North Okanagan benefits from gas tax

By Jennifer DyckMorning Star Staff Aug 10 2007 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/

A major boost of funding is putting the North Okanagan on track for a greener and healthier future. Thanks to an announcement of $2.6 million from the federal gas tax fund Wednesday, the North Okanagan Regional District is able to get four infrastructure projects underway. The projects include a new regional yard waste composting facility ($1.1 million), a residential drop-off facility at the Greater Vernon landfill ($550,000), a new regional growth strategy ($800,000) and a transportation model for the North Okanagan ($100,000). “It is yet another fine snapshot of what great projects the federal gas tax is benefitting,” said Union of B.C. Municipalities president Brenda Binnie, who was in town for the announcement. The four local infrastructure projects were chosen for funding due to the environmental benefits that will result with cleaner air, water and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

“We got a list of two dozen or more projects from all the municipalities and we took out those that had the most beneficial qualities,” said NORD chair Jerry Oglow. While they may not seem like glamorous projects, MP Colin Mayes said it is these types of initiatives that have a lasting benefit to communities. “Public infrastructure is the backbone of our communities.” MLA Tom Christensen agreed, adding that the harmonious partnerships between the various levels of government have helped make this happen. “It’s a strong example of what we can accomplish when we work together,” said Christensen. “It really does ensure these types of projects get off the ground and start benefitting our communities sooner than later.” Several of these projects are already underway, in the planning stages of benefitting the North Okanagan.

The search is on for a yard waste composting facility, which is expected to divert more than 11,000 tonnes of waste per year. Three sites are currently being considered for the public facility: O’Keefe Ranch lands, Coldstream Ranch lands and an industrial site. “The key thing is that it needs to be located in an area that doesn’t effect neighbours and where there are no creeks nearby,” said Oglow of the three to five acres needed. The residential drop-off centre project at Vernon’s landfill is also aimed at cleaning up the dump. It would be similar to Armstrong’s landfill, where refuse is brought to a central dumping site with various bins at the landfill. This would eliminate the need to haul items to various corners of the landfill. The regional growth strategy aims to benefit the valley by incorporating integrated sustainability policies and regulations into NORD land use policies.

“All of that needs to be woven into a document where the regional district can do things in a comprehensive way,” said Oglow, adding that a consultant will be hired and dedicated to the project for the next four or five years. The growth strategy will also integrate the inter-regional transportation model. “We’re talking about more than just transit, there’s bicycle paths, airport location and moving goods and services,” said Oglow. “Today’s announcement is clearly a major step that now allows the North Okanagan Regional District to take a lead role in managing issues of growth by balancing economic, social and environmental solutions.”