Loose Bay campers are expected to follow the rules, and there are several listed at the entrance. Shown here is camp manager Yvon Ferland. Lyonel Doherty photo
Stop criticizing and start helping, Loose Bay advocates encourage
Area C director Allan Patton and local farmer Greg Norton have joined forces to stop the criticism of Loose Bay campground and encourage solutions.
Both men reacted to criticism they read in the Chronicle and from other individuals who were “slagging” the campground with untruths and unfair comments. Criticism included Loose Bay being a party place where it’s hard to sleep, and a place with few amenities.
But Norton, chair of the Loose Bay society, set the record straight by saying the camp has two toilets (with two more on the way), shower facilities, running water, garbage pickup and firewood.
Norton said the camp started out with only two out-houses and has steadily improved. “It’s not perfect . . . it’s a work in progress.”
He noted it cost $25,000 to get power to the site.
The camp was first developed and initiated by the Rotary Club, and then taken over by the Loose Bay society, administered by the regional district.
Originally, there was a campsite across the road (in the gully) called “Loose A.” There were no rules back then. The current site was called “Loose B” (over the years the name changed to Loose Bay).
Loose Bay manager Yvon Ferland prepares for another busy season, hosting the colourful folks that make the camp their home every summer. Like Yvon says, you have to have character to stay here.
The facility was established to give farm workers a place to stay, instead of camping in Oliver, which was once the case. “People have forgotten what it was like here,” Norton said.
As far as the partying goes, the society doesn’t condone it, and the manager keeps a lid on it, he pointed out.
Patton said he doesn’t like hearing criticism levelled at a group of volunteers (the society) dealing with farm labour issues. He fears losing this group and seeing Loose Bay dissolve, and then there would be nothing for the pickers.
Norton said they would like to see people and agencies work together to improve Loose Bay operations, adding that nothing is solved by criticizing the facility.
For example, the society needs suggestions on transportation options for Loose Bay so that pickers don’t have so far to travel. Norton said providing transportation has been very challenging with no solution in sight.
Norton stated the goal of the society is to provide a clean, safe place for workers. “I built the showers with my own hands (with help from other volunteers).”
Norton and Patton agreed that people should not be criticizing an amenity that is providing a solution to farm labour issues in Oliver.
Ditto, said camp manager Yvon Ferland.
The jovial fellow with a great sense of humour took the Chronicle on a tour of the 12-acre site, proudly showing off the amenities, including a flat screen TV, two large shower stalls, and a range for cooking.
“It’s like a community here . . . I’m a simple guy. I understand the kids (because I’ve been there). It keeps me young,” he laughed.
Yvon likened Loose Bay to a “magical theatre,” noting you have to be somebody before you can camp here.
The former infantry man from Quebec calls Loose Bay’s inhabitants good people with good souls. Yes, some of them can get out of hand with their partying and crazy behaviour, but they are reminded that they must respect each other.
“If you’re an asshole you’re going to get out of here,” said Yvon, gesturing with his thumb.
He acknowledged the criticisms directed at the camp, but he pointed out there are more problems in the Town of Oliver than what goes on at Loose Bay.
He said if the camp closes its doors, the Town would need more bylaw officers and more police to handle the fallout.
Arlene Arlow, chair of the Farm and Community Team Okanagan Similkameen (FACTOS), said Loose Bay is a success story, compared to the worker’s camp near Keremeos that was closed down in October of 2011 because of public opposition.
She noted the Keremeos site did not have a paid manager, therefore, transients looking for a good time ruined what otherwise might have been a good thing.
“FACTOS is completely in support of the Loose Bay campground. They do a wonderful job with the resources they have available.”
FACTOS is a volunteer organization hoping to raise the profile of farm employers and farm workers. The group is publishing a Farm Worker’s Handbook in June, which will include information on safety.
“It is our hope to educate farm employers about the importance of providing camping, water, shower, washroom and other amenities to their workers,” Arlow said.
Lyonel Doherty
Oliver Chronicle
