Canoe News
OTTAWA (CP) - The issue of whether the Northwest Passage belongs to Canada or the world has put the current U.S. ambassador to Canada at odds with his predecessor. Washington's representative in Canada, David Wilkins, says the U.S. position has not changed and the passage is international territory as far as the Bush administration is concerned. That is in direct conflict with statements by former ambassador Paul Cellucci, who recently told a foreign affairs conference that the disputed waters in the North should be recognized as sovereign Canadian territory. Celucci said it would be easier for Canada to police than the United States and the decision should be made in the context of North American security. With global warming melting Arctic ice, it's been suggested the Northwest Passage could be opened to shipping, making it quicker trading route to the Far East.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Some Clown Tries to Use the Bridge to Nowhere !
From the Vernon Courier P.1 Oct 31.
Charges may be laid against driver who hit "bridge to Nowhere"
The car was travelling at a high rate of speed and hit the concrete abutment in front of the unused vehicle bridge.
Charges may be laid against driver who hit "bridge to Nowhere"
The car was travelling at a high rate of speed and hit the concrete abutment in front of the unused vehicle bridge.
"KING" ad wrong in paper again. (4 strikes and your OUT!)
http://vernonblog.blogspot.com/2006/10/first-3-candidates-for-king-are-being.html
In the posting above I list the four times I have seen the Vernon OCP Review Ad. in the Morningstar with the latest been in their daily paper this morning.
Don't we have any one at the paper or at City Hall that checks these ads for obvious typo's. Why we are paying thousands of dollars to run an ad that is incorrect is mind boggling.
It is bad enough that we lowered the Property Tax rate for publishing Companies but accepting bad ads day after day is incompetent.
In the posting above I list the four times I have seen the Vernon OCP Review Ad. in the Morningstar with the latest been in their daily paper this morning.
Don't we have any one at the paper or at City Hall that checks these ads for obvious typo's. Why we are paying thousands of dollars to run an ad that is incorrect is mind boggling.
It is bad enough that we lowered the Property Tax rate for publishing Companies but accepting bad ads day after day is incompetent.
'He saved us'
By Scott NeufeldTuesday, October 31, 2006 http://www.dailycourier.ca/article_669.php
Three Ace Courier employees are crediting an alert delivery driver with saving their lives after a blaze gutted the office where they
worked.Bob Ward, a dispatcher at Ace Courier Services on Waddington Drive, said he and two other employees had no idea that flames were spreading across the roof of their office – when suddenly one of the company’s drivers burst into the office.“The driver came running in saying he could hear crackling in the roof,” he said. “We busted out the fire extinguisher but the fire had gone across the roof so we said, ‘let’s get out of here.’”Rob, the driver of the truck, said he didn’t want to leave his last name because he did not want to be a celebrity. He said he saw a small fire on the roof and wanted to make sure that everyone in the building could get out safely.“I just pulled up and saw like a little two foot fire on the left hand side of the warehouse,” he said. “The three people inside got out no problem.”Ward said without that warning he’s not sure if they would have escaped the building in time.“He saved us,” Ward said.The fire was reported at about 4:45 p.m. on Monday and burned out the inside of the building, continuing to flame until after press time. Firefighters had surrounded the building but did not move in because of the intense heat.Two ladder mounted hoses attacked the fire from above while firefighters battled the edges of the fire. The fire also caused power lines to crackle, flare into a reddish glow and spit smoke.Smoke from the building rose high into the sky blocking out the view of the moon from downtown Vernon. The cause of the fire had yet to be determined.Ward said the warehouse that burned contained some customer freight while the office had computers and important paperwork. He said the damage would likely be at least $500,000. The owner of the building is from Salmon Arm and Ward said he had not yet arrived at the scene.Despite the damage Ward said he was expecting to be back at work as usual.“We’re kind of wondering what we’re going to be doing tomorrow (Tuesday),” he said. “We’ll make sure the freight gets moving.”
Roger Teppler Edge Photography
Three Ace Courier employees are crediting an alert delivery driver with saving their lives after a blaze gutted the office where they
worked.Bob Ward, a dispatcher at Ace Courier Services on Waddington Drive, said he and two other employees had no idea that flames were spreading across the roof of their office – when suddenly one of the company’s drivers burst into the office.“The driver came running in saying he could hear crackling in the roof,” he said. “We busted out the fire extinguisher but the fire had gone across the roof so we said, ‘let’s get out of here.’”Rob, the driver of the truck, said he didn’t want to leave his last name because he did not want to be a celebrity. He said he saw a small fire on the roof and wanted to make sure that everyone in the building could get out safely.“I just pulled up and saw like a little two foot fire on the left hand side of the warehouse,” he said. “The three people inside got out no problem.”Ward said without that warning he’s not sure if they would have escaped the building in time.“He saved us,” Ward said.The fire was reported at about 4:45 p.m. on Monday and burned out the inside of the building, continuing to flame until after press time. Firefighters had surrounded the building but did not move in because of the intense heat.Two ladder mounted hoses attacked the fire from above while firefighters battled the edges of the fire. The fire also caused power lines to crackle, flare into a reddish glow and spit smoke.Smoke from the building rose high into the sky blocking out the view of the moon from downtown Vernon. The cause of the fire had yet to be determined.Ward said the warehouse that burned contained some customer freight while the office had computers and important paperwork. He said the damage would likely be at least $500,000. The owner of the building is from Salmon Arm and Ward said he had not yet arrived at the scene.Despite the damage Ward said he was expecting to be back at work as usual.“We’re kind of wondering what we’re going to be doing tomorrow (Tuesday),” he said. “We’ll make sure the freight gets moving.”
Roger Teppler Edge PhotographyHospital ‘swimming’ in sewage
By Scott NeufeldTuesday, October 31, 2006 http://www.dailycourier.ca/article_668.php
Frustrations continue to rise for staff at the Vernon Jubilee Hospital after a toilet overflowed and sewage flooded into a medication room on the floor below.Oncologist Ed Hardy who works in the cancer centre said he was checking on the status of a patient when he heard about the leak. 
“The toilet backed up and overflowed pouring contaminated dirty water into the emergency room, into the medication room,” he said. “They aren’t able to give out the medication at the moment because it’s contaminated.”Hardy said the sewage contamination is just one more example of how desperately the hospital needs to be refurbished. He said there have been water leaks in the cancer centre, water leaking off a fluorescent light fixture in the outpatient department and black mould in the nursery.An emergency room “swimming” in sewage is 
just another in a long list of problems, Hardy said.The design process to add a second tower to the hospital is underway but Hardy said that the government has not yet made a firm commitment to fund it. With a scheduled phase one completion set for around 2011 he said the improvements are not coming fast enough.“This is something we deal with on a daily basis,” he said. “I think staff are doing an excellent job, the administration is supportive but it’s very difficult to get an agreement with the government.”Emergency room chief Mike Concannon said Monday afternoon that the issue is a plumbing problem and that the problem was being fixed. “The flooding of wastewater into the medication room isn’t a good thing,” he said.The flooding, mould and other structural issues are proof that Vernon Jubilee needs more than just a second tower, Concannon said.“I think it’s just a sign that this building is long past its date for replacement,” he said. “Our department is pretty decrepit so in terms of staff morale it’s not a good setting to be working in.”
“The toilet backed up and overflowed pouring contaminated dirty water into the emergency room, into the medication room,” he said. “They aren’t able to give out the medication at the moment because it’s contaminated.”Hardy said the sewage contamination is just one more example of how desperately the hospital needs to be refurbished. He said there have been water leaks in the cancer centre, water leaking off a fluorescent light fixture in the outpatient department and black mould in the nursery.An emergency room “swimming” in sewage is 
just another in a long list of problems, Hardy said.The design process to add a second tower to the hospital is underway but Hardy said that the government has not yet made a firm commitment to fund it. With a scheduled phase one completion set for around 2011 he said the improvements are not coming fast enough.“This is something we deal with on a daily basis,” he said. “I think staff are doing an excellent job, the administration is supportive but it’s very difficult to get an agreement with the government.”Emergency room chief Mike Concannon said Monday afternoon that the issue is a plumbing problem and that the problem was being fixed. “The flooding of wastewater into the medication room isn’t a good thing,” he said.The flooding, mould and other structural issues are proof that Vernon Jubilee needs more than just a second tower, Concannon said.“I think it’s just a sign that this building is long past its date for replacement,” he said. “Our department is pretty decrepit so in terms of staff morale it’s not a good setting to be working in.”Monday, October 30, 2006
Spectacular Vernon Fire
by David Fowler - Story: 23531Oct. 30, 2006 / 7:30 pm Castanet
Vernon fire crews on the scene of a spectacular fire on Waddington Drive. Early reports say the fire is at the Ace Courier building. The first reports of the fire came in before 5 pm tonight and crews are still on the scene. Lieutenant Forsheck of the Vernon Fire Department says he's not aware of any injury reports.
Vernon fire crews on the scene of a spectacular fire on Waddington Drive. Early reports say the fire is at the Ace Courier building. The first reports of the fire came in before 5 pm tonight and crews are still on the scene. Lieutenant Forsheck of the Vernon Fire Department says he's not aware of any injury reports.
Photo from the scene - William Neal
Meanwhile, in the dog house
http://www.publiceyeonline.com/archives/001923.html
Prime Minister Brian Mulroney's former chief of staff Norman Spector thinks federal Liberal parliamentarian Belinda Stronach is a "bitch." Speaking with CKNW's Bill Good this morning about Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay's refusal to apologize for allegedly suggesting Ms. Stronach is a dog, Mr. Spector said, "I think she's a bitch. It's as simple as that. And I think that 90 percent of men would probably say she's a bitch for the way she's broken up (retired hockey player) Tie Domi's home and the way she dumped Peter MacKay. She is a bitch."
Prime Minister Brian Mulroney's former chief of staff Norman Spector thinks federal Liberal parliamentarian Belinda Stronach is a "bitch." Speaking with CKNW's Bill Good this morning about Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay's refusal to apologize for allegedly suggesting Ms. Stronach is a dog, Mr. Spector said, "I think she's a bitch. It's as simple as that. And I think that 90 percent of men would probably say she's a bitch for the way she's broken up (retired hockey player) Tie Domi's home and the way she dumped Peter MacKay. She is a bitch."
Vernon Woman Sues Cops
Castanet
by Wayne Moore - Story: 23507Oct. 30, 2006 / 10:30 am
A Vernon woman wants the cops in Edmonton to pay. Kristin Wilson, 20, was in the Alberta city during last springs Stanley Cup playoffs when she says she was struck in the face by a city police officer while her hands were cuffed behind her back. The incident took place during a wild party on Whyte Avenue, dubbed "The Blue Mile." It was captured on film by an Edmonton Journal photographer. The picture ran nationwide. Wilson claims the blow was administered by Constable Shane Connor, causing her to fall face first onto the concrete. She says she suffered broken teeth, cuts, a concussion, headaches, back pain, trauma and other injuries. Wilson claims she was subjected to unreasonable search and seizure, wrongful detention an excessive use of force, all violation of her rights under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Also See Edmonton Sun story Oct.28
by Wayne Moore - Story: 23507Oct. 30, 2006 / 10:30 am
A Vernon woman wants the cops in Edmonton to pay. Kristin Wilson, 20, was in the Alberta city during last springs Stanley Cup playoffs when she says she was struck in the face by a city police officer while her hands were cuffed behind her back. The incident took place during a wild party on Whyte Avenue, dubbed "The Blue Mile." It was captured on film by an Edmonton Journal photographer. The picture ran nationwide. Wilson claims the blow was administered by Constable Shane Connor, causing her to fall face first onto the concrete. She says she suffered broken teeth, cuts, a concussion, headaches, back pain, trauma and other injuries. Wilson claims she was subjected to unreasonable search and seizure, wrongful detention an excessive use of force, all violation of her rights under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Also See Edmonton Sun story Oct.28
107.5 KISS FM NEWS SHORTS
House Party Stabbing http://www.1075kiss.com/news/headlines/
One teenager was stabbed and another was taken into
custody after an altercation at a Vernon houseparty over the weekend.Police were called to a home in the Harwood area, the two thousand block of 42nd venue after receiving reports of a fight in progress.Upon arrival, the officers found an 18 year old male being restrained by other party-goers and a secondmale suffering from stab wounds to the arm and abdomen.He was taken to Vernon hospital with non life threatening injuries, and he remains in hospital after undergoingsurgery. A knife was seized at the scene and the suspect was taken into custody. The 18 year old is facing a charge of assault with a weapon.Police continue to investigate the incident as both males are claiming self defense.(Pete McIntyre)
One teenager was stabbed and another was taken into
custody after an altercation at a Vernon houseparty over the weekend.Police were called to a home in the Harwood area, the two thousand block of 42nd venue after receiving reports of a fight in progress.Upon arrival, the officers found an 18 year old male being restrained by other party-goers and a secondmale suffering from stab wounds to the arm and abdomen.He was taken to Vernon hospital with non life threatening injuries, and he remains in hospital after undergoingsurgery. A knife was seized at the scene and the suspect was taken into custody. The 18 year old is facing a charge of assault with a weapon.Police continue to investigate the incident as both males are claiming self defense.(Pete McIntyre) Lippert Positive About Funding
Vernon's mayor feels there a good chance the area will get a provincial grant to help pay for the watersystem. Wayne Lippert says local governments presented a united front to cabinet ministers at last week's UBCMconvention.Lippert says,'I mean not just Great Vernon the Regional District went in with the same concerns as thecity of Vernon.We talked about the water for grant money as well as funding for the hospital and for betterrecruitment of services for doctors' Lippert says the city will also be looking to tap into new funding announced by the Premier to help buildmore affordable housing.(Pete McIntyre)
Vernon's mayor feels there a good chance the area will get a provincial grant to help pay for the watersystem. Wayne Lippert says local governments presented a united front to cabinet ministers at last week's UBCMconvention.Lippert says,'I mean not just Great Vernon the Regional District went in with the same concerns as thecity of Vernon.We talked about the water for grant money as well as funding for the hospital and for betterrecruitment of services for doctors' Lippert says the city will also be looking to tap into new funding announced by the Premier to help buildmore affordable housing.(Pete McIntyre)
Liquor Store
Standard Radio News, Lori Finch Sun Fm
The Mayor of Vernon hasn't been able to prevent the closure of the government liquor stores in downtown Vernon. Wayne Lippert met with Minister John Les and MLA, Tom Christensen to present their concerns after city council was given a petition with almost 53-hundred signatures opposing the closure... Local B-C-G-E-U rep, Betty Reid, says staff will be impacted with the closure... Reid says residents in Kamloops were able to stop the closure of a government liquor and she says the union is not giving up. They hope residents continue to pressure the government to reverse their decision.Both government stores are set to close in the spring, when a new specialty store opens in the Village Green Mall.
