Osoyoos Times » Letters To The Editor

COMMUNITY CAN MAKE WORKERS FEEL WELCOME

admin — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 17:52:38 +0000

Editor:
I recently gave a young French Canadian a lift into Osoyoos on my way to work and luckily I speak passable French so was able to give him a lift to the local bottle depot as he and his friends wanted to know where to go to recycle their bottles, etc.
After I dropped him off I realized that I should have gone with him to help him communicate with the people at the recycling depot, as he spoke little to no English and there is no signage in the Town of Osoyoos to help either the French or Spanish workers make their way in the community.
That encounter prompted me to write this letter, as I am concerned for the well being of the young farm workers who make their way to the Okanagan each summer to help bring in the harvest.
In my work as a community Outreach Worker for the Penticton and Area Women’s Centre, I am fortunate to have the opportunity to help in providing these young summer workers with information, help in accessing resources and support them while the weather has wreaked havoc with crops and job options and the service providers in our small communities struggle to meet the demands.
Farm workers, mainly young French Canadians, have been making their way to B.C. to work in the soft fruit industry since the 1960s when the government started encouraging the endeavour as an opportunity for cultural exchange between English and French-speaking Canadians.
In the four decades since, in a country with two national languages, it seems timely to better support this summer migration.
Perhaps some bilingual signage and resource information could help these young people more easily integrate into and navigate through the communities.
Our communities depend on and benefit from government-sponsored work programs that bring in workers to harvest crops each year.
Our challenge is how to create an environment that makes them feel like they belong, thereby encouraging their social investment.
As many of these young French-speaking people are isolated from the communities by language, they may inadvertently isolate themselves further by creating their own insular communities.
This can result in an “us and them” perspective, fostering local concerns about their character or motives and making it easier to overlook or ignore the challenges they face with substandard working and housing conditions.
I would like to encourage us all to take a closer look at the issues challenging the producers and farm workers in our communities, as we are all in this together.
Buffy Marie MacIntosh,
Community Outreach Worker for Penticton and Area Women’s Centre

OSOYOOS TIMES-July 28, 2010

ABSENCE OF SWIMMING BUOYS A PROBLEM

Editor:
I have been working in the tourist industry on motel row for over 10 years now. More bodies are supplied to this unique half-mile beach by these 11 motels than all the other public beaches combined.
Hundreds of children play in this shallow sandy cove that stays shallow over 150 yards from shore.
This year, with no warning to these hotels, the Town of Osoyoos has made an inane decision not to put out the swimming buoys they have supplied in the past.
Now there is no guide for these children to know how far out they are or the boaters to know how far in they should go. When asked why, the Town was up in the air about whose responsibility it is, and I was told they had a call into Transport Canada?
Maybe this confusion should have been resolved in March or April.
I personally have witnessed two very near misses.
Remember the Testalinden Dam and the warning the powers-to-be received? Well Town of Osoyoos, here’s yours.
If you don’t do something about this, this paper will be printing a tragic story before the summer is over.
Mike Clancey,
Osoyoos

OSOYOOS TIMES-July 28, 2010

EDITORIAL - ISSUES WITH SEASONAL WORKERS STEM FROM OVERALL LACK OF AFFORDABLE ACCOMMODATIONS IN OSOYOOS

admin — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 17:50:03 +0000

OSOYOOS TIMES-July 28, 2010

Most people heading to other parts of the country looking for work would likely not expect prospective employers to have long-term accommodations waiting for them when they arrive.
If a student who just graduated from a B.C. university with a business degree went to Toronto to find work at a bank, was hired and then asked his employer where the bank was going to put him up, the student would in all likelihood get laughed at.
So, it’s understandable to question why we here in Osoyoos need to burden ourselves about finding places for seasonal agricultural workers to sleep and wash during the spring, summer and fall.
Every year, some cry out that the Town of Osoyoos needs to do something about the transients camping in the hills near Strawberry Creek.
Others say the orchardists and farmers are the ones who need to solve the problem.
And, in reality, if the orchardists do need these workers to bring in the harvest, the responsibility should fall on their shoulders more than anyone else.
But the issue isn’t really about who should provide accommodations and basic services such as showers and washrooms for the workers because, again, how often does any employer take on the responsibility of finding its workforce places to stay?
Much of the problem centres on an even broader challenge the area faces: a lack of affordable accommodations for workers of all backgrounds.
If there were campgrounds or hostels in town where the agricultural workers could stay for a reasonable nightly, weekly or monthly fee, would they still resort to hanging out in the hills where they have no access to water and must travel long distances to reach services in town or their places of accommodation?
Some might, but it seems reasonable that most would take the opportunity to stay in a place where they could take a shower or walk to their job if the price is right.
When it comes down to it, is the lack of affordable accommodations for agricultural workers any different than the lack of affordable housing for young professionals or people working in the tourism industry?
Some of the resorts, hotels and businesses in Osoyoos have been forced to find places for their workers to stay during the summer because of this very problem.
If this community is going to do something about the seasonal worker problem in the area, then the first step shouldn’t be narrowly focused on just establishing some place for them to stay.
The first step should be about fixing Osoyoos’s ongoing deficiency for affordable accommodations.
A great deal of time has been spent setting up task forces and creating a strategy to deal with the issue.
The ongoing problem with seasonal workers should be the catalyst to put recent efforts to find solutions to the affordable accommodations issue into action.

