January 2023 Newsletter
What is SlowFood?
Fresh, local, seasonal produce; recipes handed down through generations; sustainable farming; artisanal production; leisurely dining with family and friends. The SlowFood movement believes that food should be grown and bought locally, prepared with care, and consumed with appreciation. Born in Italy in 1989 as a not-for-profit, it began as a response to the rise of fast food and a world where we can eat quickly and cheaply without ever leaving our cars. Slow Food is about more than food, it’s about lifestyle. SlowFood embraces 'ecogastronomy,' the notion that eating well can and should go hand in hand with protecting the environment.
What is CittaSlow?
The precedent of SlowFood became an inspirational foundation for CittaSlow as the basic philosophies of SlowFood were then applied to urban environments. A CittaSlow ("cheetah" slow) community is a global network of towns that collectively resist globalization and mainstream corporate-centred development through planning and urban design that prioritizes each town's local, unique, and historic resources. The Cittaslow philosophy is built around the desire to provide a high quality of life for Cittaslow residents. The "slow" in Cittaslow concerns the idea of taking the time for quality. The Cittaslow movement aims to improve the quality of life in cities by slowing down the overall speed in the use of space, life, and traffic flow, thus the snail logo! Internationally, Cittaslow has helped more that 285 communities in 33 countries implement sustainable development practices creating communities that celebrate the local culture, gastronomy and environment.
What is NaramataSlow?
Naramata was designated a Cittaslow Community in 2006. Our village is one of only four communities in Canada to hold this CittaSlow designation! To support and promote the principles of the Cittaslow mandate, a not-for-profit society was formed. This group is known locally as the NaramataSlow Community Group. NaramataSlow is focused on conserving and cultivating our unique community while respecting and preserving the region we cherish.
The NaramataSlow Mission Statement is:
By establishing dialogue and awareness between local producers and consumers, we strive to create a community which values and appreciates its land, bounty and local artisans.
Recognizing and celebrating traditions, events, organizations and people that are fundamental to a Naramata way of life.
To foster healthy living, community involvement and sustainable food through inclusive community events and educational gatherings.
NaramataSlow is:
Jacquie Carlson, Jay Drysdale, Gayle Grant, Nicole Hackworth, Miranda Halladay, Dawn Lennie, Rene Mehrer, Dan Pederson, Jim Simpson
Vacation Rental Survey by RDOS
The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) is conducting a survey to gather feedback on Temporary Use Permits (TUPs), which authorize the operation of vacation rentals throughout the region.
In response to an increasing number of questions regarding vacation rentals in the region, various Advisory Planning Commissions have requested a review of the regulation and enforcement of TUPs. The Regional District would like to assess concerns and interests in vacation rentals, also referred to as ‘short-term rentals,’ before considering possible changes to the current regulatory requirements. The vacation rental survey includes questions about short-term rentals and also asks respondents to consider various regulatory options.
The online vacation rental survey is posted on the RDOS Regional Connections interactive website. Paper copies can be mailed upon request, and will be available for pick-up at the following locations:
· RDOS Head Office, 101 Martin Street, Penticton
· Osoyoos Town Hall, 8707 Main Street, Osoyoos
· Riverside Community Centre, 148 Old Hedley Road, Princeton
The vacation rental survey opens Wednesday, January 11, 2023, and closes Wednesday, February 15, 2023.
For further information, please visit the Vacation Rental Review project page on rdosregionalconnections.ca or call the RDOS Planning Department at 250-490-4108.
Naramata seeks Dark Sky Certification
According to a recent CBC news report, light pollution has increased between 7-12% in the last 12 years. Light pollution has many adverse affects to migratory birds and animals and is associated with increased health risks in humans. By becoming a Certified Dark Sky Community, Naramata seeks to protect our dark skies. We are working with the Official Community Plan to have the Dark Sky provisions enshrined in our official documents. An outdoor lighting ordinance composed of new build bylaws and education will ensure starry nights for generations to come. Please see the latest article in MyNaramata for more information.
We are also seeking volunteers that have expertise or passion in the following areas: Astronomy, Public Outreach and Event Planning, Engineering or Advocacy. If that is you, please contact us at naramataslow@gmail.com
Chefs in the Classroom
Chefs in the Classroom has returned and we are eager to get volunteers back in the classroom. Our mission is to educate children in our community how to grow, cook and eat local foods, with a vision of growing healthy children in our community. We have 3 local chefs participating from the Cannery, Hillside Winery, and the Naramata Inn. We are still seeking volunteers to assist in (and out) of the classroom.
For more information on Chefs in the Classroom or to volunteer please contact us at naramataslow@gmail.com
Save the Date
Earth Day is April 22, 2023.
NaramataSlow and the Naramata Citizens Association are working on a full slate of fun activities around the village to celebrate Mother Earth. Stay tuned!
P.S. Are you handy at fixing things?
We throw away vast amounts of stuff. Even things with almost nothing wrong, and which could get a new lease on life after a simple repair. The trouble is, lots of people have forgotten that they can repair things themselves. This is a threat to a sustainable future and to the circular economy, in which raw materials can be reused again and again. Things are being used for longer and don’t have to be thrown away. This reduces the volume of raw materials and energy needed to make new products. It cuts CO2 emissions, for example, because manufacturing new products and recycling old ones causes CO2 to be released. So if you are great at fixing things we'd love to hear from you. Contact us at naramataslow@gmail.com
Naramata Farmer's Market 2023
Starts June 7th and runs through to Sepeptember 27th, 2023
Wednesdays, 4-7 pm
Manitou Beach Park
If you are interested in volunteering or being a vendor this season, please email us at naramataslowmarket@gmail.com. Can't wait to see you all there!
Kevin's Korner
What is the difference between a $20 steak and a $55 steak?
February 14.
Interested in getting involved?
Drop us a line at naramataslow@gmail.com
Follow Naramata Slow on Facebook and Instagram or visit NaramataSlow.com.
NaramataSlow is part of the International CittaSlow Society. Our goal is to raise awareness & create conversations around Naramata’s designation as a Cittaslow Community.
Naramata is only one of 4 communities in Canada to receive the Cittaslow designation from Italy.