The Mayor of Vernon hasn't been able to prevent the closure of the government liquor stores in downtown Vernon. Wayne Lippert met with Minister John Les and MLA, Tom Christensen to present their concerns after city council was given a petition with almost 53-hundred signatures opposing the closure... Local B-C-G-E-U rep, Betty Reid, says staff will be impacted with the closure... Reid says residents in Kamloops were able to stop the closure of a government liquor and she says the union is not giving up. They hope residents continue to pressure the government to reverse their decision.Both government stores are set to close in the spring, when a new specialty store opens in the Village Green Mall.
Fire hall back on the ballot
By Scott Neufeld Monday, October 30, 2006 http://www.dailycourier.ca/article_665.php
Five years after defeating a referendum to borrow money for a new fire hall, voters in Coldstream and Lavington will return to the ballot box on Nov.
18 for another fire protection referendum.Coldstream council is asking for public approval for a $4 million loan to pay for two new fire halls – one in Coldstream and another in Lavington – through a referendum ballot.In November 2001, voters defeated a referendum to borrow $1.5 million to build a new City Hall and fire hall in Coldstream, but 
Coldstream mayor Gary Corner said the circumstances are different this time.“Some who voted didn’t want the (City) Hall, some didn’t want the fire hall,” he said. “This is just really about fire protection so I think it’s a little bit different.”Coldstream fire chief Leo Lecavalier said the biggest problem with the existing fire hall is that there are not enough bays to store all of their equipment. He said all four bays are full currently and they need a fifth bay for a new pumper truck. There is funding set aside for the truck but Lecavalier said it’s been put on hold because it is too tall to fit in the fire hall.“This piece of apparatus is required for fire protection but there isn’t a bay for it,” he said.The Coldstream Fire Hall was completed around 1960 and has undergone several upgrades. The building is barely large enough for their equipment and Coldstream firefighters hold meetings in a trailer behind the building because there’s no room to meet inside, Lecavalier said.The new fire hall would include a kitchen, some offices, a meeting space and enough storage should the fire hall increase from the current 27 volunteers to 40. Lecavalier said the new fire hall will be large enough to serve the community’s needs for decades.“We’ve put in a lot of effort and thought to make sure we get the best bang for our buck,” he said. “With the new building I can’t see in 80 years that it wouldn’t still service our needs.”When the referendum was defeated in 2001 Coldstream built the municipal hall using existing funds. Corner said the district already had enough money for the hall they simply were hoping for additional money to pay for a fire hall as well.In this latest referendum, however, Corner said that if the municipality loses the referendum, they won’t build the new fire halls.“Fire halls are a different issue,” he said. “If the community doesn’t want them we’ll have to look at our options if the referendum doesn’t pass.”In the 2001 referendum, the loan for the fire hall and municipal hall was defeated by a margin of just 19 votes. Although Coldstream residents voted in favour of the loan 584-571, Lavington residents proved to be the difference by voting 142-95 against.Two public fire hall information sessions will take place before the referendum. The first session will take place on Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Coldstream Municipal Hall. A second one will be hosted at the Lavington Fire Hall from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Nov. 7.
Five years after defeating a referendum to borrow money for a new fire hall, voters in Coldstream and Lavington will return to the ballot box on Nov.
18 for another fire protection referendum.Coldstream council is asking for public approval for a $4 million loan to pay for two new fire halls – one in Coldstream and another in Lavington – through a referendum ballot.In November 2001, voters defeated a referendum to borrow $1.5 million to build a new City Hall and fire hall in Coldstream, but 
Coldstream mayor Gary Corner said the circumstances are different this time.“Some who voted didn’t want the (City) Hall, some didn’t want the fire hall,” he said. “This is just really about fire protection so I think it’s a little bit different.”Coldstream fire chief Leo Lecavalier said the biggest problem with the existing fire hall is that there are not enough bays to store all of their equipment. He said all four bays are full currently and they need a fifth bay for a new pumper truck. There is funding set aside for the truck but Lecavalier said it’s been put on hold because it is too tall to fit in the fire hall.“This piece of apparatus is required for fire protection but there isn’t a bay for it,” he said.The Coldstream Fire Hall was completed around 1960 and has undergone several upgrades. The building is barely large enough for their equipment and Coldstream firefighters hold meetings in a trailer behind the building because there’s no room to meet inside, Lecavalier said.The new fire hall would include a kitchen, some offices, a meeting space and enough storage should the fire hall increase from the current 27 volunteers to 40. Lecavalier said the new fire hall will be large enough to serve the community’s needs for decades.“We’ve put in a lot of effort and thought to make sure we get the best bang for our buck,” he said. “With the new building I can’t see in 80 years that it wouldn’t still service our needs.”When the referendum was defeated in 2001 Coldstream built the municipal hall using existing funds. Corner said the district already had enough money for the hall they simply were hoping for additional money to pay for a fire hall as well.In this latest referendum, however, Corner said that if the municipality loses the referendum, they won’t build the new fire halls.“Fire halls are a different issue,” he said. “If the community doesn’t want them we’ll have to look at our options if the referendum doesn’t pass.”In the 2001 referendum, the loan for the fire hall and municipal hall was defeated by a margin of just 19 votes. Although Coldstream residents voted in favour of the loan 584-571, Lavington residents proved to be the difference by voting 142-95 against.Two public fire hall information sessions will take place before the referendum. The first session will take place on Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Coldstream Municipal Hall. A second one will be hosted at the Lavington Fire Hall from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Nov. 7.
Medical equipment scrapped
By Don Plant Monday, October 30, 2006 http://www.kelownadailycourier.ca/article_3485.php
The destruction of an expensive piece of cardiac equipment has dismayed doctors in Kelowna. Interior Health staff dismantled the old catheterization lab at Kelowna General Hospital and shipped it to a scrap-metal yard on Friday. The machine, whose value is estimated at close to $1 million, has served as backup equipment for a new cath lab since its installation in February. “It’s been very valuable for us as a backup in the event our new lab needed service or repair,” said Dr. Richard Hooper, director of the cath lab. “It was like having an old Volkswagen in the garage when you drive a new Cadillac. It may not have airbags, but at least it had seatbelts and was reliable and safe.” IH spent $2 million on the new cath lab, which takes digital pictures of a patient’s arteries. Demand for angiograms has been so great from across the health region that patients must wait up to four months for the procedure. The old machine, installed 12 years ago, was used recently for other procedures such as inserting temporary pacemakers. Carol Ruttle, whose husband underwent an angiogram in Kelowna before having open-heart surgery in Vancouver, said dumping the old cath lab is a waste of money. “IH seems like they bulldoze in and take away something that’s still valuable,” she said. “Why are we wasting money? That’s what’s bothering me.” The health authority was aware cardiologists wanted to keep the old machine as backup, said Joanne Konnert, chief operating officer for the Okanagan. But, now that the new cath lab is operating well, there’s no need to keep the old one, she said. “We did keep it longer than we intended. It is old. Getting parts and maintaining it is next to impossible. That’s why we replaced it.”The hospital is also pressed for space, Konnert said. Nurses use the room the old machine occupied to prepare dressing trays for patients using the new cath lab. Cardiac services throughout B.C. have been under review for two years. Officials are expected in the next few weeks to unveil plans to improve patient access to bypass surgery, angioplasties and pacemakers.
The destruction of an expensive piece of cardiac equipment has dismayed doctors in Kelowna. Interior Health staff dismantled the old catheterization lab at Kelowna General Hospital and shipped it to a scrap-metal yard on Friday. The machine, whose value is estimated at close to $1 million, has served as backup equipment for a new cath lab since its installation in February. “It’s been very valuable for us as a backup in the event our new lab needed service or repair,” said Dr. Richard Hooper, director of the cath lab. “It was like having an old Volkswagen in the garage when you drive a new Cadillac. It may not have airbags, but at least it had seatbelts and was reliable and safe.” IH spent $2 million on the new cath lab, which takes digital pictures of a patient’s arteries. Demand for angiograms has been so great from across the health region that patients must wait up to four months for the procedure. The old machine, installed 12 years ago, was used recently for other procedures such as inserting temporary pacemakers. Carol Ruttle, whose husband underwent an angiogram in Kelowna before having open-heart surgery in Vancouver, said dumping the old cath lab is a waste of money. “IH seems like they bulldoze in and take away something that’s still valuable,” she said. “Why are we wasting money? That’s what’s bothering me.” The health authority was aware cardiologists wanted to keep the old machine as backup, said Joanne Konnert, chief operating officer for the Okanagan. But, now that the new cath lab is operating well, there’s no need to keep the old one, she said. “We did keep it longer than we intended. It is old. Getting parts and maintaining it is next to impossible. That’s why we replaced it.”The hospital is also pressed for space, Konnert said. Nurses use the room the old machine occupied to prepare dressing trays for patients using the new cath lab. Cardiac services throughout B.C. have been under review for two years. Officials are expected in the next few weeks to unveil plans to improve patient access to bypass surgery, angioplasties and pacemakers.
City faced with public-private edict
By MARKUS ERMISCH Staff reporterOct 29 2006 http://www.kamloopsthisweek.com/
City hall has no choice but to at least consider a public-private partnership (P3) when building a new waste-water treatment plant, says the Liberal MLA for Kamloops-North Thompson. "It's just the way to go," Kevin Krueger told KTW on Friday. He said that if city hall doesn't at least demonstrate to the government that it has considered a public-private partnership for the proposed waste-water plant, he will be unable to get any provincial cash for the project from Victoria."If it's not a P3, the province may not consider it at all," Krueger said. Premier Gordon Campbell, in a speech at the Union of British Columbia Municipalities convention in Victoria, told his audience that, henceforth, all provincially funded capital projects with a value of more than $20 million must first be considered to be built through a public-private partnership unless there is a compelling reason to do otherwise. Kamloops' proposed waste-water treatment plant, expected to cost at least $50 million, is a project that would fall under this new requirement. Krueger said the measure is designed to save the province - and ultimately the taxpayers - money. "We're saving millions this way," he said, pointing out that all P3s involving provincial funding in B.C. are on budget and on time. Mayor Terry Lake sat in the audience when Campbell delivered his speech, as did city CAO Randy Diehl. Both were lukewarm to the premier's proposal. "It's a clear signal that [the government wants] communities to look closely at P3s for infrastructure projects that receive provincial funding," Lake said. "If we were to go ahead with our sewage-treatment plant and apply for provincial funding, we'd have to give them a good reason why we were not going with a P3." Lake said that "at this point, we hadn't contemplated a public-private partnership for sewage treatment." Diehl said it may be too early to discuss a public-private partnership. He said such an arrangement may work from the government's perspective, but may not necessarily work for municipalities. David Duckworth is in charge of the waste-water plant project. "It's something we're going to have to explore, obviously, if it's a condition for getting the [provincial] grant funds," said Kamloops' director of public works. Duckworth said "most public-private partnerships for water plants and waste-water plants haven't worked out too well in Canada and North America." Duckworth used as an example the waste-water treatment plant in the Okanagan community of Summerland, which was originally supposed to be built as a P3. Although Duckworth doesn't recall the details of the case, he said that after two years, the district ended up taking over the entire operation of the plant. Further development of the Kamloops waster-water plant has been shelved, pending the announcement of a new federal-provincial infrastructure project.
City hall has no choice but to at least consider a public-private partnership (P3) when building a new waste-water treatment plant, says the Liberal MLA for Kamloops-North Thompson. "It's just the way to go," Kevin Krueger told KTW on Friday. He said that if city hall doesn't at least demonstrate to the government that it has considered a public-private partnership for the proposed waste-water plant, he will be unable to get any provincial cash for the project from Victoria."If it's not a P3, the province may not consider it at all," Krueger said. Premier Gordon Campbell, in a speech at the Union of British Columbia Municipalities convention in Victoria, told his audience that, henceforth, all provincially funded capital projects with a value of more than $20 million must first be considered to be built through a public-private partnership unless there is a compelling reason to do otherwise. Kamloops' proposed waste-water treatment plant, expected to cost at least $50 million, is a project that would fall under this new requirement. Krueger said the measure is designed to save the province - and ultimately the taxpayers - money. "We're saving millions this way," he said, pointing out that all P3s involving provincial funding in B.C. are on budget and on time. Mayor Terry Lake sat in the audience when Campbell delivered his speech, as did city CAO Randy Diehl. Both were lukewarm to the premier's proposal. "It's a clear signal that [the government wants] communities to look closely at P3s for infrastructure projects that receive provincial funding," Lake said. "If we were to go ahead with our sewage-treatment plant and apply for provincial funding, we'd have to give them a good reason why we were not going with a P3." Lake said that "at this point, we hadn't contemplated a public-private partnership for sewage treatment." Diehl said it may be too early to discuss a public-private partnership. He said such an arrangement may work from the government's perspective, but may not necessarily work for municipalities. David Duckworth is in charge of the waste-water plant project. "It's something we're going to have to explore, obviously, if it's a condition for getting the [provincial] grant funds," said Kamloops' director of public works. Duckworth said "most public-private partnerships for water plants and waste-water plants haven't worked out too well in Canada and North America." Duckworth used as an example the waste-water treatment plant in the Okanagan community of Summerland, which was originally supposed to be built as a P3. Although Duckworth doesn't recall the details of the case, he said that after two years, the district ended up taking over the entire operation of the plant. Further development of the Kamloops waster-water plant has been shelved, pending the announcement of a new federal-provincial infrastructure project.
