Think globally, VOTE locally

While most of us identify ‘green’ or environmental issues as a top priority in federal, provincial and even municipal elections, we often don’t take the steps personally to make an environmentally sustainable future for our children and all future generations. Some local politicians would like us to believe that voting in favour of the proposal to remove 118 acres of prime agricultural land from the ALR to go to non-agricultural use is a positive vote for a ‘greening’ of the community. I hope voters aren’t fooled. This isn’t a move to make Coldstream a ‘greener’ or more physically fit community.

We often hear slogans during elections or campaigns. “Think globally, act locally’ is a fine example of a slogan. It’s not just a commercial jingle or a snappy t-shirt message. It holds real meaning to many of us. I may not feel personally responsible for huge CO2 gas emissions, or global warming, devastating storms, floods in lowland or island nations, or the like, but in reality we are. We Canadians are some of the world’s biggest polluters. What can we do to fix this problem? (Didn’t mom always say that when you break something, you have to take responsibility and fix it?) Well, step one is really easy.

Taking prime agricultural land out of the ALR is short-sighted and in the long term will only make our environmental footprint larger. The further our food travels, the more CO2 gas emissions. That’s just a simple fact. So, step one to the solution is: Leave local agricultural land alone and support your local farmers!

I urge all eligible voters to vote No on Dec. 15th and send a message to the politicians. “We support local agriculture and a real sustainable community for our children.”

Sincerely, P.E. Szeliga.

Letter to Morning Star Editor - awaiting publication

When we first moved to Coldstream some of the things that we initially noticed were probably some of the same things that you did. There were the quiet neighborhoods, the lovely scenery, the beautiful vistas, and the verdant farmlands. However, we also noticed that some things were missing. Where was all the noise, the traffic, the paved parking lots, the light pollution, the screaming fans at sporting and music festival events. Where was all the litter and garbage on the side of the road that follows such events? It didn't take us long to arrive at the same conclusion that a few others have. What this community needs is a Mega Sports Complex built on prime farmland!

Come on, let's get with the times. Everywhere from the vanishing rain forests to the vast urban sprawl of poorly planned towns and cities, everyone's doing their share. Why should Coldstream be left out?

We've heard it said that if we build this sports complex, taxes will go up and that no one really knows what all this is going to cost. We believe that there is no greater excitement than buying something without any idea of what it will cost.

When we go shopping we like to tell the sales person, "Don't tell us how much it is, surprise us! We'll give you a signed cheque today, and you can just write in the amount of your choosing at a later date.

"Besides, once this "Fun Park" becomes established property values in Coldstream will no doubt go down. For many, Coldstream will become a less desirable place to purchase a home. By "many" we mean of course those who don't like to take risks, don't like surprises and don't like "Parks". It just stands to reason that if property values go down taxes will too eventually. In the meantime, we're all for raising taxes. We didn't know what to do with all that money we have anyway.

Speaking of "Parks", we've recently learned that the word "Park" can be used for all sorts of things. It's a very nice word and we have been having fun lately finding other meanings for it. Some of them you may already be familiar with, such as "Car Park", "Shopping Park"...."Industrial Park". Though we aren't as clever as some, I'm sure if we put our minds to it we could come up with a few other uses for the word "Park" as well.

Now as for the devastating loss of prime farmland. Everyone knows that all the food for ourselves and our animals comes from the supermarket or feed store anyway, not from some field, somewhere. If the stores happen to run out we can always truck more in from someplace else. Gas is cheap, we all know that. Prime farmland is old fashioned and should all be paved over and developed as soon as possible. There's nothing that says progress like a big shiny new parking lot filled with cars and trucks. It's so much prettier than some green farmland, cleaning the air and reducing the gasses that lead to global climate change. Everyone knows that's just a hoax anyway right?

So now's your chance. If you vote "NO" on Dec. 15th, all this will never come to pass. Your children, grandchildren and future generations will know that you were one of those that took a stand against the joy that comes from having a Mega Sports Complex built in your area. They'll be able to say that you said, "NO" to the beauty of urban sprawl, paved parking lots, increased traffic, bright lights, pollution and noise that comes from a field full of screaming fans. Just think of it.... if you vote "NO" we won't be able to have our very own "Field of Screams", because remember..... if we build it, they will come.

