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Process left little or no opportunity for public discussion
Letter to the Editor
Re: Sale of city recreational Land
I have a lot of respect for City of Kimberley’s mayor and council. I appreciate their commitment and the work they do on behalf of the citizens of Kimberley. I do, however, have concerns about one recent decision and in particular, the process that was followed.
Although within their mandate to do so, the decision to sell the two largest pieces of city-owned recreationally zoned land – Bootleg Golf Course and Riverside Campground – without a public consultation process and in-camera was, in my mind, inappropriate for such large tracts of recreational land.
It not only sets a bad precedent with regard to the future of other city-owned recreational facilities, it allowed little or no opportunity for public discussion.
As the city’s population continues to grow it is important to maintain control of the public recreational land within the city boundaries. Much of the open space in Kimberley is zoned residential such as Purcell Fields, Forest Crowne, the land bounding Trickle Creek and portions of Lois Creek. The Kimberley Nature Park and the Nordic Centre are Provincial Crown Land. Mark Creek and the Volksmarch Trail are either highway easement or owned by Teck.
It is in our long-term interest that Kimberley main options for the future use of its public land. Maintaining ownership is more prudent than putting the future into the hands of others. Bootleg has recreational potential beyond golfing and is already used in the off-season for hiking, snowshoeing and skiing.
I encourage citizens to let council know your thoughts on this matter. I’d also recommend attending the mayor’s brown bag lunch on November 13 when this will be on the agenda.
I would ask the city and council to take a second look at these decisions until more public consultation has taken place.
Jim Webster,
Kimberley
Lead image: Bootleg Golf course during the off-season. Photo by J. Webster
