My missing letter to the editor

Ah, if only the Vernon Morning Star would print my letter. Needless to say, I think Vernon has some work on their hands.

Recent BC Statistics data shows Vernon at an annual growth rate of 1.2% compare this to Vancouver proper (0.95%) and it is clear that the Okanagan is BC’s growth hot spot. Within this strong growth of Vernon, decision-makers have become a little development happy; and why not? Every lot sold, or developed increases the tax base of Vernon, and there is little cost to Vernon. Or is there? I don’t think I’m alone in saying that the development in Vernon is getting a little out of hand.

Recently, I talked to a technician from a local engineering firm, who grimly told me that the consumption of water in Vernon has exceeded water consumption projection by ten years, in other words we are consuming water at a rate that was projected to be consumed by 2016! So not only are we developing at a fevered pace, but we are also consuming water at an alarming rate. This inability to maintain a sustained urban growth means that there will be increased water-related issues in the future. Brown grass and boil water advisories will be the least of our concerns.

Beyond this humanistic viewpoint there is much more to be concerned about with the uncontrolled growth of Vernon. A quick search through the BC Conservation Data Centre listed 350 red or blue listed species or flora and fauna within the Bunchgrass, Ponderosa Pine, and Interior Douglas-Fir Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification zones; all of which occur in the Vernon area. 66 of these 350 were listed by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC – federal listing) as endangered, threatened, of special concern, or extinct. If a quick search brings up this many hits for species of concern, should we not be concerned? 350 species is something to be concerned about!

According to the consolidated version of Vernon’s Official Community Plan “Every effort shall be made to maintain in a largely natural state, those areas indicated as having environmental sensitivity…” (Plan Vernon s. F1). Sounds nice, perfectly written to make someone feel all warm and fuzzy, but is this really practically being applied? Is every effort being made to maintain a natural state of the environment? Is the fragmentation of habitat and land conversion maintaining a natural state? I think not. A look towards the horizon clearly demonstrates that due diligence is not being maintained.

Inevitably all of this development and lack of concern for the local environment will lead to the loss of many of the characteristics that have defined Vernon as such an amazing city to live in. Lets all think back to why we live in the Okanagan; the pristine lakes, the opportunity for outdoor recreation, the stunning views, and the diverse ecology. Let’s not be complacent when it comes to the integrity of our ecosystems and the services that it provides!