We do live in a very strange world. An uproar and refusal to build a park behind Munson Mountain. Now Penticton council wishes us to have a prison in this district.
My concern is about two of our councillors and their history showing they are willing to build on parks, sell parks, and now entertaining giving up a large parcel of our precious land for a prison, also comparing our city to Kamloops and Prince George, industrial centres of pulp mills and logging and large open parcels of flat land.
Because our geography is quite different from any other in Canada, this special place is the tip of the California desert with moderate temperatures. Why would we give up some of this for a prison? We will need the same land in the future for law-abiding Canadians who will spend in this area and advertise its unique character to their friends overseas. The residents of a prison will not be shopping downtown.
Regarding the land base, after a prison is put on, let’s say 10 acres, many acres around it will become stagnant because it would have lost its value, and possible vistas. Also, to service such a prison, which can only be built on the east side of Penticton unless the Indian Reserve is an option, will take all the traffic through downtown, residential areas and tourist areas. Do we really need that congestion added to our summer traffic?
The Penticton residents have recently told our city that we’re not prepared to have our taxes increased to provide water, etc., to a new subdivision. Who will supply the infrastructure to a prison on the east side of town? We’re always persuaded by the saying “more jobs.” Strange, after the city has laid off 30-plus employees. Let’s use our energy to upgrade what we have to increase the interest in our city as a holiday destination resort, and not put a huge blot on our image.
If the B.C. government is determined to spread our wealth, maybe prisons that we already have should be enlarged. If their purpose is to bring more money into the Okanagan and a prison would facilitate that, then we the residents should guide them in the placement of such a facility.
A site that appeals to many is Brenda Mines. It is accessible, on the main highway from Vancouver, Kamloops and the north as well as the Okanagan. It’s obvious if this becomes a reality there will be jobs and services needed from not only Penticton, but also Summerland and Peachland. This I feel can be a win-win for all of us, and will share the wealth, if any, with our neighbours without affecting the ambiance of our communities.
Having a community meeting without knowing where this facility might go concerns me. Council already knows where those possibilities are, maybe Campbell Mountain, maybe the race track, maybe the reserve, maybe Kings Park, all the lights are there, Munson Mountain, maybe Brenda Mines.
Treasure their uniqueness.
Peter Osborne
Penticton
