Two advance polling days set for October vote
Osoyoos residents will have two advance polls for this year’s October 20 general election, on October 10 and 17.
Council approved the amended elections bylaw on Monday to conform to the requirement for two advance polls for jurisdictions with populations of more than 5,000.
Staff considered October 15 and 16, but a council meeting on the Monday the15th makes the council chamber unavailable that day and there wouldn’t be enough time to set up for an advance poll on the Tuesday.
The Saturday general election day, which is the same across the province except for Vancouver, is mandated by the province. In 2014 it was nearly a month later, on November 15.
 
Airport drag racing approved for five weekends
The squeal of spinning tires and the unmuffled roar of high-powered engines will echo across the West Bench on five weekends again this summer after council okayed drag race dates at the Osoyoos airstrip.
The Wine Country Racing Association will host two day events on April 28 and 29, June 2 and 3, June 16 and 17, September 22 and 23 and October 6 and 7.
The town will receive revenue based on one-third of ticket sales and participant fees. CAO Barry Romanko estimated the town’s take at about $10,000.
Beer garden and BBQ added to Cactus Jalopies
A Thursday night beer garden and barbeque will be added to this year’s Cactus Jalopies Car Show after council on Monday approved an application from the Sage Pub.
Burgers and beer will be available from 5 to 10 p.m. on June 1 at an enclosed site on the beach across from the Sage. One lane of Cottonwood Drive will be closed during the event as an additional venue for car owners to strut their stuff.
Council authorized staff to negotiate a one-time land-use agreement, including an appropriate fee, with the pub owner.
 
by Roy Wood