Letters
Editor:rnRather than facilitating the flow of information to the taxpayers from the Town office, I believe Elsie Lemke, chief administrative officer, is using bureaucratic technicalities to deny reasonable access.
Every request for information in the past few months has brought a memo from Alleson Mandziuk explaining that it required an access of information document addressed to her as Deputy FOI Coordinator.
All this amounts to is an unwanted delaying tactic. One of my requests was for the annual report of Destination Osoyoos which was openly discussed at a council meeting and has nothing to do with freedom of information.
Rather than handing over a copy, Lemke writes me this letter: Under the Act we have 30 business days to respond to freedom of information requests. The Town received your request on January 3, 2005, so we will respond by February 14, 2005 or earlier if possible.rnAnother example of needless delays to deliver info. I requested from the finance director copies of a document showing the renumeration paid to town employees. Jim Zakall complied with the 2003 and 2004 forms, but the ones for 2002 and 2001 are bogged down because one of my written requests to Zakall landed on the FOI desk before it reached the intended desk. I have asked why they gave me two years and they deny the other two years.
A similar lack of co-operation to supply information exists in the office of the new planner, Mr. Cunningham. He has received three letters. He answered none.
Every one of my requests for information have been stalled in this manner.
Why would Lemke deem this request for information, that is already public, to require the time and money to go the FOI route?rnStan StodolarnOsoyoos
Editor:rnMayor Slater and Osoyoos Council Members.
I am writing on behalf of the Oliver-Osoyoos Naturalist Club members who are concerned that the Osoyoos Town Council is considering hosting drag racing at the Osoyoos Regional Airport.
We feel that this extremely noisy sport is not at all compatible with the relatively quiet, rural lifestyle which many residents, potential residents, and visitors cherish in Osoyoos. We are very fortunate to have a great many bird species here as well as other wild animals. We have public walkways and our two Desert Centres where residents and visitors can enjoy the tranquility of nature in our town.
We urge you to hold a public meeting before making a decision about hosting drag racing in Osoyoos.
Vivienne CalderrnPresident- Oliver-Osoyoos Natualist Club
(Editor's note: This story was submitted by the Friends of Desert Park and was reprinted as a letter to the editor, although it was not written by a specific group)rnEditor:rnA group of concerned citizens of Osoyoos and the South Okanagan-Similkameen area, who call themselves Friends of Desert Park, are working together to create a new, local vision and plan for Desert Park.
The main goal in this new vision is for Desert Park to remain the 52 acre public park it has always been, and to become a year round multi-use recreational facility for the general public to enjoy.
Desert Park, situated on public lands on the west bench of Osoyoos, has been an equestrian facility for over 40 years and an exciting venue for horse racing. The track is currently only used for training, due to the decline of B circuit racing. Baseball and soccer are still played in the infield.
Recently, the Town of Osoyoos has contracted a consulting firm, Urban Systems, from Kelowna, to assess alternative uses for Desert Park in the future. There is no guarantee that Desert Park will remain an equestrian facility or have baseball and soccer fields.
The plan created by the Friends of Desert Park calls for the construction of an indoor Multiplex, approximately 120' x 225', that would be used year round for a variety of activities including music festivals, fairs, dog agility, archery and equestrian events. Rural A District has offered to finance the cost of the Multiplex on an annual basis if a business plan can be established with the Town of Osoyoos.
The 13.8 acre area to the east of the track is a remnant piece of the endangered Antelope-brush ecosystem. The Friends propose this area be maintained as a natural area with a system of walking, cycling and horseback riding trails for the public. The three day event cross country course would be used for training and hosting events.
The Friends suggest that an 800m track be constructed on the outside edge of the infield for jogging and cycling for the public and students. The infield would continue to be used for baseball, soccer, music festivals, car and RV shows and stadium jumping.
An equine training centre open year round would include the 5/8 mile race track for thoroughbred and chuckwagon racing, two outdoor arenas for equestrian events and three large barns with turnout paddocks to facilitate horse boarding.
The Friends of Desert Park will present their proposal for Desert Park to the public on Saturday, January 29, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. at Osoyoos Secondary School, 5800 115th Street, Osoyoos. Everyone is encouraged to come out. Channel 18 will broadcast highlights of the proposal from February 1 to 7.
The Friends need public support for their proposal to put forward at the Osoyoos Town Council meeting on February 7, 2005. Individuals and organizations are requested to write a letter for the proposal and send it to: Friends of Desert Park, 3405 Jasmine Dr., Osoyoos, BC, V0H 1V1 or email it to: friendsofdesertpark @hotmail.com. Please ensure letters are received by 4 p.m. February 7.
For additional information please contact John Wilkinson at 495-2702 or inquire by email. A form letter can be sent by email or picked up at libraries in Osoyoos, Oliver, OK Falls and Keremeos, Yore Movie Store – Osoyoos, South Valley Sales in Oliver & Keremeos, Freeman's – Rock Creek.
Friends of Desert Park
Editor:rnI think you should give a pat on the back and a few words of appreciation to the 'boys with shovels'…the youngsters who came knocking on doors after each of the last snowfalls, offering to clear walks and driveways.
They were bright and cheerful and did the job with no goofing off. It was a pleasure to have them around and they can shovel our driveway any time! One boy was part of a church youth group who donated their earnings to the Red Cross Disaster Fund.
We have lived in Osoyoos for 11 years and this was the first winter that we had any youngsters offer to help. These are youngsters to be proud of.
Marion LinnrnOsoyoosrn
