More than a month later, Coldstream has drafted a response to angry acreage owners.
But it will be at least a couple more weeks before anything final is sent out.
The district is taking some heat over its proposed agricultural plan, specifically due to potential impacts of rezoning.
The 37 members of the Coldstream Acreage Owners’ Association (representing approximately 500 acres in the community) sent the district a letter May 1, seeking answers to questions about the proposed plan.
In an effort to thoroughly address the questions, a draft response was drawn up by staff. The letter was almost ready to be sent out this week, but concerns about the answers prompted some councillors to delay it.
“I think we should do it right,” said Coun. Peter McClean, of a decision to discuss the letter further at the next committee of the whole meeting.
Coun. Maria Besso is concerned the response is taking too long and could be causing more problems within the agricultural community.
“There is an urgency to get a response back to the acreage association,” said Besso. “Things get out there and they fester.”
The district has been questioned on its motives behind the agricultural plan, but it states the reason for the plan is simply to benefit agriculture.
Part of the draft response currently reads: “The primary purpose of the rezoning proposal is that it improves the sustainability of the agricultural sector of Coldstream’s economy.”
