Sunday, December 31, 2006
Village eyes industrial base
By RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff Dec 31 2006 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/
Lumby’s future is directly linked to a strong industrial base taking root. That’s the word from Mayor Eric Foster, whose
council will be working with private interests in 2007 to develop land already designated for industrial uses. “If we have that, it will encourage young families to move into the community or for them to stay because there are good jobs,” he said. “The subdivisions will fill up and the schools will fill up.” Foster added that an industrial sector will also bolster the village’s tax base and support local merchants. However, there is considerable lobbying involved in trying to attract a business to set up shop in the community. Foster has been working closely with Dave Forai, Greater Vernon’s economic development manager. “We’ve got a great community here with all the amenities,” said Foster. “We have affordable homes and serviced industrial land and all we need is for people to come for a look.” Lumby has been a strong advocate for taking Greater Vernon’s economic development function and turning it into an agency that covers the entire North Okanagan Regional District. Foster is hopeful other North Okanagan communities will rally behind the concept. In terms of furthering economic opportunities, the village will also be pushing for a new road to Silver Star in 2007. The goal is to get provincial government approval so the proposed corridor can be commercially developed. That would provide the funding for construction of the road. “We’re guardedly optimistic. There’s been some positive meetings with the provincial people,” said Foster, adding that a road to Silver Star would encourage tourism and investment in Lumby. However, some residents have expressed concern that a road will negatively impact the environment and actually draw business away from Lumby. Foster isn’t concerned that those views will gain strength. “It (road) will be a huge economic benefit to the community.” Another project on the radar for 2007 is a proposed assisted living seniors residents, the goal is for construction to begin in the spring. Foster said such a residence would attract doctors to Lumby and allow longtime seniors to remain in their community instead of having to move to Vernon for care. “Their families would be able to stop in and visit more regularly.”
Lumby’s future is directly linked to a strong industrial base taking root. That’s the word from Mayor Eric Foster, whose
council will be working with private interests in 2007 to develop land already designated for industrial uses. “If we have that, it will encourage young families to move into the community or for them to stay because there are good jobs,” he said. “The subdivisions will fill up and the schools will fill up.” Foster added that an industrial sector will also bolster the village’s tax base and support local merchants. However, there is considerable lobbying involved in trying to attract a business to set up shop in the community. Foster has been working closely with Dave Forai, Greater Vernon’s economic development manager. “We’ve got a great community here with all the amenities,” said Foster. “We have affordable homes and serviced industrial land and all we need is for people to come for a look.” Lumby has been a strong advocate for taking Greater Vernon’s economic development function and turning it into an agency that covers the entire North Okanagan Regional District. Foster is hopeful other North Okanagan communities will rally behind the concept. In terms of furthering economic opportunities, the village will also be pushing for a new road to Silver Star in 2007. The goal is to get provincial government approval so the proposed corridor can be commercially developed. That would provide the funding for construction of the road. “We’re guardedly optimistic. There’s been some positive meetings with the provincial people,” said Foster, adding that a road to Silver Star would encourage tourism and investment in Lumby. However, some residents have expressed concern that a road will negatively impact the environment and actually draw business away from Lumby. Foster isn’t concerned that those views will gain strength. “It (road) will be a huge economic benefit to the community.” Another project on the radar for 2007 is a proposed assisted living seniors residents, the goal is for construction to begin in the spring. Foster said such a residence would attract doctors to Lumby and allow longtime seniors to remain in their community instead of having to move to Vernon for care. “Their families would be able to stop in and visit more regularly.”
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Home assessments in the mail
By Okanagan Saturday Staff Saturday, December 30, 2006 http://www.kelownadailycourier.ca/article_4090.php
Okanagan property owners will find out beginning Tuesday how much their home or business is worth for taxation purposes.Assessment notices are in the mail, with delivery to most residents expected by the end of the week.Individual notices are the estimation of the property’s market value as of July 1, 2006. Employees of the B.C. Assessment Authority derive the figure principally by looking at what similar homes in the neighbourhood sold for around that date.They also consider characteristics such as size, age, quality, condition and other features that would be important to buyers.Assessors used to visit a typical home once every five to 10 years to make an on-site inspection of any changes that might have affected its value.Now, they increasingly rely on sales listings, self-reports from homeowners chosen at random and official information such as building permits that would be necessary for renovations.Kelowna city council has received preliminary information from B.C. Assessment that home values have increased about 20 per cent from last year.During recent budget debates, the proposed municipal tax increase has been set at three per cent in Kelowna, five per cent in Penticton and seven per cent in Vernon. Assessments for a typical Kelowna home rose 18 per cent between 2004-05, and 25 per cent between 2003-04.
Okanagan property owners will find out beginning Tuesday how much their home or business is worth for taxation purposes.Assessment notices are in the mail, with delivery to most residents expected by the end of the week.Individual notices are the estimation of the property’s market value as of July 1, 2006. Employees of the B.C. Assessment Authority derive the figure principally by looking at what similar homes in the neighbourhood sold for around that date.They also consider characteristics such as size, age, quality, condition and other features that would be important to buyers.Assessors used to visit a typical home once every five to 10 years to make an on-site inspection of any changes that might have affected its value.Now, they increasingly rely on sales listings, self-reports from homeowners chosen at random and official information such as building permits that would be necessary for renovations.Kelowna city council has received preliminary information from B.C. Assessment that home values have increased about 20 per cent from last year.During recent budget debates, the proposed municipal tax increase has been set at three per cent in Kelowna, five per cent in Penticton and seven per cent in Vernon. Assessments for a typical Kelowna home rose 18 per cent between 2004-05, and 25 per cent between 2003-04.
Friday, December 29, 2006
Minor route changes to take effect (PENTICTON)
By John MoorhouseFriday, December 29, 2006, http://www.pentictonherald.ca/article_2728.php
Although plans to expand the Penticton Transit System have been shelved for this year, a number of minor route 
changes are set to begin next week.Matt Berry of Penticton Transit said Thursday the changes stem from public input into a recently completed transit study."They're pretty much just minor tweaks here and there to try and streamline things a little bit," he said. Several minor route and schedule changes are being made, effective Jan. 2, 2007. These include:- Saturday service starts 30 minutes earlier (about 7:30 a.m.)- Extend two-way service on Duncan Avenue West to Village-by-the Station.- Two-way service on Wade Avenue West to Memorial Arena.- Two-way service downtown on Westminster Avenue.- Haven Hill/Skaha Lake route extended to the art gallery and Waterfront Eyecare facility at Ellis Street and Vancouver Avenue.There will be no increase in bus fares this year. Single ride fares remain at $1.75 for adults, $1.50 for seniors and students, with children six and under allowed on the bus for free.The transit study conducted last year had recommended the addition of a fifth route, providing half-hourly service along Main Street between downtown and Skaha Lake. Since provincial government policy calls for such service expansions to be paid entirely by the municipality, city council opted against the proposal for 2007.The city's share of annual transit costs amounts to about $200,000. The net cost of adding an additional bus route would be about $165,000.Berry noted the study spawned considerable comment from the public last summer, during which residents voiced overwhelming support for the current system."Basically the message we got was: 'Don't lose the integrity of the system that's there right now because it's generally working pretty well,'" he said.Penticton Transit System carries more than 300,000 passengers a year, plus those who use the HandyDart bus. Final ridership figures for 2006 have not yet been tabulated. Berry said a two-week count in November indicated more than 19,000 rode the bus during that period alone. The new bus schedules are included in the 2007 rider's guide, now available on all buses, City Hall, the community centre, Penticton Trade and Convention Centre, the library and the Penticton Transit office on Warren Avenue.Meanwhile, Penticton Transit is offering free bus rides for New Year's Eve revellers again this year. The city will pick up the costs for extended service until 3 a.m., with an hour break from midnight to 1 a.m. In previous years, up to 200 people have taken advantage of the New Year's service.
changes are set to begin next week.Matt Berry of Penticton Transit said Thursday the changes stem from public input into a recently completed transit study."They're pretty much just minor tweaks here and there to try and streamline things a little bit," he said. Several minor route and schedule changes are being made, effective Jan. 2, 2007. These include:- Saturday service starts 30 minutes earlier (about 7:30 a.m.)- Extend two-way service on Duncan Avenue West to Village-by-the Station.- Two-way service on Wade Avenue West to Memorial Arena.- Two-way service downtown on Westminster Avenue.- Haven Hill/Skaha Lake route extended to the art gallery and Waterfront Eyecare facility at Ellis Street and Vancouver Avenue.There will be no increase in bus fares this year. Single ride fares remain at $1.75 for adults, $1.50 for seniors and students, with children six and under allowed on the bus for free.The transit study conducted last year had recommended the addition of a fifth route, providing half-hourly service along Main Street between downtown and Skaha Lake. Since provincial government policy calls for such service expansions to be paid entirely by the municipality, city council opted against the proposal for 2007.The city's share of annual transit costs amounts to about $200,000. The net cost of adding an additional bus route would be about $165,000.Berry noted the study spawned considerable comment from the public last summer, during which residents voiced overwhelming support for the current system."Basically the message we got was: 'Don't lose the integrity of the system that's there right now because it's generally working pretty well,'" he said.Penticton Transit System carries more than 300,000 passengers a year, plus those who use the HandyDart bus. Final ridership figures for 2006 have not yet been tabulated. Berry said a two-week count in November indicated more than 19,000 rode the bus during that period alone. The new bus schedules are included in the 2007 rider's guide, now available on all buses, City Hall, the community centre, Penticton Trade and Convention Centre, the library and the Penticton Transit office on Warren Avenue.Meanwhile, Penticton Transit is offering free bus rides for New Year's Eve revellers again this year. The city will pick up the costs for extended service until 3 a.m., with an hour break from midnight to 1 a.m. In previous years, up to 200 people have taken advantage of the New Year's service. MP needs a political history lesson
Colin Mayes M.P. Website Status of Women (Full post at MP's Website link)
Let me be clear on the new government’s position on the status of women. We fully support women, the important roles women play in our society and the programs and services that deliver real results for women.
You should know that the Conservative Party was the first to elect a woman MP to parliament.
http://www.saobserver.net/
There is a letter in the Salmon Arm Observer (dec. 27/06) to the editor from a Mr. Howard Brown. (full letter at link above ). Mr Brown states " In his recent
MP Report, Colin Mayes claims that the first woman elected as an MP was a Conservative. Does the man know nothing of Canadian political history? "
As the posting below clearly shows, Mr Brown is CORRECT.
(Hopefully our M.P. will get a better fact checker or report writer !)
Elections Canada
The 1921 election made history in another way, as well. For the first time, the Liberals and Conservatives no longer held all the seats in the Commons. Sixty-four Progressives were sent to Parliament, nearly all of them farmers from Ontario and the West. Macphail sat with them in the Commons. The Progressives saw themselves not as a political party, but as a group of independents participating in a revolution against the two old parties, which, they charged, were dominated by the interests of business and the wealthy. These newcomers to Ottawa advocated group government in which legislators would make laws through co-operation and without having to follow partisan lines. While they had the second-largest block of seats in the Commons, the Progressives refused to be the Official Opposition.
For the first fourteen of her years in Parliament, Macphail's was the only female voice there. She was rumoured on several occasions to have been offered a Cabinet post by Prime Minister Mackenzie King, if she or the Progressives would join his Liberals. But she preferred to keep her independence and not have to follow the official line of a governing party.
1921 First woman elected to the Canadian House of Commons, Agnes Macphail
"I want for myself what I want for other women, absolute equality. After that is secured, men and women can take turns at being angels." -- Agnes Macphail, first woman member of Canada's House of Commons
Let me be clear on the new government’s position on the status of women. We fully support women, the important roles women play in our society and the programs and services that deliver real results for women.
You should know that the Conservative Party was the first to elect a woman MP to parliament.
http://www.saobserver.net/
There is a letter in the Salmon Arm Observer (dec. 27/06) to the editor from a Mr. Howard Brown. (full letter at link above ). Mr Brown states " In his recent
MP Report, Colin Mayes claims that the first woman elected as an MP was a Conservative. Does the man know nothing of Canadian political history? " As the posting below clearly shows, Mr Brown is CORRECT.
(Hopefully our M.P. will get a better fact checker or report writer !)
