Spallumcheen isn’t against development, but it wants to ensure agriculture isn’t impacted.
The township will advise the City of Armstrong that it’s not opposed to a proposed Agricultural Land Reserve exclusion on Highland Park Road, but it says steps must be taken to reduce rural-urban conflict.
“We want buffers in place,” said Coun. Andrew Casson.
The north side of the property borders Spallumcheen where farms are located.
“Residents moving there need to be aware that it’s a farming community and there are odours and noises that go along with farming,” said Casson.
If a development proceeds, Spallumcheen wants Armstrong to require the new residents to consult with the adjacent farms before planting shrubs, trees or other plants within 15 metres of the farm land to ensure the plans won’t impact agricultural.
They also want assurances that residents in the development won’t apply pesticides that could drift into the farm lands.
Appointments made
Spallumcheen politicians have been handed their assignments for 2017.
Liaison appointments have been made for the township’s mayor and six councillors.
“We have good councillors and they put a lot into the committees,” said Mayor Janice Brown.
Brown will go to the Regional District of North Okanagan while Councillors Ed Hanoski and Andrew Casson will go to the Armstrong-Spallumcheen Parks and Recreation Commission.
At the Armstrong-Spallumcheen Fire Commission will be Councillors Todd York and Joe Van Tienhoven, while Councillors Christine Fraser and Christine LeMaire will be involved with the Swan Lake master waste water recovery plan.
