TOWN NEEDS TO DO MORE TO CONSIDER THE NEEDS OF TOURISTS
Editor:
I read with some interest your article regarding tourism numbers are down.
As a former tourism business operator who closed at the end of last season never to open again, I have several insights into the ongoing and probably continuing drop in visitors to our town.
First ask yourself, why would you bring your family here for two weeks of vacation?
Campgrounds are disappearing.
Has Osoyoos become a high-end destination resort?
What is the price to spend a week or two here compared to other interesting destinations?
We had ample opportunity to discuss these questions with visitors and clients of our moped rental business on the hotel strip the past two years.
To answer the first question, there are damned few reasons to stay here if you have teenage kids.
What is there other than Rattle Snake Canyon, parasailing and Jet Ski rentals and how often would you do those things?
Not a heck of a lot is what we heard from many clients.
When the sun is hot the beach is the number one attraction.
When people are at the beach they don't visit any other spots in town.
The beach is free.
But how many hours in two weeks can you spend at the beach before boredom becomes a problem?
Have we become a high-end resort?
Only in the minds of Destination Osoyoos and town council.
Yes we have condos coming out the ying-yang.
But do we have one single high-end resort attraction?
Where are the horse racing, the casinos, the car racing, the speed boat racing, the Rodeo Drive type stores, the very upscale restaurants, the super chic sidewalk cafes, the wine bars and night clubs?
Pardon me but that is usually what makes a place high-end, not just DO spouting their usual nonsense.
It's time to face reality: this town is high-end only in prices, not in atmosphere or attractions.
Spending a week here in a hotel and eating out each day can cost as much as $3,000 a week.
I can go to Florida for that.
Sound too much?
Not to the people who showed me how expensive it was for them.
I've spoken to many people this year and all agree numbers are down.
Most blame it on the cost of gasoline.
That well may be a part of the problem but there are other more serious issues as outlined above.
Until this town decides to get a program that appeals to tourists and promotes it heavily, numbers will continue to drop.
Look at Chemanius or La Conner as good examples of the town getting behind the businesses and making the entire town an interesting experience.
This town won't even put a porta-potty at the public boat launching ramp for visitors.
They have been asked several times and there is a need.
Compared to many places I've visited, Osoyoos seems to officially have little interest in tourists and their enjoyment here.
Maybe these are some of the more subtle reasons people are staying away.
It would certainly account for shorter stays.
Until the town becomes a partner with the tourism businesses, things are not going to improve and there is little indication that will happen.
David Eastbury,rnOsoyoos
OSOYOOS TIMES-August 6, 2008
FINDING A PLACE TO LIVE IN OSOYOOS A VERY DIFFICULT TASK
Editor:
I write this to share recent frustration with efforts to find a suitable home, with realtors, in Osoyoos.
I have two small dogs, and that is made known to the realtor.
Many showings ensue.
The listing even states Restrictions: None.
When interest is expressed, you then find out that restrictions DO exist.
Time has been wasted.
One has to wonder “ why?
Lorraine Snider,rnOsoyoos
OSOYOOS TIMES-August 6, 2008
RESIDENT'S 'LAST WORD ON IDLING' IN OSOYOOS
Editor:
There's an old saying: if it ain't broke don't fix it.
It's been my experience that if I fix something that isn't broken it ends up worse than when I started.
I don't see a lot of cars parked in Osoyoos with the motors running (idling) maybe I'm just not looking for something to complain about.
I would like my council to give this anti-idling bylaw some serious thought and not adopt this bylaw because they got a super sales job from a sales person calling herself an anti-idling ambassador.
However, if you pass this bylaw, INTEND to enforce it otherwise it's just another joke.
As for myself, if I need to idle my car to keep cool on a hot day, I'll just change parking spots or drive around the block and if I have to drive around the block I'll produce more pollution than idling.
Ralph Wand,rnOsoyoos
OSOYOOS TIMES-August 6, 2008
PEDESTRIANS HAVE A DUTY TO TAKE CARE ON OSOYOOS'S ROADS TOO
Editor:
With the summer and tourist season in full swing in our beautiful little town, it continuously amazes me the number of tourists, locals included, that seem to leave their ability to reason and common sense behind at home or their temporary accommodation.
Driving down Main Street has become a real obstacle course, not only do we need to be aware of paying attention to other traffic, we also have the added blessing of pedestrians popping out from their hiding spots of oversized vehicles just to get to the other side of the street.
Have people forgotten what clearly marked crosswalks are for?
If we happen to injure you, or even worse cause your fatal demise, because we cannot stop our several thousand pound vehicles on a dime, must we as drivers take full responsibility for the accident?
Everyone, including pedestrians, are and should be held responsible for safety on our roads and highways – if you want to use the public walkways and roadways, use it responsibly – it is for your protection.
Ginelle L. Band,rnOsoyoos
OSOYOOS TIMES-August 6, 2008
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