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The anger among community and business leaders in Summerland is palpable after the provincial government announced its tentative approval to a controversial gravel pit mining operation in the Garnet Valley.

Summerland Mayor Doug Holmes and Summerland Chamber of Commerce executive director Sally Pierce were both dumbfounded and angry that an inspector from the Department of Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation has given his approval for the project.

Holmes and the Chamber of Commerce have sent off letters to the provincial government voicing their many concerns.

In an interview Thursday afternoon, Holmes said he still can't believe one official can make such a haphazard decision that could potentially effect the quality of life for tens of thousands of residents in and around Summerland when there's been so much strong and vocal opposition to this project.

"It doesn't make a lot of sense to me," said Holmes. "The number one concern is the environmental impact would be immense."

The BC Wildlife Federation has made it clear the proposed site is located right in the middle of long-established habitat for deer, Bighorn Sheep, mule deer and numerous other species, he said.

"That's a real concern and a concern that appears to have been ignored," he said.

The area is also popular with climbers, hikers, mountain bikers and all kinds of other outdoor enthusiasts, he said.

"The idea of hikers and bikers having to dodge huge gravel trucks makes absolutely no sense at all," he said. "The roads leading up the site are long and narrow and there are many concerns about whether huge gravel trucks would be able to drive on the roads that now exist."

A key portion of the Trails of the Okanagan, a project to connect 370 kilometres of trails and parks from Sicamous to the U.S. border is also located close to the proposed site.

This tourism-based project has the capacity to draw tens of thousands of tourists to the southern Interior and Okanagan Valley for generations to come and simply doesn't mix with a gravel pit operation, said Holmes.

"The fact one inspector from one ministry could make such a decision like this just seems odd to me," said Holmes. "I just don't get it. There has been tremendous response against this project and decisions like this aren't meant to be made in silos. I'm upset and I know a lot of other people are upset."

Holmes has sent a letter to Minister Josie Osborne voicing his many concerns from himself and members of Summerland council about this decision.

He's also requested a face-to-face meeting with her at the upcoming Union of BC Municipalities annual conference, set for Sept. 16-20 in Vancouver.

The fact this project has tentatively been approved without detailed geo-technical and environmental assessment studies is mind-boggling as that's always been the process with every other mining development proposal he knows of, said Holmes.

"It's like they put the cart before the horse," he said.

A third study on the impact on the Eneas Lakes system must also be completed before any more decisions are made to move ahead with this gravel pit operation, he said.

Summerland Council are sure to be discussing this issue at Tuesday's upcoming regular meeting of council, said Holmes.

His letter to Osborne states his official opposition to the approval of the gravel pit "in a highly sensitive habitat area at the end of the Garnet Valley within the District's municipal boundaries."

In a referral letter to the Ministry, dated January 24, 2024, the District of Summerland 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 (RDOS) has also submitted a referral recommending refusal.

These referrals were validated by a growing chorus of concerned community groups and residents who wrote to council and the Province asking that the proposal be denied. However, despite the community concerns and a surplus of gravel in the vicinity, the decision was made by provincial regulators to approve the pit. said Holmes.

“Garnet Valley is known for its sensitive ecosystems, agriculture, agri-tourism and recreational values. Those 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’s wishes, we are appealing to the Minister to overturn it.”

Pierce said she agreed with Holmes assessment of the government decision.

"It truly doesn't make any sense," she said. "I literally don't know anyone who supports this. It's a very strange decision to be honest."

Pierce also sent a letter to the provincial government stating her concerns about the gravel pit approval and the vehement opposition to it in and around Summerland.

In a news release, Destination Summerland and the Summerland Chamber of Commerce announced they are jointly disappointed the provincial government appears to be moving ahead with the gravel pit project.

"From a tourism perspective, the peaceful Garnet Valley is an important recreational and tourist destination as it connects to the historic Fur Brigade Trail and provides the only connection between Peachland and Summerland for the emerging continuous hiking and biking trail from Sicamous to Osoyoos, known as the Trail of the Okanagans," states the letter. "This critical initiative is a world-class tourism related project positioning the Okanagan on the world stage, at a time when tourism numbers are down and hospitality businesses are suffering."

The letter further argues having a large a gravel pit in the middle of hiking and biking trials would dismantle efforts to promote the area as a tourist destination.

"Garnet Valley supports orchards, vineyards, wineries, horse stables and agritourism accommodations. Tens of millions of dollars have been invested in these businesses, all of which will be impacted by a gravel pit at the end of the valley."

The letter was signed by Mike Hildebrand of Destination Summerland and the chamber of commerce.

"From a local business perspective, Summerland is well serviced by two existing sand and gravel companies: Summerland Sand and Gravel, and Grizzly Excavating. Adding another company will create a surplus which will erode profitability, again at a time when small businesses need support, not impediments."

— This story was originally published by the Penticton Herald.

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