SAY NO TO THE JORDAN CIRCUS

admin — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 23:05:42 +0000

Editor:
I am writing about the upcoming Jordan World Circus that’s coming to the Okanagan this year. Their flyers are all around town for their upcoming shows in Salmon Arm, Vernon and Penticton.
Using animals for entertainment is not only dated but cruel.
Animals used in circuses live a dismal life of domination, confinement and violent training.
The Jordan Circus uses bears in a “Wild West Bears” show, where they are wearing bandanas as they jump through fire, push stage coaches and walk on wagon wheels.
They also have exotic big cats, lions and Siberian tigers in a display of “animal mastery.”
The circus is owned by a couple from Las Vegas, which lets you know how far these animals have had to travel, most likely in poorly ventilated trailers and boxcars, and they are to perform in Alberta and B.C from July 16 to Aug. 1 with two shows a day and only one day off!
The Jordan Circus also failed to meet minimal federal standards for the care of animals used in exhibition as established in the Animal Welfare Act, such as unsafe enclosures, inadequate vet care, proper animal handling, to name a few.
They waited a month to seek treatment for a malnourished tiger with a fractured leg and forced another sick tiger to perform.
They also left tigers in small travel cages for up to 11 days without any exercise!
Therefore they no longer possess an exhibitor license from the USDA, which is why they come here where they are not required to have one.
It’s time for us to urge our officials to bring only animal-free circuses to our towns.
Kids who are naturally fond of animals would have to be dragged kicking and screaming to the circus if they knew of the suffering these animals endure for a fleeting moment of so-called amusement.
Circuses deprive animals of their basic needs to exercise, roam, socialize, forage and play. Instead they are beaten, shocked and whipped to make them perform ridiculous tricks that they cannot comprehend.
A growing number of cities are restricting or banning the use of animals in entertainment.
We need to do the same.
On www.circuses.com/pdfs/Jordan_World_Circus_Factsheet.pdf you will find some very disturbing facts about this circus that’s coming to our towns.
On the PETA website you will also find a long list of other criminal circuses that still perform, the number one being Ringling Brothers.
There is very disturbing video footage of how they handle and train their elephants.
The animals of this world are our children too.
Mirella Cooper,
Osoyoos

OSOYOOS TIMES-July 21, 2010

WAIT-TIME FOR DOCTORS THE REAL PROBLEM

Editor:
When we moved here five years ago from the Kelowna area, I went to the Desert Doctors Clinic to see if we could get a family doctor.
I filled out the forms the receptionist gave me and a few days later she phoned and said that one of the doctors would take me and my husband as new patients.
I go to the doctor MAYBE twice a year for a checkup unless I have a problem of some kind.
Well let me say I try and go.
I have called on several occasions to get an appointment for that day or the next day and have been told that the next available appointment might be in two weeks and even a month away.
I have also been told that if I call right at 9 a.m. in the morning I might get an appointment if there is a slot available.
We have tried that and had to wait in the waiting room for up to two-and-a-half hours before we got to see the doctor.
I have also been told if I want an appointment that day maybe I should go to the Oliver Hospital Emergency.
Last week I had a concern and thought I should see my doctor about it.
I was told the next available appointment would be July 29, or call at 9 a.m. the next morning to see if there was a slot available.
I tried that and the phone was busy for 10 minutes.
When I did get through all the appointments were taken for that day, and to try again tomorrow.
I then called our MLA John Slater’s office to see if I could get any help there.
The secretary told me she was sorry to hear that I couldn’t get an appointment with my family doctor.
She assured me that there would be a family doctor for every British Columbian by the year 2015.
I then went to the Oliver Hospital Emergency.
I got in right away.
My problem wasn’t as serious as I had thought, so that was good to hear.
If we would have researched the medical system here in Osoyoos before we moved here we would have stayed in the Kelowna area where we had good doctors.
Why are there not enough family doctors in this area?
Is this a government issue?
The two offices that we have here are so small and in need of upgrading.
The lab is also in bad need of upgrading.
When my husband and I need an appointment for something we would like to have one that day and not in two weeks when the problem is gone or worse.
What do we pay B.C. Medical for?
Carol Vlahovic,
Osoyoos

