By Don Urquhart, Times Chronicle
Osoyoos has registered its support for keeping the town’s gun range at its current location as the proposed National Park Reserve process moves forward.
Council voted unanimously on Nov. 22 to advise Parks Canada of its support for retaining the Gun Range, operated by the Osoyoos Wildlife Federation (OWF), at its current location at 14000 Strawberry Creek Road.
The location of the range is on Provincial Crown Land outside of town boundaries and falls within the proposed park boundary.
Voicing his support, Councillor Myers Bennett commented: “There’s not a lot of areas you can put something like this and that’s a really good spot.”
In presenting her report to council, Gina MacKay, the town’s Director of Planning and Development, said the OWF has approximately 100 members and is a “conscientious and well run organization.”
The organization supports the conservation of wildlife and natural habitat, public education, and the instruction of safe practices relating to firearms.
They are also associated with Fishing Forever and GoFishing BC to provide guidance and opportunity for anglers in the area.
Councillor Jim King asked if the Archery Club which is located just east of the gun range, is also included. MacKay advised that the Archery Club is located within the town boundary and thus is not impacted.
Mayor Sue McKortoff asked if small pieces of land such as the one the gun range is located on can be excluded from the proposed park.
In response, MacKay noted that “what’s special about this National Park Reserve is that there will be different management plans for different parts within the reserve so that includes usage such as mountain biking, etc.”
“I think it’s a great idea,” McKortoff said, adding, “I also like the fact that they are considering coming back and presenting to council.”
She noted that presentations to council have been made over the years, adding that the park process has been ongoing for 20 years now, with the first project office opened on Main Street in 2002.
An update on the National Park Reserve will be provided to council by Megan Bull, Program and Policy officer for Parks Canada on January 24.
Gun range location – 14000 Strawberry Creek Road
Contributed photo
