have included proposals close to various communities in B.C.
The Summerland proposal has generated considerable opposition and outrage within the community and throughout the South Okanagan and Similkameen.
Those speaking out against the plan include Summerland鈥檚 mayor and council, the Penticton Indian Band, the Lower Similkameen Indian Band, the Summerland Chamber of Commerce, the Penticton and Wine Country Chamber of Commerce, the BC Wildlife Federation and residents and businesses near the proposed gravel pit.
Letters have been sent, calling on B.C. Minister of Energy, Mines, and Low Carbon Innovation Josie Osborne to override the inspector's decision to approve the mine.
Voices of opposition do not and should not determine whether a proposal is approved or rejected. The decision is supposed to be made after considering the benefits and drawbacks of the proposal itself.
However, the concerns raised, especially those from the local government affected, need to be heard and considered.
鈥� Black Press
