Visitors flock to Osoyoos despite the province's recommendation not to travel

Photo: Casey Richardson

Even with the provincial government's recommendation that British Columbians stay local this Easter long weekend, one of the Okanagan’s top vacation spots is noticing an increase in visitors.

Last year, Osoyoos mayor Sue McKortoff told people that were planning to come to visit to stay home and wait.

“I went on Global and CBC and said, ‘please don't come to Osoyoos this weekend, we would prefer that you wait. We would be happy to welcome you when it's safe to do so.’”

This year McKortoff is not sending out the same message but, is asking people to understand guidelines if they plan on coming.

“I understand a lot of the hotels are full, I've had a few calls myself from people from outside of British Columbia saying, ‘we have plans to come and stay in Osoyoos...we're just not sure whether we should come here.’ And I said ‘I can't tell you that you can't come but I would suggest that you look at the provincial guidelines, look at our town's website.’”

“As long as you understand that we expect people, not only residents and our businesses, which are doing a good job, but also our visitors to follow those guidelines.”

While the province has asked people to avoid nonessential travel, there are no provincial orders restricting it.

“There certainly are more people here right now than two weeks ago,” McKortoff said.

With recent COVID-19 case counts breaking records, the government again urged residents to avoid travel on Saturday.

"An important reminder for everyone is that we should not be travelling outside our community or health authority for vacation or recreation right now. Consider day trips only or staying overnight in a local campground or hotel. We have seen too many cases of people travelling outside their health authority region and not using their layers of protection, leading to outbreaks and clusters in their home community," said provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix in a statement.

“I think that people understand that if they are coming to a place, they either need to stay in their room and eat there or figure out how you can do it safely because the rest of us here, in town, our businesses and our residents are doing a good job of being careful,” McKortoff said.

McKortoff added that as a resort municipality, this is the time of year Osoyoos starts to see an increase in activities and people coming to stay in hotels and motels.

“We think it's a little different this year because they're not coming expecting to be entertained and to be able to do all things that they could have maybe done last year.

“There are a lot of people that come that have condos, a second home and they certainly, nobody can tell them that they can't come and use their own property...We have to be respectful of other people and what they choose as non-essential.”

The mayor of Tofino also told the Vancouver Sun this weekend that he has seen a surge in visitors in his community this weekend.

As a long time #Osoyoos resident I think I can spot a visitor pretty easily. After a quick roll around town I estimate 487,000 are here this weekend, and that’s with many businesses closed for Good Friday. Saturday should be nutso. COME ONE COME ALL! ? #COVID19BC

— Brock Jackson (@BrockTalk) April 2, 2021