Mr. & Mrs. Janse

Letter to the Editor - Morning Star (awaiting publication)

Now is the time to consider the long-term future of the historic Coldstream Ranch. Aside from its aesthetic, agricultural and environmental values, its rich history makes it worthy to be considered as one of Canada's World Heritage Sites.

Parks Canada's mandate states: "we protect and present nationally significant examples of the people of Canada, we protect and present nationally significant examples of Canada's natural and cultural heritage and foster public understanding, appreciation and enjoyment in ways that ensure their ecological and commemorative integrity for present and future generations".

Coldstream Ranch is rich in all these values. If this property is seen as having a value to the community beyond farming then why not enlarge our scope to envision Coldstream Ranch as an international tourist destination? The site, as well as being a working ranch could include an interpretive center presenting the history, flora and fauna of the ranch.
Coldstream Ranch was purchased by Lord and Lady Aberdeen in 1891. Lord Aberdeen introduced the first commercial orchard in the Okanagan:
"it was obvious to all concerned that the value of the rich bottomlands for fruit farming was far greater than any value they might have for ranching". The End of an Era 1895-1905

Lord Aberdeen went on to become the Governor General of Canada in 1893 and held the position through the terms of Prime Ministers: Sir John Thompson, Sir Mackenzie Bowell, Sir Charles Tupper and Sir Wilfred Laurier.

One can only imagine what Lord and Lady Aberdeen would think of a proposal to build a controversial project on prime agricultural land.

Katy Pace

From a Young Artist with a Conscience

An anonymous artist dropped off this artwork in support of our efforts to preserve the Spicer block.

Thank you!

Councillor speaks up. -- Letter to the Editor -- Morning Star

Dear editor,

I would appreciate it if this letter could be published before Saturday, December 15. No other politicians seem willing to speak out for or against so give me their space. I think it will be possible if you try. I kept it short. Thank you.

Coldstream residents go to the polls on December 15 to give their views on a land-use issue. It is not to determine if they are for, or against parks. Instead, it is to determine whether or not the 118-acre parcel of land in-question on Aberdeen Road should be considered for use other than agriculture on the basis of community need. In order to make this decision we need to know much more information than what we have been given. We also need to enlighten ourselves on some unfolding realities in the world.

The glib manner with which this issue has been addressed by local government staff and politicians along with the sports user group might have been acceptable in days gone by. It is not so today. In today’s world, this attitude appears oddly irresponsible, selfish, and short-sighted. While others in the world discuss food security and safety for future generations under the shadows of peak oil and climate change, our community has chosen another route with our land resources. We have decided to consider removing our best agricultural land from production with far too many unanswered questions regarding the factual, clear costs, benefits and direction of our decision. These are not dollar figures alone.

In a phone conversation I had with the owner of the Coldstream Ranch last Saturday, he described his intentions as purely good for the community. I believe him. Unfortunately this may well be one more good intention paving the way to a hell of a future. This referendum could turn out to be a sorry reflection of our community, or a chance for positive change in how we value agricultural land and how we do business to preserve it in the years to come.

Jim Garlick
Councillor
District of Coldstream
9901 Kalamalka Road,
Coldstream, BC V1B 1L6

Email jimgarlick@msn.com

Letter to Editor - Morning Star Dec 9 2007

Food Security is an issue that is of great importance but unfortunately seems to be off the radar screen for most citizens of the affluent West. We assume that we have access to ample food sources and we can’t imagine our own future regarding food scarcity. We are all aware of the regions of the world with famine (which is often not environmentally caused but due to political situations.) Guess what, folks. We are not immune to food scarcity or higher prices due to availability or higher transportation costs.

We are entering an era known as “Peak Oil”. What does this have to do with ‘parks’ or ALR lands? Plenty. While some short-sighted politicians may see ‘green parks’ as a positive ‘green’ or environmental bonus to the citizens of Vernon/Coldstream, this is a farce. I think we can all agree that food security is a higher priority than playing fields (and 1000 parking spaces) for our children and future generations. Let’s not get distracted by cunning politicians’ ‘green’ language or sports tourism promoters signs.

