The sod roof cabin in Trout Creek, B.C. is one of the Okanagan Valley's most important historic buildings (built in the 1880s and listed on the Register of Canada's Historic Places), and is in dire need of protection from the elements and eventual period-correct restoration. Year after year we can see the cabin gradually succumbing to neglect, and we call on the Mayor and Summerland Council to recognize the importance of preserving our local heritage and to take immediate steps to consult with the property owner and:

-Install a temporary protective roof over and a protective fence around the cabin as soon as possible.

-Assume stewardship of the cabin, as the current property owner has little or no interest in it (it is our understanding it was offered to the District of Summerland some time ago).

-Consult with heritage building experts and the Summerland branch of the Okanagan Historical Society to develop a feasible plan for moving the cabin to a safe, suitable, permanent location where residents and visitors can learn about its history. 

-Draw up a plan, in consultation with heritage building restoration experts, the public, and local historical societies, for its eventual period-correct restoration (done, we would hope, with little or no dismantling and /or replacement of the timbers, thus removing its unique character and originality). Grants, corporate sponsorship, and a fund raising campaign can be a part of this.

Summerland has lost many if not most of its important heritage buildings. Other small communities in B.C. such as Nelson have done a much better job. This is Council's opportunity to show leadership and not lose another historical building due to apathy. We ask Council to respect the wishes of the undersigned and initiate this process before it is too late. The preservation of this heritage building has been put off far too long and the time for action is NOW. The cabin may not survive another winter.

Thank you.