This summer could very well be a turning point in the Lions Park fruit picker saga.
Not too many committees in Oliver have come up with real workable solutions as fast as one particular group (that has only met twice so far).
Kudos to the Lions Park Action Committee for its ideas on how to ease the conflict between migrant workers and local residents.
Last summer was an intimidating situation for many families who did not dare enter the park for fear of being exposed to all manner of inappropriateness, such as drug use and dogs off leash.
Establishing an off-leash area at the north end of the park is a concrete idea that should solve the problem . . . if these young dog owners comply with the rules.
Bylaw enforcement is slated to increase this summer, so flouting the rules shouldn’t be a piece of cake like it was last summer.
Appointing a park ambassador is another good idea that should reap some rewards in educating pickers what is expected of them.
Throwing a St. Jean Baptiste Day party for our Quebec visitors should go a long way in fostering respect for the Town and Lions Park. Update: The plan now is to make it a multi-cultural event to involve all migrant groups. A barbecue in their honour is a great idea, and inviting the general public to share in the celebration will definitely bridge the gap between pickers and local citizens.
The solutions continue with providing pickers with daily transportation to Loose Bay campground. This idea has been bantered around for years but it has never come to fruition. It shouldn’t be that difficult to acquire a bus and pay a driver.
We’re not naïve in thinking this will stop pickers from camping in the park or along the river channel, but it should clean up the problem significantly.
Providing Wi-Fi service in the park should also ease the congestion around the Oliver library, where loitering is a problem.
These solutions are long overdue in Lions Park, and every effort should be made to implement them. No more lip service, no more procrastination, no more talk. Spring is fast approaching and summer isn’t far behind.
