Thriving or surviving?

I am a Civics 11 student from Summerland Secondary School. We have done a lot of research on the Banks Crescent Development, we have had guest speakers from both sides and we have talked with the mayor and spent many classes researching so we can make an informed decision. Young people are normally disregarded of their voice in a community project as they “just don't understand” or “don't know the facts” but we might just know more than most members of our community.

Banks crescent is a development presented by the Lark Group. It was proposed to be a 424 room senior home with multi-levels of care depending on your needs. Summerland needs this development; we need the jobs and the tax dollars that it will bring along with it. Our seniors need places to live where they can receive the care they require and deserve.

Summerland is in desperate need of more jobs for our community. Building this development will bring in jobs for construction workers, doctors, nurses, care aids among lots of minimum wage paying jobs for the youth and students living in town. There is said to be a movie theatre, restaurants, a spa, a pool along with other amenities that will require workers that Summerland can provide.

Do you hate hitting pot holes when you're driving around town? Tax dollars can fix that! As we all know some infrastructure in Summerland need upgrading however, that costs money. Summerland would benefit from the tax dollars this development would bring along with it. Banks Crescent would bring in 600,000 more tax dollars per year. The extra tax dollars could possibly fund to upgrade the roads and/or other amenities for example, the Summerland Fitness and Aquatic Centre.

In Summerland we are lucky to have the oldest fish hatchery in British Columbia. Many residents are concerned about what this development could mean for the hatchery, the main concern is the aquifer under the property as increased vibration could cause dust and clay particles to contaminate Shaughnessy Springs. There have been multiple studies done to confirm the safety of the spring. The developer has also mentioned an enhanced protection program that includes permanent water monitoring wells and water quality testing as soon as possible.   

The “Baby Boomer” population is aging, approximately one thousand Canadian seniors retire every day and we need places for them to live to get the care they need. There are two main seniors housing options in Summerland, Dr. Andrew Pavilion (Interior Health) and the Summerland Seniors Village. Some folks do get in-home private care but for a lot of seniors it is not an option as they need around the clock supervision. Does someone you know have dementia and you want them in town for easy visitation? Having more assisted living facilities can help with that! There is at least a two year waiting list to get into a seniors home in Summerland, with another option it will decrease the lengthiness of these waiting list.

Summerland needs the help this development would provide for all members of the community young or old. It feels like our town is just surviving, we need to grow and change to thrive.

Ava Hart