My first thought when I heard about Penticton landing $40 million for a multi-use facility was, "What about us?" At the same that the Peach City is dipping into casino cash for its event centre, Greater Vernon taxpayers are into year three of paying off $35 million that was borrowed for the master water plan. Now I don't begrudge Penticton for tapping into the provincial pot, but I certainly question Victoria's priorities. How is it that Penticton got that kind of money for a facility that will house the B.C. Hockey Hall of Fame and two ice rinks when Greater Vernon has been virtually shut out for something as important as drinking water? And this situation has occurred even with intense lobbying by the Greater Vernon Services Commission. "We've been begging and down on hand and knee," said Coun. Barry Beardsell. Of course, some provincial officials think they have been listening to Greater Vernon. "The province has provided money and any suggestion that Vernon is being ignored is simply wrong," said Tom Christensen, Okanagan Vernon MLA. Technically, Christensen is right, but that's about all. The reality is the provincial government didn't cough up cash for the master water plan until late 2005 and it was only for $4.5 million. When you're talking about $35 million in water upgrades, Victoria's contribution was a drop in the bucket. Christensen goes on to say that Greater Vernon's situation shouldn't be compared to Penticton. "It's completely different funding," Christensen said of Penticton's $40 million coming through casino funds over 13 years while Vernon would be seeking infrastructure grants for water and sewer upgrades. Once again Christensen is technically right, but the actual source of the money means absolutely nothing to Greater Vernon taxpayers who have been hit in the wallet hard over the last few years. And that's especially true for those who have seen their rates climb while ice tea-coloured water still comes out of the tap. And the sad part about all of this is it just isn't Penticton. Millions of dollars have been pumped into B.C. communities for everything from recreational facilities to water treatment plants. It's just Greater Vernon that's left sitting on the sidelines.And the only apparent reason is that unlike other communities that let their infrastructure fall apart to the point of emergencies, Greater Vernon was proactive in planning for water system upgrades. But because some of the work went ahead or it appeared like everything was under control, senior government was unwilling to loosen the purse strings. Ultimately, I am left wondering why the provincial government isn't willing to make Greater Vernon a similar deal as Penticton? If an innovative funding model, such as gaming revenue, can be directed towards a sports facility, why not a water treatment plan? The one quote that caught my attention came from Penticton Mayor Jake Kimberley after hearing of the province's generosity. "Council wanted to make sure this project was affordable for the residents of Penticton," he said. Thanks to Victoria, Penticton taxpayers have got a major break when it comes to their proposed $56.1 million event centre. But inaction from the same government has left Greater Vernon residents holding the bag.
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