Dear Editor:
This letter is directed to all members of Town of Osoyoos council. I am writing to express my concern regarding your approval for an “Aqua Park” at the hugely popular Gyro Beach as reported in the December 5 edition of the Osoyoos Times.
It appears that Osoyoos Water Sports, a private for-profit company, is being authorized to take over what is probably the most popular public beach in the town in order to operate a commercial business venture.
The proponent gives assurance that the park will not take up a huge amount of space on the lake, but a viewing of the website for Deerhurst Resort in Ontario, which he cites as an example, shows that his larger operation will occupy a substantial portion of the bay area at Gyro Beach and will seriously affect private boat operators in the area.
In addition, they will need to have vehicular access to the beach for daily removal and storage of their equipment.
Another major concern will be the addition of more traffic and parking congestion in that already dangerous area near the bridge.
It does appear somewhat unfair that this commercial venture is being allowed to locate in this most active area while the town’s proposed publicly owned splash park is to be located at the Jack Shaw Garden area away from where many residents and visitors usually look for such facilities.
I would hope that if this private aqua park proposal is allowed to proceed that the town will ensure the public purse is adequately compensated, not just with a basic lease fee, but with an additional share of the company’s income from the operation.
Rose-Anne Sole
Osoyoos, B.C.