Singh likes his 'very nice hotel' UBCM
By MARKUS ERMISCH Staff reporters Oct 29 2006
Councillor says he wouldn't spend own cash on room Neophyte councillor Arjun Singh enjoyed his first UBCM convention. He has also enjoyed the accommodations. "I am staying in a very nice hotel - rate is about $125 a night, I think," he wrote on his blog under the heading UBCM conference great value."The meals are good. I would not stay in such a nice place if I was paying my own way, but I would probably still eat as well, or better." Township of Langley Coun. Jordan Bateman responded on his own blog. "Yikes," he wrote after reading Singh's Oct. 25 blog entry. "Something about public servants staying above their regular pay grade on the taxpayers' dime bothers me." When KTW asked Singh if taxpayers could misinterpret his blog entry, he said: "The basic point is that everything we spend on this conference has been justified. That's what I've been getting to." "I want to make it clear that we don't stay in crappy places when we go on conventions. I don't think that's appropriate, either. As representatives of the city, of the taxpayers, you don't want us to be in a hostel." Personally, Singh said, he prefers hostels and bed-and-breakfasts, noting he would have no problem staying in a cheaper place while attending a conference. In his blog, Singh also states the UBCM convention in Victoria was worthwhile because of the amount of information and insights he was able to receive.
Councillor says he wouldn't spend own cash on room Neophyte councillor Arjun Singh enjoyed his first UBCM convention. He has also enjoyed the accommodations. "I am staying in a very nice hotel - rate is about $125 a night, I think," he wrote on his blog under the heading UBCM conference great value."The meals are good. I would not stay in such a nice place if I was paying my own way, but I would probably still eat as well, or better." Township of Langley Coun. Jordan Bateman responded on his own blog. "Yikes," he wrote after reading Singh's Oct. 25 blog entry. "Something about public servants staying above their regular pay grade on the taxpayers' dime bothers me." When KTW asked Singh if taxpayers could misinterpret his blog entry, he said: "The basic point is that everything we spend on this conference has been justified. That's what I've been getting to." "I want to make it clear that we don't stay in crappy places when we go on conventions. I don't think that's appropriate, either. As representatives of the city, of the taxpayers, you don't want us to be in a hostel." Personally, Singh said, he prefers hostels and bed-and-breakfasts, noting he would have no problem staying in a cheaper place while attending a conference. In his blog, Singh also states the UBCM convention in Victoria was worthwhile because of the amount of information and insights he was able to receive.
MY TOWN
Halloween is fast approaching and with this day comes inherent safety risks and concerns. As a result of past experiences the local Detachment will be out in full force accompanied by volunteers within the Citizens on Patrol group as well as the Auxiliary RCMP contingent. In the past 
the police have received complaints of vandalism, assaults, thefts, and unlawful possession of fireworks on Halloween with many of the participants being between the ages of 12-18 but the police also advise that the frequency of these incidents seem to be declining from year to year. When preparing your children for Halloween it is important that you keep several things in mind especially if you are considering making or purchasing a costume. If a mask is being worn ensure that the eye holes are large enough that their entire field of vision is not impaired. For this very reason more and more parents are going to face paint. The costume should be large enough to allow warm clothing to be worn underneath and not so cumbersome in shape or length that it will limit their ability to move easily. Also the costume should be very bright in color or equipped with reflective material that will allow them to be easily seen by motorists. We are also seeing more and more youngsters carrying flashlights. Educate your trick or treaters to be very careful when crossing streets. They often forget some very basic traffic safety rules due to the excitement Halloween can bring. Motorists also become distracted with the volume and activity of pedestrians. Strike up an agreement with your children that they will not eat any of their collected candy before they return home and have someone go through it thoroughly. Anything that looks suspicious should be discarded and should something be found you should contact the police. Encourage your children and friends to stay in areas they are familiar with such as your own neighborhood. Finally, if at all possible parents or older siblings should be accompanying smaller children as they go door to door. This creates a much safer environment and peace of mind for all. If you have any particular concerns or questions you feel would make an interesting article please make contact with me, Terry Pakenham, at my fax line 260-5866, or my direct office line at 260-5276.
the police have received complaints of vandalism, assaults, thefts, and unlawful possession of fireworks on Halloween with many of the participants being between the ages of 12-18 but the police also advise that the frequency of these incidents seem to be declining from year to year. When preparing your children for Halloween it is important that you keep several things in mind especially if you are considering making or purchasing a costume. If a mask is being worn ensure that the eye holes are large enough that their entire field of vision is not impaired. For this very reason more and more parents are going to face paint. The costume should be large enough to allow warm clothing to be worn underneath and not so cumbersome in shape or length that it will limit their ability to move easily. Also the costume should be very bright in color or equipped with reflective material that will allow them to be easily seen by motorists. We are also seeing more and more youngsters carrying flashlights. Educate your trick or treaters to be very careful when crossing streets. They often forget some very basic traffic safety rules due to the excitement Halloween can bring. Motorists also become distracted with the volume and activity of pedestrians. Strike up an agreement with your children that they will not eat any of their collected candy before they return home and have someone go through it thoroughly. Anything that looks suspicious should be discarded and should something be found you should contact the police. Encourage your children and friends to stay in areas they are familiar with such as your own neighborhood. Finally, if at all possible parents or older siblings should be accompanying smaller children as they go door to door. This creates a much safer environment and peace of mind for all. If you have any particular concerns or questions you feel would make an interesting article please make contact with me, Terry Pakenham, at my fax line 260-5866, or my direct office line at 260-5276.
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Colin Mayes helps save Harvey's life
Edp UK
Harvey Newman, 2, with the fire fighters and paramedics who saved his life after he got his head stuck in his cot. From left, Stephen Hunt, Colin Mayes, crew manager Jonathan Smith, and fire fighter Tim Squires.
Harvey Newman, 2, with the fire fighters and paramedics who saved his life after he got his head stuck in his cot. From left, Stephen Hunt, Colin Mayes, crew manager Jonathan Smith, and fire fighter Tim Squires.
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The first 3 candidates for King are being interviewed. OR Doesn''t any one PROOFREAD ads anymore?
On page 10 of the Morningstar DAILY of Oct 31 this ad AGAIN APPEARS WITH THE SAME TYPO (KING INSTEAD OF KIND)
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On Page B14 of the Morningstar Oct 25 and again on Page B17 on Oct 27 and yet again on Sunday Oct. 29 the City Of Vernon has an ad stating the following:
What king of residential development would create a livable city?
If this is correct (and it is in our leading local paper 3 times so it must be true ) then the line to apply for the new position forms outside City Hall. $1500 worth of ads can't be wrong.
This ad is wrong. The correct version with the word "kind" instead of King can be found at City of Vernon vision workshops
Click on Cartoon to enlarge !
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
ALSO: POSTED ON CITY OF VERNON'S WEBSITE
INTERMEDIATE PLANNER Full Time Competition #: HR-COV-046 - 80Kb PDF Closing Date: Friday, November 17, 2006
+++++++++++++++
On Page B14 of the Morningstar Oct 25 and again on Page B17 on Oct 27 and yet again on Sunday Oct. 29 the City Of Vernon has an ad stating the following:
What king of residential development would create a livable city?
If this is correct (and it is in our leading local paper 3 times so it must be true ) then the line to apply for the new position forms outside City Hall. $1500 worth of ads can't be wrong.
This ad is wrong. The correct version with the word "kind" instead of King can be found at City of Vernon vision workshops
Click on Cartoon to enlarge !
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
ALSO: POSTED ON CITY OF VERNON'S WEBSITE
INTERMEDIATE PLANNER Full Time Competition #: HR-COV-046 - 80Kb PDF Closing Date: Friday, November 17, 2006
Community leaders come together
By RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star StaffOct 29 2006 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/
A team approach brought critical North Okanagan issues to the table during a
provincial conference. While communities have traditionally vied for government support individually during the Union of B.C. Municipalities convention, that wasn't the case last week in Victoria. Instead, all North Okanagan communities focused on the same issues together - health care and water. "Cabinet ministers were getting the same message over and over again," said Wayne Lippert, Vernon's mayor. In terms of funding for water infrastructure improvements, lobbying came from the City of Vernon, the North Okanagan Regional District and the District of Coldstream. The three jurisdictions are hoping to tap into federal/provincial funding for a new clarification system on Duteau Creek to deal with issues of turbidity and colour. Those three jurisdictions, as well as other North Okanagan municipalities, used UBCM to raise concerns about current conditions at Vernon Jubilee Hospital as well as the shortage of physicians, including family doctors. Joining 
them was the District of Lake Country, which is in the Central Okanagan Regional District. Many Lake Country residents, especially in Oyama, access services at VJH. Lippert believes the common approach demonstrates to the provincial government that there is a new relationship among the local communities and their interests deserve support. "Most times, communities have their own issues but these issues affect all of us," 
he said. While at UBCM, the City of Vernon made a pitch to Environment Minister Barry Penner for a water license on Okanagan Lake. Coun. Buffy Baumbrough said the license would assist with long-term planning, but there's no guarantee the ministry will agree to the request. "The ministry is still waiting for the conclusion of its water studies. It's a complicated issue because not every community in the Okanagan is metered and they're not sure how much water there is."
A team approach brought critical North Okanagan issues to the table during a
provincial conference. While communities have traditionally vied for government support individually during the Union of B.C. Municipalities convention, that wasn't the case last week in Victoria. Instead, all North Okanagan communities focused on the same issues together - health care and water. "Cabinet ministers were getting the same message over and over again," said Wayne Lippert, Vernon's mayor. In terms of funding for water infrastructure improvements, lobbying came from the City of Vernon, the North Okanagan Regional District and the District of Coldstream. The three jurisdictions are hoping to tap into federal/provincial funding for a new clarification system on Duteau Creek to deal with issues of turbidity and colour. Those three jurisdictions, as well as other North Okanagan municipalities, used UBCM to raise concerns about current conditions at Vernon Jubilee Hospital as well as the shortage of physicians, including family doctors. Joining 
them was the District of Lake Country, which is in the Central Okanagan Regional District. Many Lake Country residents, especially in Oyama, access services at VJH. Lippert believes the common approach demonstrates to the provincial government that there is a new relationship among the local communities and their interests deserve support. "Most times, communities have their own issues but these issues affect all of us," 
he said. While at UBCM, the City of Vernon made a pitch to Environment Minister Barry Penner for a water license on Okanagan Lake. Coun. Buffy Baumbrough said the license would assist with long-term planning, but there's no guarantee the ministry will agree to the request. "The ministry is still waiting for the conclusion of its water studies. It's a complicated issue because not every community in the Okanagan is metered and they're not sure how much water there is." Bold thieves steal bench
By RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff Oct 29 2006 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/
One of Vernon's busiest intersections was the site of an unusual heist. Sometime late Thursday night or early Friday morning, a metal bench at 30th Avenue and 30th Street went missing. "All that's left is four bolts," said Gord Molendyk, with the Safe Communities Unit. Removing the bench would have required some effort because of its weight. "It would have taken a couple of guys to lift it and they would need a truck," said Molendyk,
adding the bench was located in a visible area, near night clubs and pubs. "Somebody had to see it happening." The Downtown Vernon Association was made aware of the situation by a merchant Friday morning. "It's frustrating and very unfortunate," said Malcom Dunn, DVA president. Dunn admits that the theft caught him off guard because the location is one of the busiest in the downtown core.The bench, which was installed as part of downtown revitalization, is valued at $1,800. "We've never had this situation happen before so it's quite a surprise," said Alicia Kay, DVA marketing/events co-ordinator. There is no indication as to why the bench was targeted. "We went for a drive around downtown because we thought it might be in an alley but we couldn't find it." The DVA hopes the bench will be returned so it doesn't have to go to the expense of purchasing a new one. The bench is a chocolate brown colour and it may have a sponsor's plaque on the back rest. Anyone with information about this theft is asked to call the Vernon RCMP or Crime Stoppers.
One of Vernon's busiest intersections was the site of an unusual heist. Sometime late Thursday night or early Friday morning, a metal bench at 30th Avenue and 30th Street went missing. "All that's left is four bolts," said Gord Molendyk, with the Safe Communities Unit. Removing the bench would have required some effort because of its weight. "It would have taken a couple of guys to lift it and they would need a truck," said Molendyk,
adding the bench was located in a visible area, near night clubs and pubs. "Somebody had to see it happening." The Downtown Vernon Association was made aware of the situation by a merchant Friday morning. "It's frustrating and very unfortunate," said Malcom Dunn, DVA president. Dunn admits that the theft caught him off guard because the location is one of the busiest in the downtown core.The bench, which was installed as part of downtown revitalization, is valued at $1,800. "We've never had this situation happen before so it's quite a surprise," said Alicia Kay, DVA marketing/events co-ordinator. There is no indication as to why the bench was targeted. "We went for a drive around downtown because we thought it might be in an alley but we couldn't find it." The DVA hopes the bench will be returned so it doesn't have to go to the expense of purchasing a new one. The bench is a chocolate brown colour and it may have a sponsor's plaque on the back rest. Anyone with information about this theft is asked to call the Vernon RCMP or Crime Stoppers.
College grants doctor's return to practice
By roger knox Morning Star Staff Oct 29 2006 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/
A Vernon doctor has been given the go-ahead to resume practising medicine, but with conditions. Dr. Ramesh Kumar Sharma is facing a charge of helping a person to attempt suicide. He was charged following a month-long investigation in July, and, after he was charged, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia suspended Sharma's right to practice. However, on Friday, the college's senior deputy registrar, Dr. Doug Blackman, released a one-page statement, saying the college has authorized Sharma to return to practice with terms and conditions that include: Seeing patients only at his office on 33rd Street in Vernon; No prescribing of narcotics; Having a chaperone present continuously throughout all patient attendances; Ongoing review of his practice by the college.Blackman could not be reached for further comment on the college's decision.Sharma, as well, could not be reached for comment. Since he was charged, support for the doctor has been steady. Members of the Indo-Canadian community, along with some of Sharma's staff and peers, have crammed the courtroom at the Vernon Courthouse during his scheduled appearances.At least 60 supporters showed up at the courthouse one morning with a petition, demanding Sharma's reinstatement. Charges on July 31 followed an investigation by Vernon RCMP that began earlier in July, after allegations came forward that a doctor had tried to help a woman end her life. Sharma appeared in court Aug. 1 and was released on a $50,000 recognizance and other conditions, which included not practicing medicine without the consent of the college.
