Town of Osoyoos Mayor responds to Murseli letter

Editor:rnResponse to Letter to the Editor by Sy Murseli in June 29, 2005 issue of Osoyoos Times.
Mr. Murseli 's attempt to set some facts straight unfortunately missed the mark. Contrary to his assertion, the Town of Osoyoos did not lose the Nobbs appeal.
Mr. Murseli failed to note that there were two issues argued before the courts. One issue concerned the proper assessment of the Nobbs' property for water and sewer fees. The other issue was whether the Nobbs were using their property for a R.V. park. Mr. Murseli cites excerpts from the judgment with respect to the R.V. park issue only, but those excerpts are from the trial judgment, not the appeal judgment.
What Mr. Murseli also failed to mention is that the Court of Appeal reversed the trial judge's decision on the assessment issue completely, and ruled entirely in the Town's favour.
The Town was also successful on appeal with respect to the R.V. park issue. The Court of Appeal agreed with the Nobbs that aspects of their use did not contravene the zoning bylaw, but agreed with the Town that some of the newer structures on the land were not protected by the bylaw and ordered that they be taken down.
The Court of Appeal's judgment also notes the trial was efficiently conducted on the basis of agreed facts, affidavit evidence and brief testimony. The Court is still considering submission on the issue of costs. The Town could receive a costs award in its favour because of its successes on appeal.
Mayor John Slater


Editor:rnI would like to respond to the Letter To The Editor Wed. July 6, by Mr. Wayne Knight/Monica Reddermann re: Cherry Fiesta Pie Eating Contest.
I am very disappointed that a citizen would complain of this situation and didn't even volunteer for anything on Canada Day. This event was going to be cancelled at the last minute due to the person organizing it was out of town due to family matters and we couldn't get someone to do it. So our enthusiastic President took what she had available and made some pies for the Pie Eating Contest. If you think that this is a lack of planning and imagination I would suggest that you volunteer in the future. I would like to give some stats of previous years. 2004 we had prepared 40 pies, contestants were 10 children, 18 adults. We couldn't even give away the left overs. In 2005 we decided to cut down on the amount of pies. We had 8 pies for kids and had trouble getting 8 contestants for the adult round.
Myself and many of the committee members were at the Canada Day celebrations from 6:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. I am a Director and an outstanding member and proud of the Osoyoos Festival Society since 1997 and I have not heard or seen such criticism. I personally would like to thank all Directors and Volunteers that put endless hours into this successful Canada Day. Volunteers are always welcome.
Bill Ashdown,rnOsoyoos Festival Society


Editor:rnWhat a wonderful event our town experienced overnight June 25-26. Our first annual Relay for Life was a tremendous success, raising funds for the Canadian Cancer Society and having lots of fun and companionship.
Our thanks to all the survivors who participated in the Survivors Lap, what a thrilling celebration of life it was!rnThanks to all who participated,rnCarole McGhie, Carole BissonnetternCo-Chairs, Survivor Event


Editor:rnI would like to respond to Mr. Kerr's letter on the Town park situation.
First and foremost, I think that the R.C.M.P. need to be thanked for their excellent services and police presence on the Canada Day weekend.
Second, I do not think that he has the right to condemn the entire French community for the actions of a few.
Rudi RichterrnOsoyoos


Editor:rnTo the mayor, council and town planner:rnThank you Sy Mureseli for your letter to the Editor dated June 29. Very interesting and true.
My concerns are on town planning.
For the past 15 years I have seen no improvements for a by-pass for trucks, large vehicles.
On Main Street when jammed, the Fire Trucks cannot get out of the Fire Hall.
Can the Fire Trucks we have handle any emergency over four stories? What about disabled people who cannot use an elevator and cannot use the stairs.
Do we have the equipment to get them out of the building?rnAre all apartments, condos, town houses having to put a sprinkling system when built?rnWhat happens if and when the bridge collapses? What is the emergency plan? Does the East Bench drive over the Indian Reservation to get to the hospital? I do not see a ferry provided to get us across for any emergency.
Why do we have parking on the Main Street with people backing out onto the coming traffic?rnThe above points are accidents waiting to happen.
What are the mayor, council and town planner, planning for the next 5-10 years? Even that is too late with all the tourists and new owners. This plan should have been in effect 10 years ago.
Let the people of Osoyoos know the Emergency Plan.

B. SmithrnOsoyoos


Editor:rnI have been a resident here since 1969 it continues to amaze me that we still do not have a proper boat launching facility in this town.
We are among many Osoyoos residents who have to endure the long line ups and inadequate parking and absolutely deplorable conditions of our only public town launching facility.
On long weekends people have no idea how to park or where, as there is little to no signage.
I wish the town would spend a fraction of the legal fees they have been spending lately on fixing up our boat launch.
We also have many public easements to the lake that are undeveloped are being used exclusively by the adjacent property owners for their own personal use.
This goes for the regional district as well.
If it is more waterfront you want we already have it. As you walk along Acacia Crest. towards Haynes point on the public walk way I noticed that some of these property owners have claimed the lakeshore for themselves.
This is a perfect little area to develop as a beach front. There is little to no signage informing the public about the walk way especially at the Haynes Point side.
At first glance you would think it is all private. The town can't take care of the public lands that it has now so let's develop the packing house property and start to do something with the public lakeshore land we now have before it is forgotten forever.
Sherry IsaakrnOsoyoos


rnA Pastoral Message For These Troubled TimesrnThe recent attacks in London remind us of the spiritual nature of the struggle between good and evil. It is necessary for Canadians to go to the source of all security”God. Because the purpose of life needs to be in conformity with God's purpose.
Some would argue that there is no God. But there is hardly any need to refute such nonsense. Rather we need to seek Him, find Him, and in good conscience obey Him. He has made all things and He preserves all things. And He has redeemed the fallen world in a Saviour, who says to the human race, Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28). The turbulent spirit is home of the devil.
Now the peace God gives is firstly internal. When we individually and then collectively seek spiritual rest in the One who calls us, then the peace can spread worldwide. This truth is expressed in Psalm 46:rnGod is our refuge and strength,rna very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear.
Even though the earth be removed,rnand though the mountains be carried
into the midst of the sea;rnThough its waters roar and be troubled,rnThough the mountains shake with its swelling.
Rev. S.H. Redenbach, e.m.