The FAO (the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization) wants us to focus on what they refer to as “Self Reliance” and “Local Agriculture”. What a concept! This isn’t far-fetched science fiction. Senior researchers at the National Research Institute on Food and Nutrition in the U.S. warn that the U.S. would have to reduce its population by 100 million immediately in order to become self sufficient in food crops. Can we assume that our food from China, the U.S., South America, the Caribbean , etc. will always be available and at prices that we can afford? We all like parks, but food security for future generations is of greater importance. Please consider how you may vote on Dec. 15th and really think about the big picture and how future generations may look upon this decision.

Yours truly, P.E. Szeliga.

Encouraging Words from the Spallumcheen Community

Hello everyone!

After reading of your group's formation in today's paper, I very quickly went to your website, then found a place I could contact, and congratulate you!

Although I live in Spallumcheen, I have been watching carefully the actions of your council in trying to snow taxpayers into believing this is actually for children's sports fields; and I and several of my friends and neighbors could not be more thrilled with the resulting actions of your taxpayers assoc. and now your group in standing up, not only for yourselves but for future generations.

It takes a lot of courage to do that. And a lot of your time and energy - but it is so worthwhile. Preserving our farmland is crucial - those of us who are trying to do that and grow our own food are not described as 'Tree Huggers' so much anymore - our common sense approach is slowly becoming accepted and our voices louder and more clear.

I could go on a lot longer but won't.

Please keep up the good fight - It is the RIGHT thing to do. I am so proud of all of you.

Myrna Christianson
A Farmer
In Spallumcheen

Group Rallies Against Complex - Morningstar Dec 5th, Jennifer Smith

A common interest in agricultural land preservation has banded a new group together to fight for what they believe in.

The Greater Vernon Advocates Committee is a newly formed union of 20 members in Coldstream. They have come together in opposition to the proposed sports complex on Aberdeen Road.

“One of the main purposes of our group is we’re trying to get out the facts, by ad, brochure, website, signs and word of mouth,” said member Terri Jones, adding that the committee is divided into sub-committees focusing on aspects such as costs, farm land issues, due process, research, demographics and sports tourism.

They have a wealth of information, theories and concerns which they hope to share with residents prior to Coldstream’s Dec. 15 referendum.

All of them agree that parks are great, but that what is being proposed is not suitable for the location – 118 acres of agricultural land which the Coldstream Ranch is prepared to sell to Greater Vernon Services Committee for the project.

“All kinds of people are taking an interest in it because there’s all kinds of issues that arise,” said Richard Enns.

Members question the need for the complex, which proposes fields for soccer, slo-pitch, football, rugby, baseball and dog agility. Referencing the 2004 Greater Vernon Parks and Recreation Master Plan, Denise Berlinski points out that there are already 34 ball diamonds and 51 sports fields. “In their own words we have a very high supply of softball diamonds and baseball,” said Berlinski, adding that the report shows these numbers are high compared to other B.C. communities.

Greg Ockert wonders if they’ll ever even be a future need with an aging population and demographics showing that schools are facing declining enrolment numbers. “Plus, the people who come to this area now are not youthful, they’re older people,” said Ockert. “We have enough fields, we’re going to have a lot of under-utilized greenspaces for decades.” Since the parks master plan says that many school fields are in poor condition, Ockert suggests efforts instead be put into revamping these spaces. “You want a football field – Fulton. You want a track – VSS.”

Kelly Tymkiw agrees and says she’d rather see her kids walking or biking to schools, where most of their sporting activities already take place. “As a parent, for me that’s important.”

These factors have led Jones and the others to believe that this project is all for sports tourism. The proposed project could host a number of tournaments and events but Jones says without hotels and restaurants nearby, this is not the place for it. “You do not put sports tourism in the middle of an agricultural field, in the middle of an agricultural community.”

Another concern is what this complex could do to the agricultural land, which according to the Canada Department of Agriculture, is class two land (class one being the best). “This field can grow almost anything,” said Berlinski, citing a list of produce. Plus, she adds, the land has a long season with 150 frost-free days per year (which is considered a high number). “If we keep diminishing the agricultural land we hurt an economic engine in this community,” said Enns. “Every time you take away a piece of property you diminish that.”

Not only does the group have concerns about how the agricultural capability of the land could be impacted if developed with fields and facilities, but what the potential of a land-use change for the project could mean in the future. “The real risk now is if it goes to non-farm use, it means they could build houses,” said Maria Besso, pointing to the non-farm use designation Coldstream Meadows was granted, which now houses a seniors’ facility.

