The controversial and questionable “Community Need” criterion (see September 3: The question of Community Need in this blog) used to remove farmland from production is really stretched by the Greater Vernon Parks and Recreation.
Why? Let me explain.
The land in question is in Coldstream. The community IS Coldstream with a population of about 10,000 people (9,471 according to the 2006 census). Coldstream has 27% of the sports field supply of Greater Vernon but only 18% of the population.
As reported by Denice Berlinski (see Fact Sheet.. Nov 7):
Sports Field Supply in Coldstream
It is obvious that requesting a 118 acre parcel of land under the provision of “Community Needs” is an absurdity. The community of Coldstream is not in need of these lands for sports fields.
Following Vernon's annexation of Okanagan Landing large tracts of agricultural land was removed from the land reserve to provide land for Vernon. Those are the lands that should be utilized for "Community Needs" as it is Vernon that needs the land.
Why? Let me explain.
The land in question is in Coldstream. The community IS Coldstream with a population of about 10,000 people (9,471 according to the 2006 census). Coldstream has 27% of the sports field supply of Greater Vernon but only 18% of the population.
As reported by Denice Berlinski (see Fact Sheet.. Nov 7):
Sports Field Supply in Coldstream
If you count only soccer, slow-pitch, and rugby/football, we have 7 sites hosting 23 sports fields. According to the Parks Master Plan there are 85 of these sports fields in Greater Vernon, therefore Coldstream has 27% of these facilities. According to Stats Can 2006 Census we have 18% of the total population of Greater Vernon. This does not take into account all the other facilities in Coldstream such as 2 lacrosse/hockey rinks, 1 skateboard park, 2 beach volleyball courts, as well as several tennis courts.
It is obvious that requesting a 118 acre parcel of land under the provision of “Community Needs” is an absurdity. The community of Coldstream is not in need of these lands for sports fields.
Following Vernon's annexation of Okanagan Landing large tracts of agricultural land was removed from the land reserve to provide land for Vernon. Those are the lands that should be utilized for "Community Needs" as it is Vernon that needs the land.
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