Osoyoos Municipal Election all-candidates Q&A – Part 4

Sue McKortoff – Mayor candidate (incumbent)

Sue McKortoff – Mayor candidate (incumbent)

Q7. There are many recreation options for children and youth, such as hockey and skating at the SunBowl, dance studios, gyms, crafts, weight rooms, basketball and volleyball leagues, baseball and soccer. Osoyoos parks and sports fields are well maintained and accessible. Staff at Sonora Centre check feedback from youth and adjust programs and activities based on current interests and involvement.

Q8.The feasibility study provided a comprehensive look at all the benefits and costs associated with building and operating an indoor pool in the South Okanagan. This is the number one recreational facility wanted by residents. The next step is to identify the preferred site, get support from RDOS and pursue grant funding in order to proceed.

Dustin Sikora – Mayor candidate

Dustin Sikora – Mayor candidate

Q7. We can always benefit from more opportunities for our youth to enjoy increased recreational activities. Outdoor and wildlife based opportunities seem to be an afterthought compared to more expensive, indoor alternatives. Ensuring our youth are introduced to the benefits of conservation and nature based activities is one way we can ensure environmental security for our future and enjoyment for all.

Q8. As it is currently proposed, I do not. I’d like this facility to be closer to Osoyoos if not in Osoyoos. I’d also like a more economical proposal. Many politicians have promised a pool many terms in a row, skipping over how to pay for it. Our previous council’s efforts have not worked. Running the town like a business, dusting off assets and making smarter deals is the only way it will ever happen.

Myers Bennett – Councillor candidate (incumbent)

Myers Bennett – Councillor candidate (incumbent)

Q7. I feel the youth in Osoyoos are very lucky to be living in such a beautiful part of the province as our recreation staff at Sonora Centre, volunteers in the community, private clubs, and the teaching staff at our schools offer many opportunities for our youth. Our warm lake offers them a great place to spend their summers. The one recreation opportunity we currently are missing is an indoor aquatic centre.

 Q8. I definitely support an aquatic centre in the South Okanagan in the future but of course after there has been a lot more discussion to make it more of a reality to all the partners. Right now the presentation is only a presentation to open those discussions before any centre can become a reality such as affordability, governance of the pool, ongoing cost to run and maintain, and cost sharing.

Johnny Cheong – Councillor candidate

Johnny Cheong – Councillor candidate

Q7. Osoyoos is a unique community filled with untapped knowledge.  We have a large portion of retired residents who are leaders in their fields (whether it be professional, athletic, recreational, etc) with the time and desire to mentor the next generation but don’t know how.  By providing better communication and education, we can bridge the gap creating new recreation and learning opportunities.

Q8: The proposal is incredibly strong and I largely support it, but not without concerns which are the location and cost.  With the location being just north of the northern tip of Osoyoos Lake, transportation for after-school activities becomes a large barrier, especially for dual-income families.  The cost-sharing potential will require timely deliberation.  I would also add an indoor walking track.

Wesley Greve – Councillor candidate

Wesley Greve – Councillor candidate

Q7. Hockey, skating, golf and Sonora Centre offer some opportunities for kids. But, the dance studio and Boys & Girls club shut down. There are no martial arts, no baseball and the BMX track is full of puncturevine. Swimming lessons over level 10 require a trip to Penticton/Kelowna. Last year Mt. Baldy didn’t run a kids program. Variety beyond sport, affordability and transportation options need some work.

 Q8. I think the idea of an aquatic centre is a good one, however, the current proposal suggests that the pool be built out by Road 22. I think that is a really inconvenient location. Building the facility out by Rd. 22 presents a number of problems related to accessibility, transportation and affordability. I doubt many parents would allow their kids to ride their bikes out to a pool near Rd. 22.

Jim King – Councillor candidate (incumbent)

Jim King – Councillor candidate (incumbent)

Q7. There are several recreation opportunities, the ice rink has hockey, figure skating and free ice skating. Sonora Centre has a boys and girls club, exercise room, basketball, etc. Bowling alley, golf course for junior program, soccer and baseball. And then there are the great outdoor paths to walk, run or bike. The Sonora Centre has subsidies.

Q8. Over seven years ago a survey about an aquatic centre was done and over 80 percent agreed it was a good idea. Oliver, OIB and Osoyoos came together to do a feasibility study. It would be good for youth and seniors for exercise and families to get together for fun. Remember, this would only be built with grants and the RDOS with the communities working together. The cost is the biggest factor.

Sy Murseli – Councillor candidate

Sy Murseli – Councillor candidate

Q7. A) No, some school-sponsored and community sports are available, but little is accessible in non-athletic areas. Are other organizations in town willing to help kids?

B) For kids who enjoy sports, rec department personnel should help find volunteer coaches to run indoor and outdoor activities for soccer, basketball, skating, skiing, etc.  For kids who enjoy fine arts activities, volunteer organizers might be found in the general public to allow for music, drama, dance and visual arts clubs or activities.

Q8. Yes, I support having a public pool. It is needed for everyone, young and older alike.  I do not support the addition of gym, saunas, waterslide, and ice rink that are being considered. As a lake-based community it is essential that children learn as early as possible to be safe on/in water.

Zach Poturica – Councillor candidate

Zach Poturica – Councillor candidate

Q7. We benefit from a number of great recreation opportunities in the local area. We need to ensure that we keep these affordable for young families and that they are accessible to participants and the public while meeting the needs of local families. We need to ensure we continue to keep this opportunity maintained and available for use.

 Q8. I believe that the proposed aquatic centre needs all our regional partners at the table including RDOS Area A and C. We need to ensure that any future facility is easily accessible to residents and is in a central location if we are all expected to contribute to the ongoing costs and maintenance of any new centre. We also need to ensure that we can access the staff required to run the facility.