Regarding the July 22 article “Consultant to Examine Shuswap River Options,” I feel the need to set the record straight with regard to Herman Halvorson’s comments.
Mr. Halvorson says, “Many people were part of the Shuswap River watershed sustainability plan that volunteered many hours of work.” What Mr. Halvorson does not say is that many people (those who would be most affected) were deliberately excluded from the process by the Regional District of North Okanagan, including riverfront owners, businesses who rely on boating and boater recreation user groups.
This exclusionary process dates back to the very beginning of this process in 2009 and continues to this day.
Halvorson goes on to say, “It would be unfair if we did not pursue this situation and bring it to a conclusion.” I find it ironic that Mr. Halvorson and RDNO are suddenly concerned with being fair when they have intentionally been unfair and exclusionary since this process started in 2009.
The RDNO has spent more than seven years and close to $300,000 promoting this special interest agenda in an unfair and exclusionary manor. It is time for them to stop wasting taxpayers’ money.
Mike Steiner
Mara