OSOYOOS TIMES-July 21, 2010

TOWN SHOULD NOT GET INTO MARINA BUSINESS

admin — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 22:57:12 +0000

Editor:
I attended the July 6 public hearing at the Sonora Centre.
I must compliment the participants for a well-thought out series of presentations.
Some that should have been strong were weak but generally what came to light was the Town has a bylaw that limits dock length into Osoyoos Lake to 30 metres.
The Town proposes to totally ignore this bylaw which if memory serves was intended to preserve the lake view and limit the risk of boats colliding with docks at night.
The Marina dock will be 75 metres into the lake.
Far in excess of the legal Town of Osoyoos limit.
That opens the door for future abuse.
Something not raised was the Town will be the proud owners of approximately 70 slips.
The rental numbers bandied about went from $45 a day to $3,500 a season.
Nowhere was there a mention of a proper business plan that would show a yearly profitable operation of these slips derived from the 12 weeks of tourist season.
If they are money losers, guess who will be paying for them.
Who in their right mind would pay $45 to tie up a little motor boat for a day?
Council is having Technicolor dreams.
You may get some business at a buck a foot but I’d not invest my money in a marina operation on this lake if it had to be self supporting and my only source of income.
In order to be a successful marina operation that can stand alone it takes many customers to make the necessary dollars in 12 weeks to cover a year’s costs.
Many customers also means more employees and additional costs.
I have serious doubts the occupancy rate would support all the costs.
Council mentioned a marina could sell boats and marine hardware.
In this town that’s an absolute nonstarter.
Do the numbers, it’s not that hard.
Marinas in Penticton carry minimal stock because of low demand and a short season.
These high expectations demonstrate very well that Council obviously doesn’t know the marine business.
Construction costs are expected (maybe) to be about $250,000.
I think it will take a lot of rentals to get back the Town’s 50-per-cent share of costs after expenses.
There was also talk of a bubbler system in winter to protect the docks from ice.
Who is paying those ongoing costs?
In essence the Town should avoid getting into the marina business as they really don’t understand the hidden costs and problems.
Marinas have been the downfall of many a hopeful well-financed entrepreneur.
Many people suggested putting the docks in front of the hotel.
What a wonderful idea!
David Eastbury,
Osoyoos

OSOYOOS TIMES-July 14, 2010

TRANSIENTS ARE HERE TO STAY

Editor:
With regards to your article “Province evicts campers from French Hill.”
It is probably time that we all pulled our heads out of the sand and tried to make some unified attempt to address the problem.
The word campers in the article should, in all likelihood, be changed to transients or, better yet, hobos.
I remember as a child living in the City of Toronto (when there was a vagrancy law); vagrants or transients were promptly removed from the streets and parks.
Admittedly, a certain percentage of the evictees are legitimate pickers but there is also a large percentage that are in Osoyoos and area for the sunshine and party atmosphere.
The photo in the article showing the transients sprawled out in the sunshine on Gyro Beach is self-explanatory.
I don’t see a cherry tree amongst them (must be their day off?)
Let’s face it, like it or not, transients, pickers and vagrants are here to stay.
As word travels amongst them Osoyoos becomes a five-star resort destination.
Their numbers are increasing yearly.
Unfortunately no one wants them or so it seems… local merchants despise them, the Town of Osoyoos doesn’t want them (or at least not in plain sight), the RCMP shudders and the province evicts them.
Even the orchardists I have talked to generally don’t want them as well; most orchardists allow the reliable repeat pickers, often from previous years, to actually tent amongst their trees in the orchard.
These pickers often start at daybreak and quit mid-afternoon before the heat becomes extreme.
That’s a far cry from the transients I have seen struggling down Strawberry Creek Road at 11 a.m. in the morning seeking the sun at Gyro Beach.
Instead of allowing drag racing at the airport, why doesn’t the Town consider using a portion of the airport each summer as a transient centre?
It could be complete with portable toilets, dumpster for garbage and, heck, even a shower or two.
Let’s face it, they are here to stay, the problem isn’t going away.
Cliff Young,
Osoyoos

OSOYOOS TIMES-July 14, 2010

SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THE WORKERS

Editor:
For the past 37 years I have vacationed in Osoyoos during the first two weeks of July.
When I am here there are always three things I can count on: rattlesnake sightings, great fireworks and complaints about the transient fruit pickers.
My question is why, after all these years, has nobody figured out where to put all these workers? Everybody knows when and why they come yet everybody seems shocked and appalled when they turn up sleeping on public beaches or under bridges.
Like the whole town gets amnesia over the winter.
I don’t know, can’t somebody donate some land for them to camp on?
Maybe some private business could sponsor some portable toilets; another could assure running water to the facility or make sure there are large trash bins available for all the garbage.
It can’t be that expensive and it would be great PR for these companies.
Just make believe these people are boat trailers as there seems to be little problem finding places for them to be parked in this town.
Bob Ronaghan,
Calgary

OSOYOOS TIMES-July 14, 2010

HOPEFULLY THE CHANGE OF COUNCIL’S MEETING TIME WILL DO SOME GOOD

Editor:
Osoyoos Town Council considers moving its plenum from evening to daytime.
If that would spur foresight in the Town Hall, and focus on the issues that really matter to society.
It is reasonable to believe anybody in Osoyoos would support the change.
In reflection to the Osoyoos marina hodgepodge, involving four levels of duplicated government bureaucracy.
It is unclear who has the accountability to society and the system breeds patronage driven economic development, usurping social, economic and ecological realities.
Too Many Cooks spoil everyone’s broth!
Is it not time to consider the medieval municipal and government structure and how our local and regional economies are managed?
That of course would require foresight, perhaps daytime plenum could help that in Osoyoos.
Kell Petersen,
Osoyoos

