I am writing with regards to BX residents’ concerns about gravel extraction in a country-residential zone. They have proposed bylaw amendments in the area to prevent us from making our 20 acres habitable for our family. The neighbours’ concerns are valid but none of them have approached us personally to ask our intent for the future.
They have had the excellent opportunity to live on acreage for years in a beautiful neighborhood and probably hike freely on the property we purchased. Well, as home and property owners in the Okanagan know, ownership in our area comes at a premium cost. The neighbours are more concerned about having more cars, people and less privacy in their area.
We have had an environmental study done on the property to preserve wildlife and surrounding natural flora.
Do the neighbours ever consider that a bit more activity in the area may keep the wildlife farther away from kids walking to and from school and prevent lock-downs due to bears in the area?
Our children go to the school and we know that wildlife is a concern in the area.
Did the neighbours ever consider all of the noxious weeds and unkept garbage on the property?
We have spent a lot of time and energy making the property livable and safe. Did the neighbours ever consider how the land would be used for anyone but themselves?
As a family that is born and raised in Vernon, we are only trying to make the property we purchased landscaped and manicured to make a future home for our family.
Would you have the same reaction if it were your own grown children and grandchildren working to make a home in your neighbourhood?
We have applied for permits and gone through all of the correct avenues to try and work on our own property.
Our actions are within regional district bylaws that we read prior to purchasing the property.
If you don’t like the progress made to improve land for personal use, please feel free to make us an offer and then you can use the property as you see fit.
As a taxpayer and member of the community, we did our research and followed the rules.
Klayton Mertion
BX
