Council's actions off course
Horsing Around?
I am writing in response to the editorial in the Morning Star on February 27, 2009.
Coldstream Council is concerned about the business of agriculture. Coldstream initiated an Agricultural Plan in the summer of 2008, and a draft report has been reviewed by the Agricultural Advisory Committee. The report notes that horse equestrian activities are a significant agricultural activity and that 110 farms in Coldstream, (according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Land) carry on this activity. The report goes on to suggest that Agritourism, which is increasing in popularity, should be further developed in our area. The overall goal of the Agriculture Plan is to improve conditions for agriculture by addressing farm viability issues. Agriculture is an important component to many businesses in the North Okanagan and contributes substantially to our local community. Agriculture should not be marginalized.
A good presentation was made on Monday February 23 about Kin Race Track by a number of well prepared speakers that have all made substantial contributions to the community. A great deal of written information was provided. Serious questions were raised. The track may be a component of future business activity but questions regarding underutilization and capacity are key questions. As a responsible partner in NORD, Coldstream Council decided to get more information before proceeding with any action. Good decisions are based on information and it should be remembered that Coldstream Council (not the current one) unanimously decided not to allow the application to go to the Agricultural Land Reserve for the sports complex after all the information was brought forward.
I am writing in response to the editorial in the Morning Star on February 27, 2009.
Coldstream Council is concerned about the business of agriculture. Coldstream initiated an Agricultural Plan in the summer of 2008, and a draft report has been reviewed by the Agricultural Advisory Committee. The report notes that horse equestrian activities are a significant agricultural activity and that 110 farms in Coldstream, (according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Land) carry on this activity. The report goes on to suggest that Agritourism, which is increasing in popularity, should be further developed in our area. The overall goal of the Agriculture Plan is to improve conditions for agriculture by addressing farm viability issues. Agriculture is an important component to many businesses in the North Okanagan and contributes substantially to our local community. Agriculture should not be marginalized.
A good presentation was made on Monday February 23 about Kin Race Track by a number of well prepared speakers that have all made substantial contributions to the community. A great deal of written information was provided. Serious questions were raised. The track may be a component of future business activity but questions regarding underutilization and capacity are key questions. As a responsible partner in NORD, Coldstream Council decided to get more information before proceeding with any action. Good decisions are based on information and it should be remembered that Coldstream Council (not the current one) unanimously decided not to allow the application to go to the Agricultural Land Reserve for the sports complex after all the information was brought forward.
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