COLDSTREAM, B.C. – Efforts by the District of Coldstream to purchase
the Ormsby Property on the shores of Kalamalka Lake and turn the area
into a park have so far failed.
Now park proponents are trying to push local politicians to find a creative solution to make the land public.
The 2.4 acres of waterfront land belonged to the late Margaret Ormsby.
“The
original request of Margaret Ormsby’s was that the district purchase
the property and turn it into a park and name it Ormsby Park,” says
Coldstream councillor Peter McClean. (read more)
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Council was very interested in buying the Ormsby property and investigated options to achieve that objective. However, the asking price is almost $6 million. Annual tax increases for that loan repayment would exceed 9% and would require another referendum strictly for Coldstream. There is not enough time to prepare the legal requirements for the 2014 referendum. If there is enough interest it is possible to have a referendum in 2015.
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1 comment:
The fortification of the lake has started me considering leaving. We moved here to enjoy the lake, and now it feels overrun and constricted.
It seems to me that the tax increases would be a bargain as compared to putting in a pool or buying a cabin in a peaceful place.
btw a new waterfront park would enhance tourism and bring dollars. Why would a family choose to be sardined on a puny Coldstream beach when they could enjoy the generous expanses of beaches in Osoyoos, Penticton, Summerland, Peachland, Kelowna, West Side, Okanagan Centre, Carrs Landing....?
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