Elections Canada
The 1921 election made history in another way, as well. For the first time, the Liberals and Conservatives no longer held all the seats in the Commons. Sixty-four Progressives were sent to Parliament, nearly all of them farmers from Ontario and the West. Macphail sat with them in the Commons. The Progressives saw themselves not as a political party, but as a group of independents participating in a revolution against the two old parties, which, they charged, were dominated by the interests of business and the wealthy. These newcomers to Ottawa advocated group government in which legislators would make laws through co-operation and without having to follow partisan lines. While they had the second-largest block of seats in the Commons, the Progressives refused to be the Official Opposition.
For the first fourteen of her years in Parliament, Macphail's was the only female voice there. She was rumoured on several occasions to have been offered a Cabinet post by Prime Minister Mackenzie King, if she or the Progressives would join his Liberals. But she preferred to keep her independence and not have to follow the official line of a governing party.
1921 First woman elected to the Canadian House of Commons, Agnes Macphail
"I want for myself what I want for other women, absolute equality. After that is secured, men and women can take turns at being angels." -- Agnes Macphail, first woman member of Canada's House of Commons
Regional district targets long-term vision
By RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff Dec 29 2006 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/
With the North Okanagan growing at an unprecedented pace,
there are concerted efforts to ensure that the region remains an attractive and sustainable place to live. The North Okanagan Regional District is hoping to launch a much-
anticipated growth strategy in 2007. “We’ve been slower off the mark than other regional districts when it comes to these strategies but it will be a positive environment,” said Jerry Oglow, chairman. Among the issues that would be investigated are the environment, transportation, water supply and land use. While individual communities have looked at these items on their own before, the difference this time around is that it would be done on a completely regional basis. “We’re trying to develop a long-term vision for the valley,” said Oglow. “We need to look out 25 to 50 years. It will lead to more linked official community plans.” While not as large as some regional districts, NORD still covers a vast geographical area — from Mara Lake in the north to Cosens Bay in the south and from Spallumcheen in the west to the Monashee summit in the east. 
Oglow admits that a regional growth strategy should have been conducted years ago, but the high cost made it challenging. In fact, what’s allowing NORD to proceed this time around is federal tax revenue. About $800,000 of $2.5 million in gas tax earmarked for the region will likely go to the strategy. “The entire region has embraced the concept so that’s important,” said Oglow. The remainder of the $2.5 million will go to initiatives deemed to have regional significance. “We asked for ideas and all of the communities responded,” said Oglow, adding that the options range from expanding transit to constructing an industrial park. Oglow doesn’t believe communities will openly compete with each other to have their projects approved. “There’s an appetite among the players to work collectively.” The other major issue on NORD’s agenda in 2007 is possibly establishing a regional economic development function. However, final approval hasn’t been granted yet, partly because some member jurisdictions are debating whether they will participate. Among them is Vernon. “It’s a work in progress and a lot of facts and figures need to be disseminated first,” said Oglow of a function. For Oglow, a regional approach to economic development is crucial because communities such as Lumby and Spallumcheen have land for industrial but Vernon has the commercial and cultural amenities businesses look for. “I think the City of Vernon realizes it needs the rest of the region to continue its own growth,” he said. Oglow, who represents Armstrong, was named NORD chairman in early December. He takes on responsibility for an organization that has a $16 million operating budget. He says NORD’s strength rests with its staff, the elected officials and general public who volunteer to sit on a variety of committees. “A lot of people are interested in building a better North Okanagan and I am quite optimistic about 2007,” he said.
With the North Okanagan growing at an unprecedented pace,
there are concerted efforts to ensure that the region remains an attractive and sustainable place to live. The North Okanagan Regional District is hoping to launch a much-
anticipated growth strategy in 2007. “We’ve been slower off the mark than other regional districts when it comes to these strategies but it will be a positive environment,” said Jerry Oglow, chairman. Among the issues that would be investigated are the environment, transportation, water supply and land use. While individual communities have looked at these items on their own before, the difference this time around is that it would be done on a completely regional basis. “We’re trying to develop a long-term vision for the valley,” said Oglow. “We need to look out 25 to 50 years. It will lead to more linked official community plans.” While not as large as some regional districts, NORD still covers a vast geographical area — from Mara Lake in the north to Cosens Bay in the south and from Spallumcheen in the west to the Monashee summit in the east. 
Oglow admits that a regional growth strategy should have been conducted years ago, but the high cost made it challenging. In fact, what’s allowing NORD to proceed this time around is federal tax revenue. About $800,000 of $2.5 million in gas tax earmarked for the region will likely go to the strategy. “The entire region has embraced the concept so that’s important,” said Oglow. The remainder of the $2.5 million will go to initiatives deemed to have regional significance. “We asked for ideas and all of the communities responded,” said Oglow, adding that the options range from expanding transit to constructing an industrial park. Oglow doesn’t believe communities will openly compete with each other to have their projects approved. “There’s an appetite among the players to work collectively.” The other major issue on NORD’s agenda in 2007 is possibly establishing a regional economic development function. However, final approval hasn’t been granted yet, partly because some member jurisdictions are debating whether they will participate. Among them is Vernon. “It’s a work in progress and a lot of facts and figures need to be disseminated first,” said Oglow of a function. For Oglow, a regional approach to economic development is crucial because communities such as Lumby and Spallumcheen have land for industrial but Vernon has the commercial and cultural amenities businesses look for. “I think the City of Vernon realizes it needs the rest of the region to continue its own growth,” he said. Oglow, who represents Armstrong, was named NORD chairman in early December. He takes on responsibility for an organization that has a $16 million operating budget. He says NORD’s strength rests with its staff, the elected officials and general public who volunteer to sit on a variety of committees. “A lot of people are interested in building a better North Okanagan and I am quite optimistic about 2007,” he said.
How do our taxes rate?
By Martha WickettOBSERVER STAFF Dec 27 2006 http://www.saobserver.net/
Compare: Salmon Arm’s increase not out of line with others. Salmon Arm’s proposed five-per-cent tax increase for 2007 is not unusual, based on what other municipalities are facing. Although population differences, major projects undertaken and items included in the rate can make comparing tax rates as meaningful as comparing apples and oranges, a cursory survey shows Salmon Arm is not alone. Keith Grayston is Kelowna’s financial planning manager. He said his staff has been contacting larger municipalities across Canada to compare tax increases. “Across Canada, there’s an average of seven to 7.5 per cent. So there are significant increases for all municipalities.” In Kelowna, the proposed increase that staff is recommending to council for 2007 is 3.47 per cent. This year the increase was two per cent and, in 2005, 1.95 per cent. “A lot of it has to do with construction costs that are considerably higher than they have been,” he said, noting that some of the costs were incurred during the latter portion of 2006 and are now stretching into 2007. He also notes that employment levels are high, so higher wages must be paid in order to retain workers. Kelowna’s population is 111,000, while Salmon Arm’s is about 16,000. Like Salmon Arm, increased policing costs are being felt in Kelowna. Unlike Salmon Arm, the average price for a single family detached house in Kelowna in 2006 was $348,000. The owner of such a house paid $1,453 in municipal taxes in 2006, Grayston said. In Salmon Arm in 2006, the owner of an average $160,000 house would have paid $931.98 in municipal taxes, which includes a $60 transportation parcel tax. Monica Dalziel, Salmon Arm’s director of corporate services, warns against comparisons. She notes that with larger populations, there are more people to pay for services and projects. She also points out that many varying factors influence taxes. Salmon Arm, for instance, includes 200 kilometres of roads that must be maintained.Comox on Vancouver Island is a little more similar in size to Salmon Arm. It has a population of 12,000 but an average house price in 2006 between $225,000 and $250,000. Don Jacquest, the town’s director of finance, said tax increases have been held to 3.4 per cent over the past few years, but rose to four per cent in 2006.“We may have to reconsider a push higher in future years,” he said, explaining that the town is experiencing considerable demands for infrastructure and services. A taxpayer with an average house in Comox would have paid about $2,150 for municipal taxes in 2006 before the homeowner grant, but that would have included a parcel tax of $285 for water and sewer as well as a utilities charge of $354 for water, sewer and garbage. In Salmon Arm, the utilities are billed separately. In Sicamous, a municipality with a population of 3,500, the taxpayers are facing a much higher hike than those in Salmon Arm. The projected increase for 2007 is 14.4 per cent, while last year the increase was 18 per cent. In 2008, a 20-per-cent hike is anticipated. In Salmon Arm in 2007, taxpayers are facing a five-per-cent increase, while this year the increase was 2.5 per cent and, in 2005, it was just one per cent. However, here’s where a version of apples and oranges once again enters the picture. In Sicamous, a 14.4-per-cent increase is estimated to be an increase of $60 for an average single-family dwelling, while in Salmon Arm, a five per cent increase for a $160,000 home would amount to close to that - about a $50 increase. In Penticton, with a population of 35,000, the tax increase projected for 2007 is 2.5 per cent. In 2006, it was also 2.5 per cent and, in 2004, it was 3.8 per cent. “Our council has basically said that they’re trying, wherever possible, not to do more than the rate of inflation,” said Penticton’s municipal collector Lorne Raymond. He said a lot of the city’s infrastructure such as the sewage and water treatment plants are in place. One big project Penticton is undertaking is the South Okanagan Event Centre, priced at $56.8 million. He said the province is expected to provide $49 million towards the project, thanks to its funding for destination casinos. He said Penticton would be looking at a substantial tax increase were it not for the provincial money. In Vernon, with a population of 34,000, this year taxpayers paid a 1.47 per cent increase. For 2007, a preliminary budget has not been set yet, but staff are recommending a seven-per-cent hike, while council is shooting for an increase of 2.8 per cent.
Compare: Salmon Arm’s increase not out of line with others. Salmon Arm’s proposed five-per-cent tax increase for 2007 is not unusual, based on what other municipalities are facing. Although population differences, major projects undertaken and items included in the rate can make comparing tax rates as meaningful as comparing apples and oranges, a cursory survey shows Salmon Arm is not alone. Keith Grayston is Kelowna’s financial planning manager. He said his staff has been contacting larger municipalities across Canada to compare tax increases. “Across Canada, there’s an average of seven to 7.5 per cent. So there are significant increases for all municipalities.” In Kelowna, the proposed increase that staff is recommending to council for 2007 is 3.47 per cent. This year the increase was two per cent and, in 2005, 1.95 per cent. “A lot of it has to do with construction costs that are considerably higher than they have been,” he said, noting that some of the costs were incurred during the latter portion of 2006 and are now stretching into 2007. He also notes that employment levels are high, so higher wages must be paid in order to retain workers. Kelowna’s population is 111,000, while Salmon Arm’s is about 16,000. Like Salmon Arm, increased policing costs are being felt in Kelowna. Unlike Salmon Arm, the average price for a single family detached house in Kelowna in 2006 was $348,000. The owner of such a house paid $1,453 in municipal taxes in 2006, Grayston said. In Salmon Arm in 2006, the owner of an average $160,000 house would have paid $931.98 in municipal taxes, which includes a $60 transportation parcel tax. Monica Dalziel, Salmon Arm’s director of corporate services, warns against comparisons. She notes that with larger populations, there are more people to pay for services and projects. She also points out that many varying factors influence taxes. Salmon Arm, for instance, includes 200 kilometres of roads that must be maintained.Comox on Vancouver Island is a little more similar in size to Salmon Arm. It has a population of 12,000 but an average house price in 2006 between $225,000 and $250,000. Don Jacquest, the town’s director of finance, said tax increases have been held to 3.4 per cent over the past few years, but rose to four per cent in 2006.“We may have to reconsider a push higher in future years,” he said, explaining that the town is experiencing considerable demands for infrastructure and services. A taxpayer with an average house in Comox would have paid about $2,150 for municipal taxes in 2006 before the homeowner grant, but that would have included a parcel tax of $285 for water and sewer as well as a utilities charge of $354 for water, sewer and garbage. In Salmon Arm, the utilities are billed separately. In Sicamous, a municipality with a population of 3,500, the taxpayers are facing a much higher hike than those in Salmon Arm. The projected increase for 2007 is 14.4 per cent, while last year the increase was 18 per cent. In 2008, a 20-per-cent hike is anticipated. In Salmon Arm in 2007, taxpayers are facing a five-per-cent increase, while this year the increase was 2.5 per cent and, in 2005, it was just one per cent. However, here’s where a version of apples and oranges once again enters the picture. In Sicamous, a 14.4-per-cent increase is estimated to be an increase of $60 for an average single-family dwelling, while in Salmon Arm, a five per cent increase for a $160,000 home would amount to close to that - about a $50 increase. In Penticton, with a population of 35,000, the tax increase projected for 2007 is 2.5 per cent. In 2006, it was also 2.5 per cent and, in 2004, it was 3.8 per cent. “Our council has basically said that they’re trying, wherever possible, not to do more than the rate of inflation,” said Penticton’s municipal collector Lorne Raymond. He said a lot of the city’s infrastructure such as the sewage and water treatment plants are in place. One big project Penticton is undertaking is the South Okanagan Event Centre, priced at $56.8 million. He said the province is expected to provide $49 million towards the project, thanks to its funding for destination casinos. He said Penticton would be looking at a substantial tax increase were it not for the provincial money. In Vernon, with a population of 34,000, this year taxpayers paid a 1.47 per cent increase. For 2007, a preliminary budget has not been set yet, but staff are recommending a seven-per-cent hike, while council is shooting for an increase of 2.8 per cent.
