Smaller retailers worry - Video CHBC
Web posted on Wednesday, 31 October 2007
The possible arrival of big box stores is a big concern in a small city.
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DVA Vernon says no effect here !
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Vernon Crime On Video
RCMP and the city of Vernon are looking at setting- up video security cameras at downtown sites, to deter crime. Inspector Steve McVarnock would like to see one installed near the Upper Room Mission which he calls a 'hot spot' for drugs and prostitution. McVarnock tells KISS FM, the cameras have to meet certain privacy regulations. "You have to do your homework but I believe a vast majority of citizens are law abiding and would support such security in their city."The Inspector says the cameras are proven deterrents to crime, and also help in police investigations. McVarnock says police have been inundated with complaints about drugs and prostitution near the Mission. A 50 year old man was arrested for selling cocaine in that area, over the weekend.
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City Looks at Installing Security Cameras
"Big Brother" could be watching Vernon residents by the end of the year.Terry Packenham, with the Safe Communities Unit, says he's been in discussion with the city regarding a closed circuit TV system for problem locations, like the Upper Room Mission...." The city of Vernon has realized that there's certain degree of responsibility they have in safety and security."Packenham says there is a fine balance between public safety and privacy, but says the public will be kept informed and will know where the cameras will be set up.
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Don Quixote Note:
Q-IS-07-73 http://www.vernon.ca/services/purchasing/index.html#tenders
This would explain the tender call for:
2 Ea Light Pole Mounted: iMesh Tranzeo or Cisco Routers (Enroute 500 or Air 1500 Series) Dual Radio, Self Healing, Self Configuring, Specifically designed for outdoor use, 802.11a Radio, Complete with all required antennae and all mounting hardware for attaching to and drawing power from City light poles.
2 Ea Light Pole Mounted: Video Surveillance Cameras (Panasonic or equivalent), better than .080 lux capacity, B/W Camera, Fixed Lens (pan, zoom not necessary). Complete with all mounting brackets, housing, adapters for power and connectivity to the listed IP routers.
1 Ea Building Mounted: iMesh Tranzeo or Cisco Router base station for rooftop mounting. 10BaseT connectivity to internal 100 meg network. Complete with all required antennae, mounting hardware and power adapters for mounting on an external rooftop.
1 Ea Video surveillance monitoring software, to be located internally at the Corporate Services Building, must at a minimum allow the viewing of at least 9 separate video feeds, with the ability to select and expand windows as selected.
City Of Vernon Job Opportunity Building Inspector
Job Posting - 76Kb PDF
BUILDING INSPECTOR
(Full-Time – Permanent)
Competition #: 99-COV-07
Closing Date: Internal Applicants – November 6, 2007
External Applicants – November 13, 2007
Rate of Pay: $33.02 per hour (as per CUPE Collective Agreement)
Band: 15 – Schedule A (as per CUPE Collective Agreement)
Days/Hours: Monday to Friday, Hours 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
BUILDING INSPECTOR
(Full-Time – Permanent)
Competition #: 99-COV-07
Closing Date: Internal Applicants – November 6, 2007
External Applicants – November 13, 2007
Rate of Pay: $33.02 per hour (as per CUPE Collective Agreement)
Band: 15 – Schedule A (as per CUPE Collective Agreement)
Days/Hours: Monday to Friday, Hours 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Iowa begins taxing pumpkins
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) —
The taxman in Iowa is going after jack-o’-lanterns this Halloween. The new department policy was implemented after officials decided that pumpkins are used primarily for Halloween decorations, not food, and should be taxed, said Renee Mulvey, the department’s spokeswoman. “We made the change because we wanted the sales tax law to match what we thought the predominant use was,” Mulvey said. “We thought the predominant use was for decorations or jack-o’-lanterns.” Previously, pumpkins had been considered an edible squash and exempted from the tax. The department ruled this year that pumpkins are taxable — with some exceptions — if they are advertised for use as jack-’o-lanterns or decorations. Iowans planning to eat pumpkins can still get a tax exemption if they fill out a form.
The new policy, published in the department’s September newsletter, has some pumpkin farmers feeling tricked this Halloween. “I don’t mind paying taxes, but let’s get real here, people,” said Bob Kautz, owner of the Buffalo Pumpkin Patch in Buffalo, just west of Davenport.
Money losing airport
Money losing airport - Video CHBC
Web posted on Tuesday, 30 October 2007
The accusations of mismanagement are flying at the Vernon airport.
Web posted on Tuesday, 30 October 2007
The accusations of mismanagement are flying at the Vernon airport.
City still have incorrect info in Request for Expressions of interest ?
In this Morningstar there was a letter from the Legion to the Editor from a Legion and Elks Lodge representative(s). These two local clubs indicate "The Elks Lodge and Vernon Legion have not signed any letter of intent with the city to occupy space in any new building".
"We did permit the City of Vernon to use our name in a request for proposal and have discussed the possibility of moving to a new location with the Vernon Land Committee".
