Despite what Mr. Levey’s claims in his letter, I am not campaigning to drive at any speed on the river nor do I condone disrespectful or dangerous driving. There are laws already in place to address these issues but the Regional District of North Okanagan chooses not to enforce them. RDNO has also chosen not to put up swim barriers or any signage at the beach mentioned in the letter, or at any other areas of concern. The reason I have to vigorously campaign is to be heard. RDNO intentionally excluded boaters from this process. This process was in fact instigated by a specific special interest group back in 2009 and embraced by RDNO without regard for other groups.
Mr. Levey and others continue to make generalized statements about boaters and their attitudes. This is ridiculous. Most motorized users are conscientious, responsible people who care every bit as much about the environment, wildlife and their neighbours as anyone else. This villainizing of motorized users RDNO started must stop. I do agree with Mr. Levey’s comment that the river “is to be a resource that exists for all users,” (this includes boaters).
Mike Steiner
Mara
