I am happy that Nelson Meikle, who is also a contributing member of the Save Skaha Park Society, has stirred the pot!
He is exceptionally interested and versed in matters of law, he thoroughly researches matters and is unflinching. Now, with him on the case, I believe there is a good possibility of saving Skaha Park.
Thousands who have opposed the leasing and commercialization of Skaha Park have long waited, trusted and some have even been lulled to sleep by the lack of activity and contact from the SSP committee.
Most clubs, organizations, religious groups, practise regular contact with each other or they soon fizzle out.
Is this what the city had hoped? That the opposition of thousands of people to the plan would quiet down and be forgotten? And that the plan would just slip through?
Did the mandate, devised by the seven SSP committee members, serve or subdue the energy and hopes of the people? We will not do anything that would appear to be disruptive or disrespectful of the business of the council or their civic duties.
But the SSPC has been respectful long enough and they now have decided to resume their legal claim. Is that being disrespectful?
Will the committee now encourage the members to show their solidarity, to gather more often and be more visible and audible to the council as they, the council have often since stated that they lack feedback from the public?
Hence, the city had to hire a survey company to find out what the public wants regarding parks in Penticton. Now they are also considering hiring an engagement contractor in order to “help the city engage more with the public.”
Does this tell us that we the public need to find a way to engage more with the city? And, is it enough to wait for results of either of the legal claims?
Whose call is it?
Hannah Hyland, Penticton
