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Legal fund launched to challenge Summerland gravel pit decision

Garnet Valley Agri-Tourism Association says nearby residents and businesses were not consulted
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Members of the Garnet Valley Agri-Tourism Association spoke about their concerns with a proposed gravel pit in the area. The gravel pit has received provincial approval, despite opposition from the municipality of Summerland, the Penticton Indian Band and others. (John Arendt/Summerland Review)

Members of the Garnet Valley Agri-Tourism Association and others from the community of Summerland are preparing to raise money for a legal challenge against a decision to approve a gravel pit operation.

On Oct. 1, around 100 people attended a meeting at the Summerland Legion, organized by the association.

The Garnet Valley Agri-Tourism Association made up of businesses in the area, has earlier raised concerns about the effects of the gravel pit on their businesses and on the area.

The application for the gravel pit, at 27410 Garnet Valley Rd., was presented in December, 2023. The location is close to several homes and agri-tourism businesses in the Garnet Valley area.

Thomas Tumbach of LocalMotive Organic Delivery and Low Waste Market said the businesses and residents near the site were not contacted about the mine application.

“It is completely appalling that we weren’t even consulted,” he said. “This is not democracy; this is a dictatorship.”

Scott Hazelton of Grape Escapes Guest House said the gravel pit site is within view of the guest house.

“We want to protect the valley and the residents who live here,” he said.

Don Gemmell of the Trail of the Okanagans said Garnet Valley Road is an important cycling route in Summerland and the trail project — a concept to have a cycling route connecting Okanagan communities — would require the road as part of its system.

“Cyclists tell me Garnet Valley Road is one of the best rides,” he said.

He added that the trail network would bring an economic benefit estimated at $50 million once the trail is completed.

Bob Sartor of Solvero Winery said the open pit gravel operation does not fit in with the area.

“It’s incredulous. It’s alien to that ecosystem,” he said.

Steve Lornie of Garnet Valley Ranch and the Garnet Valley Agri-Tourism Association said the businesses in the area have invested tens of millions of dollars into the area. Their investments are at risk if a gravel pit becomes operational.

In addition, he said those living adjacent to the property could see their property values drop by 40 per cent if the gravel pit becomes operational, while those within three kilometres could see a drop of 10 to 15 per cent.

In response to the province’s decision, Lornie said the Garnet Valley Agri-Tourism Association is considering a legal route to challenge the decision and the way it was made.

The agri-tourism association has created a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for the legal challenge.



John Arendt

About the Author: John Arendt

I have worked as a newspaper journalist since 1989 and have been at the Summerland Review since 1994.
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