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Bingo slots stalled
Vernon Daily Courier Scott Neufeld 02/26 http://www.dailycourier.ca/
CLICK ON CARTOON TO ENLARGE
As one of Vernon’s casino proposals moves ahead, another appears to have been forgotten. Greg Walker of the B.C. Lottery
Corporation said that plans to move the Lake City Casino into an expanded facility are proceeding. However, he said that the lottery corporation currently has no plans to move slot machines into Fairweather Bingo in South Vernon. “We indicated to the city council that we had some concerns on the process,” Walker said of the bingo hall proposal. “There have been no further developments since that time.” In October 2005, council approved a rezoning proposal to allow slot machines at the bingo hall. However, in August 2006 the lottery corporation sent a letter to the city saying the process followed was invalid. One month later, Fairweather Bingo owner Terry Segarty said that a new business plan would be complete within six weeks and turned in to the lottery corporation. Walker said last week that no such plan has been submitted to the corporation. Segarty did not return several phone messages that were left last week. Lake City Casino’s plans to move to a 25,000-square-foot space on Anderson Way are further along in the process, Walker said. The new casino would be twice the size of the existing facility and include up to 400 slot machines, a pub-style restaurant as well as a stage for live entertainment. Steve Kumpf, regional vice-president of Lake City Casinos said that the casino’s plans depend on further discussions with the property developer. The casino will occupy the bottom floor of a three-storey building, he said. “He is waiting for us to get the final OK on the footprint,” Kumpf said. If approved, Kumpf said the new casino would likely not be completed until sometime in 2008. Walker said that the casino proposal should be finished soon and will likely be forwarded to the City of Vernon as early as January. The city currently earns more than $1.5 million in revenue sharing from the casino but could double that money with a larger casino. Walker said the casino expansion is part of a larger province-wide expansion of gaming facilities. He said the lottery corporation is attempting to make casinos a more appealing entertainment option.“What the corporation has been doing with all the service providers in the province is trying to expand the concept of what is offered at our facilities,” he said. “Entertainment value has to double because it is more a competitive world out there.”
CLICK ON CARTOON TO ENLARGE
As one of Vernon’s casino proposals moves ahead, another appears to have been forgotten. Greg Walker of the B.C. Lottery
Corporation said that plans to move the Lake City Casino into an expanded facility are proceeding. However, he said that the lottery corporation currently has no plans to move slot machines into Fairweather Bingo in South Vernon. “We indicated to the city council that we had some concerns on the process,” Walker said of the bingo hall proposal. “There have been no further developments since that time.” In October 2005, council approved a rezoning proposal to allow slot machines at the bingo hall. However, in August 2006 the lottery corporation sent a letter to the city saying the process followed was invalid. One month later, Fairweather Bingo owner Terry Segarty said that a new business plan would be complete within six weeks and turned in to the lottery corporation. Walker said last week that no such plan has been submitted to the corporation. Segarty did not return several phone messages that were left last week. Lake City Casino’s plans to move to a 25,000-square-foot space on Anderson Way are further along in the process, Walker said. The new casino would be twice the size of the existing facility and include up to 400 slot machines, a pub-style restaurant as well as a stage for live entertainment. Steve Kumpf, regional vice-president of Lake City Casinos said that the casino’s plans depend on further discussions with the property developer. The casino will occupy the bottom floor of a three-storey building, he said. “He is waiting for us to get the final OK on the footprint,” Kumpf said. If approved, Kumpf said the new casino would likely not be completed until sometime in 2008. Walker said that the casino proposal should be finished soon and will likely be forwarded to the City of Vernon as early as January. The city currently earns more than $1.5 million in revenue sharing from the casino but could double that money with a larger casino. Walker said the casino expansion is part of a larger province-wide expansion of gaming facilities. He said the lottery corporation is attempting to make casinos a more appealing entertainment option.“What the corporation has been doing with all the service providers in the province is trying to expand the concept of what is offered at our facilities,” he said. “Entertainment value has to double because it is more a competitive world out there.”
Enormous ice shelf snaps off in Arctic
CLICK ON CARTOON TO ENLARGE
Canada .com Margaret Munro, CanWest News Thursday, December 28, 2006
An ancient ice shelf has cracked off northern Ellesmere Island, creating an enormous, 66- square-kilometre ice island and leaving a trail of icy blocks in its wake. "It really is incredible," said Warwick Vincent of Laval University, one of the few people to have laid eyes on the scene. "It's like a cruise missile has come down and hit the ice shelf." The breakup was so powerful, earthquake monitors 250 kilometres away picked up the tremors as the 3,000 to 4,500 year-old shelf tore away from its fjord on Ellesmere. It broke up 16 months ago, but no one was present to see it. The scientists say they are only now releasing details after piecing together what occurred using seismic monitors and Canadian and U.S. satellites. They say the ice shelf collapse is the biggest in Canada in 30 years and is indicative of the transformation underway on Ellesmere, Canada's most northern landmass. "We're seeing incredible changes," said Mr. Vincent, whose group is studying the island's disappearing ice shelves and their unique ecosystems. "People talk of endangered animals -- well, these are endangered landscape features, and we're losing them," he said. In 2002, his graduate student Derek Mueller discovered Ellesmere's Ward Hunt Ice Shelf had cracked in half. The researchers have also seen the sudden collapse of ice dams and the draining of 30-kilometre-long lakes into the sea. Laurie Weir of the Canadian Ice Service in Ottawa, was poring over images from the RADARSAT satellite when she noticed the shelf had broken away. She passed the information on to Luke Copland, head of the new global ice lab at the University of Ottawa, who led the effort to determine what had happened. It turned out it took less than an hour for the ice shelf to calve off in the early afternoon of Aug. 13, 2005, said Mr. Copland. Low frequency "rumbling" and tremors were picked up on Alert's earthquake monitors, and Canadian and U.S. satellites captured images of the shelf cracking and breaking away."If you were standing right on the edge of the shelf, there'd have been this huge 15-kilometre crack as far as you could see in both directions," said Mr. Copland. "And then the ice drifted off." Within an hour, the giant ice island was a kilometre offshore. It travelled west about 50 kilometres over the next few weeks, and then moved east before freezing into the sea ice about 15 kilometres offshore. The ice island is about 37 metres thick and measures roughly 15 kilometres by five kilometres. That's the size of a small city, or larger than 11,000 football fields. The island is now stuck in the winter ice, but the researchers believe it is just a matter of time before it is freed and floats away. They say the ice island could become a potential hazard to navigation and oil and gas extraction if it sails south towards the Beaufort Sea.
Snow Removal Takes Time
by Kelly Hayes - Story: 25318Dec. 27, 2006 Castanet
The man in charge of making sure Kelowna's streets are clear of snow is asking residents to be patient. Kelowna received an estimated 10-15 centimetres of snow Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. Superintendent of Roads & Equipment, Dale Beaudry, says it's going to take some time to clean up the mess. He says the main roads will be taken care of first, followed by streets with more than a 10 per cent grade, followed by the flat side streets. "We also have a lot of bus stops and sidewalks to do as well, so we're going to be at this for the next three days," says Beaudry. It's also costly to clean up after a major snowfall. Beaudry says he's already used up this year's snow removal budget of nearly $1 million. "We started drawing on our reserve snow removal fund last weekend because we've had so much snow this fall." The snow removal reserve fund is more than $750,000.
The man in charge of making sure Kelowna's streets are clear of snow is asking residents to be patient. Kelowna received an estimated 10-15 centimetres of snow Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. Superintendent of Roads & Equipment, Dale Beaudry, says it's going to take some time to clean up the mess. He says the main roads will be taken care of first, followed by streets with more than a 10 per cent grade, followed by the flat side streets. "We also have a lot of bus stops and sidewalks to do as well, so we're going to be at this for the next three days," says Beaudry. It's also costly to clean up after a major snowfall. Beaudry says he's already used up this year's snow removal budget of nearly $1 million. "We started drawing on our reserve snow removal fund last weekend because we've had so much snow this fall." The snow removal reserve fund is more than $750,000.
Silver Star has busiest week ever
By Vernon Daily Courier StaffThursday, December 28, 2006 http://www.dailycourier.ca/article_830.php
More powder is flying at Silver Star this week than ever before as record numbers of skiers and snowboarders hit the slopes.Around 8,500 people a day are taking advantage of the fresh powder conditions this week, said Michael Ballingall, senior vice-president for Big White and Silver Star. Those numbers are fueled by busy accommodations at the resort which will be at 95 per cent capacity before the week is over.“It’s been fantastic; we’re on a record pace,” Ballingall said. “This should be the biggest week in our history.”Silver Star has long been a popular destination for local skiers but with new accommodations added over the past year, more out-of-towners are coming to the resort, 
Ballingall said. The resort is now so full that it is virtually impossible to find accommodation for a five-day stay from now until Jan. 8, he said. There are still some nights available for shorter stays, Ballingall said. Silver Star has added several new ski lifts over the last five years opening up more terrain.The biggest draw is the snow conditions, Ballingall said.“The reason why we think people come back year after year is the continuous snow,” he said.The mountain currently boasts a 140-centimetre base including an additional 11 centimetres that was dumped on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. But all that snow raised some worries that people would be scared away by poor road conditions, Ballingall said.“Today (Wednesday) is not great driving with the snow and treacherous conditions on the roads,” he said. “But the roads are being maintained with plowing and sanding.” As more people hit the slopes runs have to be meticulously maintained so that they aren’t worn down. Ballingall said the resort purchased a $500,000 grooming machine just to keep up with the heavier traffic on the slopes this year.“We make them look brand new every morning,” he said. “I think people recognize our grooming teams are going above and beyond.”Looking to the future, Ballingall said the Kelowna Airport will play a major role in the growth of both Silver Star and Big White resorts. He said that with Horizon Air bringing in larger aircraft in January and more frequent flights from Kelowna to Ontario, Vancouver and other hubs, more people will be hitting the local slopes.“Whatever Silver Star has to offer there’s a thirst for it which is why people are coming in record numbers,” Ballingall said.
