Penticton Western News, July 08, 2015

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NEWS PENTICTON WESTERN

www.pentictonwesternnews.com

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news

VOL. 49 ISSUE 54

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Scottish Festival brings Highlands to Penticton

WEDNESDAY, July 8, 2015

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Penticton RCMP said they need definitive answer for nude beach

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entertainment Groundbreaking exhibit at Penticton art gallery

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sports

Medals pile up for Penticton Jiu Jitsu club at championship

BACK ON TRACK

NEWS PENTICTON WESTERN

Dan Walton

Western News Staff

Council will be taking another stab at getting a BMX track on 630 Munson Mountain Rd. Because of conflicting beliefs over how arable the soil is, the property has been the subject of recent debate. In May, council ordered an independent agrology test to be conducted. Results from that test were presented to council at the regular meeting on July 6, and convinced council them reapply to the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) for the site to be used for non-farm use to allow for a BMX track. Council submitted a similar application in April, but the ALC rejected it because of insufficient soil analysis — which was addressed by the recent sampling test. The test showed that only 3.25 acres of the 10 acre property are arable, and that space is scattered around the property and would require additional investment for agricultural use. “It really gave a clear picture that the vast majority of that land is not suitable for farming,” said Penticton Mayor Andrew Jakubeit. While procedures could be undertaken to utilize some of the land for agricultural use, “It’s probably not the best investment to fill (the

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BONES BOSS — Ribber Adam Wood lathers up some ribs and chicken on the grill at Boss Hog’s barbecue station at Okanagan Lake Park during the first annual, three-day, Rotary Ribfest. Boss Hog’s won the Best Sauce and People’s Choice awards. For story and more photos see Page 20.

Mark Brett/Western News

property’s top layer) with top soil.” However, he said a small portion of the property could possibly be used for agriculture, such as a community garden. The idea of a community garden on site was also suggested by the proponents of the project, Penticton BMX. “We’re pretty confident that it’s going to happen now that we have the soil samples back and the way they turned out,” said club executive member Jeff Babuin. “To me it’s a good thing for the community to have the BMX track and the mountain bike skills park there — it’ll be a great spot for residents of all ages.” Both Babuin and Jakubeit are expecting the opposition to lessen, but not disappear. “There are some neighbours who are probably opposed to anything happening in their backyard, but I think the report will certainly lessen some of the resistance,” Jakubeit said. In April, the Friends of Munson Mountain formed to oppose the project. The group is still encouraging supporters to sign its petition to have the city “Stop BMX, mountain bike, and camping developments on Munson Mountain Park and agricultural land.”

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