This issue presents the final installment of our four part series outlining prospective mining ventures in the Similkameen valley.
In this week’s issue, local prospector Ron Schneider describes a few ideas he has put forward for contemplation, involving the creation of an industry and the building of a reputation in the Similkameen, based on something truly unique - the valley’s rich mineral heritage.
We don’t expect Schnieder’s ideas to solve all the Lower Similkameen’s economic woes, but it could provide the area with a few more jobs, and indirectly give local tourism something unique to build on.
Every region, city and country in the world is chasing tourist dollars these days.
It seems to be the industry du jour - but tourism alone makes for a pretty unbalanced economy.
Besides, the Similkameen cannot hope to compete with other regions who can offer sophisticated tourism related developments - there is neither the population nor the dollars to support it.
We feel the best way to build the Similkameen’s tourist potential is through ideas such as Schneider’s - use local ideas and materials to make something that can be marketed as something truly unique - produce small but high quality quantities - and through that strategy, develop a reputation that makes the Similkameen synonymous with something truly different.
Editor’s note: The August 9 edition editorial titled “Similkameen services keep slipping away” posed the question, “Isn’t the YMCA-YWCA a privately run, for profit business?”
The answer, according to EPBC Area Catchment Manager Robert Bryce, is no. He says, “I would like you to understand that the YMCA-YWCA of the Central Okanagan is a non-profit registered charity.”