NATIONAL PARK A GOOD MOVE

Editor:

We don't see where the national park system is now pushing the sale of pristine national parks as is our provincial government, who is presently pushing sale of portions of the provincial parks.
We understand that there is not any desire of national parks to develop as was the case in some national parks years ago. We also understand even in Banff National Park there are still more bears than golf courses.
Surely preservation of our natural grasslands is also of importance. National parks go to great lengths to obtain local input, as is now the case.
As to underfunding and understaffing, we only need to compare provincial parks and national parks. The last figures I reviewed were as follows: B.C. spends $2.63 per hectare on parks. National parks spend $14.64 per hectare. As to staffing, the province has approximately 53 rangers responsible for 826 parks. The proposed National Park Reserve has budgeted $2.5 million per year to maintain and manage this park alone.
National parks certainly do have a lot of expertise in fire fighting and will also work closely with the province.
The LRMP (Land and Resource Management Plan) was not asked to consider a national park. That decision was made at a much higher level than the local LRMP. We also note that the grazing charge being paid by a few privileged individuals does not even pay the wages of one person to oversee it.
Again, we believe this would be a great benefit to all of us in every way, not only those of us who reside here but to all Canadians who appreciate what we have and don't want to lose it.

Harry NielsenrnOsoyoos

– (OSOYOOS TIMES — August 30, 2006)


[b]PRINCIPALS LAUD SCHOOL START-UP[/b]

Editor:

School's back and what a great place for youngsters to be.
While B.C.'s public schools are already among the best in the world, this September brings five years of labour peace and a feeling of optimism. Principals and vice-principals will be cooperating with all partners in education to increase success for both individual students and the whole public education system.
Parents are partners in a child's education and can do lots to help their children succeed. Now's the perfect time to get off on the right foot “ no matter what age your child. Make sure that he or she gets enough sleep, starts the day with a good breakfast and has a nutritious lunch.
Visit the school to meet the principal and the vice-principal and your children's teachers. Read school newsletters and pay close attention to the news and information that teachers send home. Keep track of assignments and set up regular quiet study times for your children in a place suitable for doing homework. Call the school and speak to the teacher, the principal, or the counsellor whenever you have a concern.
Remember that schools offer opportunities for students outside the classroom as well. Children who are involved in extra-curricular activities usually feel more of a connection to school and tend to do better in their studies. Consider volunteering if the school asks for help with these events or for help with other school activities.
This year is going to be a great year in schools. To find out more about your neighbourhood school and the wonderful things that are happening there for youngsters, call the principal. We're proud of the work that school staffs do with students and want to share those success stories with you.
First day is always exciting. Don't be late; it's going to be a good year.

Les DukowskirnPresident, BC Principals' & Vice-Principals' AssociationrnVancouver

– (OSOYOOS TIMES — August 30, 2006)


[b]LANDLORDS SHOULD GIVE REFERENCES[/b]

Editor:

Landlords “ who are they? They are the people who own houses or apartments, the people who rent these premises to unsuspecting renters.
I believe that there needs to be a law that landlords show references to their prospective tenants stating that they are good upstanding citizens who abide by the laws and will treat a renter as a human being, and that they are known to give back the damage deposit when the renter leaves. That they will not find excuses to put the renter out because the renter will not succumb to their incessant 'B&Es'.
Landlords should not have the privilege to use their key to open the door of a renter's suite if the renter does not open the door when the landlord knocks every second day or more. A landlord should not be allowed to swear or call the renter obscene names when he enters the renter's paid-up premises.
Renters have to give landlords references, so it should be that renters are given that same privilege to make sure that they will get the best treatment possible.
I have rented for 20 years, and in one situation I was forced to call the police on three occasions because a landlord used his key to let himself in while I was in the apartment. I have also had a landlord withhold the damage deposit because I claimed one month's rent. I did that because he gave me notice. In such cases, the law says if Arbitration finds the landlord is at fault, he has to pay the renter double the deposit and still pay the one month's rent. Is it really worth it to landlords to withhold damage deposits like this?rnThis is the kind of thing I am talking about. This is the reason that renters need to get references from landlords. Is anyone interested to try to help me make this a law?rnI always treat other people's property like it was my own and always leave the premises in better condition than the day I took possession.

Evelyn ValentinernOsoyoos

– (OSOYOOS TIMES — August 30, 2006)