Dear Editor:
This is an open letter to Town of Osoyoos Mayor Sue McKortoff and members of town council.
This letter is written in relation to an advertisement that appeared in the May 10 edition of the Osoyoos Times relating to boulevard maintenance regulations for property owners.
In my view, it is important that property owners and occupiers should know the pros and cons of the town’s bylaws relating to this issue.
The Town of Osoyoos had adopted bylaws regarding homeowners’ obligations to keep the front of their houses clean and free of weeds, hazardous objects and materials from all boulevards and sidewalks.
I do support the decision the town has made and adopted.
However, I noticed that around town and in the industrial park, some property owners are decorating by putting large boulders or rocks in front of their houses, partly because it seems to discourage people from parking vehicles.
This is unfair for neighbours who don’t put anything in front of their property as vehicles only have parking available to them in limited spaces.
If a driver is forced to make a sudden move due to avoid any birds, animals or oncoming vehicles, they might end up driving into or onto these large rocks or boulders.
Is the town liable if somebody is injured or a vehicle is damaged?
A few years ago, the City of Kelowna passed a bylaw that no property owner would be permitted to decorate their property with anything like what’s happening here in Osoyoos.
At the industrial park, some business owners are parking their commercial vehicles on town property while conducting business.
I wonder if they are paying the town any fees?
Other business owners were warned and informed that they could not park their business vehicles there.
Is this fair?
I have been approached by many citizens and business owners about this concern and wish to make you aware of this issue.
Sy Murseli
Osoyoos, B.C.
