Communities pool efforts to keep parks function. (Some of What went on at the Darkside Meeting exposed to public scrutiny )

By RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff Jul 18 2007 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/

Efforts have been launched to keep Greater Vernon parks and recreation from being ripped apart. Coldstream and Vernon councils met Monday to respond to a proposal from Area B director Cliff Kanester and Area C director Stan Field that the existing parks and recreation function be abandoned and that each jurisdiction take control of the service within their area. “We are very much in favour of continuing as is. It’s the way services should be provided to Greater Vernon,” said Gary Corner, Coldstream mayor. Both councils adopted motions that state they support the parks, recreation and culture function for Greater Vernon and that an ongoing service review continue. Both councils have also decided to send the proposal from Kanester and Field to Community Services Minister Ida Chong for comments.

Wayne Lippert, Vernon mayor, notified Kanester and Field of the councils’ actions Tuesday. “We want to work something out that benefits the citizens of Greater Vernon. We want to look at the big picture,” said Lippert. “We want to work through this with B, C and Coldstream. Through dialogue we can find a solution.” Lippert isn’t sure what the proposal would mean for the Multiplex and Performing Arts Centre. Kanester and Field could not be reached for comment, but a July 3 report to Coldstream and Vernon outlines their restructure proposal. “In summary, each party could assume control and responsibility for parks and facilities in their respective areas and Electoral Areas B and C would simply pay a contribution towards the debt for existing parks and facilities — essentially becoming a fee for service arrangement,” they wrote.

Kanester and Field state there are a number of “irreconcilable, philosophical differences” among the current Greater Vernon partners and a new model is needed. “The City of Vernon would have total control and the electoral areas would see a reduction in requisition,” they write. Beyond paying for outstanding debt, Field and Kanester suggest their areas would consider an additional contribution to operate the parks and recreation facilities and there would be a proportionate sharing of existing reserve funds. Coldstream and Vernon councils also received a proposal from Field and Kanester that would see economic development delivered by the city or by the regional district and not the current model under Greater Vernon Services.