A Vernon doctor has been given the go-ahead to resume practising medicine, but with conditions. Dr. Ramesh Kumar Sharma is facing a charge of helping a person to attempt suicide. He was charged following a month-long investigation in July, and, after he was charged, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia suspended Sharma's right to practice. However, on Friday, the college's senior deputy registrar, Dr. Doug Blackman, released a one-page statement, saying the college has authorized Sharma to return to practice with terms and conditions that include: Seeing patients only at his office on 33rd Street in Vernon; No prescribing of narcotics; Having a chaperone present continuously throughout all patient attendances; Ongoing review of his practice by the college.Blackman could not be reached for further comment on the college's decision.Sharma, as well, could not be reached for comment. Since he was charged, support for the doctor has been steady. Members of the Indo-Canadian community, along with some of Sharma's staff and peers, have crammed the courtroom at the Vernon Courthouse during his scheduled appearances.At least 60 supporters showed up at the courthouse one morning with a petition, demanding Sharma's reinstatement. Charges on July 31 followed an investigation by Vernon RCMP that began earlier in July, after allegations came forward that a doctor had tried to help a woman end her life. Sharma appeared in court Aug. 1 and was released on a $50,000 recognizance and other conditions, which included not practicing medicine without the consent of the college.
Saturday, October 28, 2006
City’s push to restore transportation funding hits roadblock
Pentiction Western News Oct 27 2006
The city came away empty handed from a meeting with provincial Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon. Mayor Jake Kimberley said Falcon denied the city’s demand to restore funding for secondary roads cut in 1997. “That concerns me,” said Kimberley, in an interview from Victoria where he is leading the city’s delegation at the 2006 Union of British Columbia Municipalities convention. The city lobbied for the funding with an eye toward upgrading two arterial roads in and out of the community, Naramata and Eastside roads, said Kimberley, who estimates upgrades could cost up to $200 million down the road. “It doesn’t take much for that (cost) to creep up,” said Kimberley. But the city did get at least one promise from Falcon. Kimberley said the minister would review the city’s demand for cost-sharing on upgrades to the Fairview Road and Industrial Avenue intersection. “That intersection has only become a problem as a result of the traffic on the Channel Parkway (a provincial project),” Kimberley said. The city also requested financial assistance from the province to help beautify the Channel Parkway, said Kimberley. Also discussed was legislation making helmet use mandatory for all small-wheeled vehicles including skateboards and expansion of bike lanes, said Kimberley. One transportation issue still awaiting attention is a commuter-transit system linking the different regions of the Okanagan Valley. A report prepared in 2004 recommends the three regional districts pursue senior government funding for commuter transit among other transportation initiatives. Other non-transportion issues discussed so far include the South Okanagan Event Centre when the city delegation met Colin Hansen, economic development minister and minister responsible for the Olympics. The city is asking the province to give Penticton a permanent spot in the B.C. House at the 2008 Bejing Olympics. “We would be looking at sending a delegation to the promote our interests there,” said Kimberley, adding he intends to discuss the issue with the local business community looking the local wine industry among others. “If they want trade with China, they need to start putting money and personnel commitments forward.” The city delegation also discussed the possibility of linking the city’s fibre optics network with UBC-Okanagan and the Summerland Research Station, a move that would attract new high-tech industries.
The city came away empty handed from a meeting with provincial Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon. Mayor Jake Kimberley said Falcon denied the city’s demand to restore funding for secondary roads cut in 1997. “That concerns me,” said Kimberley, in an interview from Victoria where he is leading the city’s delegation at the 2006 Union of British Columbia Municipalities convention. The city lobbied for the funding with an eye toward upgrading two arterial roads in and out of the community, Naramata and Eastside roads, said Kimberley, who estimates upgrades could cost up to $200 million down the road. “It doesn’t take much for that (cost) to creep up,” said Kimberley. But the city did get at least one promise from Falcon. Kimberley said the minister would review the city’s demand for cost-sharing on upgrades to the Fairview Road and Industrial Avenue intersection. “That intersection has only become a problem as a result of the traffic on the Channel Parkway (a provincial project),” Kimberley said. The city also requested financial assistance from the province to help beautify the Channel Parkway, said Kimberley. Also discussed was legislation making helmet use mandatory for all small-wheeled vehicles including skateboards and expansion of bike lanes, said Kimberley. One transportation issue still awaiting attention is a commuter-transit system linking the different regions of the Okanagan Valley. A report prepared in 2004 recommends the three regional districts pursue senior government funding for commuter transit among other transportation initiatives. Other non-transportion issues discussed so far include the South Okanagan Event Centre when the city delegation met Colin Hansen, economic development minister and minister responsible for the Olympics. The city is asking the province to give Penticton a permanent spot in the B.C. House at the 2008 Bejing Olympics. “We would be looking at sending a delegation to the promote our interests there,” said Kimberley, adding he intends to discuss the issue with the local business community looking the local wine industry among others. “If they want trade with China, they need to start putting money and personnel commitments forward.” The city delegation also discussed the possibility of linking the city’s fibre optics network with UBC-Okanagan and the Summerland Research Station, a move that would attract new high-tech industries.
Beggars can’t be choosers.
Oct 27 2006 EDITORIAL http://www.pentictonwesternnews.com/
That is the situation facing Penticton after QuikAir flew off into the sunset less than six months after it touched down in Penticton. High hopes and predictions of immediate success greeted its arrival.
Economic development officer Wayne Tebbutt among others predicted the airline would do well soon, based on the growing economic ties between this region and Alberta. We now know otherwise. Red flags, in hindsight, should have gone up when the airline had to cancel its inaugural Calgary-Penticton flight because it lacked bookings. The ups and downs of any company are, of course, outside the control of city leaders. But consider how they are reacting to it. They, it appears, want us to forget about this unfortunate development as soon as possible by stressing their current search for another airline to replace QuikAir. The potential candidates are of comparable size to QuikAir. Although we are not suggesting that the company eventually chosen will suffer the same fate as QuikAir. That would be presumptuous. But the fact that the city is trolling in the same pool that netted QuikAir is telling in many ways and we fear that the QuikAir fiasco could push the airport’s reputation into a nosedive, if it has not already. Several other developments — plans for a national park and ongoing land claims by the Penticton Indian Band — are already casting doubts about the airport’s viability threatened by a large regional airport with international connections little more than an hour away. So what are the options? Few to none. We predict that the city — facing pressure from the business community — will do whatever it can to land an airline willing to take a flyer on the economic trends currently shaping the South Okanagan. But this something-is-better-than-nothing attitude is exactly the wrong approach for creating some stability at the airport. If the city is serious about the long-term future, it will not just settle for any airline. It should instead develop a long-term strategy that first identifies the airport’s weaknesses, then fixes them with the participation of all the stake-holders to find the perfect fit for the city and the region. Desperate times may demand desperate measures, but these are not desperate times. The airport was humming along before QuikAir and we predict it will continue to — at least for a while — after its end. The airport may feel jilted by QuikAir. But another, potentially ill-fated, one-night fling will not soothe those feelings the morning after.
That is the situation facing Penticton after QuikAir flew off into the sunset less than six months after it touched down in Penticton. High hopes and predictions of immediate success greeted its arrival.
Economic development officer Wayne Tebbutt among others predicted the airline would do well soon, based on the growing economic ties between this region and Alberta. We now know otherwise. Red flags, in hindsight, should have gone up when the airline had to cancel its inaugural Calgary-Penticton flight because it lacked bookings. The ups and downs of any company are, of course, outside the control of city leaders. But consider how they are reacting to it. They, it appears, want us to forget about this unfortunate development as soon as possible by stressing their current search for another airline to replace QuikAir. The potential candidates are of comparable size to QuikAir. Although we are not suggesting that the company eventually chosen will suffer the same fate as QuikAir. That would be presumptuous. But the fact that the city is trolling in the same pool that netted QuikAir is telling in many ways and we fear that the QuikAir fiasco could push the airport’s reputation into a nosedive, if it has not already. Several other developments — plans for a national park and ongoing land claims by the Penticton Indian Band — are already casting doubts about the airport’s viability threatened by a large regional airport with international connections little more than an hour away. So what are the options? Few to none. We predict that the city — facing pressure from the business community — will do whatever it can to land an airline willing to take a flyer on the economic trends currently shaping the South Okanagan. But this something-is-better-than-nothing attitude is exactly the wrong approach for creating some stability at the airport. If the city is serious about the long-term future, it will not just settle for any airline. It should instead develop a long-term strategy that first identifies the airport’s weaknesses, then fixes them with the participation of all the stake-holders to find the perfect fit for the city and the region. Desperate times may demand desperate measures, but these are not desperate times. The airport was humming along before QuikAir and we predict it will continue to — at least for a while — after its end. The airport may feel jilted by QuikAir. But another, potentially ill-fated, one-night fling will not soothe those feelings the morning after.
Friday, October 27, 2006
PROVINCE TO HELP FUND VICTORIA SEWAGE TREATMENT
BC GOV. NEWS
VICTORIA – The Province will contribute one third of the funding required to provide effective sewage treatment for the Capital Regional District (CRD), Premier Gordon Campbell announced today in his speech to the annual convention of the Union of B.C. Municipalities. “The lack of sewage treatment for our provincial capital is an embarrassment to British 
Columbians, and it’s time we work together with the federal government and the CRD to provide proper sewage treatment in Greater Victoria,” Campbell said. “For decades, experts and scientists told the people of Victoria that Mother Nature was doing what needed to be done to deal with Victoria’s sewage, but we now know that’s just not viable anymore. In July we directed the CRD to come up with a plan to implement sewage treatment, and today we’re committing to share the cost of providing that treatment.” The CRD discharges coarse screened, raw sewage into the Strait of Juan de Fuca through two outfalls, one at Clover Point and one at Macaulay Point. A report produced for the Ministry of Environment by an independent consultant concluded that both outfalls are contaminated sites. The Province has asked the CRD to submit a preliminary report by this December outlining treatment options, the potential location of treatment facilities, potential costs and an implementation schedule. Premier Campbell said that the Province will work with the CRD and the federal government to find the best, lowest cost solution for sewage treatment in Victoria with the one condition that Partnerships BC take a hard look at whether or not the project can be completed as a public-private partnership. “Our experience has shown us that public-private partnerships save money, transfer risk and add value through design innovations and ingenuity,” Campbell said. “Providing sewage treatment for the CRD is going to be a major capital project. We owe it to the people of Victoria to make sure it’s done right and done affordably, and a P3 model may well be the best route to deliver on those goals.” Premier Campbell said P3’s will become the new capital standard. In future, all provincially-funded capital projects with a value of over $20 million will be considered first by Partnerships BC to be built as public-private partnerships unless there is a compelling reason to do otherwise. Public-private partnerships to date have resulted in significant benefits, including $131 million in addition benefits on the Sea-to-Sky Highway, $92 million in benefits for the new Canada Line, $39 million in benefits on the Abbotsford Hospital and Cancer Centre, and $25 million in benefits from the new William R. Bennett Bridge.
Columbians, and it’s time we work together with the federal government and the CRD to provide proper sewage treatment in Greater Victoria,” Campbell said. “For decades, experts and scientists told the people of Victoria that Mother Nature was doing what needed to be done to deal with Victoria’s sewage, but we now know that’s just not viable anymore. In July we directed the CRD to come up with a plan to implement sewage treatment, and today we’re committing to share the cost of providing that treatment.” The CRD discharges coarse screened, raw sewage into the Strait of Juan de Fuca through two outfalls, one at Clover Point and one at Macaulay Point. A report produced for the Ministry of Environment by an independent consultant concluded that both outfalls are contaminated sites. The Province has asked the CRD to submit a preliminary report by this December outlining treatment options, the potential location of treatment facilities, potential costs and an implementation schedule. Premier Campbell said that the Province will work with the CRD and the federal government to find the best, lowest cost solution for sewage treatment in Victoria with the one condition that Partnerships BC take a hard look at whether or not the project can be completed as a public-private partnership. “Our experience has shown us that public-private partnerships save money, transfer risk and add value through design innovations and ingenuity,” Campbell said. “Providing sewage treatment for the CRD is going to be a major capital project. We owe it to the people of Victoria to make sure it’s done right and done affordably, and a P3 model may well be the best route to deliver on those goals.” Premier Campbell said P3’s will become the new capital standard. In future, all provincially-funded capital projects with a value of over $20 million will be considered first by Partnerships BC to be built as public-private partnerships unless there is a compelling reason to do otherwise. Public-private partnerships to date have resulted in significant benefits, including $131 million in addition benefits on the Sea-to-Sky Highway, $92 million in benefits for the new Canada Line, $39 million in benefits on the Abbotsford Hospital and Cancer Centre, and $25 million in benefits from the new William R. Bennett Bridge.PREMIER URGES JOINT ACTION ON HOUSING INITIATIVES
BC GOV NEWS
VICTORIA – Premier Gordon Campbell encouraged local governments to work with the Province to build more affordable housing and facilities to support people with mental illness and addictions through concerted actions aimed at increasing densities, reducing building costs and achieving net benefits for the environment. “There are two major components to
addressing the need for affordable housing,” said Campbell in his address to the UBCM convention. “The first is to lower building costs to make construction more affordable and the second is to leave more money in people’s pockets so they can afford housing. We’ve taken action on both and now we want to work with communities to move projects forward faster. “Sometimes, it is not politically popular to create homeless shelters, halfway houses, rehab centres or mental health facilities,” said Campbell. “We need to get passed the small ‘p’ politics, and face the reality that we simply can no longer afford not to make better use of our local land base, not to shrink processing times, not to reduce the burden of fees and not to build smaller units. The time to act is now and we will work with communities to use our land more effectively and create affordable housing solutions.” The Premier also announced that the Province will increase the shelter allowance for income assistance recipients for the first time since 1994 in the next provincial budget as part of its ongoing commitment to expand affordable housing options for British Columbians. “Since 2001 we’ve built or committed to almost 11,000 more units of affordable housing, but in addition to building affordable housing we need to make housing more affordable – especially for those who need that support the most. We’ll increase the housing allowance in the next budget and we’ll keep working with local governments to find new ways to ensure British Columbians have access to the safe, affordable housing they deserve.” Premier Campbell also urged local government leaders to find innovative solutions to accelerate construction of affordable housing and reduce costs for the benefit of British Columbians. “Delays, land costs, permit costs, building costs, development costs – these are all barriers to making housing affordable for B.C. families,” Campbell said. “Local governments have a role to play in helping us bring down those barriers, whether its increasing density or addressing zoning issues. We need to tackle those challenges if we’re going to build the kind of livable, thriving, safe communities we all want.”
