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South Okanagan Photos

Council briefs – Osoyoos

Reporter Roy Wood

Pot store ban bylaw moving forward quickly

Town council is pushing ahead quickly with the bylaw that bans retail sale of marijuana pending clarification of the federal position on medical sales and the promised legalization of recreational pot use.

Just ahead of a public hearing on the bylaw, council approved an August 9 special public meeting to vote on third reading of the bylaw. First and second readings were approved on July 4.

The decision on the early meeting was in keeping with recommendations from planning director Alain Cunningham, who urged council to “(move) ahead expeditiously in order to:

  • Allow council to focus on a long-range, community-based approach to marijuana retailing;
  • Reinforce bylaw enforcement and RCMP efforts to control “any proliferating pressures for opening illegal outlets;”
  • Head off legal challenges that from existing outlets claiming to have status under a “legal non-conforming” use; and
  • Offer clear town messaging to help businesses with their short- and long-term planning.

At the afternoon public hearing, the preponderance of presentations was from advocates in favour of allowing the retail sale of medical marijuana.

Public hearing set for gravel pit duplexes

The residential development of the gravel pit on 92nd Avenue took another step forward Monday as council scheduled a public hearing for August 15 to discuss the related zoning bylaw amendment.

The proposed development calls for 18 duplexes on the property between the Elks hall and Braeburn Crescent. Council has given first and second readings to the amendment bylaw, which will change zoning from high- to low-density residential.

A public meeting sponsored by the developer attracted about 20 people on May 18 at the Sonora Centre.

Written responses from people at the open house were generally favourable toward the development.

Resort funding cheque is in the mail  

Osoyoos will receive nearly $400,000 this year under the province’s Resort Municipalities Program.

Council on Monday authorized the mayor and corporate officer to sign a cost-sharing agreement with the province that will trigger the $390,335 payment.

The $10.5-million program provides grants to 14 BC municipalities for projects and programs that add amenities provide a better tourism experience and help promote local tourism.

Projects on the town’s list of projects includes: trail development; interactive signage; beach cleaning; boat trailer parking; downtown revitalization; visitor activity enhancement; waterfront safety; and waterfront enhancement.