West Kelowna council turned down a delegation wanting to speak about aerial spraying in the community at its April 9 regular meeting.
Several members of the West Kelowna branch of the Kelowna Citizens Safety Association (KCSA) held up signs saying “Stop The Spraying” during the meeting.
Mayor Gord Milsom noted that the request was to speak about spraying the chemical Btk over a 52-hectare area of West Kelowna.
“This is moth (spongy moth) spraying,” Milsom added. “It’s a provincially regulated program and the City of West Kelowna doesn’t regulate it or enforce it in any way.”
According to the Government of B.C. website, Btk is a biological insecticide and is not toxic to humans.
However, people with respiratory ailments or other health concerns may wish to reduce their exposure to the product during spraying.
The KCSA website claims Btk will be sprayed directly over Constable Neil Bruce Middle School. Spraying is taking place in April through June.
Milsom added the delegation was declined as the matter falls outside the municipality’s jurisdiction. Councillor Stephen Johnston put forth a motion to allow the delegation.
“There is no harm in learning about something, especially when the episode-centre for the event is around a local school. I think a lot of parents may be interested to hear that.”
Coun. Rick de Jong reiterated the mayor’s point.
“If we allow somebody to come in and speak on something against our procedural policy where do we stop? If you bend it for one group you better be prepared to bend it for all.”
De Jong suggested the group contact MLA Ben Stewart’s office with their concerns. Johnston pointed out that council often allows delegations where its policy doesn’t permit.
“It’s a practice we do quite often,” he added.
Council voted against hearing the delegation with Johnston opposed.
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