Editor:
This week’s Times reports on a lot being “dedicated” by Regal Ridge that may become the community centre someday.
At an open house Oct. 20, 70 residents attended and heard about RDOS parks on the mountain.
The mood of the public was “hostile” with speaker after speaker telling the RDOS we don’t need nor want parks.
Area A Director Mark Pendergraft listened and heard all the negative comments coming from his voters but didn’t say one word to those present.
The RDOS staff were professional and took the heat, while their consultant assured the public a consensus was being sought.
RDOS staff said a “plan” would be developed and consultation with the public would happen.
A survey would go out to all affected ratepayers and everyone’s opinion would be respected.
Our local Community Society did their own survey of what owners think of parks.
Eighty-four per cent of owners oppose RDOS parks on the mountain.
Why?
Owners fear parks will increase fire risk, we’d lose enjoyment of our properties and that damage would happen to conservation assets that non-residents won’t value like locals do.
It rang loud and clear that there is no need for parks, that we won’t use them.
Parks would be a waste of tax dollars.
But we Anarchist Mountain residents aren’t all hard heads either.
The feeling from the public was that if some reasonable compromise to have lands set aside could also meet residents’ concerns, then it might be possible to create “private wilderness areas.”
As long as these were not developed and cost tax dollars, that might be OK.
The “community hall” lot was mentioned but it was supposed to be part of a resolution package, not a one-time land grab by the RDOS.
Director Pendergraft is quoted as saying, “Generally it’s pretty close on whether people want parks or not. In fact I believe it’s leaning towards ‘prefer’ rather than ‘don’t want it at all.'”
That is a staggering statement.
Pendergraft was at the open house meeting and must recall that out of 70 people not one person spoke in favour of RDOS parks.
No matter how Pendergraft and the RDOS spin the numbers, regional parks won’t be swallowed without creating animosity on Anarchist Mountain.
This is another case of the taxpayers telling an elected politician and regional district staff what our opinions are only for them to ignore us and refuse to listen.
This issue is being driven by bureaucrats in Penticton and our local director won’t stand up for his constituents.
The only times politicians ever listen is six weeks before elections, then do what they want right after.
Elected officials and governments are supposed to be accountable to the people and it’s high time taxpayers’ opinions were listened to in this country.
Mark McKenney,
Anarchist Mountain

OSOYOOS TIMES-December 22, 2010

RDOS SHOULD KEEP HANDS OFF MOUNTAIN LANDS

Editor:
Thank you for reporting on this issue.
However, I believe that the will of the people living up here was not truly reported.
The RDOS survey was not just sent to the people that live here but to absentee landowners who pay less tax and was very general in scope.
Surveys like this give results that may be misconstrued and should have weighted results.
We already knew that a community hall was in the distant future plans and are happy that this has been finalized.
The Anarchist Mountain Community Society (AMCS) did their own survey of people living here and the overwhelming results show that we do not want the RDOS to take over lands and have them perhaps destroyed.
We believe that this will just bring increased fire hazards, crime, vandalism and garbage on lands with delicate ecosystems and, of course, increased taxes.
There is considerable conservation property here and the AMCS has a good relationship with Regal Ridge and an ongoing dialect with them with regards to the stewardship of the lands.
The RDOS does not seem to be as open as they say and seem to be pushing forward their own agenda.
Rudy and Hilda Reimer,
Anarchist Mountain

OSOYOOS TIMES-December 22, 2010