To the Vineyard Estates Developer and the decision makers at the City of West Kelowna:

We, the petition signees, are in favor of preserving "the Mount Boucherie Trails", our neighborhood trails and green space, which has become a vital part of maintaining an urban balance between development and unobstructed green space for all to use. Any development that does not preserve the Mount Boucherie Trails would negatively impact all users of the trails today and any future residents that may move into the area. Hence we support the cause of the action group that started as:

The Friends of Mount Boucherie

Facebook > https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofMtBoucherie/

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Proposed Development & Impact:

The currently proposed development plans consist of 171 single family lots with 28 duplexes, for a total density of 199 units, which will severely impact the available trails and surrounding slopes and green space in the only area of its kind in Lakeview Heights.

These development proposals require an OCP amendment and a Zoning Bylaw Amendment to change the existing Comprehensive Development zone and will require a public participation process. Make your voice & input heard!

The Friends of Mount Boucherie stand for:

preserving the current trails along the Mount Boucherie slope from Eain Lamont Park to East Boundary Road. Although Lakeview Heights has a few parks, this specific trail system and surrounding slopes and green space provide a unique environment as it:

- is shared each year by thousands who come from West Kelowna, the Okanagan Valley, other provinces and from throughout the world

- is a tourist destination

- is a natural habitat for many species of birds, snakes, small animals, coyotes, deer, bears and cougars

- encourages all ages of the surrounding neighbourhood to come out during all seasons to enjoy various recreational activities, such as walking their dogs (not just on pavement), mountain biking, horseback riding, snowshoeing and cross country skiing

- is the last trail system of its kind in Lakeview Heights

- entices all ages to use the slopes for thrilling winter toboggan runs

- lets people just sit on the slopes and absorb the tranquility it radiates due to its endless views

- has become a meeting point due to its crisscrossing of paths leading people from all surrounding residential areas to this space.

It is a space that we literally and figuratively go to: to breathe! In today’s environment the human being is more and more removed from nature, which is the one vital component that actually allows us to live on earth! We need this space to re-energize … each in our own way.