Dear Editor:
The following is an open letter to Mayor Sue McKortoff and council.
I am writing this letter in regards to the 5 Bayview Crescent home still running as a recovery house for mental health, alcohol and drug addiction with no business license.
We have been told by the RCMP that a young gentleman resident was court appointed by the court for him to be sent to this facility.
So we realize that this business has no license to operate in Osoyoos. The town should fine them and evict them. All the citizens of Osoyoos must live by the town bylaws, but rules do not seem to apply to them. There are no consequences to them.
We are not putting these homes near schools where the children are watched continuously if outside, but we are allowing them to be near parks where they do not have that safety precaution in place.
The council and town citizens have no background history of the operators or the people in recovery and we have no knowledge of criminal charges or convictions. I feel the town is letting themselves open for any liability claims arising from this operation at this location.
We have seen the RCMP visit this facility five different times. The town council and staff are not fulfilling their duties to take care and provide a secure and safe environment for our community.
The Town of Osoyoos council and staff are closing their eyes to a potentially volatile situation. Very disappointing.
Ken and Karen Sieben
Osoyoos, B.C.
