RDEK Petition

Letter to the Editor
Steve Tersmette, Kimberley
The Valley
September 11, 2009

On August 7, 2009 the RDEK directors stripped the democratic process from the hands of the people who elected them into power and turned a local land use decision over to a provincial government who has all but disconnected itself from our region. Led by Sparwood mayor David Wilks, who is closer to Lethbridge than he is to Invermere, the board voted 8-7 to hand over the Jumbo decision to Victoria. We need to focus on developing existing communities rather than adding yet another ski hill to a list of resorts which currently do not operate at capacity. We need to realize that this is not sustainable development and nothing more than a frivolous land grab. We need to make some attempt to preserve our backcountry areas for future generations.

This is public land, it needs to be a public decision and as has been precendent for nearly 20 years, the public have been ignored. I have started a petition to present to the RDEK directors on their October 9, 2009 meeting. The petition would have the RDEK decision rescinded and keep the decision-making power here in the East Kootenay, where it belongs. We would like to have that followed up with a public referendum on the land use issue.

To sign the petition, please send an email to summit@summitimages.ca with your name, phone number, town/province, and email address.

Thank you.