Our problem is that the new law can provide a loophole for excessive development. That is what would lead to health concerns and subsequent water and sewerage expenses beyond our means and desires.

It was an exciting meeting we had regarding wells, septics, and future development. There was a full house and it soon became clear that there was a lot of animosity in the community toward the new regulations. All the invited guests showed up. Harry Lally came in a bit later and gave a very encouraging speech from the floor. The minutes of the meeting are available here, but the main result was that our concerns were heard. Continue reading Meeting Highlights Need For Change →

Coalmont Town Meeting 7 p.m. April 21, Coalmont Hotel.

Citizens have organized a town meeting at the historic Coalmont Hotel with officials from the Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport, the Regional Health Authority, the District planning and engineering staff, the local elected representative, and a representative from the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors and Sewerage System Regulation Improvement Coalition.

Everyone with an interest in BC’s septic regulations and a concern for Coalmont’s future is invited. This is also an opportunity for press to learn more about this regulatory failure which is sure to be an election issue.
Continue reading MEETING WITH OFFICIALS →

When regulations trump drinking water safety and quality, then what? The recent letter from Interior Health regarding our concerns highlights this problem.

Everyone in Coalmont has been concerned about the development of 25 foot lots on the old Works Yard. People have different views and are concerned about various aspects, but the real stickler is how can a developer get away with putting septics and wells that close together?

That is indeed a serious issue and we now know that the septic rules and regulations have changed to accommodate that kind of development. It turns out that this is a “tip of the iceberg” kind of issue. There are likely problems in other communities which just haven’t surfaced yet. Our concerns here have been presented to various authorities with little result other than they now know that Coalmont exists. Oh well. That’s a start.
Continue reading COALMONT WATER THREATENED →

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The town meeting was a great success. There was a good turnout and everyone got to add their input. The best part was that we ended up with clear and positive directives. Diane Sterne was kind enough to write up the minutes for us and here is her report. Continue reading TOWN MEETING SUCCESS →

Brad Hope is the Rural Pinceton Director for Area-H.

There is going to be a town meeting on Tuesday, January 20 at 7:00 pm at the Coalmont Hotel. Brad Hope wants to get some input from the locals as to what is needed in our area. Continue reading BRAD HOPE – Tuesday 7pm Coalmont Hotel →

A walk down by the old works yard will show something which, to many, is quite frightening. A new subdivision. It looks like Coalmont’s population is about to double. There are fresh white surveyers stakes in a row, even on the side that is zoned industrial, and signs with lot numbers. A pleasant looking little two story house with basement is already framed and construction is moving along. There is a sign advertising “Cottages of Coalmont” Continue reading NEW PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT IN COALMONT ~ What’s In It For Us ? →