Photo: Randy Mills
Complaints from Lavington residents about noisy modern farming practices has prompted Coldstream council to call for a new study and a meeting with the province’s agriculture minister.
Helicopters and wind machines have become normal practice in cherry orchards to protect the cash crop from damage, but the noise created by them is unwelcome to nearby residents.
Coldstream has decided to apply to the Farm Industrial Review Board, asking for a study to be done on new practices, said Mayor Jim Garlick.
“We’re asking what the process is when new farm practices come in,” said Garlick. “What makes them normal? What we’re saying is more study should be done.”
The mayor asked whether there should be limits on the use of choppers and wind machines to blow the water off of cherries to prevent splitting, including the time day they can be used.
“We need to get along with each other – both agriculture and residents.”
Council has also ordered staff to arrange a meeting with Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick to discuss the issue.
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