Agriculture and growth. Two topics that mean a great deal to people here in Summerland.
We are just about a year removed from the municipal election that saw agriculture at the centre of a heated debate.
What is interesting to me is that no matter what side you found yourself on, the ultimate decision may not have rested with you or mayor and council for that matter.
The decision would be made by a provincial body known as the Agricultural Land Commission. Its mandate is to protect and preserve agricultural land.
While I think that is a worthy task, I think local government should have more power with respect to land within its boundaries.
In cases where agricultural land is in areas that no longer make sense, I think local government should be able to create a plan to change that.
However, that is not the case and the voting public spoke loud and clear.
So, what’s the new growth plan look like?
I’m given to understand that the old plan, developed in conjunction with a paid consulting firm, was thrown in the bin.
So here’s an idea from me, no need to pay me….
Urban sprawl has always been a concern of mine.
When I lived in Calgary, it would take me over an hour to drive across the city. I was told that New York City, all five boroughs, could fit within Calgary’s city limits.
With Summerland being surrounded by protected ALR land, it creates unusual groupings of housing.
The problem with that, beyond the sprawl, is that those developments require services, roads, infrastructure etc. It means that residents must drive a lot more to get around.
I would like to propose something different. I think Summerland’s downtown should be classified for urban density projects.
I would love to see a few 10 to 12 storey mixed commercial/residential buildings line Main Street.
Some of the buildings currently occupying space, while nostalgic, are old and in need of serious upgrades.
Those upgrades might exceed the value of those buildings.
By declaring the downtown density friendly, you are encouraging building owners to think differently and see the value in investing in a new structure.
One of the topics that came up in the recent Chamber of Commerce business walk report was the need for downtown revitalization.
If a few building owners take the plunge, a new downtown could emerge. In my opinion, mayor and council should be encouraging an open door policy to any multi-storey proposal downtown.
Density promotes walkability.
Density increases our tax base without sacrificing that which is precious to us, agricultural land.
It also encourages business.
Think of the benefits of not having to drive down a hill to get groceries or grab lunch.
If there were more people living downtown, local businesses could grow, expand.
New businesses would be encouraged. Jobs created.
There is no doubt that Summerland is a desirable place to live.
We have options for those who want a farm or a big yard.
We don’t have many options for those who want neither.
For those who want a simple condo or townhouse, there is limited inventory.
Build it and they will come.
Rob Murphy is the Summerland Review’s sales manager.
