Fence at Skaha called ‘idiotic’
EDITOR’S NOTE: In recognition of Canada’s 150th anniversary, The Herald is reprinting historic stories from the South Okanagan focusing on the biggest news story of each year. Today we are re-running two short stories from 1970 which may still seem relevant today.
June 18, 1970 — Skaha Lakes fence must look like the iron curtain to tourists entering Penticton, the chamber of commerce was told last night.
“I think the fence is idiotic,” said Peter Ibbotson of the Continental Motel during a discussion.
“It makes the town look ridiculous and Okanagan Lake is going to be vastly overcrowded. We could not have done more to spoil the lake if we tried.
“This fence must appear to the tourist as an iron curtain.”
The chamber was considering a letter from the West Skaha Ratepayers’ Association.
The letter said the problem of automotive and pedestrian congestion has only been shifted east of the Okanagan River channel and listed 10 problems that have arisen. “We have all found that our revenues are drastically reduced from last season. We have statistics to prove that for every person that is on the beach that is fenced, there are 40 people on the beach which is not fenced”. Harold Myers suggested the chamber should make sure there are sufficient signs indicating why the fence is there and where the underpasses are.
Late night fire hits city arena
September 2, 1970 – A spectacular fire which started in Penticton Memorial Arena shortly after midnight today sent one fireman to hospital and caused damage mainly confined to the ice-making equipment room and a nearby office.
Hospital officials said this morning that Keith Franklin was in good condition after suffering from smoke and ammonia inhalation.
No estimate of damage had been prepared by city or fire officials at press time.
Early indications are that there will not be any serious interruption in the arena services to the public although there will almost certainly be inconveniences.
One suspected cause of the fire is that a cigarette was left burning in a chesterfield sometime Tuesday, erupting into flames after the last person had left the arena shortly after midnight.
Firemen, weakened by ammonia fumes and extensive smoke inhalation, confined the fire to the rooms in the southwest corner of the arena. At one point, it was within minutes of flashing throughout the building.