The Neskonlith Indian Band is demanding that the City of Salmon Arm consult with the band before proceeding with the SmartCentres development.
The band issued a press release Tuesday, stating that it has submitted a report to the city by an expert in flood hazard and risk assessment, which concludes the developer has not properly assessed the potential flood hazard of the development.
“Professor (Michael) Church’s report confirms what our people have been saying since the outset – the developer is rushing to put in this development without properly assessing the potentially devastating effects of flooding on the Salmon River Delta and floodplain, a critically important area that our people have used since time immemorial...,” states the release.
It goes on to say that Church’s report disagrees with the assessment prepared by the developer’s consultants that there is no flood hazard.
“To the contrary, he concludes that if the development were to proceed in its current form it will flood in the not too distant future,” the release states.
It continues by saying that Church recommends a proper study of the flood hazard and flood risk be done, as well as more comprehensive studies about the impact of the development on neighbouring properties.
It notes that Chief Judy Wilson emphasizes the Secwepemc people hold aboriginal title and rights over their territory, which includes the delta and floodplain
“Important decisions regarding our territory, which could have a tremendously negative impact on an area of extraordinary value to our people, cannot be taken without proper consultation with us.”
Reference is also made to legal action.
“Chief Wilson added she was hopeful that resorting to the courts would not be required and that city council would make the right decision later in June to require the developer to do further work...”
Wilson could not be reached for comment before press time Tuesday.
Salmon Arm Mayor Marty Bootsma had just returned from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Conference in Halifax when contacted by the Observer. He said he needed time to get up to speed on the news release before commenting.
SmartCentres submitted its development permit application to the city in March, but it has not yet come to council.
In July 2010, the majority of council approved a rezoning application and official community plan amendment for the shopping centre proposed for the west end of Salmon Arm.