OSOYOOS TIMES-July 14, 2010

CAMPBELL LIED, SLATER HAS FALLEN SHORT

admin — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 23:40:55 +0000

Editor:
Re: The article about John Slater in the Osoyoos Times, June 30/2010
There was an item that he forgot to mention—-All this H S T stuff started when our Premier PROMISED he would NOT put this tax in force during his election talk and after he was elected, BINGO––here we have it in place as of July 1.
This is the same type of LIE he told us prior to the sale of B C Rail to C N Rail. Both of these items are over the BILLION DOLLAR price.
The last paragraph of your article says––“That I was elected to represent the people of this riding the best I can.”
SLATER has fallen short on this.
Instead, he has chosen to follow a leader who has lied to the people of B.C.
In the third paragraph of your article it says as of June 29, 2010, “12,005 signatures have been added to the petition in his riding.”
Enough said.
Dale Hopkins,
Osoyoos

OSOYOOS TIMES-July 7, 2010

MACHINE GUNS AND SIRENS HARD ON NERVES

Editor:
Machine guns, sirens, bombs!
Every night… right here in Osoyoos.
Just outside your bedroom window, starting at 4 a.m. and non-stop all day is the assault on your senses and psyche.
These noises, meant to deter birds from eating cherry crops, are inhumane to both people and pets. They are producing anxiety, headaches and stress.
If the orchardists must use noise as the only answer to preserving their crops, they should at least use types of noise that do not produce anxiety responses in people and dogs.
This is cruel and unusual punishment.
If you are bothered by these sirens and other violence-related noises, please contact the Ministry of Agricultural and Lands office in Kelowna toll-free at 1-888-332-3352 or the Farm Practices Board at (604) 356-5131.
Unfortunately, there is nothing that the local bylaw officer can do.
Jan Robinson,
Osoyoos

OSOYOOS TIMES-July 7, 2010

CHOOSING TESTALINDEN DISRESPECTFUL

Editor:
We are very sorry the editor has chosen to adopt the official “proper” name for Testalinda (probably changed by a clerical error - governments do make mistakes!)
We find it sad that he cannot bring himself to trust our local and historically “proper” name of many, many years.
Those of us who spoke up have been labelled as not only unfeeling, but “agitated.”
By continuing to use the government’s “proper” name, none of your readers are being given the courtesy and respect they deserve.
So be it.
In the meantime, for those of you unsure about how to help our neighbours, we understand you can donate at either CIBC or Valley First Credit Union where trust funds have been established.
George and Ellen Fraser,
Osoyoos

OSOYOOS TIMES-July 7, 2010

YES TO DOCKS, NO TO MARINA ZONING

Editor:
Visitors to Osoyoos desperately need the use of public docks for 60 to 90 days a year.
Developers want a place where their purchasers can keep boats over the summer months.
However, the ‘Marina’ zoning allows for the sale of marine fuels.
For the following reasons, NO FUEL SHOULD BE DISPERSED OR STORED AT THIS LAND:

Public health
Lake water protection
Public Safety
Negative environmental impact
Liability
Inability to deal with fuel spills

Fuels should not be stored or dispersed next to a public park, swimming areas and sailing schools when there are alternatives.
There are existing marinas with fuel presently available.
This past weekend, a major fuel spill at this proposed marina location prompted calls to the RCMP and affected 40 to 50 people, the lake and wildlife.
The water was covered with a thick oil slick and the air was so heavy with fuel fumes to the point of causing eye watering and a sickening taste in the mouth.
Although the Town emergency responders have plans to deal with fire, there is no real method of dealing with fuel spills.
Not only does this impact environment, but it also brings up the issue of liability.
As well, rural residents that use lake water for drinking could be extremely affected.
Council and town planners should also consider the impact of docks on the existing land/water users and property owners near Lacey Point.
Public docks should be built to accommodate our summer/weekend traffic as well as local home/condo owners of both sail and powerboats.
The marina land can be beautifully landscaped to visually blend into Lions Park to the north and the sailing club to the south.
However, more docks equal more boats.
The wakes will have negative shoreline impact if speeds are not limited within 200 metres.
This poses risks to swimmers, paddlers and sailors currently using the area.
The docks bring with them the responsibilities of the Town and its planners to provide the necessary staff or responsible agency to ensure the safe operation of any dock facilities built on this land.
Town Council and Planners: NO to Third Reading until “Petroleum Products” is removed from Zoning Bylaw #1085.82.
Provide a new zone ‘designation’ or perhaps have a park with concession that excludes fuel sales or distribution.
Thank you to the Town for having such a responsible public process on this marina property bylaw.
Robert Johnson,
Osoyoos