VICTORIA – Premier Gordon Campbell encouraged local governments to work with the Province to build more affordable housing and facilities to support people with mental illness and addictions through concerted actions aimed at increasing densities, reducing building costs and achieving net benefits for the environment. “There are two major components to
addressing the need for affordable housing,” said Campbell in his address to the UBCM convention. “The first is to lower building costs to make construction more affordable and the second is to leave more money in people’s pockets so they can afford housing. We’ve taken action on both and now we want to work with communities to move projects forward faster. “Sometimes, it is not politically popular to create homeless shelters, halfway houses, rehab centres or mental health facilities,” said Campbell. “We need to get passed the small ‘p’ politics, and face the reality that we simply can no longer afford not to make better use of our local land base, not to shrink processing times, not to reduce the burden of fees and not to build smaller units. The time to act is now and we will work with communities to use our land more effectively and create affordable housing solutions.” The Premier also announced that the Province will increase the shelter allowance for income assistance recipients for the first time since 1994 in the next provincial budget as part of its ongoing commitment to expand affordable housing options for British Columbians. “Since 2001 we’ve built or committed to almost 11,000 more units of affordable housing, but in addition to building affordable housing we need to make housing more affordable – especially for those who need that support the most. We’ll increase the housing allowance in the next budget and we’ll keep working with local governments to find new ways to ensure British Columbians have access to the safe, affordable housing they deserve.” Premier Campbell also urged local government leaders to find innovative solutions to accelerate construction of affordable housing and reduce costs for the benefit of British Columbians. “Delays, land costs, permit costs, building costs, development costs – these are all barriers to making housing affordable for B.C. families,” Campbell said. “Local governments have a role to play in helping us bring down those barriers, whether its increasing density or addressing zoning issues. We need to tackle those challenges if we’re going to build the kind of livable, thriving, safe communities we all want.”
City Reps at UBCM
http://www.1075kiss.com/news/headlines/
The city of Vernon has four council members attending the Union of BC Municipalities convention this week. Councillor Juliette Cunnigham says they're meeting with several cabinet ministers including Transportation minister Kevin Falcon. Cunnigham says,'The airport extension is one of the issues we wanted to talk about, and then the transportation plan, the funding for the transportation plan. Planning moneys for the transportation.' Also representing the city at the Victoria convention are the other rookie members of council: Mayor Wayne Lippert, and councillors Jack Gilroy and Buffy Baumbrough.
The city of Vernon has four council members attending the Union of BC Municipalities convention this week. Councillor Juliette Cunnigham says they're meeting with several cabinet ministers including Transportation minister Kevin Falcon. Cunnigham says,'The airport extension is one of the issues we wanted to talk about, and then the transportation plan, the funding for the transportation plan. Planning moneys for the transportation.' Also representing the city at the Victoria convention are the other rookie members of council: Mayor Wayne Lippert, and councillors Jack Gilroy and Buffy Baumbrough.
UBCM Meetings
The Sun FM Betty Selin, Standard Radio News
Vernon's Mayor is feeling optimistic after meeting with the Minister of 
Health at the Union of BC Municipalities convention. Wayne Lippert says the face to face meeting with George Abbott was positive.Lipper says they talked about the expansion at the Vernon hospital, but also about better recruitment for lab staff, doctors and nurses.Doctors have expressed concerns about the proposed expansion plan for Vernon Jubilee not meeting the needs of the growing community.
Health at the Union of BC Municipalities convention. Wayne Lippert says the face to face meeting with George Abbott was positive.Lipper says they talked about the expansion at the Vernon hospital, but also about better recruitment for lab staff, doctors and nurses.Doctors have expressed concerns about the proposed expansion plan for Vernon Jubilee not meeting the needs of the growing community.Funding approved for highway upgrade
By Tyler OlsenMorning Star Staff Oct 27 2006 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/
The widening of the final stretch of two-lane Highway 97A is a step closer to reality after Spallumcheen officials got some good news in a meeting with Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon Wednesday. Falcon told a Spallumcheen delegation that the provincial government has released the funds needed for the road work and that the onus is now on the federal government to give promised highway money to B.C. If those funds materialize, construction on the four-kilometre stretch of highway should should begin next year. “I’m really excited. That’s what I’ve been waiting to hear,” said Mayor Will Hansma who, along with Councillors Dave Brew, Todd York and Janice Brown, and administrator Lynda Shykora, met with Falcon. The quintet are in Victoria this week for the Union of British Columbia Municipalities conference. “Now we just have to get those bureaucratic wheels going (in Ottawa).” Hansma added that the highway upgrade, which he said will cost betweetn $25 and $30 million, is vital to a proposed expansion of industrial land in the township’s southeast sector. “It’s so incredibly important that the infrastructure is in place before it all starts happening.” Hansma said that prior to the meeting the delegation was unsure whether the province would be ready to step up to the plate. “We were a little bit apprehensive about how things are going to go because you hear so many rumours,” he said. “Then you walk in and he (Falcon) has got a smile on his face.” Along with the meeting with Falcon, Hansma and company spoke with Health Minister George Abbott and Pat Bell, the minister of agriculture and lands.
Hansma said that the township informed Bell that they will be looking for funding to help upgrade the Interior Provincial Exhibition grounds from the ministry of community services. “We need him to go to bat for us when the time comes, (in regards to) the importance of the IPE and agriculture as a whole.”
The widening of the final stretch of two-lane Highway 97A is a step closer to reality after Spallumcheen officials got some good news in a meeting with Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon Wednesday. Falcon told a Spallumcheen delegation that the provincial government has released the funds needed for the road work and that the onus is now on the federal government to give promised highway money to B.C. If those funds materialize, construction on the four-kilometre stretch of highway should should begin next year. “I’m really excited. That’s what I’ve been waiting to hear,” said Mayor Will Hansma who, along with Councillors Dave Brew, Todd York and Janice Brown, and administrator Lynda Shykora, met with Falcon. The quintet are in Victoria this week for the Union of British Columbia Municipalities conference. “Now we just have to get those bureaucratic wheels going (in Ottawa).” Hansma added that the highway upgrade, which he said will cost betweetn $25 and $30 million, is vital to a proposed expansion of industrial land in the township’s southeast sector. “It’s so incredibly important that the infrastructure is in place before it all starts happening.” Hansma said that prior to the meeting the delegation was unsure whether the province would be ready to step up to the plate. “We were a little bit apprehensive about how things are going to go because you hear so many rumours,” he said. “Then you walk in and he (Falcon) has got a smile on his face.” Along with the meeting with Falcon, Hansma and company spoke with Health Minister George Abbott and Pat Bell, the minister of agriculture and lands.
Hansma said that the township informed Bell that they will be looking for funding to help upgrade the Interior Provincial Exhibition grounds from the ministry of community services. “We need him to go to bat for us when the time comes, (in regards to) the importance of the IPE and agriculture as a whole.”
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Oct 27 EDITORIAL
News that the province has confirmed that it will kick in its portion of funds to upgrade a much travelled stretch of highway should be greeted with cautious applause. The money from the province will go towards upgrading a four-kilometre stretch of Highway 97 in Spallumcheen. The upgraded highway would provide a better transportation link between the Spallumcheen industrial park and the rest of the North Okanagan and would make the region more appealing to job-creating industry. Even more importantly, it would make a narrow-stretch of road dramatically safer for the thousands of people who use it for their daily commute. But this much-needed upgrade to an important commuter and industry corridor will not be a sure thing until the federal government gives the province money promised for highways. Since the four-laning of Highway 97 was first promised by the province, the highway has been designated a national highway, which makes it available for federal funding. This certainly helps out the provincial Liberals but it throws an additional element of uncertainty into a process that has already taken too long. Now it is up to the Conservatives to send B.C. the money it has been promised for infrastructure so that construction can start next year.And while the Ministry of Transportation holds the key, our MP, Colin Mayes, must do his utmost to ensure that the money needed for the highway is delivered soon. Whether or not we will soon be able to drive from Vernon to Armstrong on a four-lane highway now rests solely on the federal government and local and provincial lobbying efforts.
News that the province has confirmed that it will kick in its portion of funds to upgrade a much travelled stretch of highway should be greeted with cautious applause. The money from the province will go towards upgrading a four-kilometre stretch of Highway 97 in Spallumcheen. The upgraded highway would provide a better transportation link between the Spallumcheen industrial park and the rest of the North Okanagan and would make the region more appealing to job-creating industry. Even more importantly, it would make a narrow-stretch of road dramatically safer for the thousands of people who use it for their daily commute. But this much-needed upgrade to an important commuter and industry corridor will not be a sure thing until the federal government gives the province money promised for highways. Since the four-laning of Highway 97 was first promised by the province, the highway has been designated a national highway, which makes it available for federal funding. This certainly helps out the provincial Liberals but it throws an additional element of uncertainty into a process that has already taken too long. Now it is up to the Conservatives to send B.C. the money it has been promised for infrastructure so that construction can start next year.And while the Ministry of Transportation holds the key, our MP, Colin Mayes, must do his utmost to ensure that the money needed for the highway is delivered soon. Whether or not we will soon be able to drive from Vernon to Armstrong on a four-lane highway now rests solely on the federal government and local and provincial lobbying efforts. Beardsell demanding action on health care
http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/ News Briefs
Vernon Coun. Barry Beardsell isn’t convinced that regional politicians are taking local health concerns seriously. He used Monday’s council meeting to ask local representatives to the North Okanagan-Columbia-Shuswap Regional Hospital District to tackle the concerns at Vernon Jubilee Hospital and to question financial issues. The hospital district meets in Salmon Arm Nov. 8. “Hopefully the meeting will not be a rubber-stamping of the Interior Health Authority budget,” said Beardsell.
Vernon Coun. Barry Beardsell isn’t convinced that regional politicians are taking local health concerns seriously. He used Monday’s council meeting to ask local representatives to the North Okanagan-Columbia-Shuswap Regional Hospital District to tackle the concerns at Vernon Jubilee Hospital and to question financial issues. The hospital district meets in Salmon Arm Nov. 8. “Hopefully the meeting will not be a rubber-stamping of the Interior Health Authority budget,” said Beardsell.
Films for funds
2006,Vernon Daily Courier By Scott Neufeld Friday, October 27, 2006,
The Vernon Search and Rescue’s film festival is still nearly three weeks away, but film enthusiasts are encouraged to book their tickets now before they sell out.This is the 15th year that search and rescue has hosted the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour and every year the event gets bigger, said Vernon Search
and Rescue president Leigh Pearson. The event was first held at Okanagan College but has become so popular that last year the festival was held at the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre and nearly filled it to capacity.“It’s been growing and growing and growing,” he said. “It’s become one of those things that people look forward to every year.”The festival is scheduled for Nov. 13 at the Performing Arts Centre and will offer some of the best films from this year’s Banff festival. Ranging in length from three minutes to 50 minutes, festival publicity co-ordinator John Neilson said there is a film to suit everyone’s interests.“It’s not all about extreme sports there’s some of that but there’s always some human interest stories,” he said. “You can hear people talking about it afterwards, talking about some unbelievable film.”Since the Banff festival doesn’t start until the end of October, Neilson said he won’t know what films will be shown in Vernon until five days before the local festival. But he said the festival has a reputation for airing great cinema.“We have a fairly loyal audience that comes back every year,” Neilson said.The annual event is the largest fundraiser of the year for the local search and rescue, Pearson said. In general, it raises between $8,500 to $10,000 and pays for equipment maintenance and liability insurance, he said. “This fundraiser, it’s literally our survival,” he said. “We do get a little bit of funding from the regional district but without this extra funding we couldn’t do it.”In the past it has also helped pay for a van and other large expenditures, but Pearson said they won’t be making any large capital purchases this year.Over the past few years search and rescue have been kept on their toes responding to about 40 calls per year. This year, however, they have only been called to 25 incidents, he said.“So far this year things have been slow,” Pearson said. “But the last few years we’ve been very busy.”With a membership that fluctuates at about 60 people, Pearson said the local search and rescue crew of volunteers is one of the largest in the province. He said the group does everything from search for missing people to rescue hikers to respond to car crashes.Tickets for the film festival are $20 and are available at the Ticket Seller box office by calling 549-7469 or dropping by the office at 3800 33rd St.
The Vernon Search and Rescue’s film festival is still nearly three weeks away, but film enthusiasts are encouraged to book their tickets now before they sell out.This is the 15th year that search and rescue has hosted the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour and every year the event gets bigger, said Vernon Search
and Rescue president Leigh Pearson. The event was first held at Okanagan College but has become so popular that last year the festival was held at the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre and nearly filled it to capacity.“It’s been growing and growing and growing,” he said. “It’s become one of those things that people look forward to every year.”The festival is scheduled for Nov. 13 at the Performing Arts Centre and will offer some of the best films from this year’s Banff festival. Ranging in length from three minutes to 50 minutes, festival publicity co-ordinator John Neilson said there is a film to suit everyone’s interests.“It’s not all about extreme sports there’s some of that but there’s always some human interest stories,” he said. “You can hear people talking about it afterwards, talking about some unbelievable film.”Since the Banff festival doesn’t start until the end of October, Neilson said he won’t know what films will be shown in Vernon until five days before the local festival. But he said the festival has a reputation for airing great cinema.“We have a fairly loyal audience that comes back every year,” Neilson said.The annual event is the largest fundraiser of the year for the local search and rescue, Pearson said. In general, it raises between $8,500 to $10,000 and pays for equipment maintenance and liability insurance, he said. “This fundraiser, it’s literally our survival,” he said. “We do get a little bit of funding from the regional district but without this extra funding we couldn’t do it.”In the past it has also helped pay for a van and other large expenditures, but Pearson said they won’t be making any large capital purchases this year.Over the past few years search and rescue have been kept on their toes responding to about 40 calls per year. This year, however, they have only been called to 25 incidents, he said.“So far this year things have been slow,” Pearson said. “But the last few years we’ve been very busy.”With a membership that fluctuates at about 60 people, Pearson said the local search and rescue crew of volunteers is one of the largest in the province. He said the group does everything from search for missing people to rescue hikers to respond to car crashes.Tickets for the film festival are $20 and are available at the Ticket Seller box office by calling 549-7469 or dropping by the office at 3800 33rd St.
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Liquor store closure concerns (Video)
CHBC VIDEO
Another government liquor store in the Okanagan is closing and it's creating quite a stir among its customers. Many seniors who live near the Kelowna Liquor Outlet argue it's the only government store within walking distance of their homes. They say the closure will force them to shop at more expensive, private stores.
