FILE PHOTO.

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Following are emailed reader responses to stories or letters to the editor for the second week of July 2024. They have been edited slightly for readability. 

Got something you want to add? Send an email to editor Marshall Jones at mjones@infonews.ca.

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Five-fold hike to repair bill at BC Housing apartment in Kamloops

How are they allowed to get away with this for so long? Aren't it our taxes going into this? Where's the City? Too busy with infighting, wake up people. — John Louvroa

Penticton councillor putting plan together to address aggressive urban deer problem

I live in a townhouse complex here in town and we have deer in the yards almost daily. Never had one issue. — Dick Dawson

Dogs are predators. Many dogs attack and kill deer and their fawn’s. How are deer supposed to distinguish between a yapping dog and a real threat? Humans have destroyed deer habitat and all wildlife and are the real invasive species. Humans beings do nothing to create beauty or wildlife corridors. They just steal water, earth, trees and build ugly homes everywhere. Protect the last of the beautiful beings on earth. — Ariel Rose

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Dear Shannon,

Thank you for bringing this issue to attention in your story July 7, 2024 about councillor Amelia Boultbee addressing aggressive deer in Penticton.

Over the years, the deer population in our 55+ complex of 147 homes has grown to over nine deer, causing significant damage to our property, posing threats to our seniors, and creating health concerns due to their droppings. Despite seeking help from government agencies, we were informed that no assistance would be provided and that the responsibility lies with us.

Two years ago, our concern heightened when the deer began attracting coyotes, resulting in the tragic loss of a homeowner's dog. Frustrated by the lack of action, we took matters into our own hands by implementing 24-hour gate closures. Over 30 residents have volunteered countless hours to monitor the gates for over a year, but the deer persist in attempting to enter the complex when the gates open.

The root of the issue lies in the city's failure to recognize the severity of urban deer problems. While these deer may appear harmless, they are domesticated yet wild animals that can become aggressive and lose their fear of humans, not just during fawning season. Despite sentiments from those who romanticize the deer's presence, they have not experienced being chased or threatened. Feeding deer exacerbates the problem, similar to how ignoring climate change until it's too late worsens its impact.

The city has taken action against domesticated geese; why not extend similar efforts to manage deer? We urge the city to apply for the $5,000 grant offered by the BC government for urban deer management plans and to seek solutions from agencies specializing in wildlife management. Consulting with other cities that have successfully reduced their deer populations could provide valuable insights.

We seek Amelias assistance in addressing this pressing issue before it results in tragedy within our community.

Karen McAfee

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Dear Mr Jones,

I am very much in support of Amelia Boultbee's initiative to start solving the problem of urban deer in Penticton

I am a senior and yes I have a dog. I also have medical conditions and some physical limitations. I love to watch the deer in their natural habitat especially in the spring with the young fawns. But not when they are in my yard eating my flowers, leaving their droppings behind or running into my car on the street.

I am afraid to walk my dog. It is very difficult for an older individual to hold their pet on a leash, watch where we are walking in order that we don’t trip or fall, and also watch out for deer. The does hide their babies but stick close to protect them. I would not see an aggressive mom running at me until it was too late. I would not be able to protect either myself or my pet from such an attack. I could not lift up my dog and try to escape. Therefore we would both be trampled and injured or killed.

I have had a deer run across the road in front of my car and luckily I was able to stop in time to avoid him. But the driver of the oncoming car was not as lucky. The poor deer ran right into the side of his car, bounced off and landed on my car. He, the deer, was severely injured as were both of our cars. It was traumatic for all needless to say!

Deer need to be removed from urban centres. It is not safe for them to be on our streets. They would be much healthier if they were able to eat their natural diet and not our roses and tulips.

The city needs to be proactive and take measures to manage the urban deer. More and more young deer are being born in the city, they don’t all just wander down from the hills. They attract their natural predators, the coyotes and cougars. That poses an even greater danger to the city residents.

Does Penticton council not realize that something needs to be done before someone is either severely injured or killed because of the city’s inaction?