OSOYOOS TIMES-July 7, 2010

ANTI-HST CAMPAIGNERS SAY THANKS

Editor:
As the first phase of the Fight HST campaign winds down - with 705,643 signatures now delivered to Elections BC - we offer the voters in the Boundary Similkameen and Penticton ridings our sincere thanks for their support.
We must also thank the great teams of canvassers in both ridings for their unwavering determination to see the petition succeed.
From Christina Lake to Hedley and Osoyoos to Kaleden; and from Naramata to Peachland, we could not have succeeded in collecting the 12,005 signatures in Boundary-Similkameen and 11,074 signatures in Penticton without a tremendous team effort.
Our gratitude extends to former B.C. Premier Bill Vander Zalm for uniting the province and organizing such a powerful grassroots movement.
His willingness to lead an ideological fight - when it would have been much easier to enjoy life as a private citizen - deserves our respect.
Those who dismiss the petitioners as “tax whiners” are clearly missing the point.
The Citizen Initiative Petition to End the Harmonized Sales Tax was about more than opposition to a tax shift from business to consumers at the worst possible time.
The HST petition was about holding politicians accountable to the voters.
The majority of people we saw signing the petition expressed their frustration at the government’s unwillingness to hear them.
British Columbians feel betrayed by a dictatorial government for moving ahead with a policy they were not given the mandate to implement.
Even if we believe Premier Campbell’s line that they truly had no plans to introduce the HST before voters went to the polls in the last election, why would the government not take the HST to a referendum after the election?
And if Campbell expects to sway public opinion in favour of the HST by using lines like businesses will “pass the savings on to consumers,” or the HST will stimulate the economy and create over 100,000 new jobs, he is also clearly underestimating (or insulting) the intelligence of British Columbians.
As British Columbians, the Recall and Initiative Act is our only democratic tool to hold any government accountable to the electorate and isn’t it sad that we actually had to go through this process in order to send the Liberals a message?
Sadder still, if the government continues to ignore the people, it will force us to follow through with recalls on those MLAs who are not standing up for the citizens they were elected to represent.
Paul McCavour and Julie Turner,
Fight HST Regional Organizers - Boundary-Similkameen and Penticton

OSOYOOS TIMES-July 7, 2010

BUILDING THE MARINA WOULD BE A ‘GREAT MISTAKE’

admin — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 23:28:04 +0000

Editor:
To His Worship the mayor and Council of the Town of Osoyoos.
It would be a great mistake to build a dock and marina next to Lions Park.
Motor boats zooming in and out of that location would leave films of oil and gas floating on the water next to a swimming area while also endangering the swimmers.
The noise would be great, too much for the residents of the surrounding area.
It would create a congested area of cars and trucks pulling boats on trailers in this small area.
Think ahead 50 or 100 years from now.
Our town will grow and will need more ground space.
The lot on Highway 3 (Motel Row) which the Town presently uses for the parking of boat trailers will not stay empty forever.
The owner of that lot will build on it one day, and as a result trailers will no longer be parked there.
So, where will they go?
You wouldn’t want to build something that someone else will have to tear down and move to another location in the future.
The piece of land where the Sailing Club is situated should be landscaped and be a part of the Park System joining Kinsman and Gyro Park up to Lions Park.
WE need this.
Think of the future!
Wouldn’t it be great to carry on with the Pioneer Walkway through Gyro and Kinsmen Park up to the Lions Park!
Then Osoyoos could be proud of its Council.
Yes, the citizens of Osoyoos deserve a Marina and a Dock with Launching Ramp as do the tourists that come here and help support our economy.
However, it should not be in the location as presently proposed!
I know that the builders of the Watermark project are putting pressure on the Town.
They are willing to pay their share of the costs, but you can’t give in to big developers.
Our town Council must listen to its citizens.
There is still a lot of empty shoreline around Lake Osoyoos where a Marina could be built, with plenty of land for trailers from Lacey’s Point to Willow Beach or south of town on the east side of the lake, where the tourists are.
Our Town Council should get together with the Regional District and the Council of the Osoyoos Indian Band and all work together to find a suitable location for this project, which then would serve all of the people of greater Osoyoos for many years to come.
Please reconsider the present choice of location as it would be a great mistake to be pressured by big developers into doing something which is not in the best interest of the Citizens of our town of Osoyoos.
George Mahovlic,
Osoyoos

OSOYOOS TIMES-June 30, 2010

CONCERNS ABOUT TRANSIENTS

Editor:
Are we losing our parks and our town to transients?
Walking past Lions Family Park we have often seen many transients drinking with their four to five dogs running around loose.
At Gyro Beach there are about 160 transients drinking and smoking pot.
We met the Bylaw Enforcement Officer and told him about Lions Park.
He said his job was to patrol Gyro Park and keep transients from drinking and could not get down to Lions Park.
I told him about transients washing clothes in the lake and drying them on the fence in Gyro Park, by the Lawn Bowling green, asked him to get them to take them down.
His actual words were “no way, it is too dangerous.”
He was having enough of a problem with them drinking and taking their liquor away.
We have been told by council that this is a “tourist town.”
We would not let our visiting grandchildren go to any of these public parks.
Any tourist stopping in Osoyoos and taking one look at the beach would not want to stop here.
Let’s have a stronger patrol presence with more officers in groups of two or more instead of one being alone and in danger.
Instead of being afraid of these transients let us somehow take back our parks and town.
Al Schultz,
Osoyoos