Ballingall said. The resort is now so full that it is virtually impossible to find accommodation for a five-day stay from now until Jan. 8, he said. There are still some nights available for shorter stays, Ballingall said. Silver Star has added several new ski lifts over the last five years opening up more terrain.The biggest draw is the snow conditions, Ballingall said.“The reason why we think people come back year after year is the continuous snow,” he said.The mountain currently boasts a 140-centimetre base including an additional 11 centimetres that was dumped on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. But all that snow raised some worries that people would be scared away by poor road conditions, Ballingall said.“Today (Wednesday) is not great driving with the snow and treacherous conditions on the roads,” he said. “But the roads are being maintained with plowing and sanding.” As more people hit the slopes runs have to be meticulously maintained so that they aren’t worn down. Ballingall said the resort purchased a $500,000 grooming machine just to keep up with the heavier traffic on the slopes this year.“We make them look brand new every morning,” he said. “I think people recognize our grooming teams are going above and beyond.”Looking to the future, Ballingall said the Kelowna Airport will play a major role in the growth of both Silver Star and Big White resorts. He said that with Horizon Air bringing in larger aircraft in January and more frequent flights from Kelowna to Ontario, Vancouver and other hubs, more people will be hitting the local slopes.“Whatever Silver Star has to offer there’s a thirst for it which is why people are coming in record numbers,” Ballingall said. Beetles are not the only pest plaguing our country
By FouldsChristopherDec 27 2006 http://www.kelownacapnews.com/
This ruling Conservative government has celebrated Royal assent of the softwood-lumber agreement while making no move whatsoever to help homeowners in the Interior remove dead pine trees from their lands—now or in the future.Put into perspective, the Tories applauded confirmation of a deal with the United States in which Canada paid $1 billion to get Uncle Sam to stop illegally slapping countervailing duties on southbound softwood, while refusing to entertain any thought of dipping into the obscenely deep federal surplus to extract a few million dollars to help British Columbians affected by a natural disaster. The profile of the mountain pine beetle is at an all-time high. Never before has such a minuscule pest captured the headlines, and this past week the little black bugger was the topic du jour on the most powerful radio station in Western Canada. CKNW’s Bill Good interviewed Kamloops Mayor Terry Lake, among others, to educate his urbane audience about how devastating this beetle has been to forests and backyards throughout the Interior. Also on the dial was Rich Coleman, the minister in charge of forests in B.C., who repeated his daffy defence of why Victoria isn’t ponying up a dime to help residents rid their yards of dangerous dead trees. Residents in Greater Vancouver must pay the bill when a diseased tree has to be removed from their yards, said the Fraser Valley MLA. Yes, but we defy Coleman to show us a city or town in the Lower Mainland that is home to 30,000 towering giants being eaten alive. Meanwhile, a few trees are left teetering in West Vancouver following a windstorm and residents in the richest postal code in Canada are afforded helicopter logging, with the province footing the bill. And one wonders why residents of the Interior might feel they truly are beyond Hope? This saga has been beneficial in that it has illustrated the stark difference between what the electorate might have thought an MPs role was, and the reality of that role. A member of Parliament is, of course, paid extremely well to represent residents in the riding, to take their concerns to Ottawa, to help fight their fight, to act on their behalf. In theory, at least. The de facto role of government MPs in this situation has been, apparently, to work overtime on finding new ways to explain why Ottawa should not be helping Interior residents deal with the plague. Kamloops MP Betty Hinton argued that removing up to 30,000 trees from private property is the responsibility of the municipality, then chastised the previous Kamloops council for failing to plan for the beetle onslaught. (One remains mystified as to how “planning” for the disaster would have magically made millions appear in city coffers today.) Up north in Prince George, MP Dick Harris has been telling our sister paper that the request for funding in early December from the mayors of Kamloops, Kelowna and Prince George came as a surprise to him. Here’s your tax dollars at work. One of the worst infestations in the history of North America has been ongoing for years and the honourable member for Cariboo-Prince George is “surprised” cities are looking for cash to help cart off the dead wood. Worst still is Harris’ next quote: “While we’re aware of the situation, it’s incumbent on the mayor or the municipalities to initiate a request.” If he’s aware of the situation, maybe Harris can do his job as an MP and initiate a request in Ottawa. Perhaps this is yet another example of Stephen Harper MPs being told what to say, how to say it and when to say it. Maybe they are again being muzzled, or at least told to stay on message, which in this case seems to be, “Ignore them and they’ll go away soon enough.” The Tories grandly announced a 10-year, $1-billion mountain pine beetle plan during the election campaign a year ago. Thus far, not one cent has been spent, nor has a plan been detailed. While they work on that, perhaps our local MPs, or Harris up north, could talk to their boss and ask what the heck happened to the $11 million or so in pine-beetle funding the Liberals left when they were ousted. Maybe it’s being held bac—in case the beetle migrates to Parliament Hill.
This ruling Conservative government has celebrated Royal assent of the softwood-lumber agreement while making no move whatsoever to help homeowners in the Interior remove dead pine trees from their lands—now or in the future.Put into perspective, the Tories applauded confirmation of a deal with the United States in which Canada paid $1 billion to get Uncle Sam to stop illegally slapping countervailing duties on southbound softwood, while refusing to entertain any thought of dipping into the obscenely deep federal surplus to extract a few million dollars to help British Columbians affected by a natural disaster. The profile of the mountain pine beetle is at an all-time high. Never before has such a minuscule pest captured the headlines, and this past week the little black bugger was the topic du jour on the most powerful radio station in Western Canada. CKNW’s Bill Good interviewed Kamloops Mayor Terry Lake, among others, to educate his urbane audience about how devastating this beetle has been to forests and backyards throughout the Interior. Also on the dial was Rich Coleman, the minister in charge of forests in B.C., who repeated his daffy defence of why Victoria isn’t ponying up a dime to help residents rid their yards of dangerous dead trees. Residents in Greater Vancouver must pay the bill when a diseased tree has to be removed from their yards, said the Fraser Valley MLA. Yes, but we defy Coleman to show us a city or town in the Lower Mainland that is home to 30,000 towering giants being eaten alive. Meanwhile, a few trees are left teetering in West Vancouver following a windstorm and residents in the richest postal code in Canada are afforded helicopter logging, with the province footing the bill. And one wonders why residents of the Interior might feel they truly are beyond Hope? This saga has been beneficial in that it has illustrated the stark difference between what the electorate might have thought an MPs role was, and the reality of that role. A member of Parliament is, of course, paid extremely well to represent residents in the riding, to take their concerns to Ottawa, to help fight their fight, to act on their behalf. In theory, at least. The de facto role of government MPs in this situation has been, apparently, to work overtime on finding new ways to explain why Ottawa should not be helping Interior residents deal with the plague. Kamloops MP Betty Hinton argued that removing up to 30,000 trees from private property is the responsibility of the municipality, then chastised the previous Kamloops council for failing to plan for the beetle onslaught. (One remains mystified as to how “planning” for the disaster would have magically made millions appear in city coffers today.) Up north in Prince George, MP Dick Harris has been telling our sister paper that the request for funding in early December from the mayors of Kamloops, Kelowna and Prince George came as a surprise to him. Here’s your tax dollars at work. One of the worst infestations in the history of North America has been ongoing for years and the honourable member for Cariboo-Prince George is “surprised” cities are looking for cash to help cart off the dead wood. Worst still is Harris’ next quote: “While we’re aware of the situation, it’s incumbent on the mayor or the municipalities to initiate a request.” If he’s aware of the situation, maybe Harris can do his job as an MP and initiate a request in Ottawa. Perhaps this is yet another example of Stephen Harper MPs being told what to say, how to say it and when to say it. Maybe they are again being muzzled, or at least told to stay on message, which in this case seems to be, “Ignore them and they’ll go away soon enough.” The Tories grandly announced a 10-year, $1-billion mountain pine beetle plan during the election campaign a year ago. Thus far, not one cent has been spent, nor has a plan been detailed. While they work on that, perhaps our local MPs, or Harris up north, could talk to their boss and ask what the heck happened to the $11 million or so in pine-beetle funding the Liberals left when they were ousted. Maybe it’s being held bac—in case the beetle migrates to Parliament Hill.
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Tories fess up to undisclosed donations ! PM donated more than legal limit !
Edmonton Sun
OTTAWA — After months of
heated denials, the federal Conservative party has quietly admitted it failed to publicly disclose hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of donations. And the muddle over the disclosure meant that at least three party members — including Prime Minister Stephen Harper — donated more than the legal limit last year. Last Thursday, the party filed a revised financial report for 2005 with Elections Canada, acknowledging that it did not report delegate fees collected for its national convention that year as donations, contrary to political financing laws. In the revised report, the Conservatives have “reclassified revenue related to the 2005 convention,” disclosing an additional $539,915 in previously unreported donations, an extra $913,710 in “other revenue,” 
and an additional $1.45 million in “other expenses.” The report does not explain what constitutes other revenue or other expenses. Moreover, the party reports almost $700,000 in previously undisclosed transfers from riding associations, presumably accounting for ridings that helped subsidize the cost of attending the Montreal policy convention for their delegates. Having been forced to count convention fees as donations, the report indicates the Conservative party then discovered three delegates — including Prime Minister Stephen Harper — had exceeded their $5,400 annual limit for political contributions. As a result, the party refunded $456 each to Harper and the other two delegates. The party has also been forced to send belated 2005 tax receipts to the roughly 3,000 delegates who attended the convention, with instructions on the complicated process required to retroactively claim the tax credit.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS AT CTV.CA
Convention Wisdom: Conservatives go to conventions to get drunk, Liberals to get laid and NDPers to get pamphlets.
OTTAWA — After months of
heated denials, the federal Conservative party has quietly admitted it failed to publicly disclose hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of donations. And the muddle over the disclosure meant that at least three party members — including Prime Minister Stephen Harper — donated more than the legal limit last year. Last Thursday, the party filed a revised financial report for 2005 with Elections Canada, acknowledging that it did not report delegate fees collected for its national convention that year as donations, contrary to political financing laws. In the revised report, the Conservatives have “reclassified revenue related to the 2005 convention,” disclosing an additional $539,915 in previously unreported donations, an extra $913,710 in “other revenue,” 
and an additional $1.45 million in “other expenses.” The report does not explain what constitutes other revenue or other expenses. Moreover, the party reports almost $700,000 in previously undisclosed transfers from riding associations, presumably accounting for ridings that helped subsidize the cost of attending the Montreal policy convention for their delegates. Having been forced to count convention fees as donations, the report indicates the Conservative party then discovered three delegates — including Prime Minister Stephen Harper — had exceeded their $5,400 annual limit for political contributions. As a result, the party refunded $456 each to Harper and the other two delegates. The party has also been forced to send belated 2005 tax receipts to the roughly 3,000 delegates who attended the convention, with instructions on the complicated process required to retroactively claim the tax credit. ADDITIONAL DETAILS AT CTV.CA
Convention Wisdom: Conservatives go to conventions to get drunk, Liberals to get laid and NDPers to get pamphlets.
Pain relief at Jubilee
By Scott NeufeldWednesday, December 27, 2006 http://www.dailycourier.ca/article_826.php
The Interior Health Authority is hoping for a brighter new year at Vernon Jubilee Hospital as more beds are expected to open up in January.The Good Samaritan Society has been building Heron Grove, a 76-bed residential care facility at 4900 20th St. since the fall of 2005. The project is nearing completion and residents will be able to move in early next month, said Interior Health communications officer Cathy Renkas."We are hoping to get some relief in the new year," Renkas said. "We have 76 new residential care beds coming on stream."The completed project also includes 38 assisted living beds and 15 independent living 
apartments. All of the residential suites and 36 assisted living suites will be filled with Interior Health patients. The remaining suites are market housing.While the project was under construction, the hospital temporarily opened up several additional beds for patients waiting to be admitted into the residential care facility. Approximately 50 beds were located in the Alexander wing of the hospital for seniors awaiting more permanent long-term care housing.Sixteen residents from Jubilee Place were moved into the wing and another 30 beds were designated "First Available Beds" for patients living anywhere from Kelowna to Enderby. A further 10 beds were set aside as respite beds.Once Heron Grove is complete Renkas said many of the residents in Alexander Wing will be moved to the facility. Renkas said she is not sure exactly how many of the residents will be moving to Heron Grove.
The Interior Health Authority is hoping for a brighter new year at Vernon Jubilee Hospital as more beds are expected to open up in January.The Good Samaritan Society has been building Heron Grove, a 76-bed residential care facility at 4900 20th St. since the fall of 2005. The project is nearing completion and residents will be able to move in early next month, said Interior Health communications officer Cathy Renkas."We are hoping to get some relief in the new year," Renkas said. "We have 76 new residential care beds coming on stream."The completed project also includes 38 assisted living beds and 15 independent living 
apartments. All of the residential suites and 36 assisted living suites will be filled with Interior Health patients. The remaining suites are market housing.While the project was under construction, the hospital temporarily opened up several additional beds for patients waiting to be admitted into the residential care facility. Approximately 50 beds were located in the Alexander wing of the hospital for seniors awaiting more permanent long-term care housing.Sixteen residents from Jubilee Place were moved into the wing and another 30 beds were designated "First Available Beds" for patients living anywhere from Kelowna to Enderby. A further 10 beds were set aside as respite beds.Once Heron Grove is complete Renkas said many of the residents in Alexander Wing will be moved to the facility. Renkas said she is not sure exactly how many of the residents will be moving to Heron Grove. Ministry disperses cash to reduce wait lists
By RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star StaffDec 27 2006 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/
Additional cash is available to reduce wait lists at B.C. hospitals but it’s not known if the North Okanagan will get any. The
Ministry of Health is providing an extra $25 million to provincial health authorities for elective hip and knee surgeries, as well as other diagnostic and surgical procedures. Officials at Vernon Jubilee Hospital hope some of that money will make its way into local services. “I put a proposal in for cataract surgery and for screening for bowel cancer,” said Assunta Shepherd, director of acute care services. Of the $25 million, $12.5 million will go towards 850 hip and knee joint replacement surgeries 
across B.C. while $7.5 million will be for diagnostic and surgical procedures such as cataracts and cardiac. There will also be $5 million to improve health system responses to increased demands on critical care facilities. Shepherd says the wait list for cataracts and cancer screening isn’t that bad locally, but it warrants some attention. “There is a wait list for endoscopy (bowel cancer screening) and the vision centre is only open for 160 days a year, so we want to make sure its wait list doesn’t become too large.” VJH’s application was submitted after the Ministry of Health requested information regarding surgical wait lists. Shepherd isn’t sure when VJH may hear if it has received funding. Allocation of the $7.5 million and $5 million will be based on proposals from health authorities while the $12.5 million will be handed out using a population-based formula. “With this additional funding, on top of new funding we announced last spring, the health authorities are projecting we will achieve a milestone of more than 10,000 hip and knee surgeries this year — for the first time ever in B.C.,” said George Abbott, Shuswap MLA and health minister, in a release.
