Editor:
In the dog days of summer it is difficult to get involved in bylaw changes by the SCRD. A craft distillery/tasting room wishes to locate on Porter Road in Roberts Creek. A rapid rezoning process will culminate in a final public hearing on Sept. 12 in Roberts Creek Community Hall.
As a downstream water user I am concerned about the use of domestic groundwater in an industrial process. Water shortfalls are common in this area. To commit such a scarce domestic resource to the making of spirits flies in the face of good water management and planning.
As upland development proceeds, it is important to protect those who already are utilizing the resources of the area. A distillery will use considerably more water than the two homes currently allowed by existing zoning. There are obvious noise, traffic and social implications involved in a tasting room that serves spirits. These are big concerns, but they pale in comparison to the potential of water shortfalls in the years to come.
Due diligence has not been utilized by the advisory committees or the SCRD regarding the use and availability of water. This is an issue that could affect anybody living above the highway. Please get involved and attend the last public hearing Sept. 12, 7 p.m. in the community hall.
James Davidson, Roberts Creek
