Editor:
Re: Town’s workshop on economic development goals
What appears to be lacking in the process of “re-igniting” is creativity.
Economic development is about developing a healthy, balanced economically viable environment and consequently allowing residents to benefit from the developed amenities.
After an aggressive investment and building program, mainly to accommodate tourism by the previous D.O. and town council, Osoyoos can afford to reflect on the outcome.
Directed action ought to be taken to create and develop a “green economy” to reduce climate change.
Osoyoos’ economic development can focus on attracting investors to establish facilities and initiate events where tourists and local residents can, for example, use the Osoyoos Lake for sailing, canoeing, kayaking, dragon boating and for energy-efficient touring vessels.
It has become obvious to local residents that the Osoyoos Lake is rapidly becoming a haven for motorized speed boats and other gasoline-driven vessels creating water, air and noise pollution to the area.
Because of its climatic location, Osoyoos is destined to stay as a tourist bonanza.
What is needed is a refocus to make our place environmentally friendly.
The challenge is to establish goals for the economic development team that will enhance the already existing local businesses, agriculture and tourism.
Naga Terada,
Osoyoos
