Four days after it received word it would not be getting $90,000 in community gaming grants for its 2010 and 2011 seasons, the Osoyoos Desert Centre learned the money would be coming after all. In a surprising announcement on Sept. 2, the B.C. Housing and Social Development Ministry said the government is “fully funding organizations that received three-year community gaming grant commitments.” [...more]
Despite rumours of financial trouble, the owners of the Mount Baldy Ski Area intend to open the hill this winter as usual. “It’s been very difficult,” said Brent Baker, one of the ski hill’s three owners, from Sandpoint, Idaho. He points to two seasons of poor snow conditions and economic slow-down as causes for their recent trouble. “We’re looking to refinance our existing debt.” [...more]
Editor: The Friends of the Osoyoos Library wish to thank everyone who helped make our book sale on August 15 a big success. Thank you to everyone who donated books and everyone who bought a book. Also, thanks to the librarians for accepting donations and for sorting the boxes; to the volunteers for transporting the boxes; to [...] [...more]
OSOYOOS TIMES-September 9, 2009 It’s interesting to note the reactions of various organizations to the B.C. government’s Sept. 1 budget update. Immediately following the budget session in the Legislature, the editorial inbox here at the Osoyoos Times began filling up with emails from unions, lobby groups, institutes, associations, chambers and coalitions. Depending on what end of the spectrum [...] [...more]
The Osoyoos Desert Centre’s 10th season in operation is ending on a sour note. The Osoyoos Desert Society, which operates the centre, learned on Aug. 28 through a letter from the B.C. Ministry of Housing and Social Development dated Aug. 27 that a number of changes would be happening to the province’s community gaming grant program. For the society, the changes mean that a $45,000 provincial grant for 2010 will not be coming. [...more]
There are packed boxes all over Susan’s living room, and unless something changes fast, she and her teenage son will soon be homeless – due to an eviction notice served by BC Housing. “There’s nothing in there I can afford,” she said, nodding toward a recent copy of the Osoyoos Times newspaper. While there are “for rent” advertisements in the paper, they are out of Susan’s price range. [...more]
Only half of the Osoyoos businesses assessed earlier this summer for accessibility for people with disabilities received a passing grade. In June, a member with the Accessible Tourism Strategy audited 34 businesses in town that are involved with the tourism industry. [...more]
There was a whole lot of honking and cheering going on at the corner of highways 97 and 3 on Aug. 28. “As you can see, every second person agrees with us,” said Paul McCavour, who was holding one end of a giant “No HST” sign, and waving to passers-by. “Our message to Mr. (Gordon) Campbell is simple: Tell us the truth and treat us fair.” About 35 people turned out to the rally to fight the implementation of the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) in B.C., set to take effect next year. [...more]
Editor: ‘Tis that season upon us again, propane cannons and the complaints are starting from not only the town people, but also the tourists who have come here to enjoy some peace and quiet. What’s making the town people who live by rural upset, including myself, is that for many years (only three years for me), they [...] [...more]
OSOYOOS TIMES-September 2, 2009 The saying “Give us bread, not circuses” may come off as a cliché. But right now it’s hard to think of a better or more resounding message to send to the provincial government. Grants and funding urgently needed by important provincial organizations and services are being clawed back by the government as it responds [...] [...more]
