Summerland will not be defined by school closure, says mayor

PENTICTON – Summerland city council is upset with the decision by the Okanagan Skaha school board to close an elementary school in the community, but pledge it will not define the community.

Mayor Peter Waterman says they are deeply disappointmented” with the school trustees’ decision close Trout Creek Elementary School at the end of June.

Waterman says in a media release, council continues to believe the availability of education opportunities for all children in the community to be imperative to a vibrant community that attracts families.

He says council will continue to invest in the community to encourage economic growth economic development, noting building permits issued in the community increased by 40 per cent last year.

“This trend is continuing in 2016. There is much interest in developing the former RCMP property as well as other potential development sites,” he says in the release.

Waterman says council would continue to request meetings with the Minister of Education “to ensure the community’s voice is heard at the provincial level.”

“The closure of Trout Creek Elementary School will require us to adjust our future planning, however, council is optimistic Summerland remains well positioned to take advantage of opportunities as they arise."

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