Additional cash is available to reduce wait lists at B.C. hospitals but it’s not known if the North Okanagan will get any. The
Ministry of Health is providing an extra $25 million to provincial health authorities for elective hip and knee surgeries, as well as other diagnostic and surgical procedures. Officials at Vernon Jubilee Hospital hope some of that money will make its way into local services. “I put a proposal in for cataract surgery and for screening for bowel cancer,” said Assunta Shepherd, director of acute care services. Of the $25 million, $12.5 million will go towards 850 hip and knee joint replacement surgeries 
across B.C. while $7.5 million will be for diagnostic and surgical procedures such as cataracts and cardiac. There will also be $5 million to improve health system responses to increased demands on critical care facilities. Shepherd says the wait list for cataracts and cancer screening isn’t that bad locally, but it warrants some attention. “There is a wait list for endoscopy (bowel cancer screening) and the vision centre is only open for 160 days a year, so we want to make sure its wait list doesn’t become too large.” VJH’s application was submitted after the Ministry of Health requested information regarding surgical wait lists. Shepherd isn’t sure when VJH may hear if it has received funding. Allocation of the $7.5 million and $5 million will be based on proposals from health authorities while the $12.5 million will be handed out using a population-based formula. “With this additional funding, on top of new funding we announced last spring, the health authorities are projecting we will achieve a milestone of more than 10,000 hip and knee surgeries this year — for the first time ever in B.C.,” said George Abbott, Shuswap MLA and health minister, in a release.
Drivers rubberneck to see contortionist Frosty
By Staff Wednesday, December 27, 2006 http://www.dailycourier.ca/article_827.phpA
normally quiet street on East Hill has been seeing a slight increase in traffic over the last few days.The reason for all the cars driving slowly by is leering at motorists from Joe O'Hearn's front yard. Last week, O'Hearn and his grandchildren, Lakin and Landen Harison built a large snowman in the front yard of the home on 28th Crescent. Since Christmas, however, the snowman has lurched over to one side and is now leaning precariously over the ground."It's defying the laws of gravity," O'Hearn said. "This is all solid snow, there are no poles or anything holding it in place.""It's a freak of nature," said son-in-law Marty Sarsfield, whose wife Dawn also helped build the snowman.The leaning snowman came as a surprise to the family who ran outside as soon as they noticed their unnaturally hunched creation. O'Hearn said he has never seen anything like it."Everybody got up to go out and look at the snowman because it was tilting; by dinner it had tilted even more," O'Hearn said.But the family members are not the only ones who have come to take a peek. O'Hearn said cars have been slowing down and backing up to take a look at the unique snow statue. O'Hearn said that the family probably could not have created such a crooked snowman if they tried. He said he's not sure how long it will be before the leaning snow statue finally topples over.
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Elks Hall Coming Down
by Wayne Moore - Story: 24926Dec. 26, 2006 Kelowna City Council has approved plans for the building that will replace Elks Hall on Springfield Road. Star Vista Developments approached council earlier this year with plans to replace the current complex with a 13-storey tower. The development includes commercial space on the main floor, office space on the second, with residential condo units on the remaining floors. The plans approved by council include four units of affordable housing. A new Elks Lodge will also be included in the new complex. Castanet
City Structure Review (KELOWNA)
by Staff - Story: 25259Dec. 26, 2006 Castanet
The City Of Kelowna is about to undergo a major structural review. Effective January 15, Director of Human Resources Rick Baker will take a new role as "Director of Corporate Development". According to City Manager Ron Mattiussi, Baker will "be examining the City’s corporate structure to ensure the City is well-positioned to handle the challenges that lie ahead in our fast-growing community." Baker has been with the City for 20 years and has also been the Director of Labour Relations and chief negotiator for the Okanagan Mainline Municipal Labour Relations Association. Mattiussi says Baker’s background in Human Resources makes him the best person to ensure all City departments are structured efficiently and effectively for the future. The assessment is expected to be completed within the next 12 to 18 months. Meanwhile, Charlene Covington has been appointed Acting Director of Human Resources.
The City Of Kelowna is about to undergo a major structural review. Effective January 15, Director of Human Resources Rick Baker will take a new role as "Director of Corporate Development". According to City Manager Ron Mattiussi, Baker will "be examining the City’s corporate structure to ensure the City is well-positioned to handle the challenges that lie ahead in our fast-growing community." Baker has been with the City for 20 years and has also been the Director of Labour Relations and chief negotiator for the Okanagan Mainline Municipal Labour Relations Association. Mattiussi says Baker’s background in Human Resources makes him the best person to ensure all City departments are structured efficiently and effectively for the future. The assessment is expected to be completed within the next 12 to 18 months. Meanwhile, Charlene Covington has been appointed Acting Director of Human Resources.
Secret deal aimed at revitalization (Peachland)
By Dave PrestonCapital News contributorDec 24 2006 http://www.kelownacapnews.com/
A select and secret group of developers is being given the opportunity to bid on District of Peachland property in the hopes that downtown revitalization will go ahead soon. Rebuilding the downtown core became a controversial topic when the town began working on its official community plan in December, 1999. It allows for the construction of multi-storey buildings that could reach eight to ten storeys in some cases. A number of developers have shown interest in major downtown projects over the past six years but, so far, none have been able to put together enough land to make their projects fly. Now the district is trying to kick start the process by offering land for sale. “The District of Peachland is facilitating the redevelopment of a block of downtown land, to achieve its objectives in the official community plan,” said Elsie Lemke, chief administrative officer. The land up for grabs is situated between Second and Third Streets and includes a district-owned parking lot and the land under the fire hall, municipal office and chamber of commerce building. The district owns about 40 per cent of the block, according to Lemke. “Several companies have been invited to submit concept plans for redevelopment of this block, together with information on their company’s
financial capacity and previous experience with large scale, complex projects,” said Lemke. Mayor Graham Reid said four companies, which have all expressed interest in downtown revitalization in the past, have been invited to submit concept plans, but he stopped short of naming the companies. The company names will be disclosed only if they submit a concept plan, according to Reid. “Following review of the proposals in February of 2007, council expects to select one company to proceed to the next step, which is a letter of understanding,” said Lemke. The letter will set out how the district-owned property will be sold and will give the chosen company time to obtain options to purchase privately owned property on the block. Detailed development plans will also need to be drawn up and if the company is successful in assembling the required land, council will consider the project at a public hearing. “The letter of understanding in no way fetters councilÃs right to turn the proposal down,” said Lemke. “I am pleased that we are taking this fresh approach to redevelopment of our downtown,” said Reid. “A revitalized downtown will create new opportunities for business, residents and visitors alike.”
A select and secret group of developers is being given the opportunity to bid on District of Peachland property in the hopes that downtown revitalization will go ahead soon. Rebuilding the downtown core became a controversial topic when the town began working on its official community plan in December, 1999. It allows for the construction of multi-storey buildings that could reach eight to ten storeys in some cases. A number of developers have shown interest in major downtown projects over the past six years but, so far, none have been able to put together enough land to make their projects fly. Now the district is trying to kick start the process by offering land for sale. “The District of Peachland is facilitating the redevelopment of a block of downtown land, to achieve its objectives in the official community plan,” said Elsie Lemke, chief administrative officer. The land up for grabs is situated between Second and Third Streets and includes a district-owned parking lot and the land under the fire hall, municipal office and chamber of commerce building. The district owns about 40 per cent of the block, according to Lemke. “Several companies have been invited to submit concept plans for redevelopment of this block, together with information on their company’s
financial capacity and previous experience with large scale, complex projects,” said Lemke. Mayor Graham Reid said four companies, which have all expressed interest in downtown revitalization in the past, have been invited to submit concept plans, but he stopped short of naming the companies. The company names will be disclosed only if they submit a concept plan, according to Reid. “Following review of the proposals in February of 2007, council expects to select one company to proceed to the next step, which is a letter of understanding,” said Lemke. The letter will set out how the district-owned property will be sold and will give the chosen company time to obtain options to purchase privately owned property on the block. Detailed development plans will also need to be drawn up and if the company is successful in assembling the required land, council will consider the project at a public hearing. “The letter of understanding in no way fetters councilÃs right to turn the proposal down,” said Lemke. “I am pleased that we are taking this fresh approach to redevelopment of our downtown,” said Reid. “A revitalized downtown will create new opportunities for business, residents and visitors alike.”
Three projects axed to drop the tax bill (KELOWNA)
By Jennifer SmithStaff reporterDec 24 2006 http://www.kelownacapnews.com/
It may not be a Boxing Day windfall, but at 2.99 per cent, the average increase on Kelowna taxpayers’ property tax bills this year was carefully designed to look like a bargain. Heading into budget negotiations on Wednesday, city staff earmarked the provisional budget increase at 3.5 per cent—significantly more than the two per cent target the city hit in years gone by and more than several councillors were willing to support. “Inflation happens one little hit at a time,” Coun. Norm Letnick said, noting he would not support the hike as the discussion opened Wednesday. And for the most part, it appeared fellow councillors agreed as they trimmed three major projects from the wishlist to bring the tax increase down to 3.01 per cent. From there city staff made a few quick tweaks to which account paid for some summer co-op students, and the projected increase hit 2.99 per cent. On an average single-family home assessed in the $420,000 range, the budget discussion results add $43 to the tax bill. “Some of my colleagues sort of set the goal to be under three and I knew that was going to be a real challenge,” said Mayor Sharon Shepherd, as the 12-hour meeting wrapped up. “So I was very pleased at the end of the day that we achieved 2.99 per cent.” To make the cut, council axed a $100,000 revamp for the Maude Roxby Boardwalk behind Kelowna General Hospital in the Mission along with planning for the third phase of the Central Okanagan Bypass. The plans alone for the third phase of the long-planned artery paralleling the highway from downtown to the airport, would have cost $800,000, with $200,000 coming from this year’s tax revenues and another $600,000 from city reserves. Planning for the $1.3 million second phase of the COB project, however, did get the nod of approval. The roadway proved the single truly divisive issue of the day as Coun. Michele Rule—who has expressed grave concern for the environmental damage the new artery would create—excusing herself in tears after several councillors dismissed her motion to revisit potential alternate routes. “I don’t feel we’ve really looked at all the options,” she said. Several councillors, including fellow environmental advocate Coun. Robert Hobson, all told her the project’s path was the only way. “To me, even thinking about this would be the most incompetent move we could make,” said Coun. Andre Blanleil,
who stuck to message track, stating the bypass is vital to the valley’s economy. The final project knocked from staff plans was a $110,000 allotment to the Housing Opportunities Fund, an account reserved to help bolster affordable housing stock in the city. “It wasn’t a unanimous decision to do that,” said Shepherd, who noted a developer has contributed enough to make up the shortfall created by council’s decision. “We have to see some action out of that fund before council will be comfortable adding more money to that fund if it’s not achieving the units that we want to have happen. ” Another initiative from the mammoth 2006 Affordable and Special Needs Housing Task Force project did survive proposed budget spending cutbacks— some $30,000 will be set aside to hire a land economist who will evaluate whether the Official Community Plan should amended to force developers applying for rezonings to provide affordable housing. Council also saved several smaller items including $25,000 to hold another mayor’s youth forum, $2,000 for athletic excellence grants and a $150,000 goose management plan. According to urban forestry manager, Ian Wilson, geese are likely the only furry or feathered friends caught in the city’s crosshairs this year—other than beavers. Another line item calling for further pest control got plenty of support from Shepherd, who noted that she’s heard complaints on everything from raccoons in Glenmore to rats and coyotes and the bunnies. But that expenditure was left on the council chambers floor, axed from the budget. Final budget deliberations will come forward late spring, with several items left up for discussion. Among the topics still not resolved are three of four costings for bus route improvements promised to UBC Okanagan students before their Dec. 1 U-Pass vote at UBCO and a $200,000 expenditure for a potential partnership with the Central Okanagan school district on a community school in the Mission’s Kettle Valley.
