Dear Editor:

I would like to share my thoughts on three important issues that have been talked about in this community over the past several weeks.
Firstly, the issue of a national park for this area has been talked about in great detail. I am against the national park proposal west of Osoyoos because my friend and I like to fish on Kilpoola Lake every spring as do many others.
As this is a shallow lake, most of the fish are killed during the winter months due to the lack of oxygen in the water and it has to be restocked each year.
If the area becomes part of a national park, the lake will no longer be stocked with fish and an easy access fishery on a small lake will be lost to those who enjoy angling on this lake.
As for the issue of smart meters, I look forward to the installation of a smart meter on my house.
When I get my monthly bill, I will be charged for the exact amount of electricity that I have used.
The current estimating process that is currently used every second month is rarely even close to correct.
As I am one of those unfortunate to have a house heated with electricity and am, therefore, penalized with a higher rate for my usage over 1,600 kWh, it could affect my payment in months when the “guesstimate” is over while actual consumption is under.
As for the fear of being struck brain dead by all the rays flying around, I think that with cellphones, microwave ovens, satellite televisions and all the other wireless gadgets that are part of all our lives, I don’t think one more is going to make any difference.
It’s already too late for some of us.
In relation to the proposal by BFI Canada Ltd. to ask town council to support bringing garbage carts to town, I don’t know where BFI gets their estimate that the average household spends $75 per year on garbage bags.
I know I sure don’t.
I spend about $12 for a package of blue bags and everything else goes into appropriate containers.
I have talked to other friends who say the same thing.
The only one who will benefit from the bins is BFI as they will be able to reduce their labour costs at the expense of property owners.
If we allow them to proceed with the trial period it will automatically carry on to a permanent practice. Thanks for listening to my concerns on these matters.

Maurice Marty
Osoyoos, B.C.