For those who believe Silverton is “in the middle of nowhere and the centre of everything,” the second public OCP review meeting the evening of May 29 was a chance to refine that vision of their community.
SmartGrowth BC planners Tom Lancaster and Jason Emmert were present to help Silverton residents review draft vision statements produced at the first public meeting and further refine these into guiding principles for the village. Videographer Jon Frantz was there to collect more footage of residents speaking out about their versions of the community vision. Even the kids got into the act – two young boys who said biking, fishing, and hunting were what made their town a great place to live, but want closer access to hockey practice.
Lancaster said a citizens’ advisory committee has been formed to advise council, consisting of Bobbie Nesbitt, Leah Main, Bert and Cheryl Butchart, Heather Huether, Councillors Laktin and Bell, with non-voting members Mayor Everett and Junko Ida. Cynthia Capelle has asked to join the committee. A handwritten letter from Frances Matthews was read out, stating that Silverton is a community where “neighbours are always there for one another but never intrusive,” and urging that no condos or marinas be allowed to be built.
Jason Emmert helped break down the issues confronting Silverton into categories – economic, transportation, municipal, social, recreation, culture, environmental, and lifestyle. Residents were asked to separate into two discussion groups to come up with a single statement on each category that best summarized their community values. They were also asked to draft a statement of what Silverton is today and what they want it to be in 25-50 years. Lancaster said it was important to think far beyond a mere five year plan. A sign posted on the wall reminded residents that “we did not inherit the land from our grandparents, we borrow it from our grandchildren.”
The lifestyle heading prompted a statement by one group that “Silverton would like to preserve our friendly, small town character by promoting community spirit, tolerance and innovation.”
Although the idea of boundary expansion was raised, it was generally agreed that growth needs to be carefully managed to encourage full-time residents and families rather than rampant development. Lancaster said the RDCK has agreed to provide mapping services and that his team will research village options for expansion. He added that for new housing there are options for district sewage systems or shared septic systems for 8-10 people.
Residents see a role for tourism but only as part of a diversified economy that includes home-based businesses. Ecotourism is seen as an option but one whose environmental impact must be assessed. One group’s summary statement read: “Silverton welcomes tourism that respects and enhances our cultural, environmental, and heritage assets.”
In the cultural category, another suggested vision statement was that “Silverton promotes and enhances its visual and performing arts.” Under heritage, there was broad agreement that the village’s mining history be “honoured and protected,” but said First Nations history had no role.
As to the village today and in the future, one statement summed it up this way: “Silverton is a unique, vibrant village in transition from a resource-based economy to a cultural, ecotourism and educational-friendly community able to support citizens of all ages.”
Tom Lancaster closed the meeting by saying that he was impressed with the progress made in just one evening. “We could write an OCP with what we have right here tonight.”
by Art Joyce
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