By Lyonel Doherty
Loose Bay campground is still scheduled to open May 1, despite the dissolution of the society that operates and maintains the site.
That decision was made on Monday, according to chair Allan Patton, who cited resource capacity and liability reasons.
“We don’t have the resources, time and energy to do what is required to fulfill the needs and to mitigate COVID-19 (on the site),” he said today.
Patton said the increase in liability is a glaring issue, adding he would hate to see something go wrong at the camp on Secrest Hill Road.
But he noted that COVID-19 precautions will be in place by opening day. For example, campers will be asked pertinent questions regarding their health before they enter the site.
In addition, there will be wash stations for these farm workers, and physical distancing will be enforced.
Patton said he has already acquired gloves, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes and information pamphlets for the campers.
He said they won’t tolerate any risky behaviour or sloppiness.
“We do not want a (COVID-19) case up there. No way! We don’t want a case anywhere.”
Patton said having Loose Bay open during the pandemic is far better than the alternative – closing the site and having fruit pickers spread out across Oliver and Osoyoos.
He suspects Loose Bay will see reduced numbers of campers this summer due to COVID-19.
In the meantime, Patton is offering his services to the regional district to help with set-up and operations. He said the appropriate scenario moving forward would be for a local farm association to take over the camp with local government (district staff).
“We (society members) are not giving up on Loose Bay at all, we’re just removing ourselves from operations and maintenance,” Patton said.
Erick Thompson, regional district information officer, said they are supporting the society with COVID-19 precautions, which will be in place by May 1.
He noted the regional district will be releasing more information following its board meeting on Thursday.