OSOYOOS TIMES-June 30, 2010

EDITORIAL - TESTALINDEN VS. TESTALINDA

admin — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 23:24:17 +0000

OSOYOOS TIMES-June 30, 2010

Some of our readers have complained in the past two weeks about how local media have referred to the site of the June 13 mudslide as Testalinden Creek instead of Testalinda.
The Osoyoos Times appreciates the importance attached to getting information such as names correct and we appreciate how jarring it can be to a community when the media gets the spelling or pronunciation of a name, especially traditional nomenclature, wrong.
In the case of Testalinden Creek, the Times, and other local media, checked our facts and questioned those officials referring to the creek as Testalinden about why they were not calling it Testalinda.
The term Testalinden has been provided to all media covering the mudslide and reporters, especially at this newspaper, aim for consistency and accuracy by not only using information from official sources and media releases, but verifying the accuracy of the information provided to us.
Testalinden Creek is the official name that comes up in federal taxation documents relating to the creek where the mudslide happened.
It is also the official name for the area provided by the Geographical Names Board of Canada, a section of Natural Resources Canada.
Go to http://geonames2.nrcan.gc.ca/cgi-bin/v9/sima_unique_v9?english?JBAYJ?C to view the board’s official name for the creek.
We realize the name Testalinda has been used to describe a number of other features for the area by the community, including a school that once stood in the vicinity of the slide.
Research by this paper and other local newspapers has confirmed that the proper way to refer to the mudslide area is Testalinden Creek.
With respect to those who have become so agitated by the use of the word Testalinden, it’s hard not to wonder if the spelling of the creek’s name really matters so much, especially in the face of such immense property loss.
It’s likely that the people who lost their homes in the slide care little for whether the mud and debris that changed their lives came from Testalinda or Testalinden Creek.

MARINA CONCEPT A BAD IDEA

admin — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:10:56 +0000

Editor:
RE: Watermark and Marina
Sir, I see the battle for the right to install a marina and fuel dock on the lake beside the sailing club is warming up.
In Florida where I have spent much time on the waterways the laws are very strict.
If you’re refuelling your boat and spill fuel in the water, you are in serious trouble with the law.
The marina operator is required to report you to the EPA.
They take a very dim view and you can be fined and the marina operator may also be fined for allowing your negligence.
Because of the strict regulations, marina operators never fuel your boat.
You must do it and face the liabilities from careless handling of fuel.
The result is thousands of large boats pumping thousands of gallons of fuel everyday and not a trace of a fuel sheen on the water around a fuel dock.
I don’t think Osoyoos will have that level of enforcement and spills will occur on a regular basis.
It won’t take long to see a large fuel sheen on the water which is dangerous to wildlife.
Next, the marina location on what is laughingly called “Lions Bay.”
The idea of putting in 134 slips in the lagoon and lake is absurd.
Some quite good yacht clubs have less than 134 slips.
As a serious big boat sailor for 40 years I can see major problems with slips placed on both sides of the lagoon and a busy weekend at the launch ramp.
The available space to maneuver in the lagoon once your boat is off the trailer will be very limited.
Personally I would not take a slip in such a high traffic area.
It’s been my experience that many times these commercial choices are made by people that don’t know a mast from a propeller.
BUT most important, the Lake Osoyoos Sailing Club operates a Canadian Yachting Association certified sailing school next to the site.
The school caters primarily to children and some adults who typically know nothing about sailing or boats.
Usually when they begin lessons they have no skills and just controlling the boat is a problem.
How can any responsible adult in a position of authority subject these children to the whims of 134 power boaters who over the years have demonstrated a near total lack of understanding about sail boats and their legal responsibility.
Power boat operator certificates will help but small kids learning to sail will definitely be at risk from the yahoos that inhabit the lake during the summer months.
One bad accident involving a child could put the marina owner and operators in major legal jeopardy for negligence regarding the school.
The common sense answer, but one which the Town doesn’t like, is to put docks in front of the hotel.
David Eastbury,
Past Commodore and former member, Lake Osoyoos Sailing Club

OSOYOOS TIMES-June 23, 2010

IT’S TESTALINDA

Editor:
What is with this Testalinden malarkey?
It’s TESTALINDA!
We realize the large papers called it Testalinden, but were horrified to see the local papers follow unquestioningly.
As locals you should have known better.
Pull you heads out of the clouds, give them a shake and then hang them in shame.
Would you accept Osoyoosh or Oliveer?
Our parents (one of whom went to school in Testalinda, the others who were avid historians) and our grandparents were turning in their graves.
We had to write this!
If you hear someone saying Testalinden, correct them please.
We do not want to lose a name just because a careless or power hungry bureaucrat decided to list it in the official gazette of names incorrectly.
It was a surprise to learn this and we don’t know when it happened; we hope it can be corrected (Historical Society?)
To the locals and historians, it’s always been Testalinda - let’s keep it that way.
George and Ellen Fraser,
Osoyoos

OSOYOOS TIMES-June 23, 2010

WHY WASN’T CRASH AT THE SAGE REPORTED IN THE NEWS?

