Dear Editor:
This letter is written in response to the Letter to the Editor from Ray Vandenberg and Jean Clarke published in the September 24 edition of the Osoyoos Times with regards to their comments about the Osoyoos Museum.
It is unfortunate that Mr. Vandenberg and Ms. Clarke did not take the time to visit the Osoyoos & District Museum and Archives to verify their information before stating, “The new museum will require significant dollars to upgrade that facility to accommodate their needs. How much you may ask? We guess it will be in the $1-$2 million bracket and local taxpayers will be responsible for footing the bill.”
Yes – the building does require significant upgrades and it will be in the range of $1-$2 million.
NO – the local taxpayers will NOT be responsible for footing the bill.
As stated at the time of the 2011 referendum to purchase the Home Building Centre building, and on numerous occasions since, the Osoyoos Museum Society will be responsible for raising the required monies.
This will be accomplished through fundraising activities as well as federal, provincial, foundation and corporate grants.
Proposed plans and information for the new museum (including meeting provincial building codes and museum standards) are on display at the museum and we invite the public to contact us with concerns.
With the support of the Osoyoos Times, we will be starting a monthly column to keep the public informed as we move closer to our possession date in October of 2016.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide some clarification.
Kara Burton
Manager
Osoyoos Museum Society
