Band and council meet
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Updated: July 01, 2009 12:19 PM
For the first time in many years, members of Summerland council and the Penticton Indian Band council sat down together to discuss issues facing their communities.
“It’s been really nice to get together and to meet you,” said Johnathan Kruger, chief of the band. “We need to do this more.”
During the two-hour session, on the afternoon of June 22, Kruger and the Summerland councillors discussed issues such as global warming, water supply and quality, economic growth and ecological conservation.
The meeting was the first time the two groups have met officially.
Members of Summerland council say the issues facing the two communities are similar.
“At the local level, you’ve got the same problems we have,” said Coun. Bruce Hallquist.
Kruger said water supply issues are a priority for the band at present.
“We want to make sure there’s plenty of water to get us through,” he said. “We’ve seen some of our watersheds dry up twice.”
Coun. Ken Roberge said Summerland is also concerned about the future of its water supply.
“We’re not so much worried about this year but we’re worried about next year,” he said.
Kruger said the band is also dealing with concerns about growth and development on its land.
Part of the band’s land is adjacent to Summerland’s boundary and the band has taken an interest in a proposed golf resort development to be built on the western edge of the municipality.
Future meetings between Summerland council and the band council have been discussed.
“We need to let our communities know we’re serious about this,” Kruger said.
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