Another government liquor store in the Okanagan is closing and it's creating quite a stir among its customers. Many seniors who live near the Kelowna Liquor Outlet argue it's the only government store within walking distance of their homes. They say the closure will force them to shop at more expensive, private stores.
CHBC VIDEO Problems with park druggies (Video)
Correcting a booze boo-boo
http://www.dailycourier.ca/ EDITORIAL – Managing Editor David Wylie Oct 26
We’ve been booed for our booze boo-boo in Wednesday’s front-page story about a petition in support of keeping two government liquor stores open.Contrary to what appeared in our story (Outpouring of liquor support), there is no overnment liquor store in the Schubert Centre. The two retail outlets are in the Fruit Union Plaza and the Vernon Square Mall. We’re sorry about that. We try to be as accurate as possible in our reporting – adhering to the mantra that credibility is tough to gain and easy to lose – but sometimes, despite our best efforts, errors slip through. However, since we’re on the topic of liquor stores, we don’t think that closing those two liquor stores will have a negative effect on Vernon residents. Perhaps, considering more than 5,000 people signed a petition against the closures, we may be going against the grain with this suggestion, but we anticipate that the switch to a sole Signature store in the Village Green Mall will be good for business. When news of the closures reached Vernon city council, municipal politicians complained, first that they weren’t properly informed, and second that residents living downtown would no longer be able to walk to the liquor store in the Fruit Union Plaza. Certainly it would have been nice if the city and its residents were consulted on the change. We agree that a government liquor store is owned by the taxpayers and should serve their interests. Yet we also believe they should make every effort to remain profitable and keep with the times. And in this case, opening a signature store in the Village Green Mall seems a savvy business move. That brings us to the fear that residents living near downtown will no longer have a liquor store within walking distance. In fact, they’ll have at least two – the pair of private liquor stores located on 30th Street and 29th Avenue. Such private liquor stores are popping up all over, and sometimes the best way to stay competitive in the face of a saturated market is to invest in a retail outlet that’s bigger and better. That seems to be the motivation behind the future Signature store.
Click on Cartoon to Enlarge
All we need is a laugh track
Oct 25 2006 Editorial http://www.kamloopsthisweek.com/
Kamloops MP Betty Hinton has announced she has taken the "unprecedented request" in asking a senior federal bureaucrat to send a staff member to the Tournament Capital to give the city a hand in this time of crisis. What could be so pressing a matter that our Conservative MP feels the need to take this "unprecedented request"? Has the Thompson River finally dried up? Have pine beetles commandeered city hall? Is the non-Tory tandem of Terry Lake and John O'Fee plotting Round 2 against our member of Parliament? Nope. It's a much more dire. Hinton feels those toiling at city hall need help filling out forms.
That's right. After months of confusion, rumours and more confusion regarding how and where the city should seek federal funding to complete its planned airport expansion, the situation has officially become sketch comedy. Perhaps the bureaucrat's assistant can stick around Kamloops after showing city staff how to fill out funding forms, and demonstrate additional crisis-management skills.Maybe city council can attend a workshop on how to look both ways before crossing the street. Perhaps city staff can be shown how to wash their hands before eating. How about flying in another bureaucrat to teach the highly specialized skill of how not to talk to strangers? Seriously, if Hinton believes it necessary to ask for someone to come to Kamloops to teach City of Kamloops employees how to apply for federal funding, perhaps the problem lies with this "New Government" of Canada for making the process so damned confusing that politicians at every level have no idea where to go. Hinton has said it is "unacceptable" to have any further delays in submitting an application for funding. Yet city hall remains without a specific program to which to apply. Liberal MLA Kevin Krueger highlighted this mess when he felt the need to seek out Pacific Gateway Minister David Emerson on the issue. And even Hinton's peer in Kelowna, MP Ron Cannan, said as recently as last week there is no specific infrastructure program that would apply to that city's desire to secure funding for its own airport runway extension plan. At least Kelowna airport authorities managed to show its runway expansion plan directly to Transport Minister Lawrence Cannon and Cannan. Has Cannon met with our MP and those in charge at Fulton Field? To paraphrase Tory talk, this situation is a real dog.
Kamloops MP Betty Hinton has announced she has taken the "unprecedented request" in asking a senior federal bureaucrat to send a staff member to the Tournament Capital to give the city a hand in this time of crisis. What could be so pressing a matter that our Conservative MP feels the need to take this "unprecedented request"? Has the Thompson River finally dried up? Have pine beetles commandeered city hall? Is the non-Tory tandem of Terry Lake and John O'Fee plotting Round 2 against our member of Parliament? Nope. It's a much more dire. Hinton feels those toiling at city hall need help filling out forms.
That's right. After months of confusion, rumours and more confusion regarding how and where the city should seek federal funding to complete its planned airport expansion, the situation has officially become sketch comedy. Perhaps the bureaucrat's assistant can stick around Kamloops after showing city staff how to fill out funding forms, and demonstrate additional crisis-management skills.Maybe city council can attend a workshop on how to look both ways before crossing the street. Perhaps city staff can be shown how to wash their hands before eating. How about flying in another bureaucrat to teach the highly specialized skill of how not to talk to strangers? Seriously, if Hinton believes it necessary to ask for someone to come to Kamloops to teach City of Kamloops employees how to apply for federal funding, perhaps the problem lies with this "New Government" of Canada for making the process so damned confusing that politicians at every level have no idea where to go. Hinton has said it is "unacceptable" to have any further delays in submitting an application for funding. Yet city hall remains without a specific program to which to apply. Liberal MLA Kevin Krueger highlighted this mess when he felt the need to seek out Pacific Gateway Minister David Emerson on the issue. And even Hinton's peer in Kelowna, MP Ron Cannan, said as recently as last week there is no specific infrastructure program that would apply to that city's desire to secure funding for its own airport runway extension plan. At least Kelowna airport authorities managed to show its runway expansion plan directly to Transport Minister Lawrence Cannon and Cannan. Has Cannon met with our MP and those in charge at Fulton Field? To paraphrase Tory talk, this situation is a real dog.
Airport funding up in air
By MARKUS ERMISCH Staff reporter Oct 25 2006 http://www.kamloopsthisweek.com/
An ambitious plan to expand Kelowna's airport may compete for funding with a similar plan for Fulton Field in Kamloops. Meanwhile, frustrations over a seeming lack of federal funding for the expansion of Kamloops Airport continue to simmer. "The whole thing is a crying shame because we need that airport expansion. It's vital for the future of our city," said local Liberal MLA Kevin Krueger, whose government is so far the only body to have contributed money toward the Kamloops Airport expansion. That $20-million expansion includes an extension of the runway and an enlarged terminal building. "We are a much better planned city than Kelowna - much better infrastructure," Krueger said. But we haven't had the participation from the federal government in our economy that Kelowna has had, not by a long, long shot. "I think it's ironic that they're competing with us for federal funding now because they've had so much of it in the past. "But we've got to get this federal government to start paying attention to Kamloops, and to help us get this important project done." When contacted Monday by KTW, Tory MP Betty Hinton replied by e-mail: "Further delay in the submission of an application is unacceptable," she wrote, noting that she made "an unprecedented request" to have a staffer of Western Economic Diversification Canada travel to Kamloops "to assist the city filling out the proper application forms with the correct information addressed to the appropriate minister." This assistance came in the form of a phone call from Ottawa to the mayor. Kelowna is expected to tap into the same federal infrastructure pots as Kamloops to fund the $150-million, 20-year project that is the expansion of its airport. Ron Cannan, Kelowna's Conservative MP, said "there isn't any specific pot of money I'm going for" to help pay for the $150-million expansion. But funding for the first step of that plan - a $9-million extension of the runway - could be in place soon, with the City of Kelowna chipping in $4 million through an $8 per passenger airport improvement fee. Grants from senior levels of government are expect to pay for the remaining $5 million. Kamloops has plans similar to Kelowna's, albeit on a smaller scale. Mayor Terry Lake said he is not concerned Kelowna's plan could compete with Kamloops for funds. "I don't think what Kelowna does impacts us," he said. "I don't generally worry about what Kelowna is doing. This is our project, and I'm sure the two can exist side by side. I don't see it as competition at all." Coun. John O'Fee, president of the Kamloops Airport Authority Society, said: "I don't think it's an either-or." But federal funding is finite, and all funding applications to federal infrastructure programs are adjudicated. The Canada-British Columbia Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF), which was announced earlier this month, contains $51 million worth of federal cash, which Victoria will match to bring the total to $102 million. Kamloops City Hall is applying for $1 million from Ottawa from this fund. Victoria is expected to match that sum to bring the total to $2 million. The Thompson-Nicola Regional District may also apply to the same program for another $2 million to go toward the airport expansion. Victoria, so far the only body to contribute funds, pledged $4 million in March toward the project that is expected to cost $20 million, if not more once construction begins. If Ottawa and Victoria approve the full MRIF applications from the City of Kamloops and the TNRD, bringing the total of secured funds to $8 million, Kamloops would still be $12 million short. Details of other programs under which the Kamloops Airport expansion may qualify remain to be announced, but Lake said Kamloops will explore all possibilities. The funding shortfall puts upward pressure on the airport improvement fee (AIF) that is soon to be implemented for passengers departing from Kamloops Airport. After originally contemplating an AIF of about $5, O'Fee said this week the fee could be as high as $10. O'Fee reiterated the promise, first made in spring 2005, that the fee will only be charged to help pay for the airport expansion. Once the expansion is complete, he said, the fee will be scrapped. Lake took issue with the Kamloops media, who, in his opinion, are paying excessive attention to the airport funding. "The media, I think, is beating this thing to the death about funding," Lake, a former radio reporter, said. "Every time they get a chance to talk about airport funding they do. Give it a rest already. It'll look after itself. It'll be fine." Meanwhile, in Vancouver this past weekend, Krueger met with David Emerson to ask the federal minister in charge of the Pacific Gateway program for help. Krueger said he will follow up with Emerson soon, and noted he hopes Hinton will do likewise. Hinton would not confirm any recent meetings she and Emerson may have had. Despite all the wrangling, Lake expects work on the extension of the runway to begin next year, to be followed by the upgrades to the terminal building.
An ambitious plan to expand Kelowna's airport may compete for funding with a similar plan for Fulton Field in Kamloops. Meanwhile, frustrations over a seeming lack of federal funding for the expansion of Kamloops Airport continue to simmer. "The whole thing is a crying shame because we need that airport expansion. It's vital for the future of our city," said local Liberal MLA Kevin Krueger, whose government is so far the only body to have contributed money toward the Kamloops Airport expansion. That $20-million expansion includes an extension of the runway and an enlarged terminal building. "We are a much better planned city than Kelowna - much better infrastructure," Krueger said. But we haven't had the participation from the federal government in our economy that Kelowna has had, not by a long, long shot. "I think it's ironic that they're competing with us for federal funding now because they've had so much of it in the past. "But we've got to get this federal government to start paying attention to Kamloops, and to help us get this important project done." When contacted Monday by KTW, Tory MP Betty Hinton replied by e-mail: "Further delay in the submission of an application is unacceptable," she wrote, noting that she made "an unprecedented request" to have a staffer of Western Economic Diversification Canada travel to Kamloops "to assist the city filling out the proper application forms with the correct information addressed to the appropriate minister." This assistance came in the form of a phone call from Ottawa to the mayor. Kelowna is expected to tap into the same federal infrastructure pots as Kamloops to fund the $150-million, 20-year project that is the expansion of its airport. Ron Cannan, Kelowna's Conservative MP, said "there isn't any specific pot of money I'm going for" to help pay for the $150-million expansion. But funding for the first step of that plan - a $9-million extension of the runway - could be in place soon, with the City of Kelowna chipping in $4 million through an $8 per passenger airport improvement fee. Grants from senior levels of government are expect to pay for the remaining $5 million. Kamloops has plans similar to Kelowna's, albeit on a smaller scale. Mayor Terry Lake said he is not concerned Kelowna's plan could compete with Kamloops for funds. "I don't think what Kelowna does impacts us," he said. "I don't generally worry about what Kelowna is doing. This is our project, and I'm sure the two can exist side by side. I don't see it as competition at all." Coun. John O'Fee, president of the Kamloops Airport Authority Society, said: "I don't think it's an either-or." But federal funding is finite, and all funding applications to federal infrastructure programs are adjudicated. The Canada-British Columbia Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF), which was announced earlier this month, contains $51 million worth of federal cash, which Victoria will match to bring the total to $102 million. Kamloops City Hall is applying for $1 million from Ottawa from this fund. Victoria is expected to match that sum to bring the total to $2 million. The Thompson-Nicola Regional District may also apply to the same program for another $2 million to go toward the airport expansion. Victoria, so far the only body to contribute funds, pledged $4 million in March toward the project that is expected to cost $20 million, if not more once construction begins. If Ottawa and Victoria approve the full MRIF applications from the City of Kamloops and the TNRD, bringing the total of secured funds to $8 million, Kamloops would still be $12 million short. Details of other programs under which the Kamloops Airport expansion may qualify remain to be announced, but Lake said Kamloops will explore all possibilities. The funding shortfall puts upward pressure on the airport improvement fee (AIF) that is soon to be implemented for passengers departing from Kamloops Airport. After originally contemplating an AIF of about $5, O'Fee said this week the fee could be as high as $10. O'Fee reiterated the promise, first made in spring 2005, that the fee will only be charged to help pay for the airport expansion. Once the expansion is complete, he said, the fee will be scrapped. Lake took issue with the Kamloops media, who, in his opinion, are paying excessive attention to the airport funding. "The media, I think, is beating this thing to the death about funding," Lake, a former radio reporter, said. "Every time they get a chance to talk about airport funding they do. Give it a rest already. It'll look after itself. It'll be fine." Meanwhile, in Vancouver this past weekend, Krueger met with David Emerson to ask the federal minister in charge of the Pacific Gateway program for help. Krueger said he will follow up with Emerson soon, and noted he hopes Hinton will do likewise. Hinton would not confirm any recent meetings she and Emerson may have had. Despite all the wrangling, Lake expects work on the extension of the runway to begin next year, to be followed by the upgrades to the terminal building.
