Some time ago (June 6th 2012) we submitted a Freedom of Information request to the City for all documents relating to the Sumas Mountain Environmental Management Plan/Study, along with requests for documents relating to the City's property deals with Metro Vancouver regarding parklands on the mountain.

We felt that, as property owners on Sumas Mountain, we need full disclosure from the City regarding their plans, and the only way we could be certain of getting the whole picture was to submit a Freedom of Information request. So we did.

The City is supposed to fulfill FOI requests within 30 days, which for us would have meant getting the documents some time in July.

But that didn't happen. The City contacted us and said they needed more time --- and requested an extension until September 6th. "OK" we said.

But there was more. The City also said they'd like us to pay $800 for the documents, due to the quantity of documents in their possession. Reluctantly, we agreed. It was either "pay up" or we don't get the documents.

Then, towards the end of August, the City contacted us again. "We need another extension --- until October 3rd." Our immediate response was "No way" --- but sadly they wouldn't budge --- provincial legislation allows them to keep delaying.

And so here we are, still waiting for the documentation. The problem is this: How can we as Sumas Mountain property owners be expected to provide the City with meaningful "feedback" on a Plan/Study which we have only seen small portions of?

The City has called a meeting at Straiton Hall for September 11th 2012, requesting that all Sumas Mountain residents attend so we can provide comments on the Sumas Mountain Environmental Management Study (or Plan, as it was previously known) --- but how can we do this when we are still waiting for the documentation to be released to us?