With all of the problems in France last week, I was tempted to wade in and comment. But no, I’m going to head in a different direction this week.

I’ve come across a column by Wally Smith dated June 30 1971, and titled, Life in the Valley. The column illustrates some of the Valley’s continuing struggles.

“Strong opposition to further industrial development in the Okanagan Valley was expressed in many briefs heard by the Okanagan Water Basin Board at a public meeting in Penticton last Friday, and also at a similar meeting in Vernon a few weeks ago.

It is becoming increasingly evident to more and more people that urban growth does not necessarily mean progress, that industrial development is not synonymous with improvement, and that beyond a point money is less important than the quality of life.

Some of us believe the population of the Okanagan Valley must be limited (perhaps to what it is now) or we will destroy the very qualities that make this valley a choice place to live.

A house will comfortably accommodate only a limited number of persons. Take in more and the capacity of the house is overtaxed and living conditions become very uncomfortable to downright miserable.

The same principle applies to our Okanagan Valley where industrial development and housing projects are fiercely competing for the limited supply of land and water needed to sustain a viable fruit growing industry.

Industrial development can be successful at scores of different localities in B.C.’s Interior, but climactic conditions limit our tree fruit growing industry to the Okanagan Valley. There is no other place to go.”

email: ruralreportwithlairdsmith@gmail.com