Mayor says she's sorry about all the bruin-haha
Canada.com Kent Spencer, The Province Published: Wednesday, October 25, 2006
White Rock Mayor Judy Forster apologized yesterday for confusion caused by her purchase of three spirit bears for $35,000. But Coun. Stewart Peddemors said the mayor stopped short of explaining why she spent funds without council's approval. Forster bought the fibreglass bruins at a charity auction raising money for children. "I want to sincerely apologize for any misunderstanding," she said in a written public apology directed to council, the city manager and taxpayers.She told The Province: "I want everybody to be clear that I went to the auction with the best of intentions. If councillors don't want to spend $5,000, that's fine. There will be no taxpayers' dollars spent. It will all be funded privately." EPCOR, the city's private water supplier, has given $5,000; Bosa Properties has given $11,000 and Forster has donated $1,000. Peddemors said the mayor's apology should have been about her "unauthorized" actions instead of "misunderstanding." "I will be asking for a public accounting," he said. "If she doesn't raise the funds, who is going to pay? The $34,990 invoice should be given to her, not the city." Peddemors noted the city is still almost $18,000 short. "The optics are poor because she is asking for funds after the fact. She is asking for favours from businesses to help her out of a situation that she created."
White Rock Mayor Judy Forster apologized yesterday for confusion caused by her purchase of three spirit bears for $35,000. But Coun. Stewart Peddemors said the mayor stopped short of explaining why she spent funds without council's approval. Forster bought the fibreglass bruins at a charity auction raising money for children. "I want to sincerely apologize for any misunderstanding," she said in a written public apology directed to council, the city manager and taxpayers.She told The Province: "I want everybody to be clear that I went to the auction with the best of intentions. If councillors don't want to spend $5,000, that's fine. There will be no taxpayers' dollars spent. It will all be funded privately." EPCOR, the city's private water supplier, has given $5,000; Bosa Properties has given $11,000 and Forster has donated $1,000. Peddemors said the mayor's apology should have been about her "unauthorized" actions instead of "misunderstanding." "I will be asking for a public accounting," he said. "If she doesn't raise the funds, who is going to pay? The $34,990 invoice should be given to her, not the city." Peddemors noted the city is still almost $18,000 short. "The optics are poor because she is asking for funds after the fact. She is asking for favours from businesses to help her out of a situation that she created."
Holy Shit Batman, It looks like I have to pay not only for Vernon Hospitals but also those in the Lower Mainland.
TRANSLINK
Some Frequently Asked Questions About TransLink And Property Taxes
Under What Authority Does TransLink Get Property Tax Revenue?
In the legislation that created TransLink in 1999, the provincial government dedicated certain specific sources of funding to operate and expand the regional transportation network. The three major sources are transit fares, a share of the tax on motor fuels and a portion of residential and commercial property taxes that had previously been collected for the municipal share of hospital capital projects.
http://www.cfib.ca/legis/bc/pdf/BCPTR.pdf
Hospital tax – the hospital tax generates revenue for the health authorities, often shared among a number of municipalities. Hospital tax rates are set by the provincial government to address revenue requirements of the health authorities. In the case of the Greater Vancouver Regional District, hospitals are funded directly by government and not through the property tax system.
From an e-mail from a Provincial Government official:
"GVRD municipalities do not pay hospital taxes. The province assumed the hospital debt in exchange for these municipalities paying the tax for the Greater Vancouver Transit Authority (GVTA).
Gov. B.C. REGIONAL HOSPITAL DISTRICTS
Governing Statute - Hospital District Act
Ministry Responsible - Ministry of Health Services
There are 23 active regional hospital districts throughout the province. The hospital district property tax raises revenue to repay the costs of major capital expenditures such as hospital construction and acquisition of medical equipment. As a result of hospital district reorganization between 1996 and 1998, there are 13 defunct regional hospital districts for which taxes continue to be levied. However, these hospital districts are no longer responsible for capital funding and the taxes will be discontinued when all old debt is repaid.
Some Frequently Asked Questions About TransLink And Property Taxes
Under What Authority Does TransLink Get Property Tax Revenue?
In the legislation that created TransLink in 1999, the provincial government dedicated certain specific sources of funding to operate and expand the regional transportation network. The three major sources are transit fares, a share of the tax on motor fuels and a portion of residential and commercial property taxes that had previously been collected for the municipal share of hospital capital projects.
http://www.cfib.ca/legis/bc/pdf/BCPTR.pdf
Hospital tax – the hospital tax generates revenue for the health authorities, often shared among a number of municipalities. Hospital tax rates are set by the provincial government to address revenue requirements of the health authorities. In the case of the Greater Vancouver Regional District, hospitals are funded directly by government and not through the property tax system.
From an e-mail from a Provincial Government official:
"GVRD municipalities do not pay hospital taxes. The province assumed the hospital debt in exchange for these municipalities paying the tax for the Greater Vancouver Transit Authority (GVTA).
Gov. B.C. REGIONAL HOSPITAL DISTRICTS
Governing Statute - Hospital District Act
Ministry Responsible - Ministry of Health Services
There are 23 active regional hospital districts throughout the province. The hospital district property tax raises revenue to repay the costs of major capital expenditures such as hospital construction and acquisition of medical equipment. As a result of hospital district reorganization between 1996 and 1998, there are 13 defunct regional hospital districts for which taxes continue to be levied. However, these hospital districts are no longer responsible for capital funding and the taxes will be discontinued when all old debt is repaid.
Environmentalist: Protect the grasslands
By Scott NeufeldThursday, October 26, 2006 http://www.dailycourier.ca/article_652.php
When some people cast their eyes to the hills surrounding Vernon they see opportunities for growth and development but Patrick Allen sees unique grasslands that need to be protected from the bulldozer’s wheels.Allen along with several local environmental groups is attempting to form the Okanagan Collaborative Conserv
ation Program, to persuade local governments to protect sensitive environments. He said the program will draw environmental groups to apply for grants and lobby for environmental change as a unit rather than compete with each other.“The general goal is a shared, collaborative approach to conservation issues in the Okanagan,” he said. “The idea is to take an approach that is more efficient.”The Sustainable Environment Network, North Okanagan Naturalists Club and North Okanagan Natural Areas Land Trust are among several partners, including local governments, that have participated in the formation of the program. A statement of goals is expected to be complete early next year.Although the program has not yet been officially launched, Allen said that the City of Vernon has been a great help already by approving access to their mapping data for free.The City of Vernon has also set aside $7.5 million for natural areas and parks acquisitions, Allen said. The conservation program will map out areas throughout the south and central Okanagan to help local governments and other environmental groups identify important areas that need to be protected.The Okanagan is famous across Canada for its grasslands and Allen said that residents have a duty to preserve that environmental heritage for all Canadians to enjoy. He said that the Commonage and other grassland covered hills around Vernon and Coldstream are at the greatest risk of being lost.“There are large areas of undeveloped grasslands here in the North Okanagan,” he said. “We do have a stewardship responsibility in the greater picture to care for what we have.”Once sites of ecological significance are identified, Allen said it will be up to cities to protect those areas in the Official Community Plan (OCP). He said the different groups involved in the conservation program will bring their information to upcoming public OCP meetings.Allen said that one needs only to look at hillsides of Vernon to know that this program was needed yesterday not tomorrow. But he said that if the municipalities and other community partners work together they can do a better job of preserving what is left.“We’re still a young region, the changes only to started to happen in the last few years,” he said. “It’s not like we’re very behind on it – but we do need to start now.”
ation Program, to persuade local governments to protect sensitive environments. He said the program will draw environmental groups to apply for grants and lobby for environmental change as a unit rather than compete with each other.“The general goal is a shared, collaborative approach to conservation issues in the Okanagan,” he said. “The idea is to take an approach that is more efficient.”The Sustainable Environment Network, North Okanagan Naturalists Club and North Okanagan Natural Areas Land Trust are among several partners, including local governments, that have participated in the formation of the program. A statement of goals is expected to be complete early next year.Although the program has not yet been officially launched, Allen said that the City of Vernon has been a great help already by approving access to their mapping data for free.The City of Vernon has also set aside $7.5 million for natural areas and parks acquisitions, Allen said. The conservation program will map out areas throughout the south and central Okanagan to help local governments and other environmental groups identify important areas that need to be protected.The Okanagan is famous across Canada for its grasslands and Allen said that residents have a duty to preserve that environmental heritage for all Canadians to enjoy. He said that the Commonage and other grassland covered hills around Vernon and Coldstream are at the greatest risk of being lost.“There are large areas of undeveloped grasslands here in the North Okanagan,” he said. “We do have a stewardship responsibility in the greater picture to care for what we have.”Once sites of ecological significance are identified, Allen said it will be up to cities to protect those areas in the Official Community Plan (OCP). He said the different groups involved in the conservation program will bring their information to upcoming public OCP meetings.Allen said that one needs only to look at hillsides of Vernon to know that this program was needed yesterday not tomorrow. But he said that if the municipalities and other community partners work together they can do a better job of preserving what is left.“We’re still a young region, the changes only to started to happen in the last few years,” he said. “It’s not like we’re very behind on it – but we do need to start now.”Wednesday, October 25, 2006
A word makes a difference
http://www.dailycourier.ca/ EDITORIAL OCT 25 Managing Editor David Wylie
What's in a word? A lot actually. A word can spell the difference between a strong news story and a libel lawsuit. A word can make or break a business contract. The right word can land or lose a job. 
And a word can mean the difference between a tax increase and a tax decrease, which is exactly what happened in city council Monday. In trying to OK a significant increase to the city's industrial tax, council actually passed a tax decrease. The word in question: ratios. City council passed a resolution on Monday "increasing the light industry and utility class rates to 3.2 and 6.5 respectively". Only one problem; it should have read "ratios" rather than "rates". And at the moment industry and utility class rates are 7.0 and 8.76, meaning council passed a tax cut. Oops. It's an understandable mistake; but it's also one that should be fixed. After reporter Scott Neufeld caught the error, he started making phone calls. He contacted one city councillor who said the wording didn't need to be changed. That's unfortunate, that a local city councillor would knowingly leave a glaring error in a council resolution that could have the opposite result of what was proposed - a tax increase to ease the burden on residential taxpayers. It's a legal loophole that could be exploited, and there is a responsibility to close those loopholes. Hoping that industrial businesses and utilities judge the city on its intentions rather than its wording is simply bad business. Our reporter persisted, and eventually reached Marg Bailey, the city's deputy administrator, who was surprised by the mistake. She contacted financial manager Rob Mayne, and the two agreed that it was an error that should be fixed.The resolution will be back before council next meeting, and we thank Bailey and Mayne for seeing the need to fix the wording.
Managing Editor David Wylie
And a word can mean the difference between a tax increase and a tax decrease, which is exactly what happened in city council Monday. In trying to OK a significant increase to the city's industrial tax, council actually passed a tax decrease. The word in question: ratios. City council passed a resolution on Monday "increasing the light industry and utility class rates to 3.2 and 6.5 respectively". Only one problem; it should have read "ratios" rather than "rates". And at the moment industry and utility class rates are 7.0 and 8.76, meaning council passed a tax cut. Oops. It's an understandable mistake; but it's also one that should be fixed. After reporter Scott Neufeld caught the error, he started making phone calls. He contacted one city councillor who said the wording didn't need to be changed. That's unfortunate, that a local city councillor would knowingly leave a glaring error in a council resolution that could have the opposite result of what was proposed - a tax increase to ease the burden on residential taxpayers. It's a legal loophole that could be exploited, and there is a responsibility to close those loopholes. Hoping that industrial businesses and utilities judge the city on its intentions rather than its wording is simply bad business. Our reporter persisted, and eventually reached Marg Bailey, the city's deputy administrator, who was surprised by the mistake. She contacted financial manager Rob Mayne, and the two agreed that it was an error that should be fixed.The resolution will be back before council next meeting, and we thank Bailey and Mayne for seeing the need to fix the wording.Managing Editor David Wylie
Council accidentally passes industrial tax cut
By Scott Neufeld The Vernon Daily Courier http://www.dailycourier.ca/
Vernon city council voted Monday to raise the tax ratios for light industry and utilities - or did they? Council passed a motion apparently intended to increase the tax ratios for light industry and utilities. However, by passing the motion as stated in a city
memo, council may have actually significantly lowered the tax rates for industries ranging from breweries to funeral homes to gas stations. The recommendation stated "that the finance committee consider changing the Tax Distribution Policy by increasing the light industry and utility class rates to 3.2 and 6.5 respectively over a two-year period beginning in 2007.“ But the current tax rates are 7.0 for light industry and 8.76 for utilities, meaning council actually reduced the rates rather than increased the ratio as intended."It was not correct in the memorandum that went to council," said Coun. Barry Beardsell, the only councillor to vote against increasing the tax rates to a lower figure. "I think they have to change it and they better change it in a hurry.“ Coun. Juliette Cunningham, who sits on the finance committee, said that the intention was to raise the tax ratios. "It was just a mistake on the agenda," she said. "It was supposed to be ratio not rates." By mixing up the tax terminology inserting the word rates instead of ratios, the city may have opened up an opportunity for light industries and utilities to dispute their taxes. A similar mistake occurred in 2005 with the tax mill rates, Beardsell said. He said it allowed taxpayers to go back and dispute their tax rates, although no one did dispute them. Beardsell said he did not point out the mistake during the council meeting because he had already made his comments on the issue. He had argued that the change in the utility ratio was not large enough and that it should not be instituted."There seemed to be some anxiety on the part of the mover and seconder to get it moving and passed." Though he was not sure how the mistake occurred, Beardsell said that his fellow councillors should have noticed the error. "I guess where it disappoints me is at the council level," he said. "If you don't understand something just say, "I don't understand,' it's not a terrible thing." Tax rates are calculated based on $1 of tax for every $1,000 of property value. This means that utilities currently pay roughly $8.76 per $1,000 of value on their property. The tax ratio is calculated by comparing tax rates to the residential property tax rate of 3.1. A utility tax ratio of 6.5 means the utility is 6.5 times higher than the residential tax rate.When the Vernon Daily Courier pointed out the error to deputy city administrator Marg Bailey, she discussed the matter with finance manager Rob Mayne. After the discussion Bailey said a motion to amend the minutes will be brought forward at the next council meeting to change the word rates to ratios. She said that every effort will be made to get the wording correct in the tax distribution bylaw due in April.
