Thanks in large measure to the power of the BC Provincial Mines Act, OKI has recently won two legal decisions, one each against the Highland District and the Highland District Community Association (HDCA).
While the HDCA has decided to appeal one of these decisions, until that appeal is decided OKI has no legal impediments to pressing ahead not just with driveway construction (just north of Industrial Way on Millstream Rd.) but also with site preparation at the extreme Eastern end of their property abutting Thetis Lake Park.
While its appeal to the BC Supreme Court is pending the HDCA has chosen to refrain (for now) from any form of direct action.
However, the HDCA understands and appreciates the democratic expression that citizen led, peaceful, and safe, direct action represents. To this point, all of the letter writing, petitions and meetings with elected officials, as well as our court actions, have been ineffective in drawing attention to what we can only describe as shortcomings in the BC Mines Act that prevent municipalities from having effective influence on land use decisions in their own communities.
Meanwhile, the OKI owners, who do not live in the Highlands, seem impervious to our concerns.
If you see fellow residents and community members on Millstream Road near the driveway, please appreciate the frustration that has motivated them to act, give them a wide berth, and honk in support if you do.
Thank you from the HDCA.