OSOYOOS TIMES-May 19, 2010
By Laurena Weninger – Osoyoos Times
Osoyoos town council decided to put off second and third readings of a zoning amendment bylaw that would allow for the construction of a marina at Lions Park.
Instead council scheduled a session to provide more information on the matter to the public.
Council chambers were packed on the evening of May 17, with people sitting in as many chairs as could be put in the room.
In addition, people were standing all around the perimeter of the room, waiting for their chance to speak at the public meeting held prior to the council’s regular meeting.
“The particulars and details are not available,” said Tony Brummet, about the application to rezone the area where the marina would be developed.
That area is currently zoned parks and recreation.
“Shouldn’t the public know what is being developed here before approval is granted?” Brummet said.
Some spoke in favour of the marina, with some conditions.
Jurgen Reinhards, commodore of the Lake Osoyoos Sailing Club, said his organization is in favour of the lagoon being cleaned up and being developed.
But he is also concerned about the safety of those taking part in sailing lessons from the club.
He’s asked that a proper speed limit be enforced on the water in the area and also for public washrooms to be installed.
Mark McKenney addressed council in his role as president of the Osoyoos Lake Water Quality Society.
He said his group sent council a letter in November explaining its concerns – one of which is plans for the marina to extend 65 metres from Osoyoos Lake’s high water mark.
McKenney pointed out that the Town’s own bylaw limits such construction to 30 metres and that bylaw has been used as a point of reference for decisions made in rural Area A.
In all, roughly 10 people spoke to the bylaw at the meeting and in the end, council agreed to hold off on any decisions until more information was provided to the public.
The matter will be brought back to the June 21 council meeting.
