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Two more trail committee members quit, citing absence of democratic process

To the editor
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To the editor

A copy of this letter was sent to Princeton Mayor and Council

Vermillion Forks Field Naturalists was invited to participate in a discussion of the future of the KVR, the three kilometre section through town. At the first meeting it was obvious that the decision as to whether or not this three km section should be opened to motorized traffic had already been decided. You think that election to council gave you a mandate to this. If I understand correctly, you received the total vote of those advocating this stand, but now as the elected Mayor and Council, you must also represent all the constituents in this town, not just an interest group.

The points that I made were brushed aside, but my concerns still remain.

• In order to have a meaningful democratic procedure the residents of the town must be asked if this is what they wish to do.

• The issue re: KVR must be decided by the residents of Princeton because it affects them directly. They are the real stakeholders.

• My objection was that 99% of the stakeholders present were from out to town.

• A representative from ATV BC had no place in this discussion.

• Those that use this section of the KVR for non-motorized activities, such as dog walkers, runners, walkers, cyclists, mothers with strollers, etc. had no representation because they do not belong to an organized group.

• With the exception of three representatives the majority of the stakeholder were motorized. It was certainly top-heavy.

• The safety issue was carelessly tossed aside; motorized activities and non-motorized activities can not co- exist especially, considering the dimensions of the area in question. Would you drive a car on a sidewalk? You can also walk along the strip on a highway but would you consider it safe?

If a democracy cannot be practiced in a small community like Princeton, then what hope is there for the rest of the world? Under such circumstances, I and fellow member Johanna Nott tender our resignations from this committee.

Environmentally yours,

Mary Masiel

VFFN President

Johanna Nott

VFFN member & Vice President



Andrea DeMeer

About the Author: Andrea DeMeer

Andrea is the publisher of the Similkameen Spotlight.
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