admin — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 23:48:39 +0000

Editor:
The letter from the resident at Willow Beach certainly hit home with me.
I have been putting up with ongoing loud music, foul language, loud voices and inconsiderate behaviour from patrons of the Sage Pub for well over a year now – every weekend.
It seems unfortunate that people cannot go out and have a good time without having to disrupt, disturb and totally destroy the lifestyle of others.
Nobody is saying people should not go out, meet with friends, have some laughs – but please, show some respect to others, as well as to yourselves – when you are out. If it were the patrons who were on the receiving end of these actions on an ongoing basis, you wonder what their reaction would be.
How would they feel if it were their parents who had their lifestyle disturbed while they were trying to live their lives, watch their television, talk on the telephone and try to get their rest?
While the RCMP do attend, they normally sit out on the street, on the other side of the wall at the Sage, and claim that what is talking place until 2:30 in the morning is “normal bar noise.”
Having the loud voices, foul language and loud music (now turned up from inside the bar so it can be heard on the patio area) funneled up towards the neighbouring building continually is not really “normal bar noise!”
There was an incident involving an accident at the Sage – a telephone pole was hit in front of the neighbouring building and about 30 feet of concrete wall was knocked down, allegedly by a patron(s) of the Sage.
This happened on May 14 – a Friday night – and a new wall was up and painted by the Tuesday.
Can only think that the operators of the establishment wanted this repaired quickly so as not to reflect on their business.
It seems strange that there was nothing at all reported in our local newspaper on this.
Why?
Like Ms. Shendaruk, I believe that the “Police Briefs” are not accurately reflecting situations in our TownAs Ms. Shendaruk’s last paragraph states, what would be the outcome if the noise, foul language situation happened in the neighbourhood where the owners live?
Elaine Dean,
Osoyoos

OSOYOOS TIMES-June 16, 2010

NATIONAL PARK A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

Editor:
I want to congratulate the reporter from your newspaper who wrote the article on the proposed South Okanagan Similkameen National Park Reserve this week based on the media tour of the proposed core area and information given by scientists and other supporters of the project.
The article was well balanced between the ecological, economic, and social information provided by the citizen proponents of the National Park Network and the concerns of those who oppose the park.
As a strong supporter of the park concept for all the reasons given in the article, I am delighted to have such excellent coverage; the general public deserves no less.
A national park will not solve all the ecological or economic problems of the valleys, but without it these problems are likely to expand to the detriment of all the inhabitants, human or otherwise.
Eva Durance,
Penticton

OSOYOOS TIMES-June 16, 2010

WRITER HOPES MARINA PROJECT WILL HAPPEN

Editor:
Once again the NIMBY’S (not in my backyard) are voicing their displeasure and disapproval of the proposed marina on the lake.
This comes about, to the exclusion of all others in our Community.
Those who rely on the tourist economy for their livelihood as well as us taxpayers, who if not for tourism and its related development, would in all likelihood have tax bills many times greater than our present bills.
These are the same faces that consistently object to anything that might change the community in any way shape or form.
Some are short-time residents that came from other areas and feel that any project or development will destroy forever the Town that attracted them to move here.
Others are long-term or “born here” residents that have that same deep-seated fear.
It is often said that there is nothing more constant than change and at best we can only hope to shape it, or guide it to the extent of our abilities.
I remember well, the firestorm that preceded the Watermark Resort development. Fortunately the developers were patient and accommodating and responded by completely revamping the original plan.
Then, during construction in concert with the Town, they incorporated a filtration system in the development which in effect filters all the surface water from all the way to the top of Main Street.
It is said that when the ground water goes into the lake after filtration, that the water quality is better than the lake water itself.
Next there was the concern about the walkway to be built along the lake in front of Watermark.
To allay those concerns the Developers deeded in perpetuity to the Town the land that the walkway is built on.
Through these numerous challenges the Town and Developers worked closely together to provide our Community with a finished product that we can all be proud of and that befits our designation as a “Resort Community.”
The plan for the marina was a part of that constructive give and take.
I sincerely hope that our Mayor and Council will stay the course and complete the plan.
There are a lot of us non-NIMBY’S out here.
Derek Noske,
Osoyoos

OSOYOOS TIMES-June 16, 2010

CHARTER OF RIGHTS OR NO RIGHTS

Editor:
I have to write to the editor after reading in the Times May 26, 2010 edition that the council of our town wants to go against the Charter of Rights and are trying to implement a “Safe Premises Bylaw” which they say will help to fight drug production in local homes, this being a job that the police are already doing very well.
I say go after the big guys who come into town with loads of drugs and then distribute them from the mountains around the town.
The Charter of Rights is set up so the ordinary decent people can have privacy.
A few years ago I wrote a letter to the editor when this very same kind of thing was being discussed.
I know that these situations are a “Set-up” to get all the ordinary people upset so that they will be against something that is good and protects ordinary people, changed to something that takes away their rights and this seems to be the case with this Osoyoos Town Council’s proposed bylaw.
No one will have a right to keep out anyone who says that they are looking for drugs in their houses.
I can see this changing of the Charter of Rights being the foothold for the government to be able to come into the homes to root out all of our stored vitamins that they now want to sell to us.
I think that we can keep well without these helper-plants but I am trying to show the people that they had better not be for such a move by our town to take away our rights as citizens.
The Charter of Rights has kept the little guys’ rights intact for years and we need this privacy law kept in place.
Now Town of Osoyoos Council, you go up in the hills and catch the “Big Bad Wolf” and remember if our rights are taken away you are a part of us.
Evelyn Valentine,
Osoyoos

