Earlier this week we were asking ‘where is Cactus Creek?” The sign above seems to indicate – this is it.

Cactus Creek Campsite was started up this year by Dale George and Victoria “Dee” Lyle who live in a home about 10 km south on Nk’Mip Rd from the turnoff on Black Sage. It’s a little past the old church on property identified as “Theresa Baptiste Estate”.

Last Sunday just before 9 in the evening, Dale said his wife yelled “someone is shooting flares at us”. He went to investigate but the vehicle disappeared heading south towards Osoyoos Lake. He then went to check up on ‘the kids’ – a group of young people living in campers at the north end of the property. A vehicle then pulled up on the main road and fired a couple rounds from a rifle.

Police were contacted that night several times but according to George – did not find the isolated home and may have got confused with a church on Black Sage Rd. On Tuesday police did attend on the property and recovered two shells – a spent 7mm rifle shell and 30.06 shell and cartridge near the road.

The Osoyoos Indian Band does not approve of the unsanctioned campsite and has warned Dale George that it should be closed and cleaned up or further action can be taken.

Both Dee and Dale say they are providing a service to farm workers who cannot find shelter elsewhere in the Oliver-Osoyoos area. The campsite had up to 35 living there during September but the season is winding down with only about 8 people now on site.

Chief Clarence Louie says in a letter dated October 11th – a number of complaints have been received as there are no sanitary conditions for habitation at that location. Health Canada has been asked to inspect the campsite. Dale George has been ordered to close down the operation. Louie said he fears that a confrontation with OIB members is a possibility. The Chief says all band members have a right to feel safe and secure and deserve “quiet enjoyment” of their property.

RCMP stated earlier this week: On October 21, 2012 @ 20:54 Hours the Oliver Detachment received a report of ‘shots fired’ in the area of Cactus Creek Campground. No suspects have been identified to date and no injuries or damage to property was sustained. The RCMP treats all firearms complaints seriously and is working cooperatively with Chief Clarence Louie and the OIB Council in an effort to determine motive and suspect.