This is regarding last week’s aquatic centre articles in the Times Chronicle.
Most of the older generations in this town never even knew there was a survey; they would also be the most hard hit financially.
Sampling was not random. Normally those that chose to respond are those with something to gain. Those without a computer would not be capable of participating. Nothing random here.
The survey never mentions that there would exist significant costs that would be passed down to all property owners. Failure to have a comprehensive description of what the vote might entail, or result in, often results in confirmation bias, as will leading questions.
This is not a scientifically based mandate of any nature; to tout it as such is irresponsible. This type of survey is helpful in determining what should be included if the outcome has already been determined.
For those of us who live in Oliver the proposed location will in all likelihood reduce those using this type of facility; the 20-minute drive in each direction will bring that about. It will render our own pool and skate rinks redundant. The folks of this community will be taxed for two such facilities, one in town and one to the south.
I would love to see a covered aquatic centre and would be more than happy to help pay for it. But not in Osoyoos and never without a fair/equitable costing and governance path. If it is necessary to have a covered pool and I believe it might be; dig ours up and construct one in the same/similar footprint. At least we would know ahead of time who would be running it.
I thought it was disliked for political proponents to assume that grants were to be expected when funding such a project.
Estimate what it will cost the average property owner. Back up those figures with similar numbers that have come out of analogous facilities and towns across Canada. Tell us how you will ‘plant the seeds’ for living wage jobs so that the demand for this facility, from the younger generations, will materialize. The families will come if mom and dad can support their households. This proposal will actually discourage younger families from locating here, higher taxes will be inevitable. Placing a pool outside walking distance will not appeal to anyone.
Come up with a list of unintended consequences, such as increased public transit/the costs of revised infrastructure along with the costs for same.
Keep us informed and enlightened so that we are not in a constant state of confusion. By doing so you just might find that more of us are cooperative. It is not a ‘fool’s errand’ for us to know what the costs and governance structure will look like. Wouldn’t hurt to know which local entity stands to benefit from this proposed installation as well. As presented, I believe it is a lose/lose for Oliver.
Michael Guthrie, Oliver
