For Immediate Release
October 14, 2020
IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO SAVE A BEACH $450k Crowdfunding Urgently Needed to Preserve Naramata’s Centre Beach
Naramata Slow Moves Quickly to Inform and Inspire Community to Act by October 31
Naramata, B.C. - The Naramata Slow Community Group has launched a targeted fundraising campaign to preserve Centre Beach - a peaceful slice of lakefront paradise anchored in the heart of Naramata Village since the 1940’s. There is no time to waste.
For more than 70 years, Centre Beach has provided a beautiful backdrop for Naramata residents and visitors alike. With an inviting sandy beach, stunning lakeshore vistas and mature trees, Centre Beach has played host to countless iconic Naramata memories. The beloved space that means so much to so many is in jeopardy of becoming private property.
But not without a rally. The Naramata Slow Community Group has been working with “Area E”, Regional District of Okanagan and Similkameen (RDOS) representative, Karla Kozakevich and current land owner, the Naramata Centre Society to structure an agreement to keep Centre Beach in its present state. “Our extensive history of facilitating community, personal growth, and care aligns with the mission of our organization as well as that of Naramata Slow,” says Naramata Centre Board Chair, Kathy Hamilton. “Partnering with the local community to preserve Centre Beach for generations to come is exactly what we hope to achieve.”
Centre Beach is comprised of three parts - a north parcel, a south parcel, and a Ministry of Transportation Right of Way. The Naramata Centre has offered citizens the opportunity to take public ownership of the north parcel - a significant portion of Centre Beach - by offering a special price, favourable terms and guaranteed first access to the south parcel and Right of Way.
If Naramata Slow is able to raise $850k by October 31, the RDOS will be able to access the balance of required funds through a municipal borrowing program. Naramata Slow has already raised an incredible $400k through direct fundraising outreach. The Community Group is counting on the just-launched crowd-funding campaign to close the $450k gap by October 31.
“Early responses to this public campaign have been very heartening, leading Narmata Slow towards cautious optimism,” shares Naramata Slow Treasure, Jacquie Carlson. “Reframing the goal to two hundred, $2,000 donations help individuals see that their actions, commitment and generosity can very much make a difference.
Easy public access to Naramata’s natural beauty greatly impacts both people and businesses from near and far. Green space is good for business. It’s good for health and wellness. And it’s good for the community. This is a can’t-miss opportunity to preserve and protect Centre Beach for the benefit of future generations, just as the dedication of Manitou Park years ago continues to benefit residents and visitors then and now.
“Never has the importance of public spaces been more apparent to a generation than through the lens of 2020’s global pandemic, Covid-19,” offers Naramata Slow Chairperson, Miranda Halladay. “The demand on Naramata Parks rose dramatically this year, but through available supply and community responsibility, Covid cases were essentially non- existent. As a result, Naramata saw a highly unexpected outcome - a significant economic uptick for local businesses this summer and fall supported by confidence in public health.”
Donations can be made here and every contribution over $20 will receive a tax receipt.
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Media Contacts:
Miranda Halladay, Chair - Naramata Slow Cittaslow
Karla Kozakevic, Area E RDOS Representative