Editor:
Re: Oasis Development Project Proposal
Mr. Mayor and City Councillors:
I attended the information session for the proposed Oasis Development Project.
Regretfully, I noted that the planners who work for our city seemed to be attempting to “sell” the project to the audience.
I would have thought that until a project has been approved and signed off by you and council, it should be handled in an impartial manner.
I did not get the impression that this was the case.
It felt as though this project had already received the go ahead from the City.
I have a number of objections to the way this project is being put forward:
1. The fact that all four phases will be approved at the outset this year is of great concern to me.  I feel it would be far better to give approval for Phase 1 and then approve the following phases as they arise and as a demonstrated need can be established.  We do not know what the economic climate will be like in 10 years.  We certainly cannot make accurate projections of the population in 10 years. It does not appear that we have any housing needs at this time.  Many new and older townhouse and condo units along with houses in this town are not selling.  A town that does not fill its existing structures and a project that potentially will draw existing businesses out of the downtown core will make the town look and feel like a ghost town.  I think it is problematic that the planners want to recommend that all phases be approved at once so that future councils cannot vote to “downsize” the project.  Surely, our town should keep that option open to react appropriately to the needs of the community in the coming years.  If, as I expect, we discover that the need is not there in 10 years for a 10-storey building, surely council should have the option to halt that project.  This will not be possible if all phases are approved at once.
2. I agree we should not develop into the ALR, but then, is further development at this time even warranted?  However, I wonder what such a huge development will do and how it will impact the “environmentally sensitive area” of Peanut Lake?  We have an osprey nest by the lake; we have turtles, frogs, a variety of birds and of course many fish in this lovely “Oasis” within the city.  This too should be protected.  What would such a huge influx of population do to the pristine nature of this lovely lake?  Also, many of us who live here chose this area for its peace, for the lack of traffic and other noise.  I moved out of Vancouver to get away from congestion of people and traffic as I believe many others have done and will continue to do if they do not see huge high rises.
Birgit Arnstein,
Osoyoos

OSOYOOS TIMES-September 1, 2010

SALMON QUARREL SHOULD BE DROPPED

Editor:
Osoyoos has had a good relationship with First Nations and the Osoyoos Indian Band.
Let’s not go and spoil it with negative letters, a fight over fish and publicizing the amount they may have been paid, with no further information.
Most people are paid for work that they do.
That’s just the way it is.
The fish didn’t just drop out of the sky into Osoyoos Lake.
They are a natural part of the river system.
It was us that built those dams.
If there is to be recreational fishing, then a negotiated agreement would have been nice.
Instead of criticizing, we should say thank you.
They worked hard and did a good job.
Rudi Richter,
Osoyoos

OSOYOOS TIMES-September 1, 2010