What’s in a name? New signs have gone up at the former Haynes Point Provincial Park with the new name, swiws, which is the original Okanagan word from which the town name Osoyoos is derived. The name refers to the crossing of the lake on sandbars. The Osoyoos Indian Band has taken over operation of the park after aboriginal bones were found a year ago during excavations at a toilet. (Richard McGuire photo)
Dear Editor:
Can anyone explain why the provincial government and/or our local town mayor and council made the decision to donate the valuable piece of land known at Haynes Point Point Provincial Park to the Osoyoos Indian Band?
Who pays the taxes to ensure that services such as drinking water, sewage and garbage collection continue at the park?
Who pays FortisBC for the bright light now illuminating the night sky for everyone to see?
Since Friday, April 17, I’ve kept my blinds drawn to keep that disgusting light out of my sight when I look out at our once beautiful view of Haynes Point and East Osoyoos.
Imagine my anger at what has happened.
OIB Chief Clarence Louie and his fairytale history be damned. That property should belong to the Town of Osoyoos. One old bone does not history make. Give me back my taxed-and-paid-for view.
Mary E Hopkins
Osoyoos, BC
Editor’s note: The decision to allow the Osoyoos Indian Band to manage the provincial park was reached in negotiatons between the province and the OIB. Town of Osoyoos Council was not involved as the park is outside the Osoyoos town boundary.
