Editor:
‘Tis that season upon us again, propane cannons and the complaints are starting from not only the town people, but also the tourists who have come here to enjoy some peace and quiet.
What’s making the town people who live by rural upset, including myself, is that for many years (only three years for me), they have lived along the farmlands in peace, until a farmer decides to put in a cannon, which are increasing in numbers annually.
There are many farmers who live directly across from town who don’t use the cannons, but instead use other quieter and more effective alternatives, and I personally wish to not only acknowledge them, but to thank them for their consideration.
Unfortunately, it’s the farmers who one day decide to use the cannons, and either don’t educate themselves on the guidelines that are suggested for their proper use by the (Ministry of Agriculture and Lands). or simply don’t care, that are stirring up the most complaints from town.
Those guidelines, as I understand, are not rules, but suggestions, to not only make the cannons more effective as a bird deterrent but also to take into consideration the people who live around you who will be affected by the new noise. Guidelines such as a firing frequency of one shot per five minutes, relocation of devices every four days, to be operated between dawn and dusk, one device per two hectares at any one time, and to not aim the device at neighbouring residences.
Those triple-shot devices especially should not be used close to residences as it rotates and therefore does shoot directly into the direction of homes, and to have them situated at least 200 metres from homes.
If you find these guidelines are not being respected, then I suggest speaking with the farmer directly, perhaps reminding or sometimes educating them about it.
If that fails, then here are the numbers to call to voice your complaints; RDOS Area A director Mark Pendergraft 250-492-0237, our MLA John Slater 250-495-4909, our Mayor Stu Wells 250-485-8838 and the BC Farm Industry Review Board 250-356-8945.
It’s not about banning the cannons, which is futile, I am doing this so that hopefully we can all live in peace and harmony once again, which is everyone’s basic human right.
Thank you to all those 200-plus signatures who understand and support the issue as well as council, although I would like to add I have yet to receive that letter they promised to write to the M.A.L. and myself.
And lastly, please no more of those old schoolyard bullying responses of “we were here first” and “if you don’t like it move,” this land is neither yours nor mine, it’s ours.
Mirella Cooper,
Osoyoos

OSOYOOS TIMES-September 2, 2009

OPPOSITION TO DAM CONCEPT NEEDS TO CONTINUE

Editor:
I attended the (Public Utilities District) sponsored meeting in Oroville on August 24th, designed to review the appraisal study findings regarding the proposed Shanker’s Bend Dam.
The dam would flood significant portions of both the U.S. and Canada.
It was heartening to see so many community members present from both sides of the border.
Some of the comments and questions pertained to eminent domain, or the power by the state to seize a citizen’s property and/or expropriate property with monetary compensation without the owner’s consent for projects delegated for public/civil use.
While there was some discussion about the inadequacy of the monetary compensation, the most compelling issues related not to self-interest, but to us as stewards of the land for future generations.
I believe it is important that we continue with the organized and concerted effort to oppose all three levels of the dam – at least until the next generation can take over preserving this jewel of wilderness, agriculture and heritage for the generation thereafter.
It is important that we keep updated on the status of the “feasibility study” that appears to be the next step in this process.
For email updates on some pertinent issues, see “the Center for Environmental Law and Policy” at www.celp.org. Personally, I find the PUD appraisal study findings to be misleading, and therefore, an advocacy document for the proposed Shanker’s Bend Dam project.
Tascha Spears,
Nighthawk, Wash.

OSOYOOS TIMES-September 2, 2009

WRITER HAPPY ABOUT PROTECTION FOR MANUFACTURED-HOME OWNERS

Editor:
Re: “Council approves bylaw amendment giving manufactured-home owners more protection.”
You are welcome!
I am so glad that my nightmare has served as both an inspiration and impetus to all involved.
Good luck.
Susan Shendaruk,
Osoyoos, (Willow Beach)

OSOYOOS TIMES-September 2,2009