It may not be a Boxing Day windfall, but at 2.99 per cent, the average increase on Kelowna taxpayers’ property tax bills this year was carefully designed to look like a bargain. Heading into budget negotiations on Wednesday, city staff earmarked the provisional budget increase at 3.5 per cent—significantly more than the two per cent target the city hit in years gone by and more than several councillors were willing to support. “Inflation happens one little hit at a time,” Coun. Norm Letnick said, noting he would not support the hike as the discussion opened Wednesday. And for the most part, it appeared fellow councillors agreed as they trimmed three major projects from the wishlist to bring the tax increase down to 3.01 per cent. From there city staff made a few quick tweaks to which account paid for some summer co-op students, and the projected increase hit 2.99 per cent. On an average single-family home assessed in the $420,000 range, the budget discussion results add $43 to the tax bill. “Some of my colleagues sort of set the goal to be under three and I knew that was going to be a real challenge,” said Mayor Sharon Shepherd, as the 12-hour meeting wrapped up. “So I was very pleased at the end of the day that we achieved 2.99 per cent.” To make the cut, council axed a $100,000 revamp for the Maude Roxby Boardwalk behind Kelowna General Hospital in the Mission along with planning for the third phase of the Central Okanagan Bypass. The plans alone for the third phase of the long-planned artery paralleling the highway from downtown to the airport, would have cost $800,000, with $200,000 coming from this year’s tax revenues and another $600,000 from city reserves. Planning for the $1.3 million second phase of the COB project, however, did get the nod of approval. The roadway proved the single truly divisive issue of the day as Coun. Michele Rule—who has expressed grave concern for the environmental damage the new artery would create—excusing herself in tears after several councillors dismissed her motion to revisit potential alternate routes. “I don’t feel we’ve really looked at all the options,” she said. Several councillors, including fellow environmental advocate Coun. Robert Hobson, all told her the project’s path was the only way. “To me, even thinking about this would be the most incompetent move we could make,” said Coun. Andre Blanleil,
who stuck to message track, stating the bypass is vital to the valley’s economy. The final project knocked from staff plans was a $110,000 allotment to the Housing Opportunities Fund, an account reserved to help bolster affordable housing stock in the city. “It wasn’t a unanimous decision to do that,” said Shepherd, who noted a developer has contributed enough to make up the shortfall created by council’s decision. “We have to see some action out of that fund before council will be comfortable adding more money to that fund if it’s not achieving the units that we want to have happen. ” Another initiative from the mammoth 2006 Affordable and Special Needs Housing Task Force project did survive proposed budget spending cutbacks— some $30,000 will be set aside to hire a land economist who will evaluate whether the Official Community Plan should amended to force developers applying for rezonings to provide affordable housing. Council also saved several smaller items including $25,000 to hold another mayor’s youth forum, $2,000 for athletic excellence grants and a $150,000 goose management plan. According to urban forestry manager, Ian Wilson, geese are likely the only furry or feathered friends caught in the city’s crosshairs this year—other than beavers. Another line item calling for further pest control got plenty of support from Shepherd, who noted that she’s heard complaints on everything from raccoons in Glenmore to rats and coyotes and the bunnies. But that expenditure was left on the council chambers floor, axed from the budget. Final budget deliberations will come forward late spring, with several items left up for discussion. Among the topics still not resolved are three of four costings for bus route improvements promised to UBC Okanagan students before their Dec. 1 U-Pass vote at UBCO and a $200,000 expenditure for a potential partnership with the Central Okanagan school district on a community school in the Mission’s Kettle Valley.
Monday, December 25, 2006
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Marijuana top US cash crop, analyst says
Yahoo News
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. growers produce nearly $35 billion worth of marijuana annually, making the illegal drug the country's largest cash crop, bigger than corn and wheat combined, an advocate of medical marijuana use said in a study released on Monday. By comparison, the United States produced an average of nearly $23.3 billion worth of corn annually from 2003 to 2005, $17.6 billion worth of soybeans, $12.2 billion worth of hay, nearly $11.1 billion worth of vegetables and $7.4 billion worth of wheat, the report said.
Forbes
THE ESTIMATED VALUE OF Canada's marijuana production-up to $7 billion-exceeds its farm receipts of both cattle ($5.63 billion) and wheat ($1.73 billion), or the $4.3 billion taken in by forestry and logging. Only oil and gas extraction, worth $15.8 billion, is worth more.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. growers produce nearly $35 billion worth of marijuana annually, making the illegal drug the country's largest cash crop, bigger than corn and wheat combined, an advocate of medical marijuana use said in a study released on Monday. By comparison, the United States produced an average of nearly $23.3 billion worth of corn annually from 2003 to 2005, $17.6 billion worth of soybeans, $12.2 billion worth of hay, nearly $11.1 billion worth of vegetables and $7.4 billion worth of wheat, the report said.
Forbes
THE ESTIMATED VALUE OF Canada's marijuana production-up to $7 billion-exceeds its farm receipts of both cattle ($5.63 billion) and wheat ($1.73 billion), or the $4.3 billion taken in by forestry and logging. Only oil and gas extraction, worth $15.8 billion, is worth more.
Political scene on track
Dec 24 2006 EDITORIAL http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/
Perhaps changes in Greater Vernon governance are already proving to be positive. In an extremely rare move, both the
Greater Vernon Services Committee and North Okanagan Regional District boards held back-to-back-meetings Thursday to keep a major water utility improvement on track. While the process will result in $115,000 being saved on an equipment tender, the biggest news coming out of the meetings was the fact that they even happened. For more than a year now, both GVSC and NORD have been squabbling back and forth. It reached a fevered pitch two weeks ago when NORD directors voted to remove any authority GVSC had and relegate it to a recommendation-based committee. But while some fine details still need to be worked out between the players, Thursday’s meeting is an indication that the 
governance woes are nearing an end. Because of a tight timeline to approve the equipment contract, GVSC directors sat down and did their thing, and waiting in the wings were NORD directors, who then gave the nod to the committee’s recommendation. It was a scene of co-operation that had been missing for some time, and it was a welcome departure from the rhetoric and backroom wrangling. All politicians, whether with GVSC or NORD, need to remember that they were elected to office by local residents and it is the public’s best interests that they are supposed to take care of. If the trend established at Thursday’s meetings continue, it looks like our civic leaders are back to business.
Don Quixotes Note: Cost of Special Meetings: ($2,323)
Price of 7 GVSC COMMITTEE MEMBERS @ $96 /meeting = $672.
Price of 13 NORD DIRECTORS @ $127/ meeting = $1,651
PRICE OF COOPERATION: PRICELESS.
(Do Directors of NORD who also sit on GVSC get to double dip at a $223 rate at this special meeting ?)
Perhaps changes in Greater Vernon governance are already proving to be positive. In an extremely rare move, both the
Greater Vernon Services Committee and North Okanagan Regional District boards held back-to-back-meetings Thursday to keep a major water utility improvement on track. While the process will result in $115,000 being saved on an equipment tender, the biggest news coming out of the meetings was the fact that they even happened. For more than a year now, both GVSC and NORD have been squabbling back and forth. It reached a fevered pitch two weeks ago when NORD directors voted to remove any authority GVSC had and relegate it to a recommendation-based committee. But while some fine details still need to be worked out between the players, Thursday’s meeting is an indication that the 
governance woes are nearing an end. Because of a tight timeline to approve the equipment contract, GVSC directors sat down and did their thing, and waiting in the wings were NORD directors, who then gave the nod to the committee’s recommendation. It was a scene of co-operation that had been missing for some time, and it was a welcome departure from the rhetoric and backroom wrangling. All politicians, whether with GVSC or NORD, need to remember that they were elected to office by local residents and it is the public’s best interests that they are supposed to take care of. If the trend established at Thursday’s meetings continue, it looks like our civic leaders are back to business. Don Quixotes Note: Cost of Special Meetings: ($2,323)
Price of 7 GVSC COMMITTEE MEMBERS @ $96 /meeting = $672.
Price of 13 NORD DIRECTORS @ $127/ meeting = $1,651
PRICE OF COOPERATION: PRICELESS.
(Do Directors of NORD who also sit on GVSC get to double dip at a $223 rate at this special meeting ?)
Long wait before equipment put into use
By RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff Dec 24 2006
Almost $2 million in equipment is being ordered for a new water 
system, but the pipes may sit in storage for awhile. The North Okanagan Regional District board has agreed to purchase clarification equipment for a Duteau Creek treatment plant for $1.8 million. That move came after receiving a recommendation from the Greater Vernon Services Committee Thursday. “The proposal has merit and it’s been well looked at,” said Bill DiPasquale, project manager. However, while the order is being sent in for the equipment, it’s likely space will be needed to store the items until some other critical issues are addressed. Among them is acquiring the necessary land for the treatment plant and determining whether the provincial and federal governments will provide funding for the project. Staff recommended purchasing the equipment now because there’s a time limit to the low bid provided by a Langley firm. After Jan. 2, the equipment would cost an additional $115,000, and the proposal would completely fall off the table Jan. 31. If that were to occur, NORD would have to re-tender the project. Opposition to proceeding came from director Wayne Lippert. “Why buy it if we don’t have the property yet?” he said. Concerns also came from director Barry Beardsell. “It may put part of our grants in jeopardy,” he said of potential two-thirds federal/provincial infrastructure funding. 
But staff insist a grant is only at risk if construction of the treatment plant actually proceeds. Al Cotsworth, water utility manager, added that the clarification equipment won’t likely be included in any grant application because the federal-provincial program is over-subscribed. “It’s highly unlikely the project will be fully funded,” he said of the total price tag of $20 million. “We’re looking for something between $4 and $8 million.” Director Mary Malerby supported staff. “Sitting back and waiting for grants is like operating in the dark. We have to move forward,” she said. “It’s going to cost money one way or the other and this is an opportunity to save $115,000.”
system, but the pipes may sit in storage for awhile. The North Okanagan Regional District board has agreed to purchase clarification equipment for a Duteau Creek treatment plant for $1.8 million. That move came after receiving a recommendation from the Greater Vernon Services Committee Thursday. “The proposal has merit and it’s been well looked at,” said Bill DiPasquale, project manager. However, while the order is being sent in for the equipment, it’s likely space will be needed to store the items until some other critical issues are addressed. Among them is acquiring the necessary land for the treatment plant and determining whether the provincial and federal governments will provide funding for the project. Staff recommended purchasing the equipment now because there’s a time limit to the low bid provided by a Langley firm. After Jan. 2, the equipment would cost an additional $115,000, and the proposal would completely fall off the table Jan. 31. If that were to occur, NORD would have to re-tender the project. Opposition to proceeding came from director Wayne Lippert. “Why buy it if we don’t have the property yet?” he said. Concerns also came from director Barry Beardsell. “It may put part of our grants in jeopardy,” he said of potential two-thirds federal/provincial infrastructure funding. 
