Former mayor Jake Kimberley stated unequivocally that the battle was over (Penticton Western News, Dec. 14, An important outcome to Skaha Park issue).
He was referring to the Skaha Park-City of Penticton-Trio situation. In answer to this statement, there are still many who will carry on. Maybe to him the battle is over, however, the war still goes on.
Realistically, not much has changed. The City of Penticton and Trio are still actively pursuing park change albeit in a slightly different format, or is it a totally different format? The rules of engagement may have changed slightly but the end result looks to be the same, commercialization in a public park.
While I agree with his concept of consultation, I have found through various sources that consultation may be viewed in many different ways. It shows just how wording in City of Penticton’s modus operandi can play out. Although the city uses the term consultation, it is not totally defined. In fact, it seems more like a buzz word.
This whole City of Penticton-Trio-citizen scenario reminds me of an old western movie gunfight or shootout. It isn’t the toughest, meanest combatant that wins the fight. Instead, it’s the quickest, straight-shooter who wins and lives to fight another day. Up to now, the city and Trio have called the shots. However, the fight is not over. There are some who are still out in the trenches, dug in and willing to take things as far as they have to go with the city to cause a cessation of City of Penticton-Trio activity. As Yogi Berra, baseball hall of famer, used to say, “It ain’t over till it’s over!”
In summary, as I see it, we have two choices. One is to cave in; roll over and play dead. The other is to face the issues head on and stay the course until David vanquishes Goliath, if you will!
Certain people are out there and who knows, they might just find the smooth pebble needed.
Ron Barillaro
Penticton