Summerland council is asking the province to overturn a decision to allow a gravel pit operation in the Garnet Valley area of the community.

The gravel pit proposal had already raised the ire of residents when it was initially proposed in December of 2023. 

In a referral letter to the ministry, dated Jan. 24, the municipality strongly recommended refusal of the application to open the gravel pit, citing numerous environmental, zoning, safety, infrastructure, economic and cultural concerns. 

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen also submitted a referral recommending refusal.

Despite the opposition, the project received approval from the Inspector of Mines to go forward with the gravel pit. 

Council is asking Hon. Jose Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, to overturn the Inspector's decision. 

鈥淕arnet Valley is known for its sensitive ecosystems, agriculture, agri-tourism and recreational values,鈥� said Mayor Doug Holmes.

鈥淭hose of us who live in Summerland know this is the wrong place for a gravel pit. Given that the decision was made rashly with such disregard for the community鈥檚 wishes, we are appealing to the minister to overturn it.鈥�

Holmes has written to Osborne directly, asking for the decision to be overturned. Council has also requested a face-to-face meeting with the minister at the Union of B.C. Municipalities Convention Sept. 16 to 20 in Vancouver.The gravel pit proposal has attracted Summerland council attention earlier this year.

In addition to local governments, individuals and community groups in Summerland have voiced their concerns and have written to the municipality and the province, asking that the proposal be denied.

Steve Lornie of the Garnet Valley Agritourism Association said there were potential consequences from the operation, including road safety, environmental impacts, noise and dust and damage to the road.

The B.C. Wildlife Federation also raised concerns about the proposal and its effects on the environment.

鈥淭he valley is inside the study area of the Southern Interior Mule Deer Project, an independent research effort funded by the B.C. Wildlife Federation,鈥� said Jesse Zeman, executive director of the B.C. Wildlife Federation.