As the summer season heads toward its mid point, Keremeos finds itself once again mired in the annual issue of transient farmworkers.
The fact that the Farmworkers Campground is no longer a reality hasn’t deterred a larger number of campers than has been the norm over the past few years to take up residence along that portion of the river. And, outside media reports notwithstanding, it appears that other than for the numbers, little is different about the situation this year over past years.
Local politicians feel their hands are tied when it comes to providing even a temporary solution to the issue of waste management. Jursidictional and legal issues continue to make it difficult to do even the simplest things - such as providing a waste bin and portable toilets in the area.
If amenities are provided, then it appears that camping on the floodplain is being promoted.
It’s a problem that crosses municipal boundaries, affecting everyone in the region. We remain adamant, however, that without the involvement of agriculturalists who need the farmworkers, and the shouldering of some responsibility by the farmworkers themselves - there can be no solution. Farmworkers need to take responsibility for the waste they create, from both an environmental and economic point of view.
As free as they may feel out on the Similkameen River floodplain, their presence there comes at a cost - that they need to be financially accountable for.
There was an encouraging event that took place last weekend, when a camper led cleanup of the riverbank surrounding the campground. Several area farmers also put time, effort and money into the cleanup. It was a positive step in the right direction; now it’s time for others with a stake in the issue to step up, farmworker and farm owner alike.