The dire warning coming more and more frequently from scientists seem to have little effect on the rapid development throughout the Okanagan. The rabid growth continues with a devil-may-care attitude.We cannot blame the developers: they do what developers are supposed to do, try to make as much profit as possible. The politicians are the ones who are supposed to ensure that the taxpayers they represent are protected and their quality of life preserved. The taxpayers of the communities collectively decide how their communities are developed in the Official Community Plans. Once those plans are approved local governments are supposed to ensure that those goals, expressed in the plans, are carried out fairly and equitably.
Developers are just another segment of the taxpayers. They should be treated fairly but favoured over the interests of the rest of the population. They must obey the bylaws, policies and regulations set down by Councils. If those bylaws, policies and regulations are followed Councils do not have to even see the developers: staff can deal with the enforcements.
One major problem is that in order to make informed decisions politicians must have adequate data available with regards to water availability, air quality and the like. Unfortunately, those data are scarce and even when something like this water report becomes available it is treated with skepticism by those favouring development.
It is up to the taxpayers to voice their opinion because as long as remain silent politicians interpret that as tacit support. So let your opinion heard by your elected officials.
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