A REBUTTAL TO CHRIS BOWER'S LETTER

Editor:

Re: Destination Osoyoos

I read with interest Chris Bower's version of the wonderful work done by Destination Osoyoos, Dec. 17th.

Many of his points cry out for rebuttal. 

First and foremost is Chris's assertion that the town are asking for programs for operators and merchants.

Who in town is he talking about?

Most I've spoken with are complaining about DO.

The mandate of DO is, or was, to develop new business in this town and to promote tourism for the benefit of those who either own facilities or are employed in tourism which in turn benefits all town residents with tax dollars.

Chris says the benefits of DO to Osoyoos are tangible in the millions of dollars.

I see huge benefits to developers of mega condo/resorts.

Which are empty all winter.

Mostly we see transitory well-paid construction jobs.

I don't see many mom-and-pop businesses moving here.

I don't see any new manufacturing moving here, which typically produces well-paid jobs long term.

In this aspect of their mandate they have failed miserably.

The town should cut off the money just for this failure.

The actual result of DO's efforts is to cripple tourism in town.

Come to town and do not bring the family, but bring about $2,500 for two people for a week of hotels and meals.
 
There are a limited number of places to camp now although Chris's operation is successful and growing with the support of DO. 

Where else do the people with families stay for a couple of weeks?

Only one-third of the DO budget comes from the town. 

It was 100 per cent in the beginning.

It seems they have become a successful business in their own right.

They don't need our money any longer.

Now about the doctors.

This is the worst misrepresentation of all.

I'm sure they played a part in encouraging new doctors to consider Osoyoos but really how big?

Did they give them a tour of the town?

In this town there are many very well-qualified semi-retired or retired professionals who would enjoy a $40,000-a-year part-time job with the town to find new doctors.

It's a lot cheaper than Chris's figure of $220,000.

Why doesn't the new council look at this possibility?

In fact it seems to me the idea of DO being the business development arm of the town is an abject failure.

Maybe the Chamber of Commerce could do a better job.

At least they are all business people who depend on the town's health for survival with no other agendas.
 
I was a 20-year member of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business so I do understand the issues.

David Eastbury,rnOsoyoos

OSOYOOS TIMES-December 31, 2008