PARK OPPONENTS SHOULD DO MORE RESEARCH

Editor:

This is in response to a letter critical of Ross Fitzpatrick from Quadvlieg, Rustad, Norton and McKay, (Osoyoos Times, Feb. 27, 2008,) opponents of a proposal that will benefit nature, benefit the land, and benefit people. That proposal is a South Okanagan-Similkameen National Park.

Opponents to the park argue if the momentum to create a national park can be blocked then use and enjoyment of the land will remain unchanged forever.

Independent public opinion polls have determined that the majority of residents support conservation of our endangered environment. A national park would provide what the large majority of residents want. Park supporters also seek continued use and enjoyment of the land.

However, the rapid pace of land development is putting those values at risk. This is one of the fastest developing areas in Canada. Circumstances will not remain unchanged if the national park proposal is blocked.

As the land continues to become ever-more fragmented access will inevitably be prohibited. Instead, a national park is the very land-securement mechanism that will ensure, in perpetuity, many aspects of nature all of us cherish.

Real world experience shows it will be good for business owners, and, for employees in the South Okanagan-Similkameen.

It will be a big boost to our economy. Whether a person is in business, or a recreationist, or a nature-lover wanting to conserve cherished natural values for themselves and their kids to enjoy, there are MANY substantive benefits to establishing a National Park here.

A national park here will become a treasured neighbour in our ecological, economic and cultural landscape. We are at 'a cross-roads'.

This park proposal is a 'one-time-only' opportunity to achieve this lasting legacy for our children and the future.
Far-sighted people support the national park proposal.

Ross Fitzpatrick is among those people. I join the many people that applaud Ross Fitzpatrick for his commitment to helping conserve the quality-of-life of residents in the South Okanagan-Similkameen.
There are a number of misrepresentations in the letter from park opponents.

For example, Parks Canada has committed to allow CHC to continue mountain flying training.
Further, Canadian Helicopter Company has recently been sold to foreign business interests!
This is a clear example that circumstances can change in a moment.

A national park will provide security and stability in long-term conservation of the landscape.

Bob Lincoln, Member: South Okanagan “ Similkameen National Park NetworkrnKaleden

OSOYOOS TIMES-March 5, 2008

ANTI-PARK CAMP'S VIEWS DISTORTED

Editor:

The four authors of the letter in the Osoyoos Times, Feb 27 (Senator should stay out of park debate) raise the question of whether Senator Fitzpatrick has misused his office in promoting the proposed National Park.

The possible misuse of his office is a matter worthy of discussion, but is quite separate from the question of whether or not the proposed Park would be a good thing to have.

The authors of the letter have used the opportunity to promote their anti-park views, and do that with some outrageous distortions.

Anyone interested in what the situation really is should consult the recent publication from Parks Canada, their Newsletter #4 about the Park, Update and Frequently Asked Questions.

It is full of good information about the items which concern local people most.

For example, contrary to what the four authors state so flatly:

- heritage ranches would not be lost. They will be used for ranching as long as there are ranchers who want to ranch them, and their heritage would be honoured.

- Canadian Helicopters' training school would not be lost and there would be no impact on the airport. Parks Canada has assured Canadian Helicopters, in writing, that they could continue to operate in the Park.

- there is no added risk of wildfire. Parks Canada has expertise, and a good record, in managing wildfires, and in fact the risk would be reduced.

The Parks Canada Newsletter #4 is based on years of intensive study of the area and discussions with the people here, and the mature tone of the publication reflects that.

It shows very clearly how complex the situation is.

The simple statements that the four authors made, or that I have made, do not convey that complexity - I strongly recommend that anyone who is interested get their hands on the Parks Canada newsletter, which I'm told is available at libraries and Band Offices throughout the area, in Penticton at the RDOS, OSCA, or Parks Canada Project Office (490-2238), and in Osoyoos at the Desert Centre, and at Destination Osoyoos in the Osoyoos Visitor Centre.

Chris Purton,
Farleigh Lake

OSOYOOS TIMES-March 5, 2008

SENATOR SHOULD HEED BOTH SIDES IN PARK DEBATE

Editor:

Along with every other resident of Osoyoos, today we received our Message from the Senator. Sen. Fitzpatrick requests that we help create a new national park. The last time I looked this was a democracy.

If Sen. Fitzpatrick is going to request that residents support this park, shouldn't he also give those who oppose the park the chance to stand up and be counted also?

I realize that Sen. Fitzpatrick is a member of a highly paid group of Canadians. An unelected group who are not accountable to the Canadian public.

But when he is using our tax dollars to solicit our support for anything shouldn't he give those who disagree with him an equal opportunity?

Included in his package, shouldn't there have been a No, I do not support the creation of a new national park.
Without the representation from the naysayers there will be no balance.

Don't think for one minute that the person tabulating the response takes the total number of information packages sent out.

They will not tabulate all of the cards returned that are in favour of the park and subtract the in favour cards from the total number to also determine those either opposed or just not interested. Government does not work that way.

Sen. Fitzpatrick's name has been linked with this endeavor since it originally came to the public's notice. It has been rumored from the beginning that he would like his name attached to this park to be immortalized.

I have heard this question voiced at every information meeting that I have been to in Osoyoos.

Each time it has been denied.

After this it now has the appearance of being a very costly process to give some politician his place in history.
It is none of my concern how others feel about this park, but I do believe that each side of an argument has the right to voice their opinions.

Teresa Calwell,rnOsoyoos

OSOYOOS TIMES-March 5, 2008

WHERE IS OSOYOOS'S SPIRIT OF VOLUNTEERISM?

Editor:

We know volunteers are a special breed of people, but I would like to let you know of two extra special volunteers.

They do not live in Osoyoos, but faithfully attend meetings and events in Osoyoos.

One lives in Keremeos and the other in Midway, which involves dedication and gas to travel here.
So, I think we, who live here, owe them big time!

What has happened to OUR community spirit?

What do the council and the people of Osoyoos want?

A Retired Volunteer,rnOsoyoos

OSOYOOS TIMES-March 5, 2008