Kudos to Osoyoos

Editor:rnI am a Calgarian who has recently returned from vacation in Osoyoos. Hats off to those responsible for the exceptional planning and development that is apparent everywhere one looks!rnThe community appears to be thriving. I noticed both business and residential construction occurring in abundance. I can't help but believe this type of progress is providing the construction and trades people with employment, thus pumping more money into the Osoyoos economy.
I was impressed with the style of the building designs, fitting in with that unique desert appeal that Osoyoos possesses. A visit to the fabulous Nk'Mip winery and campground was impressive, to say the least. What struck me most was the industrious and proud way The Nk'Mip Band is working toward the betterment of the community, creating employment for their members and working collectively toward a bright and promising future, by investing in education and employment for their youth. Their joint venture with Vin-cor is an ingenius initiative.
While I visited, Osoyoos was hosting the Junior 'B' provincial hockey tournament. With all that is happening in Osoyoos, I can imagine Osoyoos will be a future draw, not only for sporting events, but business conventions and various other events.
I noticed Channel 18 on the local TV, spread a lot of useful community information regarding everything from bus schedules to introducing new businesses and their owners. What a brilliant idea!rnI have visited Osoyoos for the past 10 years and I always marvel at how clean and inviting it feels. The extra-wide main street with angle parking offers small community charm, and the waterfront parks and facilities are exceptionally well planned and well kept. Osoyoos is truly a desert gem and a community that all Osoyoos residents should be proud of. Bouquets to You! Dot Demerais
TownsendrnCalgary Resident

Editor:rnIn a previous issue of the Osoyoos Times was published the official statement of the International Osoyoos Lake Board of Control, that in accordance to the U.S. Weather Service the volume of flow in the Similkameen River at Nighthawk of Washington State will be considered as drought conditions. So the water of the Osoyoos Lake in Canada may be increased by the Zosel Dam, operated by the Washington State, to the level of 913 feet a.s.1. of US Coast and Geodetic Survey.
To declare drought year was done in almost 80% of years of the operation of the Zosel Dam since 1987. In mine humble professional opinion, that is rather unusual that such high percentage incidents could be considered an anomaly. Either all those forecasts done in USA were wrong and not corrected during those years or the whole system is wrong.
The level of 913 feet above sea level was set arbitrarily without any engineering surveys of the water levels, contrary to common practices around the world for construction of dams. But it also contravenes the bilateral agreement between Canada and USA signed in 1909 because no Environmental Assessment Study has been done. So this year we will again have in Osoyoos disappearing public beaches and erosions of public and private properties without any compensation which naturally contravenes Section 17 of the Zosel Dam Approval 1985. That will harm residents and tourists as well. There was already a child drowned on our crowded beach in previous year of drought. The council of Osoyoos passed a resolution requesting a proper examination of the operation of the dam, but unfortunately without any official response from the International Joint Commission or Federal Governments of USA and Canada. I have had delivered personally some data to MPs J. Hart and J. Gouk in respect of this problem and also to B. Barisoff in past years. Our political representatives have done nothing.
I think it is finally time that our voted in representatives do some real work on our behalf.
Is it not finally time to be heard?
Ivo TylrnResident of Osoyoos and retired professional civil engineer