Another concern the group has is how the general public was left out of the planning process for this project. “Our mayor must have been aware of it because he’s the chairman of GVSC, but nobody in Coldstream heard about it,” said Gyula Kiss, who is a member of this new group as well as the Coldstream Ratepayers’ Association. “It’s the whole cart before the horse – they haven’t asked: do we want to head in that direction?” adds Berlinski.

Along with being left out of initial planning, the committee doesn’t understand how the public can support a project with no firm details or costs associated. “It’s completely backwards,” said Jones.
Mark Korral has come up with his own cost theory, after looking into building and servicing costs.
He says a rough $8 million figure was presented by GVSC at a Sept. 11 meeting, but did not include site servicing or landscaping. “I would say (the actual cost would be) double or more of this figure they’ve put out there and that’s very conservative,” said Korral, adding: “we’re all guessing because the project’s a moving target.”

For more information about the Greater Vernon Advocates Committee visit their website: www.complexfacts.com.

Agricultural Land - Letter to Editor - Morningstar Dec 2/07

When did saying yes to agriculture mean saying no to parks, or no to kids?

I am of course referring to the proposed sports complex that would eat up a significant portion of this valley’s limited agricultural land in Coldstream. I have made an effort to read up on as many sides to the issue as I can and I surely sympathize with the need for sports facilities in the North Okanagan.

However, as a community we must not permit any further loss of agricultural land. Ask any farmer, once land is used for something other than agriculture, it will never come back to farming; especially if a large chunk is paved over for parking.  Also, not a single supporter of farmland is saying no to parks.

In fact, I am sure we could all enjoy more park space, but does it have to come at the price of agricultural land?

“But our youth need sports space!” you say, well I happen to be one of the rural youth in the North Okanagan, so I understand the value of sports facilities.  I played baseball in a local league for years. Yet, baseball players have no use for soccer fields and soccer players have no use for dog agility space. So why must these things be grouped together?

 
If you break the complex up into small pieces it will be easier to find suitable, non-agricultural, space. Moreover, what about the youth activities that already happens out on the farm like 4-H and equine sports?

The bottom line is those of us who oppose the sports complex only want to see farmland stay farmland.

Only three per cent of the entire province is suitable farmland and a large portion of that lies in the Okanagan Valley.  Yes, we need sports space but agricultural land cannot be the answer.
I do not want my future to be one where we must rely on other countries for the food we eat because we cannot grow it ourselves.

 
And to those who think we can make an exception just this one time, remember if we keep taking pieces of the pie, sooner or later it is all gone.

Dustin Griffin

Sports group's vision.

Greater Vernon's Outdoor Sport Users Group (GVOSUG) "...unveiled their hopes and dreams for the proposed sports complex on Aberdeen Road..." (Morning Star). Bill Tarr, spokesman for the group, feels that "the debate on this issue overshadowed our view...".

The important words here are “their hopes” and “our view”. While this proposal has a dramatic impact on all of Greater Vernon the only input for this project came from GVOSUG leadership. The rest of us had no idea of what was brewing until a few days before GVSC’s application to change the use of this prime agricultural property in favour of the sports complex came before Coldstream Council.

In a democratic society (which may be an unknown principle in some circles) a major change in plans and cost implications must be available for consideration by all members of the community. This “vision” goes against two publicly approved long term plans both of which were commissioned on behalf of the taxpayers and paid for by same. The first plan is Coldstream’s Official Community Plan and the second is the Greater Vernon Parks and Recreation Master Plan.

Nobody debates the need for physical activities for young and old. However, healthy living begins with healthy eating and then we can continue with healthy physical activities. Removing huge tracts of prime agricultural land from food production is not an effective path to healthy living. It is also questionable that we need a “big box store” approach to sports. As the group points out “...healthy living starts at an early age with open green space to run and play...”. that requires neighbourhood playgrounds where children can play close to home. Those are the facilities that are in short supply in the area. Middleton Mountain parents came to Coldstream Council in droves demanding those neighbourhood parks. Diverting scarce resources from these parks to mega projects is not the way to encourage children to begin a healthy lifestyle.

Statistics show the fastest growing age demographic is 55+. Seniors, including myself, can easily stay healthy by using existing walking trails. Additionally, more and more walking trails are being developed in the city, in the Electoral Areas and in Coldstream. Throwing in the walking trails is just a red herring as is the mention of children. Let’s face it, the vision for a sports complex came from Funtastic, which started out as a nice, relaxing summer event and now is becoming a commercial eco-tourism feature. In fact, it appears to become the next “Merrit Mountain Music Festival” with all the baggage that event has.

