Welcome to ORCAP!

==> Latest News regarding Peachland Gravel pit. (Aug 31st 2010)

THE CONFLICT - Why Did We Form ORCAP?

ORCAP was formed in reaction to the recent and rapid increase in the number of aggregate, sand and gravel, mining pits and associated mining practices adjacent to residential areas in the Okanagan Valley and the resulting negative impact this has on the quality of life of the residents and visitors. See the press release of September 17, 2007: ORCAP Formation Announced.

Mining is based on an antiquated B.C. Mining Act established in the 1800's to encourage trail blazing and settling in the new Western Frontier. Generations have passed since then and little of the act has changed, while there has been enormous an increase in the population and economy of BC. Property owners are still held hostage to the whims of gravel & sand miners and the protection and rights these miners receive under the Mining Act.

These two factors, B.C.'s growth and an antiquated Mining Act are pitting urban residents and miners against each other.

A case in point, Oyama (part of Lake Country) hugging the hillside stretch along the Woods Lake and Kalamalka Lake Highway 97 corridor now has three operating pits and mining permit applications have been approved by the Ministry for another six pits. All these pits border or are across the street from existing residents.

WHO ARE WE?

We are a group of concerned citizens from the following communities; Peachland, Westside, Carr's Landing, Okanagan Centre, Kelowna's Mission area, Joe Rich with over 350 members and growing.

WHAT ARE OUR RIGHTS?

Canadian Bill of Rights:

Under section 1 (a) the right of the individual to life, liberty, security of the person and enjoyment of property, and the right not to be deprived thereof except by due process of law.

For more on Canadian Bill of Rights click HERE.

Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms:

Under Schedule B Section 7. Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of the person and the right not to be deprived thereof except in accordance with the principles of fundamental justice.

For more on Charter of Rights and Freedoms click HERE.

THE IMPORTANCE OF GRAVEL & SAND PITS

ORCAP recognizes gravel and sand as important resources to the economy of B.C. today and in the future. In the Central Okanagan Valley the building boom needs this resource; however, the mining, processing, stock piling (and other mining practices) of this natural resource does not need to take place adjacent to urban areas... threatening the quality of life.

ORCAP'S MISSION

To ensure a healthy and beneficial quality of life in the Okanagan Valley for today and the future through the encouraging of responsible mining practices by adopting the Gravel Pit 3 Zone Model as submitted to the provincial government, and as requested by local MLAs, in June 2007.

A healthy and beneficial quality of life includes but is not limited to:

• Air Quality
• Water Quality: drinking, shoreline
• Health & Safety
• Environment
• Viewscapes

RESOLVING THE CONFLICT

The antiquated mining act needs changing; it needs to include local government and to pass the authority to issue and deny applications and renewals to the local government where the mining activity and requests are taking place.

ORCAP is proposing the solution be the adoption of the 3-Zone Model.

WHAT IS THE 3-ZONE MODEL?

The Gravel Pit 3 Zone Model is a model for evaluating mining applications, application renewals and operator practices. This model was requested by local MLAs in early 2007 and 5 communities came together in response to this request, The Gravel Pit 3 Zone Model was first submitted to the local MLAs in mid-June 2007 and then handed to Honorable Kevin Krueger, Minister of State for Mining, on June 26, 2007 and again August 21, 2007 during his two visits to the Kelowna area. As of November 14, 2007 there has been no response to this proposal.