CHAMBER ADDRESSES CONCERNS ABOUT REVITALIZATION MEETING
Editor:
On behalf of the South Okanagan Chamber of Commerce (SOCC) I would like to apologize to any business who felt excluded from the recently held charrette.
The purpose of this initial meeting was to see if there was support politically and publicly regarding the initiative in the formation of a Business Improvement Association (BIA) or other structures for the purpose of a focused downtown revitalization.
For the sake of expedience and interaction, participation was limited to 20 to 25.
This preliminary meeting was a cross section of people who will eventually champion this project: SOCC, DO, town, business owners, and commercial property owners.
If willingness were present among this group to move this initiative forward, then further time and energy would be committed.
The second part of this charrette was to identify issues regarding the downtown, which either a BIA or a Downtown Development Corporation could address.
A report of findings is being compiled by the consulting firm involved regarding this aspect.
Once again, this was a preliminary meeting to help kick-start this project, and as time goes on every business in the BIA area will have the ability to participate, for every business voice is equally important.
So with all the negativity in the news regarding the recession, let's rise above this and focus on the positive.
For the first time in a long time the Chamber, Destination Osoyoos, and the Town are working together co-operatively focusing on the downtown.
Let's keep this positive energy going, and band together as innovative small town businesses.
SOCC Downtown Enhancement Committee
OSOYOOS TIMES-March 25, 2009
DOG OWNERS NEED TO BE CONSIDERATE
Editor:
I live around the area of Gravenstein and Jonagold.
There are dog owners in the area that put their dogs out and let them bark for hours at a time.
There is one smaller dog that barks from the time it is let out until it is taken in.
There are three larger dogs that join in on it as well.
If they are all out at the same time they all get barking at the same time.
Need I say what this sounds like?
This goes on sometimes for hours at a time during the day, evening and at one, two and three in the morning.
What is wrong with these dog owners?
Do they really think that the people in the area enjoy listening to their dogs incessant barking for hours at a time?
Their actions are irresponsible and inconsiderate. rn
The problem only gets worse as the weather warms up.
Maybe these dog owners should look into getting a barking collar for dogs so their neighbours can have some peace and quiet.
No one minds a dog doing his little woof woof when he goes outside but for owners to let it go on for hours at a time day and night is just not acceptable.
It shows a tremendous lack of concern for their neighbours.
If you are not going to be a responsible and considerate dog owner, then you shouldn't have one.
You just don't seem to care about your dogs or your neighbours.
Carol Schneider,rnOsoyoos
OSOYOOS TIMES-March 25, 2009
CALL FOR RELAY FOR LIFE SUBMISSIONS
Editor:
In case you missed the notice in the Osoyoos Times, I thought I'd let you all know that the Times has decided to run a regular feature this April/May called Why I relay.
The idea is to profile individual's stories, sent into the paper in the form of letters, saying why we participate in the Relay for Life.
At the end of each article they'll note when the Relay is and how to register.
Isn't that awesome!!!
So, if you'd like to share your story, please do.
It doesn't have to be long and you don't have to worry about spelling and grammar and all that “ the paper will take care of all that.
Audrey McCulloch,rnCo-ordinator,
Canadian Cancer Society, Relay for Life Osoyoos – Oliver
OSOYOOS TIMES-March 25, 2009
