Editor:rnI am a long-time resident of Osoyoos and an advocate for Desert Park. Desert Park was developed by a group of horse enthusiasts (Blue Sage Riders) for the sole purpose of procuring government land for horse activities.
Over the years, the facility grew and it was felt by the group (Desert Park Exhibition Society) that the 'Park' might be better managed by the Town of Osoyoos. The property was first turned over to the Regional District and then to the Town with the understanding through promises and contracts, that the property would be kept as a horse facility and recreational area for varied infield events compatible with horse events.
Over the years, thanks to the Mayor, Councillors and CEO's, we are left with a large beautiful, expensive piece of real estate that is costing the taxpayers of Osoyoos and district a great deal of money! Why? The reason is the town is unable to operate the centre and is unwilling and reluctant to hire the right type of person to run the facility.
Why? Because they do not know what is required and so now, after not wanting to listen to the expertise of local people or try to come to an agreement with the local equestrian groups, they have gone to Kelowna and hired Urban Systems to study our Desert Park.
I went to a meeting on August 4, 2004 as part of a focus group with two Urban Systems personnel and I left the meeting believing that the group of people in attendance had made it quite explicit to the gentlemen from Urban Systems that the land would remain an equestrian facility. The goals from the minutes of the meeting were:rn- to increase the standard of quality of equestrian centre of the best in B.C.
– unique development in B.C.
– to develop an Agri-tourism facility.
– to preserve the integrity of the rec/sports fields and use on site and enhance the use.
– preserve the green space aspect of the site.
– to investigate a casino being used as a funding mechanism.
– investigate new potential of how slots and horse racing can co-exist.
I waited for their report, but to no avail. They have been hired again to continue the investigation into the future of our facility. How much more money will be spent in this regard?rnI am not absolutely sure the Town is mismanaging the facility because of lack of vision, foresight and knowledge, or they have a hidden agenda or developer instigating the continual study of this property.
Does the town go out of its way to have Desert Park under-utilized, as the mayor proclaims?rnThe park is only available seven months of the year, and most of those months are in the winter and early spring; those who would use the park for equestrian purposes do not get the benefit of the facility during the optimum months. Further, during the months the park is available, there is a complete absence of advertising letting potential users know that it is available.
The Friends of Desert Park have put together a very good proposal that will meet the requirements to preserve and enhance the facility. I strongly believe the town should support the proposal by those with a vested interest in the original purpose of Desert Park.
There will be a presentation by the Friends of Desert Park on Saturday, January 29, 2005, at 7 p.m. at Osoyoos Secondary School. I would like to invite anyone concerned about the future of Desert Park to attend this meeting and/or write a letter of support.
Gail HochsteinerrnOsoyoos
Editor:rnThis is a long overdue letter.
I wish to commend everyone who has a hand in making our lovely community lovelier.
The planter boxes and the hanging boxes were nothing short of spectacular this past summer – I have never seen our Main Street of Osoyoos look so fine. Then, keeping up with the standard set in the summer, the merchants and the town made Osoyoos a joy to beheld at the Christmas season.
There is a great level of community pride and it is a privilege to live here. Thank you to all the artists and the workers who make Osoyoos happen.
Alberta SevyrnOsoyoos
Editor:rnOkanagan Basin water issues of both a qualitative & quantitative nature have now caught the attention of nearly everyone in this beautiful area we all share and call our Valley. Since experiencing the 2003 fire season, the recent drought years, the present abnormally low lake levels, and the population and vineyard expansion, it is time we acted collectively before the situation deteriorates even further.
A ground water and aquifer study for our area is finally being initiated and a federal/provincial climate change report has just been published that looks at how potential global warming will affect our water resources. Our locally vigilant Osoyoos Lake Water Quality Society is doing an excellent job of continuously monitoring water quality year round and various University-based research groups are getting into the water quality study mode. But it is going to take initiative and money to correct the problems we have created for ourselves.
The recently formed Osoyoos Oxbows Restoration Society is a non-profit association of regionally concerned people and organizations set to take on the task of revitalizing the upstream Okanagan River meanders and improve the Osoyoos Lake wetlands system to ultimately improve the water quality and quantity that flows into our lake. The oxbows prominently fit into the landscape between Okanagan Lake to the north and Osoyoos Lake. These wetlands are of extreme biological and socio-economic value and must be reconnected in a controlled manner to allow them to function, as they historically have, to filter out and neutralize upstream pollution. It has been estimated that 60% of the lake pollution stems from these upstream inflows. Modern day thinking now knows that the channeling of the river in the 1950's, ostensibly for flood control, did more damage than good to our water system and not everyone at the time agreed with the project going ahead.
The Oxbow Society has garnered sponsorship and support in principle from many groups and individuals including the local MLA, the Honourable Bill Barisoff, Minister of Water, Land & Air Protection. Fundraising has begun to allow us to prepare a strategic business plan and initiate an overall feasibility study. Following this, the Society will create a demonstration project to show the benefits of the oxbow ecosystem to the communities in the South Okanagan before other facets of the project will go forward. Sewer infrastructure around the Lake and re-establishment of riparian vegetation are just two of the many improvements that need to be addressed and the Society will enthusiastically embrace any such vital endeavours.
If Osoyoos Lake and the upland watershed area are lost to pollution, we will very quickly lose many local businesses and tourist attractions. The socio-economic impact will be huge and the lifestyle we enjoy will disappear. It is time to invite everyone in the Okanagan Valley to become a member of the Oxbows Society. It's a small price to pay “ a voting membership is only $10 per year. All funds will be used for specific facets of the project and to further the overall program. It is envisioned that through the Society, a private/public partnership that includes individuals, businesses and government will work together to improve our valuable natural water resource so it can sustain us for generations to come.
If you are interested in learning more about the Oxbows Restoration Project contact Sherry Linn (Secretary/Treasurer) at 495-7891 or Eike Scheffler (President) at 495-3210. You can also e-mail [email][email protected][/email] or write to P.O. Box 535, Osoyoos, BC V0H 1V0.
Sherry Linn on behalf of the Board of Directors of the Osoyoos Oxbows Restoration Society
Editor:rnI think the proposed concept of having a drag racing strip at the local airport site is a poor one.
With a location at the foot of rocky slope terrain and on the edge of the desert, stress and disruption from high octane noise pollution will surely bring harm to the existence of creatures that inhabit ecosystems already under intense pressure.
It has been projected that within a decade or two, we may well have lost our unique Canadian desert to development, and with it will then have gone the insects, reptiles, birds, animals and plants that it consists of. Also lost will be the natural heritage that we could and should have protected for future generations.
Drag racing as a sport is not the issue. Its location, however is, and must be subject to close scrutiny and good judgment. Surely the enjoyment of this activity within a rare and endangered habitat has to be inappropriate and short sighted.
Roger HortonrnPresidentrnOsoyoos Desert Societyrn