But staff insist a grant is only at risk if construction of the treatment plant actually proceeds. Al Cotsworth, water utility manager, added that the clarification equipment won’t likely be included in any grant application because the federal-provincial program is over-subscribed. “It’s highly unlikely the project will be fully funded,” he said of the total price tag of $20 million. “We’re looking for something between $4 and $8 million.” Director Mary Malerby supported staff. “Sitting back and waiting for grants is like operating in the dark. We have to move forward,” she said. “It’s going to cost money one way or the other and this is an opportunity to save $115,000.” Saturday, December 23, 2006
Wheat Board gives out 'stress' bonus
Globe and Mail WINNIPEG Canadian Press
The Canadian Wheat Board is handing out $1,000 Christmas bonuses to employees in recognition of the "stress" they have been under during the Winnipeg-based agency's fight with the federal government. The special payout to the 500 employees was announced by board chairman Ken Ritter and newly minted president Greg Arason. Mr. Arason was appointed to the position Tuesday after Agriculture Minister Chuck Strahl fired former CEO Adrian Measner over his support for the board's marketing monopoly. The Winnipeg Free Press reported the bonus is raising concern among farmers. And some employees say they wonder if the bonus is "hush money" to silence them in the pitched political battle over the future of the board. "The whole thing was really quite surreal," one employee said of the announcement made in the cafeteria of the Wheat Board's Winnipeg office. "One moment we are locked in a battle with the government, and 24 hours after our very popular president [Adrian Measner] is fired, we are told we are getting $1,000 bonuses. "Is this hush money? Am I supposed to abide by a new president's rules, which are contrary to what this company has always been about?" The payout was authorized by the CWB's directors during their first meeting with Mr. Arason. It had the blessing of directors who have been advocating for the retention of its marketing monopoly. "We have had a tremendous strain on our staff, as it is had to work in an organization that has been on the front pages of newspapers," said Ian McCreary, a director from Saskatchewan. "It is a token of the board and farmers' appreciation for working in an environment that has been attacked by the Government of Canada." Bill Toews, a director from Manitoba, said the optics of the bonus and how farmers might view it were all factored into the board's decision. "The rationale was the staff have undergone a lot of stress and worked under very difficult conditions that have been imposed on them by what Mr. Strahl has done," Mr. Toews said. "If farmers are concerned about what we did [authorizing the bonuses], they will have to place that responsibility on Mr. Strahl, not the board." While any number of private and public-sector companies provide Christmas bonuses for employees, that has not been the tradition previously at the Wheat Board. The payouts come as Mr. Arason is running up against a board controlled by directors opposed to the Conservative promise to move to open marketing of wheat and barley. Mike Bast, chairman of the Western Canadian Wheat Growers Association, which backs the Tory vision for the board, was shocked by the bonuses. "I think farmers would find this very upsetting right now," Mr. Bast said. "If you are going to pay the employees a $1,000 bonus, why aren't farmers paid a $1,000 Christmas bonus cheque as well?" Mr. Strahl's office wouldn't comment directly on the bonuses. But Conrad Bellehumeur, Mr. Strahl's director of communications, rejected any claim that the government has been the source of stress and strain at the Wheat Board. "The reasons they [the Wheat Board] have been on the front page of the papers is that they have decided to involve themselves in the politics of wheat instead of focusing on the mandate, which is to market wheat," he said. A board employee who asked not to be named said he wouldn't be surprised if some staff refused to accept the Christmas bonus. "The optics are just atrocious for us," he said. "What are farmers going to think of this? Because at the end of the day, it is their money."
The Canadian Wheat Board is handing out $1,000 Christmas bonuses to employees in recognition of the "stress" they have been under during the Winnipeg-based agency's fight with the federal government. The special payout to the 500 employees was announced by board chairman Ken Ritter and newly minted president Greg Arason. Mr. Arason was appointed to the position Tuesday after Agriculture Minister Chuck Strahl fired former CEO Adrian Measner over his support for the board's marketing monopoly. The Winnipeg Free Press reported the bonus is raising concern among farmers. And some employees say they wonder if the bonus is "hush money" to silence them in the pitched political battle over the future of the board. "The whole thing was really quite surreal," one employee said of the announcement made in the cafeteria of the Wheat Board's Winnipeg office. "One moment we are locked in a battle with the government, and 24 hours after our very popular president [Adrian Measner] is fired, we are told we are getting $1,000 bonuses. "Is this hush money? Am I supposed to abide by a new president's rules, which are contrary to what this company has always been about?" The payout was authorized by the CWB's directors during their first meeting with Mr. Arason. It had the blessing of directors who have been advocating for the retention of its marketing monopoly. "We have had a tremendous strain on our staff, as it is had to work in an organization that has been on the front pages of newspapers," said Ian McCreary, a director from Saskatchewan. "It is a token of the board and farmers' appreciation for working in an environment that has been attacked by the Government of Canada." Bill Toews, a director from Manitoba, said the optics of the bonus and how farmers might view it were all factored into the board's decision. "The rationale was the staff have undergone a lot of stress and worked under very difficult conditions that have been imposed on them by what Mr. Strahl has done," Mr. Toews said. "If farmers are concerned about what we did [authorizing the bonuses], they will have to place that responsibility on Mr. Strahl, not the board." While any number of private and public-sector companies provide Christmas bonuses for employees, that has not been the tradition previously at the Wheat Board. The payouts come as Mr. Arason is running up against a board controlled by directors opposed to the Conservative promise to move to open marketing of wheat and barley. Mike Bast, chairman of the Western Canadian Wheat Growers Association, which backs the Tory vision for the board, was shocked by the bonuses. "I think farmers would find this very upsetting right now," Mr. Bast said. "If you are going to pay the employees a $1,000 bonus, why aren't farmers paid a $1,000 Christmas bonus cheque as well?" Mr. Strahl's office wouldn't comment directly on the bonuses. But Conrad Bellehumeur, Mr. Strahl's director of communications, rejected any claim that the government has been the source of stress and strain at the Wheat Board. "The reasons they [the Wheat Board] have been on the front page of the papers is that they have decided to involve themselves in the politics of wheat instead of focusing on the mandate, which is to market wheat," he said. A board employee who asked not to be named said he wouldn't be surprised if some staff refused to accept the Christmas bonus. "The optics are just atrocious for us," he said. "What are farmers going to think of this? Because at the end of the day, it is their money."Event Centre Costs Soar (Video)
CHBC VIDEO Event Centre Costs Soar (Video)
It's become a very familiar refrain. Yet another major municipal project has had its price-tag explode well beyond the estimates. It's happened repeatedly with Kelowna's planned aquatic centre...and now it's happening in Penticton. The 56 Million dollar South Okanagan Event Centre is now the 73 Million dollar Event centre.
It's become a very familiar refrain. Yet another major municipal project has had its price-tag explode well beyond the estimates. It's happened repeatedly with Kelowna's planned aquatic centre...and now it's happening in Penticton. The 56 Million dollar South Okanagan Event Centre is now the 73 Million dollar Event centre.
Don Quixote Note: Despite what Mr Kent Molgat says in the above video $50 million is NOT being picked up by the Province. The province is picking up $9.7 million.
As Posted at SLEIGHT OF HAND Sept 5 The first 12 million is the Penticton's taxpayer’s monies that are now being used to fund this project. Their 5 year budget * would have factored this in as revenue and this shortfall will have to be made up somewhere else through tax increases or cuts to service etc. The 32 million comes from the funds Lake City Casino (not the Provincial Govt.) is giving up that normally they would have used over the next 13 years for capital improvements etc. These projects would have created employment and economic spin-offs and the local municipal Government would have realized the taxes from the increased property assessments each year. What consideration Lake City Casino will get for this funding arrangement is unclear but perhaps their report to Shareholders will shed some light on their Community Benevolence. When the deal is analyzed it seems that there is no money being given or foregone by the Provincial Government or the B.C. Lottery Corp with the exception of the $9.7 million from the Major Regional Sports Facilities Initiative announced in early 2006. 
Friday, December 22, 2006
Tack on another $17 million
By John MoorhouseFriday, December 22, 2006 http://www.pentictonherald.ca/article_2693.php
The price tag for the South Okanagan Event Centre project has jumped to $73.6 million -- up more than 30 per cent from the $56-million estimate last June.But that didn't stop Penticton city council Thursday from unanimously approving a contract agreement with Giffels Partnership Solutions Inc. to design and build the event centre.The $59.8-million contract with Giffels includes $54.7 million for the event centre itself, with the remainder for additional site preparation work. The city will contribute $13.7 million towards infrastructure improvements and the relocation of sports fields from Queen's Park.City officials blamed the "overheated B.C. construction market" for a dramatic increase in material and labour costs. Other factors include higher than expected site remediation costs, project changes based on input from various local user groups, and a general cost escalation rate of up to two per cent a month since Giffels' bid was submitted in April.Although property taxes will not rise more than the two per cent over three years council.png)
promised earlier this year, the city is relying on increased casino and electrical utility revenues to help pay the additional costs.The city will also reduce interest costs by about $9.5 million by paying off the project debt over 10 years instead of 20 as originally proposed. Giffels has agreed to drop its profit margin on the project by $1.2 million.Mayor Jake Kimberley said even with the higher costs, the event centre is still a bargain for the city. He acknowledged the price has increased substantially, but said it remains affordable."We are subject to the market in this process," he said. "We cannot control what the market does to us."Kimberley added as more high-profile developments come on stream in Penticton over the next few years, the city will realize increased tax revenues to help further defray the event centre bill.Coun. Garry Litke admitted he felt a "big gulp" in his throat when he first saw the revised figures on the project."It is a big gulp and it is a cause for concern," Litke said. "But the important thing is to get to that prize and I believe today we have achieved that prize."Coun. John Vassilaki said he's embarrassed that council didn't foresee the likelihood of a major cost increase earlier in the year. However, he added council never tried to mislead anyone and he fully supports the project.Coun. Rory McIvor said the city faces significant belt-tightening, especially over the next three years. "But in the life of a municipality, three years is a heartbeat," McIvor said. "It will be over before you know it."Peter Hall, senior vice-president with Giffels, signed the contract agreement with the mayor immediately following the council meeting. The contract means Giffels' price is now firm. The city has a $1 million contingency fund.Hall explained afterwards that Giffels' original $39.6-million bid last April was only firm for 60 days. Costs jumped after revised architect drawings were sent out for bids by contractors and suppliers in October.Suggestions made during a public meeting in June that the Giffels bid was firm until October were incorrect. City administrator Leo den Boer confirmed the company's written bid expired at the end of June.Although Coun. Dan Ashton said he's still waiting for Giffels to earn his trust in the project, Hall said that's a two-way street."They want to earn our trust, we want to earn their trust, and we'll do that," Hall said. "A public-private partnership is about trust both ways." Construction equipment is expected to move on site on Boxing Day, with the project to be substantially completed by September 2008 and completed by November 2008.Meanwhile, a contract agreement is soon expected to be signed with Philadelphia-based Global Spectrum to operate the event centre, Memorial Arena and the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre starting on July 1, 2007.
The price tag for the South Okanagan Event Centre project has jumped to $73.6 million -- up more than 30 per cent from the $56-million estimate last June.But that didn't stop Penticton city council Thursday from unanimously approving a contract agreement with Giffels Partnership Solutions Inc. to design and build the event centre.The $59.8-million contract with Giffels includes $54.7 million for the event centre itself, with the remainder for additional site preparation work. The city will contribute $13.7 million towards infrastructure improvements and the relocation of sports fields from Queen's Park.City officials blamed the "overheated B.C. construction market" for a dramatic increase in material and labour costs. Other factors include higher than expected site remediation costs, project changes based on input from various local user groups, and a general cost escalation rate of up to two per cent a month since Giffels' bid was submitted in April.Although property taxes will not rise more than the two per cent over three years council
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promised earlier this year, the city is relying on increased casino and electrical utility revenues to help pay the additional costs.The city will also reduce interest costs by about $9.5 million by paying off the project debt over 10 years instead of 20 as originally proposed. Giffels has agreed to drop its profit margin on the project by $1.2 million.Mayor Jake Kimberley said even with the higher costs, the event centre is still a bargain for the city. He acknowledged the price has increased substantially, but said it remains affordable."We are subject to the market in this process," he said. "We cannot control what the market does to us."Kimberley added as more high-profile developments come on stream in Penticton over the next few years, the city will realize increased tax revenues to help further defray the event centre bill.Coun. Garry Litke admitted he felt a "big gulp" in his throat when he first saw the revised figures on the project."It is a big gulp and it is a cause for concern," Litke said. "But the important thing is to get to that prize and I believe today we have achieved that prize."Coun. John Vassilaki said he's embarrassed that council didn't foresee the likelihood of a major cost increase earlier in the year. However, he added council never tried to mislead anyone and he fully supports the project.Coun. Rory McIvor said the city faces significant belt-tightening, especially over the next three years. "But in the life of a municipality, three years is a heartbeat," McIvor said. "It will be over before you know it."Peter Hall, senior vice-president with Giffels, signed the contract agreement with the mayor immediately following the council meeting. The contract means Giffels' price is now firm. The city has a $1 million contingency fund.Hall explained afterwards that Giffels' original $39.6-million bid last April was only firm for 60 days. Costs jumped after revised architect drawings were sent out for bids by contractors and suppliers in October.Suggestions made during a public meeting in June that the Giffels bid was firm until October were incorrect. City administrator Leo den Boer confirmed the company's written bid expired at the end of June.Although Coun. Dan Ashton said he's still waiting for Giffels to earn his trust in the project, Hall said that's a two-way street."They want to earn our trust, we want to earn their trust, and we'll do that," Hall said. "A public-private partnership is about trust both ways." Construction equipment is expected to move on site on Boxing Day, with the project to be substantially completed by September 2008 and completed by November 2008.Meanwhile, a contract agreement is soon expected to be signed with Philadelphia-based Global Spectrum to operate the event centre, Memorial Arena and the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre starting on July 1, 2007. GRANT MONEY FROM PROVINCE by FEB 16, 2007
Civiv Info
VICTORIA – The Province is now making $20 million available for BC Spirit Squares, allowing communities across British
Columbia to create or enhance outdoor public celebration spaces, announced Community Services Minister Ida Chong and Stan Hagen, Minister of Tourism, Sport and the Arts. The program will provide $20 million for capital projects to create or improve outdoor public meeting and celebration spaces such as traditional town squares or community commons. Funding will be based on a 50/50 cost-sharing with municipalities and regional districts, with a provincial contribution of up to $500,000.
