City council has no foresight. And this condition is not new. Since 2002, maybe longer, councils have been advised by the provincial government that local governments, such as our city council, should make bylaws to manage construction activities, like dumping fill and removing trees, rocks, soil, etc.
In 2004 - 2005 regulations came into law requiring our council to protect some properties from development.
So, properties with fish habitat and environmentally sensitive areas are required to be protected by council. That was six or seven years ago. Council did nothing. They made no bylaws to enforce the regulations and follow provincial recommendations.
So, our council still sits on their hands today, doing nothing to protect the environment and allows development to proceed on salmon habitat adjacent to a red-listed sensitive ecosystem and wetlands.
I can only suggest that we need changes in city council. The current council has not shown any ability to see what they are doing, no foresight. Our city is now years behind, compared to many other progressive towns and cities in B.C. It is time to change the city council, in my opinion.
Don’t let the opportunity slip by. On Nov. 19, vote for an honest group of councillors who will ensure our city conforms to the law.
Please vote, Nov. 19, to show that Salmon Arm cares about salmon in our river, clean water and the beauty of the Shuswap. Your vote is important.
Ed Dahl