Penticton Indian Band Reaffirms Opposition to Summerland Gravel Pit

PIB concerned about threats to water, wildlife, and cultural heritage

The Penticton Indian Band (PIB) is reaffirming its opposition to a proposed gravel pit near Summerland, citing concerns about the potential impacts on water, wildlife, and cultural heritage.

The PIB says the proposed pit, which would be located on Crown land near the Okanagan River, would threaten the aquifer that supplies drinking water to the PIB community. The band is also concerned about the impact on wildlife, including the endangered white sturgeon and the Bighorn sheep that inhabit the area.

In addition, the PIB says the proposed pit would damage cultural heritage sites that are important to the band. The area is home to several archaeological sites, including a traditional village site and a burial ground.

The PIB has been working with the province to find an alternative location for the gravel pit. The band says it is willing to work with the province to find a solution that meets the needs of both the PIB and the community of Summerland.

Background

The proposed gravel pit has been the subject of controversy for several years. In 2016, the province approved a permit for the pit, but the PIB appealed the decision to the Environmental Appeal Board.

The Environmental Appeal Board ruled in favor of the PIB in 2018, but the province has since appealed the decision to the B.C. Court of Appeal.

PIB's Concerns

The PIB has a number of concerns about the proposed gravel pit, including:

• The potential impact on the aquifer that supplies drinking water to the PIB community.
• The impact on wildlife, including the endangered white sturgeon and the Bighorn sheep that inhabit the area.
• The damage to cultural heritage sites that are important to the band.

Next Steps

The PIB is working with the province to find an alternative location for the gravel pit. The band is willing to work with the province to find a solution that meets the needs of both the PIB and the community of Summerland.

The B.C. Court of Appeal is expected to hear the province's appeal of the Environmental Appeal Board's decision in the coming months.