By Lexi McFarlane, Times Chronicle
Plans to add on to a recently upgraded park in the South Okanagan have been approved by the RDOS, with a new community centre now slated to be built.
The community centre will be the newest component of Jamie Soule Memorial Park, renamed and enhanced in 2019 in honour of former Anarchist Mountain deputy fire chief Jamie Soule. In May 2025, a pavilion erected in the park was opened to the public and has been a spot for musical performances in the community.
Bearing the name of the community it will reside in, the Anarchist Mountain Community Centre required a matching contribution to a grant it received, as well as coverage of remaining construction costs. The ask for the RDOS was for a total of $250,000; $100,000 of which would match its Community Foundation of the South Okanagan Similkameen.
Funding for the community centre will come from the RDOS’s Community Works Fund, as it satisfies the objective of the fund pertaining to recreational and cultural infrastructure. Because it will be funded through that channel, there will be no tax impact for RDOS residents.
Additionally, the community centre will be located on the RDOS’ land and will be owned by the RDOS upon completion. This means the project will be exempt from the third-party approval requirements for Community Works, as confirmed by the Union of BC Municipalities.
The Anarchist Mountain Community Society will manage the construction project. No tentative opening date has been announced at the time of reporting.
Meanwhile, AMCS Music on the Mountain will take place on Sat, June 6, from 12:30 p.m. – 4 p.m., at the Jamie Soule Memorial Park Pavilion, 105 Sasquatch Trail, Osoyoos, featuring three local acts: RNR, Johnny Carwash & the Desert Dawgz, and Stroke of Soul. Tickets at the event: AMCS Members – $10, non-members – $20, kids 12 & under free.
