Caretaker's disappointment

Photo: Contributed

Lori Mairs is more than disappointed with the Regional District of the Central Okanagan’s decision to streamline its security and evict seven onsite caretakers from local parks.

For the last 14 years, Mairs has been the caretaker of the Woodhaven Conservatory Park, even writing her master’s thesis on the ecology of the park.

She considers herself more than someone who opens and closes the gate to the park when needed. Mairs says there are 10 items in her contract, which includes maintaining order and security as well as doing things that are necessary to protect the park and will allow for public enjoyment.

“My responsibilities are to ensure the natural safety in the park, but also I collaborate with the neighbours next to the park, who love this park,” explained Mairs. “I work with UBC Okanagan and the department of creative and critical studies to bring art and culture into Woodhaven.”

Keeping the park peaceful and safe is something Mairs thinks roving security by the Commissionaires of BC will be unable to provide – let alone the educational aspect and social responsibility of tending to matters in the park, she says.

“I feel like the RDCO Parks Department had the opportunity to set a standard of excellence in parks delivery service. They could be gleaning knowledge from us caretakers. Even though we do have daytime jobs, we know a lot about these parks,” she said.

Not to mention Mairs pays a reduced rent to live on the property and is not paid for her park’s services – leaving her to wonder what the RDCO is gaining from hiring roving security.

“They are going to pay someone to do the job I do for free. Even if the Commissionaires walk through the park once a day they won’t see the same thing as someone who is on site. My care and concern for the park is for the people who are in here,” Mairs explained.

She added there is currently a bear roaming Woodhaven, which she has been diligent in letting the public know about; however, Mairs said someone who checks the park once a day might not see the bear – making it dangerous for park goers.

Now after years of reduced rent, Mairs, along with caretakers from seven other locations, will be forced into a market with a low vacancy rate and a high rental fee.

She will have 60 days to vacate the residence she has been living in, the former summer home of the first mayor of Kelowna, Henry William Raymer. The house also belonged to Jim and Joan Burbridge, the couple who convinced elected officials that the property should be preserved.