The current “revitalization” options being presented to the citizens of Penticton for the Okanagan Lake waterfront have nothing to do with vitality, nor the diversity that is our vibrant community. That’s an illusion.
They concern only predetermined agendas for a narrow segment of the population pre-occupied and blinded by short-term gains, huge consumption of a variety of resources, otherwise known as net losses for the whole.
The thinking and attitudes that have developed these options are outdated and out of touch with the community and its future needs.
This thinking needs “revitalizing”, not the lakeshore. Exploitation, exclusion and elitism are not appropriate reflections of our creative citizens.
There’s already plenty of vitality along the lakefront, if blind eyes and closed minds would consider seeing them, and reflecting on their value.
Yes improvements can be made to the infrastructures already in place, small details that will enhance the quality of life for all citizens and visitors of Penticton, year round, for now, and for many tomorrows.
The options presented destroy life, co-creative space, and do not respect a healthy community with differing values and needs.
Times have changed, people have changed, values and needs have changed.
We can all share our space, imaginatively, caringly, creatively, sustainably and joyfully, but not with outdated and expired thinking processes. Revitalize your perception of the lakeshore.
The lakeshore is precious, natural areas are precious, developed areas are precious, life is precious, people are precious, wildlife is precious. Let’s treat our entire community with the respect it deserves.
Michelle Parry
Penticton