It is not just an issue for Penticton. Other areas are experiencing the same thing. Is there no discussion or problem solving going on? I understand there is a grant available to help with any costs associated with the planning and implementation of deer population control. Has Penticton applied?

I appreciate Ms Boultbee’s initial steps to finally do something about the ever increasing problem we have here with urban deer. I hope the rest of the council will support her initiative and act quickly to solve this dangerous problem before it is too late.

Lynne Napper

Prospective Kelowna homebuyers backed out of deal, ordered to pay over $300K

What a world. The prospective buyers did nothing with intention malice. The judge is out in left field. The guy selling the property has no morals or any compassion. This is what they call highway robbery. Personally, I would take it to a higher court. Civil court is not a proper authority on this type of legal matter. — Nellie Walraven

Rape survivor wins right in Kamloops court to tell her own story

I am glad the courts gave you back your power of voice. Speak, and even scream if you want to. Change has to occur. — Bill Johnston

THOMPSON: American presidential election feels like a life-and-death situation

Sadly our national election faces the same decision. The conservative party is offering the same agenda although slightly milder, until elected. — Bonnie Derry

Well we know where your bias is. It would be sad to see the Democrats get voted in along with Joe Biden, scary having them in power just like our own Liberals. Sad state of affairs all around. Not saying I like Trump as a human but he’s far better choice than the stupidity being displayed by the other side. — WG Balycz

iN PHOTOS: Thompson-Okanagan home to strange looking turkey vultures

I love to watch them soar on the wind currents. They look so graceful. Do they just soar for fun or are they looking for their next meal? — Claudette Lalande-Papp

Kelowna's David Lindsay avoids sentencing with hospital stay

Ha ha, love it. Mr. Lindsay has always had the idea that he's putting the system to work with delays. What he has never caught on to is that the system exacts its own grind that never ever stops while the legal matter is outstanding. He's just given it another opportunity to keep grinding. Sometimes you're just better off shutting up and doing your time. — William Mastop

UBCO’s engineering report on downtown building came with warnings

Can someone please explain how crews continuing to work at the UBCO Tower site, 550 Doyle Ave., guarantees Hadgraft Wilson Place will be habitable in the future?

The following subjects will probably be top of mind when people vote for Kelowna mayor and council in Oct. 2026:

1. The displaced residents of Hadgraft Wilson Place. "The Fifth Estate" (CBC-TV) is Canada's premier investigative documentary program. It should do an episode on Hadgraft Wilson Place and UBCO's downtown disaster.

2. Kelowna city council voted to increase their wages substantially: The mayor’s wage went from $126,497.29 to $135,848, and will climb to $145,200 in January 2025. For councillors, their wage went from $42,991.14 to $50,535, and will increase to $58,080 next year. Coun. Ron Cannan refused his wage increase. Last May he said, “Most folks would like to be in a position to give themselves a 35 per cent wage increase. However, council is not self-employed. This is taxpayers’ hard earned money."

3. At the time the council voted to borrow $241.3 million -- primarily for a new Parkinson Rec Centre -- to my knowledge there was no quantitative analysis report, architectural drawings, or specifications writer documents completed to justify the projected cost. Do these drawings and documents exist now?

It should be noted that the council wanted to borrow $241.3 million towards a total of $287 million. The Parkinson Rec Centre is allocated 84 per cent of $287 million, and consists of $180 million for the structure, plus $62 million to build it north of the present location. And what about the possibility of cost overruns?

4. In June 2023, Kelowna city council voted to use the Alternative Approval Process, rather than a referendum, to borrow the $241.3 million. Cannan was the lone dissenting vote. After the AAP deadline occured in October, council adopted the loan authorization bylaw to borrow the $241.3 million. Cannan again was the lone dissenting vote.

In a Sept. 9, 2022 interview, Coun. Charlie Hodge said: "I've been called lone wolf all my career... I represent the general public."

It appears the mantle has now passed to Coun. Cannan.

David Buckna
Kelowna, B.C.

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