Press Release - Town announces opening of Gyro Park Phase “A”

Town announces opening of Gyro Park Phase “A” a major Resort Municipality Initiative

The Town of Osoyoos is pleased to announce the substantial construction completion of Phase “A” (Plaza Redevelopment) of the community's largest Resort Municipality Initiative (RMI) project to date.  All that remains is the installation of ordered furnishings. Council invites visitors and residents to use the current facilities.

Valued at $600,000 in this initial phase, the project includes removal of asphalt driveway and replacement with lighted paving stone walkway, boardwalk, extended grassy areas, tables, benches, trees and other extensive landscaping. Phase “B” of the project is slated for completion in fall of 2015 and will include an extension of the paving stone walkway that will link to a future pier development.

Previously funded RMI projects in the area include the new washroom and concession facility developed in 2012 valued at $365,000 and $300,000 into the Desert Sunrise Marina.

“The Gyro Park Phase “A” project is a needed improvement to our waterfront/Gyro Beach area”, said Mayor Sue McKortoff.  “Thanks to the RMI funding, we are happy to have this portion completed for the 2015 summer season. It will be enjoyed by locals and visitors who use the beach, and enjoy the special events scheduled there- including Cactus Jalopies Car Show, July 1/ Canada Day Cherry Fiesta and Music in the Park.”

Administered jointly between town staff and its retained landscape architects consultant Outland Design, the construction was under the competent management of Crown Contracting.

The essence of the design was provided by a three day community stakeholder charette and open house feedback process that was completed in October 2012.

“Osoyoos, being a resort municipality, considers tourism a major economic driver for our community. This project beautifies our waterfront which is a very important aspect of what our destination has to offer”, said Destination Osoyoos Chairman Don Brogan. “Many of the world’s top tourism destinations have well developed waterfronts and developing our community’s waterfront, with help from the RMI; will bolster both our tourism and local resident experience. I feel very fortunate that Osoyoos has the Resort Municipality status, small communities like ours would never be able to fund projects like this on their own.”

The Resort Municipality Initiative (RMI) funding program is managed by the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and is intended to assist small, tourism-based municipalities to support and increase visitation.

Since these municipalities typically have a small tax base due to their size, the demands of their tourism activity often strain the resources available to provide infrastructure and event programming. RMI funding allows these communities to dedicate resources to improving tourism-based infrastructure and amenities to attract more visitors and encourage longer stays.

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For more information:
Barry Romanko
Town Chief Administrative Officer
250.495.6515
bromanko@osoyoos.ca

Click Here to learn more Gyro Park Multi-Purpose Plaza Phase 1 and Parking Lot.