To the editor:

It is time for a full inquiry as to why our flood gate operators and authorities did not take appropriate action to reduce lake levels in a timely manner during the January to April window of opportunity.

From personal observations, the lake waters were left at a much higher level this winter than usual. The excuse of concern for fish over people and the excuse of decisions made on the basis of November-December snow load just don91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™t cut it.

No one is saying that flooding in the Shuswap-Okanagan lake chain can be completely eliminated with flood gate control, but I91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™m betting the lake waters would be a foot less than the present peak with better management.

If we don91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™t want this to happen with the same severity and angst in future, let91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™s look for better controls.

As this is a matter involving three levels of government, I urge the mayors and councils of each and every community press the matter to the top. I also urge fellow citizens not to sit idle or quiet in pressing this matter.

It91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™s time to cry ouch.

Ian R. Sisett, Kelowna