Communities can learn more about the program and apply for funding, by visiting www.spiritsquares.gov.bc.ca online.
To be considered for the first round of project approvals, applications must be submitted by February 16, 2007. Successful projects will be announced in Spring 2007.
LocalMotion Funding Now Available for Civic Info
VICTORIA – Communities across B.C. are now eligible to access the new $40-million LocalMotion Fund, which will help build cycling and pedestrian pathways, improve safety and accessibility, and support children's activity programs in playgrounds, Community Services Minister Ida Chong has announced. LocalMotion will provide $40 million, over four years, for capital projects that improve physical fitness and safety, reduce air pollution and meet the diverse needs of British Columbians including seniors, young families and people with disabilities. Under the cost-share program, the Province will provide 50 per cent of the funding for approved projects, up to $1 million per year.
Communities can learn more about LocalMotion and apply for funding, by visiting http://www.localmotion.gov.bc.ca/ online. To be considered for the first round of project approvals, applications must be submitted by February 16, 2007. Successful projects will be announced in Spring 2007.
VICTORIA – The Province is now making $20 million available for BC Spirit Squares, allowing communities across British
Columbia to create or enhance outdoor public celebration spaces, announced Community Services Minister Ida Chong and Stan Hagen, Minister of Tourism, Sport and the Arts. The program will provide $20 million for capital projects to create or improve outdoor public meeting and celebration spaces such as traditional town squares or community commons. Funding will be based on a 50/50 cost-sharing with municipalities and regional districts, with a provincial contribution of up to $500,000.
Communities can learn more about the program and apply for funding, by visiting www.spiritsquares.gov.bc.ca online.
To be considered for the first round of project approvals, applications must be submitted by February 16, 2007. Successful projects will be announced in Spring 2007.
LocalMotion Funding Now Available for Civic Info
VICTORIA – Communities across B.C. are now eligible to access the new $40-million LocalMotion Fund, which will help build cycling and pedestrian pathways, improve safety and accessibility, and support children's activity programs in playgrounds, Community Services Minister Ida Chong has announced. LocalMotion will provide $40 million, over four years, for capital projects that improve physical fitness and safety, reduce air pollution and meet the diverse needs of British Columbians including seniors, young families and people with disabilities. Under the cost-share program, the Province will provide 50 per cent of the funding for approved projects, up to $1 million per year.
Communities can learn more about LocalMotion and apply for funding, by visiting http://www.localmotion.gov.bc.ca/ online. To be considered for the first round of project approvals, applications must be submitted by February 16, 2007. Successful projects will be announced in Spring 2007.
Affordable housing grants for builders ignored
By Jennifer Smith Staff reporter Dec 20 2006
http://www.kelownacapnews.com/
The City of Kelowna has $150,000 in grant funding for developers looking to build affordable rental units. But with 11 days left
until applications are due, so far just one prospective builder wants the free cash. “We’re not getting a lot of interest because there’s not a lot of activity in building rental housing,” said Theresa Eichler, City of Kelowna community planning manager. “The situation in Kelowna is that most of our rentals are in houses and secondary suites in small buildings.” The grants fall into two categories—up to $5,000 a unit for non-profit affordable rental housing or up to $2,500 per unit for affordable rental housing that does not involve a non-profit society. Another $120,000 is budgeted for staff to
wave a portion of the development cost charges on non-profit rental housing projects, but there are not many projects to be found. “We do have half a dozen developers who are giving it a hard look…particularly with the focus on affordable housing that council has had,” Eicher said. “But with construction costs what they are right now, a lot of developers are saying it’s impossible to build affordable housing,” said city planner Ryan Smith. Eichler could think of just one major rental housing project currently on the books, although city staff are often not aware of which projects are slated for rental units, she admitted. But there likely aren’t many. According to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s Rental Market Report, the apartment vacancy rate in Kelowna hovers around .06 per cent of prospective rentals or 26 of the 4144 apartments which qualify for the survey. “What’s needed is purpose-built rental buildings,” said CMHC market analyst Paul Fabri. “Certainly supply has lagged behind demand.” The strong condominium market means developers will see faster easier returns on their investments simply by building condominiums that can be sold for immediately profit. “If you build a rental building, to get a return you have to be in it for the long haul, and a lot of developers are not interested in managing properties,” Fabri said. With that said, the CHMC report does not include the carriage houses and secondary suites that have become a popular second or third form of income for local homeowners and an affordable option for many local renters. “We survey rental units that contain at least three or more self-contained units,” said Fabri. “And the reason we’ve done that is because those kinds of buildings tend to stay rental whereas the single detached units can flip flop back and forth.”
The City of Kelowna has $150,000 in grant funding for developers looking to build affordable rental units. But with 11 days left
until applications are due, so far just one prospective builder wants the free cash. “We’re not getting a lot of interest because there’s not a lot of activity in building rental housing,” said Theresa Eichler, City of Kelowna community planning manager. “The situation in Kelowna is that most of our rentals are in houses and secondary suites in small buildings.” The grants fall into two categories—up to $5,000 a unit for non-profit affordable rental housing or up to $2,500 per unit for affordable rental housing that does not involve a non-profit society. Another $120,000 is budgeted for staff to
wave a portion of the development cost charges on non-profit rental housing projects, but there are not many projects to be found. “We do have half a dozen developers who are giving it a hard look…particularly with the focus on affordable housing that council has had,” Eicher said. “But with construction costs what they are right now, a lot of developers are saying it’s impossible to build affordable housing,” said city planner Ryan Smith. Eichler could think of just one major rental housing project currently on the books, although city staff are often not aware of which projects are slated for rental units, she admitted. But there likely aren’t many. According to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s Rental Market Report, the apartment vacancy rate in Kelowna hovers around .06 per cent of prospective rentals or 26 of the 4144 apartments which qualify for the survey. “What’s needed is purpose-built rental buildings,” said CMHC market analyst Paul Fabri. “Certainly supply has lagged behind demand.” The strong condominium market means developers will see faster easier returns on their investments simply by building condominiums that can be sold for immediately profit. “If you build a rental building, to get a return you have to be in it for the long haul, and a lot of developers are not interested in managing properties,” Fabri said. With that said, the CHMC report does not include the carriage houses and secondary suites that have become a popular second or third form of income for local homeowners and an affordable option for many local renters. “We survey rental units that contain at least three or more self-contained units,” said Fabri. “And the reason we’ve done that is because those kinds of buildings tend to stay rental whereas the single detached units can flip flop back and forth.” City lobbies WestJet for local service
By WOLF DEPNER Western News Staff Dec 22 2006 http://www.pentictonwesternnews.com/
The city formally asked WestJet to land in Penticton, but it may take a while before it will get an answer after a local delegation met with airline officials. The delegation included Penticton Regional Airport manager David Allen and economic development officer Wayne Tebbutt. Mayor Jake Kimberley joined the duo by phone as they lobbied three route planners, stressing that many real estate developers and buyers fueling growth in Penticton have ties in Alberta. “We are most interested in an Alberta connection and really appreciated the positive tone of the meeting,” said Allen. He predicted local passengers numbers would recover if the WestJet were to service Penticton which is capable of receiving Boeing 737s, the airline’s main aircraft. WestJet, according to a city version of the meeting, said the airline can have a significant impact on passenger numbers when they move to a market currently not serviced by a “low cost” airline. But WestJet may have also been responsible for the current struggles facing the Penticton airport, a possibility which local officials acknowledged. Local annual passenger counts dropped to 70,000 after WestJet started servicing the Okanagan through Kelowna International Airport. The local airport — still the subject of a land claim by the Penticton Indian Band — has also experienced turbulence during the past two years, with the cancellation of routes and the eventual demise of QuikAir. Kimberley said Penticton wants a “vibrant, well-serviced airport” with “credible and affordable” air service. “We are investing in infrastructure and programs that will carry us into the future and we require scheduled air service that will complement that.” It is not clear though when WestJet would start servicing Penticton, assuming it chooses to land here.
Tebbutt said airlines plan and set their schedule 12 months in advance. “WestJet is currently putting 10 new aircraft in their fleet each year and therefore it was important for us to hold those discussions,” he said. “We have made our presentation and look forward to providing any information that may be sought by the company in future. Our citizens ask often about WestJet and that is why we were there.” Deborah Knight, WestJet’s manager of public relations and communications, did not return a call from the Penticton Western News seeking comment.
The city formally asked WestJet to land in Penticton, but it may take a while before it will get an answer after a local delegation met with airline officials. The delegation included Penticton Regional Airport manager David Allen and economic development officer Wayne Tebbutt. Mayor Jake Kimberley joined the duo by phone as they lobbied three route planners, stressing that many real estate developers and buyers fueling growth in Penticton have ties in Alberta. “We are most interested in an Alberta connection and really appreciated the positive tone of the meeting,” said Allen. He predicted local passengers numbers would recover if the WestJet were to service Penticton which is capable of receiving Boeing 737s, the airline’s main aircraft. WestJet, according to a city version of the meeting, said the airline can have a significant impact on passenger numbers when they move to a market currently not serviced by a “low cost” airline. But WestJet may have also been responsible for the current struggles facing the Penticton airport, a possibility which local officials acknowledged. Local annual passenger counts dropped to 70,000 after WestJet started servicing the Okanagan through Kelowna International Airport. The local airport — still the subject of a land claim by the Penticton Indian Band — has also experienced turbulence during the past two years, with the cancellation of routes and the eventual demise of QuikAir. Kimberley said Penticton wants a “vibrant, well-serviced airport” with “credible and affordable” air service. “We are investing in infrastructure and programs that will carry us into the future and we require scheduled air service that will complement that.” It is not clear though when WestJet would start servicing Penticton, assuming it chooses to land here.
Tebbutt said airlines plan and set their schedule 12 months in advance. “WestJet is currently putting 10 new aircraft in their fleet each year and therefore it was important for us to hold those discussions,” he said. “We have made our presentation and look forward to providing any information that may be sought by the company in future. Our citizens ask often about WestJet and that is why we were there.” Deborah Knight, WestJet’s manager of public relations and communications, did not return a call from the Penticton Western News seeking comment.
Cdn Tire Money For Liquor
Castanet by Staff - Story: 25198Dec. 22, 2006 / 7:13 am
A west Edmonton liquor store is accepting Canadian Tire money at par as a form of payment, and its owners say the program is a hit with shoppers. "There's a liquor store on every corner nowadays, so you need to have a bit of an edge to get someone to stop by your liquor store," said Don Calder, a part owner of Liquor International. CTV News
A west Edmonton liquor store is accepting Canadian Tire money at par as a form of payment, and its owners say the program is a hit with shoppers. "There's a liquor store on every corner nowadays, so you need to have a bit of an edge to get someone to stop by your liquor store," said Don Calder, a part owner of Liquor International. CTV News
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