If this change in land use is permitted who knows what “community need” will require an additional chunk of prime agricultural land to be removed from production. Vernon appears to be outpacing its resources. They have a short supply of industrial and commercial land. Can we expect more requests in this direction?

Agriculture is Coldstream’s main industry, agricultural land is its industrial land. Coldstream’s OCP, approved by an overwhelming majority of taxpayers protects these lands. They are not for development!

Agriculture Capability of the Spicer Block

By Denice Berlinksi

Source: Canada Department of Agriculture. Soil Research. “Vernon Sheet (Sheet 82L)” Canada Land Inventory Soil Capability for Agriculture” Ottawa: Surveys and Mapping Branch, Department of Energy, Mines and Resources, 1977. AGRICULTURE CAPABILITY OF THE SPICER BLOCK


Key point: This land has excellent soils, wide growing capabilities, and is large enough for commercial food production.

Class of Land: According to the Canada Land Inventory (CLI) classification of agriculture soil capability, the 118 acres of the Spicer block is Class 2 land.

Classes 1 to 3 are generally described as prime agriculture land (best crop land). Class 2 land is described by the CLI as follows: "The soils are deep and hold moisture well. Limitations are moderate and the soils can be managed and cropped with little difficulty. Under good management, they are moderately high to high in productivity for a fairly wide range of crops." Class 1 has the broadest range with little or no limitations for the production of common agricultural crops and Class 7 has no capability for arable culture or sustained natural grazing. The classification system considers both climate and soil conditions of an area and is based on a range of crops.

Source: Canada Department of Agriculture. Soil Research. “Vernon Sheet (Sheet 82L)” Canada Land Inventory Soil Capability for Agriculture” Ottawa: Surveys and Mapping Branch, Department of Energy, Mines and Resources, 1977.

Climate of the land: This land has greater than 150 frost free days which makes it an excellent area for growing a wide range of crops. Crops which could be produced on this land:

• hay
• corn silage
• apples
• prunes
• strawberries
• cane crops such as raspberries
• cool season vegetables such as peas
• potatoes
• carrots
• cabbages, etc.

As an example of its capabilities, the field can produce 5 to 6 tonnes of hay per acre, or 25 to 28 tonnes of corn silage per acre.

ALR LAND IN THE OKANAGAN: Only 5% of the land in the Okanagan is ALR land. (Agriculture Land Reserve. “Chart 1 Percentage of ALR by Region” March 31, 2007) http://www.alc.gov.bc.ca/alr/stats/Perc_ALR_by_Region.htm


PRIME AGRICULTURE LAND IN BC: These statistics are taken from an ALC publication published in 1998 and therefore are on the old side. However, I thought even these older statistics were illustrative of the scarcity of prime agriculture land in this province.

I believe, Mr. Christie may have more recent statistics.

“In British Columbia, all prime agriculture land within the ALR (our best crop land) accounts for only about 1% of the BC land base. “ Prime is referring to classes 1 to 3 according to the Canadian Land Inventory classification (From: Agriculture Land Reserve. “Purpose of Planning for Agriculture” Planning for Agriculture. 1998.) http://www.alc.gov.bc.ca/publications/planning/Planning_for_Agriculture/index.htm

Comparison of Agricultural Capability Indications And BC's Land Base Capability Indicator % of BC's Land Base:

• Land in the Agricultural Land Reserve 5.00%

Land Capable of a Range of Crops (BCLI Class 1-3) 2.70%

Prime Agricultural Land (BCLI Class 1-3) 1.10%

Class 1 Agricultural Capability 0.06%

Land Suitability for Tree Fruit Production in the ALR** 0.04%

* Agricultural Land Reserve Statistics, Jan. 1, 1995, Table A-2** Correspondence, OVTFA, Oct. 19, 1995 (Total ALR area in the Okanagan and Similkamen Valleys suitable for tree fruit production = 35,492 hectares.From: Agriculture Land Reserve. “BC Agriculture. Finding Its Place” Planning for Agriculture. 1998.http://www.alc.gov.bc.ca/publications/planning/Planning_for_Agriculture/index.htm