— Firm hired to consult on issues including marina & facilities —
(OSOYOOS TIMES — August 22, 2007) —
By Chad IngramrnOsoyoos Times
The Town of Osoyoos has hired landscape architects Durante Kreuk Ltd. to work with a local steering committee to compile an Osoyoos Waterfront Master Plan (WMP).
In March, the Town had intended for Osoyoos Shoreline Development Ltd., developers of the Watermark resort next to Gyro Beach downtown, to carry out a planning study, including a waterfront master plan and a joint-venture marina near Lions Park.
However, this endeavour proved too costly and the Town has decided it would be preferable to proceed by separating out the master plan as a discrete item to be solely funded by the Town.
The contract was tendered to Durante Kreuk Ltd. at Council's Aug. 13 meeting, for the amount of $19,504.
This price includes fees, travel, disbursements and taxes.
A Terms of Reference for the Waterfront Master Plan (WMP) document was drawn up by Osoyoos Town Planner Alain Cunningham.
It outlines the objectives of the WMP, which include, among others, enhancing Osoyoos' recreational attractions as a resort community, engaging stakeholders, identifying facilities that should be retained, improved or relocated and promoting joint venturing for a public-private marina at Lions Bay.
The Steering Committee consists of Councillor Ted Cronmiller, Town Planner Alain Cunningham, Gerald Davis, Director of Recreation, Town Engineer Terry Underwood and Glenn Harris of Osoyoos Shoreline Development Ltd.
The document suggests the Steering Committee meet with both public and private stakeholder groups to address their needs. The groups listed include the Osoyoos Seniors Centre, the Museum Society, Destination Osoyoos (DO), the Chamber of Commerce and several others.
The document requires that the WMP be completed within eight weeks of the granting of the contract.