Vernon city council voted Monday to raise the tax ratios for light industry and utilities - or did they? Council passed a motion apparently intended to increase the tax ratios for light industry and utilities. However, by passing the motion as stated in a city
memo, council may have actually significantly lowered the tax rates for industries ranging from breweries to funeral homes to gas stations. The recommendation stated "that the finance committee consider changing the Tax Distribution Policy by increasing the light industry and utility class rates to 3.2 and 6.5 respectively over a two-year period beginning in 2007.“ But the current tax rates are 7.0 for light industry and 8.76 for utilities, meaning council actually reduced the rates rather than increased the ratio as intended."It was not correct in the memorandum that went to council," said Coun. Barry Beardsell, the only councillor to vote against increasing the tax rates to a lower figure. "I think they have to change it and they better change it in a hurry.“ Coun. Juliette Cunningham, who sits on the finance committee, said that the intention was to raise the tax ratios. "It was just a mistake on the agenda," she said. "It was supposed to be ratio not rates." By mixing up the tax terminology inserting the word rates instead of ratios, the city may have opened up an opportunity for light industries and utilities to dispute their taxes. A similar mistake occurred in 2005 with the tax mill rates, Beardsell said. He said it allowed taxpayers to go back and dispute their tax rates, although no one did dispute them. Beardsell said he did not point out the mistake during the council meeting because he had already made his comments on the issue. He had argued that the change in the utility ratio was not large enough and that it should not be instituted."There seemed to be some anxiety on the part of the mover and seconder to get it moving and passed." Though he was not sure how the mistake occurred, Beardsell said that his fellow councillors should have noticed the error. "I guess where it disappoints me is at the council level," he said. "If you don't understand something just say, "I don't understand,' it's not a terrible thing." Tax rates are calculated based on $1 of tax for every $1,000 of property value. This means that utilities currently pay roughly $8.76 per $1,000 of value on their property. The tax ratio is calculated by comparing tax rates to the residential property tax rate of 3.1. A utility tax ratio of 6.5 means the utility is 6.5 times higher than the residential tax rate.When the Vernon Daily Courier pointed out the error to deputy city administrator Marg Bailey, she discussed the matter with finance manager Rob Mayne. After the discussion Bailey said a motion to amend the minutes will be brought forward at the next council meeting to change the word rates to ratios. She said that every effort will be made to get the wording correct in the tax distribution bylaw due in April.
LONG TERM PLANNER OUT, KING OF RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT IN ???
On Page B14 of the Morningstar Oct 25 the City Of Vernon has an ad stating the following:
What king of residential development would create a livable city?
If this is correct (and it is in our leading local paper so it must be true ) then the line to apply for the new position forms outside City Hall.
What king of residential development would create a livable city?
If this is correct (and it is in our leading local paper so it must be true ) then the line to apply for the new position forms outside City Hall.
Lotto workers winning too often
680 news October 25, 2006 - 8:05 am By: 680News staff
Toronto - You know the odds are against you when you play the lottery, but did you ever think the odds would be with the person who sold you the ticket? That is apparently the case, according to a CBC Fifth Estate investigation. 214 lottery insiders have won major cash prizes of at least $50 000 in last seven years. A statistician with the University of Toronto tells the program that statistically the odds of winning are one in a trillion, trillion, trillion, trillion. Dr. Jeffrey Rosenthal says retailers should have been expected to win around 57 times. The Fifth Estate suggests some customers, especially elderly ones may be tricked into thinking they only won a minor prize. They say lotto retailers then claim the prize later on. In a news release sent to 680News, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation say Integrity is a core value of the organization. The OLG says they "offer one of the safest, most secure and most highly regulated products in the world." The OLG says they conduct an investigation "100 per cent of the time" when a retailer and/or clerk wins a major prize, and if they believe there is a serious concern with a lottery prize claim, the police are contacted. They say a security feature is in place to freeze lottery terminals, shutting them down completely when a major-prize winning ticket of $50,000 or more is validated.OLG staff then calls the retailer and speak directly to the winner while they are in the store to provide specific instructions. They say the terminal can only be turned back on by their corporate head office. To protect yourself, always sign the back of your ticket; check your numbers yourself either online at http://www.olg.ca/, or using winning number lists at retail stores. Lists can be found on customer screens or by asking for a hard copy, on television, or in the newspapers. You should also make sure you get your ticket back, with the validation slip.
Toronto - You know the odds are against you when you play the lottery, but did you ever think the odds would be with the person who sold you the ticket? That is apparently the case, according to a CBC Fifth Estate investigation. 214 lottery insiders have won major cash prizes of at least $50 000 in last seven years. A statistician with the University of Toronto tells the program that statistically the odds of winning are one in a trillion, trillion, trillion, trillion. Dr. Jeffrey Rosenthal says retailers should have been expected to win around 57 times. The Fifth Estate suggests some customers, especially elderly ones may be tricked into thinking they only won a minor prize. They say lotto retailers then claim the prize later on. In a news release sent to 680News, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation say Integrity is a core value of the organization. The OLG says they "offer one of the safest, most secure and most highly regulated products in the world." The OLG says they conduct an investigation "100 per cent of the time" when a retailer and/or clerk wins a major prize, and if they believe there is a serious concern with a lottery prize claim, the police are contacted. They say a security feature is in place to freeze lottery terminals, shutting them down completely when a major-prize winning ticket of $50,000 or more is validated.OLG staff then calls the retailer and speak directly to the winner while they are in the store to provide specific instructions. They say the terminal can only be turned back on by their corporate head office. To protect yourself, always sign the back of your ticket; check your numbers yourself either online at http://www.olg.ca/, or using winning number lists at retail stores. Lists can be found on customer screens or by asking for a hard copy, on television, or in the newspapers. You should also make sure you get your ticket back, with the validation slip.
The Gang who couldn't shoot straight !
QUESTION: How can you turn a $146,462 possible tax INCREASE to Light Industrial and Utility taxpayers into a $104,397 tax DECREASE.
ANSWER: You make a mistake at the Finance Committee and pass a recommendation resolution using the wrong terminology and this resolution is passed in the same form at the City Council by a 6-1 vote.
The following resolution from the finance committee (Passed by a 2-0 vote) was reconfirmed at the Oct 23 council meeting by a 6-1 vote
:
:$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
This resolution calling for a TAX RATE change rather than a TAX RATIO change or even a less precise term used in the original report of Tax Multiple caused the Council to in effect give a further and better tax holiday to these two classes of taxpayer. I am sure some of the affected taxpayers such as Okanagan Springs, B.C. Hydro and even the Morningstar newspaper itself will be relieved that their taxes will be going down not up. (That is if they read the upcoming Moringstar and their financial reporting expert realizes the implications of the resolution actually passed !) (There are big numbers involved, so don't count on it.)
Council will regroup in 3 weeks on Nov 13 and rescind (sic) this motion that specifies RATES and hopefully pass the correct resolution on RATIOS. This 3 weeks of reflection will also give them an opportunity to consider whether the RATIO adjustment should be put in immediately for the Utilities Class as they are already in effect getting almost 8 months notice re next years taxes.(This is after enjoying at least 10 years at unusually low rates)
Man accused in police death pleads guilty to two charges
By Scott NeufeldWednesday, October 25, 2006 VernonDaily Courier
A high-profile B.C. Supreme Court trial started in Vernon on
Tuesday – a day after the man accused in the death of a police officer was mistakenly transported to the Lower Mainland.In Vernon Supreme Court Tuesday, Michael O’Brien, 25, entered a guilty plea to the charges of possession of stolen property and fleeing from a peace officer. However, O’Brien pleaded not guilty to charges of criminal negligence causing death and criminal negligence causing bodily harm.The guilty pleas are an admission that O’Brien was in possession of the stolen pickup truck that slammed into a police cruiser in downtown Vernon on Nov. 13, 2004. Auxiliary Const. Glen Evely was killed instantly in the crash and Const. Frank Grenier, the driver of the police car, was severely injured.Although the trial was scheduled to start on Monday, it was adjourned for a day when it was discovered that O’Brien had been transported to Port Coquitlam. The Attorney General’s Office has yet to determine exactly why O’Brien wound up in the wrong city.In her opening statement Crown counsellor Paige Johnstone said cocaine and marijuana were found in blood samples taken from O’Brien on the night of the incident. “Mr. O’Brien appeared to be under some influence of a substance,” Johnstone said.Johnstone also recounted the Crown’s version of events that night. A pickup truck was seen swerving along Bella Vista Road in West Vernon at around 2 a.m. The truck crossed the centre line frequently and narrowly missed plowing into an oncoming vehicle.“I noticed it appeared to be going fast and it was swerving all over the road,” said Jennifer Ashton who alerted police to the erratic driver. “I remember it swerved twice completely into the other lane.”Police arrived at the Petro Canada station on 25th Avenue to find the truck parked at the gas bar and officers attempted to make an arrest, Johnstone said. Const. Turpin of the Vernon RCMP was at the front of the truck with his gun leveled at the driver while Cpl. Henry Proce attempted to smash through the driver side window using his police radio, she said.“(Cpl. Proce) was yelling at Const. Turpin not to shoot,” Johnstone said. “The corporal felt a jolt and he jumped off the running board as he felt the truck backing up.”Three police cars pursued the truck as it left the gas station but the search was called off as the pursuit neared Vernon’s downtown, Johnstone said. The truck proceeded downtown past several nightclubs where witnesses saw the driver gesturing out of the window.“He was observed with the window down to make some sort of sign with his fist and make a noise like, ‘woo hoo’” Johnstone said.The truck then ran a red light at the intersection of 30th Avenue and 29th Street running head-on into the car carrying Grenier and Evely, who were not part of the police pursuit, Johnstone said.When he was arrested at the scene and taken to hospital Johnstone said O’Brien provided a false name to police.Cpl. Blair Coates of the Vernon RCMP presented videotape evidence from seven cameras at Petro Canada station, one of which showed a truck back up towards a police car and then drive away.Coates was the first of 41 witnesses scheduled to appear during the trial which is expected to take two weeks.
A high-profile B.C. Supreme Court trial started in Vernon on
Tuesday – a day after the man accused in the death of a police officer was mistakenly transported to the Lower Mainland.In Vernon Supreme Court Tuesday, Michael O’Brien, 25, entered a guilty plea to the charges of possession of stolen property and fleeing from a peace officer. However, O’Brien pleaded not guilty to charges of criminal negligence causing death and criminal negligence causing bodily harm.The guilty pleas are an admission that O’Brien was in possession of the stolen pickup truck that slammed into a police cruiser in downtown Vernon on Nov. 13, 2004. Auxiliary Const. Glen Evely was killed instantly in the crash and Const. Frank Grenier, the driver of the police car, was severely injured.Although the trial was scheduled to start on Monday, it was adjourned for a day when it was discovered that O’Brien had been transported to Port Coquitlam. The Attorney General’s Office has yet to determine exactly why O’Brien wound up in the wrong city.In her opening statement Crown counsellor Paige Johnstone said cocaine and marijuana were found in blood samples taken from O’Brien on the night of the incident. “Mr. O’Brien appeared to be under some influence of a substance,” Johnstone said.Johnstone also recounted the Crown’s version of events that night. A pickup truck was seen swerving along Bella Vista Road in West Vernon at around 2 a.m. The truck crossed the centre line frequently and narrowly missed plowing into an oncoming vehicle.“I noticed it appeared to be going fast and it was swerving all over the road,” said Jennifer Ashton who alerted police to the erratic driver. “I remember it swerved twice completely into the other lane.”Police arrived at the Petro Canada station on 25th Avenue to find the truck parked at the gas bar and officers attempted to make an arrest, Johnstone said. Const. Turpin of the Vernon RCMP was at the front of the truck with his gun leveled at the driver while Cpl. Henry Proce attempted to smash through the driver side window using his police radio, she said.“(Cpl. Proce) was yelling at Const. Turpin not to shoot,” Johnstone said. “The corporal felt a jolt and he jumped off the running board as he felt the truck backing up.”Three police cars pursued the truck as it left the gas station but the search was called off as the pursuit neared Vernon’s downtown, Johnstone said. The truck proceeded downtown past several nightclubs where witnesses saw the driver gesturing out of the window.“He was observed with the window down to make some sort of sign with his fist and make a noise like, ‘woo hoo’” Johnstone said.The truck then ran a red light at the intersection of 30th Avenue and 29th Street running head-on into the car carrying Grenier and Evely, who were not part of the police pursuit, Johnstone said.When he was arrested at the scene and taken to hospital Johnstone said O’Brien provided a false name to police.Cpl. Blair Coates of the Vernon RCMP presented videotape evidence from seven cameras at Petro Canada station, one of which showed a truck back up towards a police car and then drive away.Coates was the first of 41 witnesses scheduled to appear during the trial which is expected to take two weeks.
Outpouring of liquor support
By Cheryl Bychyk Wednesday, October 25, 2006 
http://www.dailycourier.ca/article_649.php
http://www.dailycourier.ca/article_649.phpEmployees protesting against the closure of two downtown government liquor stores presented their case in force to city council Monday.Wanda Klassen-Roth, representing members of the B.C. Government and Service Employees’ Union, presented council with a petition marked with more than 5,210 signatures – or about 10 per cent of Greater Vernon’s population.After a short discussion, councillors voted unanimously to support the union employees in their protest against the closure. Klassen-Roth said she was delighted with council’s support.“I am ecstatic because I didn’t think they would vote on it today,” said Klassen-Roth in front of City Hall after addressing councillors. “I believe that was extremely important because they are our voice.”She also explained that the stores are publicly owned; therefore, the public does have the right to be informed and give their own input on the matter.“Customers are happy they are being included,” she added. Gathering such a high number of signatures shows the extent people are willing to go to save the stores, said Klassen-Roth.Klassen-Roth, along with many others, has been working hard to inform the public about the closure of the Fruit Union Plaza and Schubert Centre liquor stores. The stores are being replaced by a Signature store, which will be located in the Village Green Mall.“We are very pleased we are opening a Signature store,” Klassen-Roth told council. However, members of the government union said that opening a Signature store should not result in the closure of two others.Together, Fruit Union Plaza and Schubert Centre pull in more than $16 million yearly. But closing two stores to open one large store could see sales decrease, as the Signature store may be located at an inconvenient location for some residents, Klassen-Roth told council.Klassen-Roth added that the closure of these two stores would affect individuals in surrounding areas, especially those unable to travel very far from home. This, among other reasons, will only mark the beginning of the union’s fight, said Klassen-Roth. “We’re not done yet.”
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