OSOYOOS TIMES-June 16, 2010

WRITER SUPPORTS MOUNTIE UNDER INVESTIGATION

admin — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 23:36:24 +0000

Editor:
Re: Conduct of RCMP member Constable Amit Goyal.
Professional, honest, dedicated, fair, decent and committed come to mind when I think of Constable Amit Goyal of the Osoyoos RCMP detachment.
Constable Amit Goyal is an asset to our community with his faithful and dedicated service.
He is a good man doing a very difficult job for our safety and security.
He has my complete confidence and support.
I am confident that the investigation will come to the same conclusion.
Andreas Weiss,
Osoyoos

OSOYOOS TIMES-June 9, 2010

TOWN MAKING A MISTAKE WITH MARINA CONCEPT

Editor:
Following concerns expressed against a planned commercial marina at a public hearing on May 17, the Town has scheduled an information meeting for June 10 to justify the proposed marina.
By the simple expedient of passing a bylaw to add “marina” as a permitted use in an area zoned as Parks and Recreation, the Town gives itself permission to develop a major commercial enterprise in a sensitive foreshore area.
The marina plan as outlined contradicts a number of the Town’s own bylaws regarding allowed developments.
Further, details about inclusions or restrictions about the proposed commercial marina have not been made available to the public.
Further still, the lagoon area site in question was part of a free Crown grant to the Town for public recreation use.
Why would the provincial Environment and Lands ministries consider giving approval for a commercial marina on foreshore land given as a free land grant to benefit the general public?
What chance would a private developer have in getting approval to build a major commercial enterprise on land within an area zoned as Parks and Recreation?
Would that developer be allowed to ignore a number of the Town bylaws to proceed with building the commercial project?
I would hope a number of Osoyoos citizens will take the time to attend the information session at the Sonora Centre on June 10 to learn what is really happening with the marina proposal, and to learn why the Town plans to proceed with a major commercial development in an area where no private developer proposal would get even minimal consideration.
Tony Brummet,
Osoyoos

OSOYOOS TIMES-June 9, 2010

THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WILLOW BEACH PARTY COMPLAINTS

Editor:
I feel compelled to set the record straight regarding the recent ‘noise’ complaints from Willow Beach.
The “house party” was a HIGH SCHOOL “GRAD” PARTY for K.P.S. in Surrey.
It was conducted outside the residence.
It was hosted by the parents of one of the Grads, who do not live here.
There were seven-plus tents, 20-plus kids (many were minors), 12-plus vehicles and a non-stop bonfire in that yard.
The party began Thursday, (May 20) and continued WITHOUT STOPPING until Monday, (May 23), when our caretaker finally got around to evicting some of them.
I called the RCMP around 1:50 a.m. Saturday morning because the party had escalated to a “blast your stereos competition.”
While I was on the phone with an RCMP member, 911 received a second call from a different neighbour.
The RCMP attended the scene.
Saturday, my grandson’s first birthday party was ruined by their disgusting behavior.
The RCMP were called again and attended.
At about 12:30 a.m. Sunday, the RCMP were called again and attended.
That evening, the RCMP patrolled through here several times.
On Monday, May 23, by 3 p.m. the last of the partiers had left, leaving in their wake a vacuum of quiet that actually made my ears ache.
Let me be very clear.
What happened at Willow Beach on this May long weekend, was not some “little house party” gone a little over the top.
And let me be equally clear when I say that the numerous requests we made for help resulted in no relief for any of us.
This, despite the fact that we are afforded by law, by the Manufactured Home Owner’s Act, the Residential Tenancy Act, and our own Rent/Lease Agreements, the “Right of: the ‘Quiet Enjoyment’ of our homes and neighbourhood.”
It is outrageous that people, who would not dare do such a thing in their own neighbourhood, were allowed to disrupt my neighbourhood, at their discretion.
It is unconscionable, that this “event” was allowed to continue for four days.
It is unacceptable that the public record will reflect how a “local party spot” was shut down easily, while those of us who begged for help repeatedly were not afforded the same consideration.
All we get is a brief and inaccurate mention in the Police Briefs.
I wonder what the outcome would have been had this happened in the neighbourhoods where my landlords live?
Susan Shendaruk,
Osoyoos

OSOYOOS TIMES-June 9, 2010

CHAMBER APPRECIATES LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENTS’ RECENT EFFORTS

Editor:
What a loss to the community of Oliver the fires at both the Mesa Hotel and the Oliver Auto Recycling have created.
Fortunately for all affected, behind every dark cloud there is a silver lining.
With tragedy comes opportunity: opportunity to learn, opportunity to grow and opportunity to succeed.
We sincerely hope that Don and Lisa (of the Mesa Hotel) and Darcy and Misty (of the Oliver Auto Recycling) are able to persevere and come out on top of the rubble: strong and in command of whatever their futures may hold.
We are behind you 100 per cent and on behalf of the entire South Okanagan Chamber of Commerce we would like to offer our condolences to you and your families.
We wish you the best with all your future endeavors.
We would also like to congratulate the Oliver, Okanagan Falls and Osoyoos fire departments, under the direction of Fire Chief Dave Janzen for a job well done.
Your hard work is truly appreciated; thanks to your efforts the devastating Mesa Fire was contained and both the Cooper’s building to the north and the Eby’s building and business to the south were spared major damage.
Thank you for all your hard work!
South Okanagan Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors

OSOYOOS TIMES-June 9, 2010