On last week’s (March 15) Observer Viewpoint page, none of the interviewees mentioned the idea which, to my mind, has the most obvious and overlooked tourism potential: promote Margaret Falls.
People love waterfalls, and here we have spectacular ones right on our doorstep. And yet in my 40+ years of Shuswap residency, I do not remember seeing Margaret Falls on any tourism brochure cover, and when mentioned they are more of a casual sideline than featured as a major attraction.
As well, there is not one sign on the Trans Canada Highway from either direction for Margaret Falls. They are the best kept secret of the Shuswap.
Always I take visitors there, whatever the season. After visiting all the Rocky Mountain waterfalls from Banff to Jasper, one Australian friend declared our Margaret Falls the most spectacular he’d seen in western Canada. And with the added advantages of viewers’ close proximity, easy 15 minute walk access and Herald Park camping and picnic grounds nearby, they are the perfect tourist destination. Even on the hottest “40C” summer’s day, there it is always refreshingly cool.
Wake up, Shuswap Tourism! We have a hidden gem in our glorious Margaret Falls. Every year they should be the major feature on all our tourism material.
On the Dilkusha issue, I too, with many pleasant significant memories, will be saddened to see it demolished. However its basic structure has to be very sound to warrant restoration.
If so, and should it need relocating, then Haney Heritage Village seems to the most suitable spot - not necessarily in the Village but easily accessible and if visible from Highway 97, an advantage.
There Dilkusha could be developed as a more “high end” restaurant including evening meals, not conflicting with the more casual, less expensive lunch Tea Room; and would be a community asset.
Of course our Museum Society may not have the funds or personnel to pursue this idea, but it is worth considering, particularly if the heritage-style resources mentioned in earlier letters are available from the Province or Heritage Canada.
Barbara Grier
Editor’s note: In the print version of the Observer, the wrong letter appearaed with Ms.Grier’s signature attached. This is the correct version of her letter as submitted to us. The situation was the Observer’s mistake and we apologize for any confusion it may have caused.