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On the City's website at http://www.vernon.ca/services/purchasing/index.html#tenders
at ADM-07-82 Bennett Parking Lot Development is the following:
The City has letters of intent and agreements in place with 3 project participants. They are:
• The Vernon Medical Clinic
• The Royal Canadian Legion
• The Elks Club
The City of Vernon intends to exchange land and buildings owned by the Elks Club and the Legion for space in the new development. Therefore the City of Vernon will be financially responsible for providing all or part of this space. The developer will provide in the EOI response the full extent of the proposed financial obligation to be borne by the City.
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Doomed for failure
By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star - October 31, 2007
I’m left wondering if there is anyone else Vernon city hall can alienate over the civic complex issue?First out of the gate were the 6,000 people who inked an alternate approval petition, blocking the city from borrowing $20 million for the proposed structure. The reasons for them doing so varied, but they ranged from being opposed to the process to not seeing the need for an expanded library.You’d think after that fiasco that city hall would try and create an atmosphere that brings together like-minded interests so the project is successful during the Jan. 26 referendum. Historically, the big tent approach worked when it came to the Performing Arts Centre, the Multiplex and the acquisition of green space in the community.
But, instead, this council has opted for a far different approach — one that has left two culturally significant organizations sitting on the sidelines.The Greater Vernon Museum has been completely shut out of the design for the new civic complex, while the Vernon Public Art Gallery has only been offered about half of the space it requires to meet current and long-term needs within the community.Sean Harvey was a lot of things, but at least he and his council saw the potential if our cultural agencies were allowed to expand. This current council first squashed those dreams by walking away from the cultural centre on the Coldstream Hotel site, and now it has added insult to injury, by ignoring them when it comes to the proposed civic complex.
It certainly isn’t politically astute as the city prepares to go to the polls to ask residents to support the borrowing of $20 million or $30 million for the project.My experience is those residents involved in the cultural scene are very passionate about their cause and their support runs deep throughout the community. They can be easily motivated to rally behind something they believe will benefit both the arts and the public.But that passion can work against anyone who gets in their way, and that is already evident as the art gallery is unwilling to ask the Greater Vernon Services Committee — its primary funder — to provide financial resources for the proposed civic complex.For a council that promised to be responsive to the community, the civic complex issue has become a nightmare. Fulfilling commitments to Okanagan Regional Library for larger library space is great, but all of that is increasingly threatened because of the lack of direction coming out of city hall.And while I support expanded library services, I am starting to question the methodology to get there. Instead of having a single branch downtown that the rest of the community has to drive to, wouldn’t it make sense to have one or two smaller outlets in high growth areas so residents can walk to them (such as occurs in Kelowna)? Wouldn’t that fit more into the Smart Growth concept embraced by the current council?
At this point and time, all of the stars are aligned against the referendum being successful Jan. 26. And it deserves to be based on the lack of planning and the shortage of foresight.I’m loathe to use the Titanic analogy, but it’s unavoidable. If Captain Lippert and the rest of his crew are unable to reverse thrusters, collision with the iceberg, or public furor in this case, is inevitable.
Grant Monies to museums and heritage organizations
Oct. 30, 2007 Thirty-nine local museums and heritage organizations across the province will receive funding through BC150 Years Pride in Our Communities, a community-based program created to support local museums developing special exhibits and events to celebrate BC150 Years.
BC150 Years is a celebration of the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Crown Colony of British Columbia in 1858. Every community in B.C. is invited to participate in this year-long celebration of B.C.’s cultural diversity, community strength and widespread achievement. For more information on this and other BC150 Years programs and events, please visit www.bc150.gov.bc.ca.
Organization | Location | Project | AWARD |
Barkerville Heritage Trust | Barkerville | A Barkerville guidebook that will direct visitors to the town and create revenue for the society. | $10,000 |
Kamloops Art Gallery | Kamloops | Japanese-Canadian artist Isao Sanami-Morrill is featured in this exhibit that explores the changing landscape of southeastern B.C. | $10,000 |
| Kelowna Art Gallery Association | Kelowna | An exhibit featuring select pieces from the galleries permanent exhibition in celebration of their 30th anniversary. | $10,000 |
| Kelowna Museums Society | Kelowna | An interactive exhibit looking at the history of the Kelowna General Hospital, including medical equipment, practices, multicultural influences and design. | $10,000 |
O’Keefe Ranch & Interior Heritage Society | Vernon | Through photographs, artifacts and first hand accounts, a look at the Chinese community's contribution to the development of the ranching industry in B.C. | $10,000 |
Revelstoke Museum & Archives Association | Revelstoke | A retrospective on the Chinese community in Revelstoke and their important role in the construction of the CPR. | $8,000 |
| Salmon Arm Museum and Heritage Association | Salmon Arm | This exhibit looks at the first interior seed collection business, a unique partnership formed in 1927 between private enterprise and First Nations. | $5,750 |
Sister City to bring Increased Accountability to public vote !
by ADAM ASHTON October 31, 2007 Modesto Bee
The new ballot language reads:
"THE INCREASE ACCOUNTABILITY IN CITY HALL MEASURE OF 2008.
"Shall the Modesto City Charter be amended to upgrade mayor's duties/responsibilities; increase accountability of city departments by requiring city council to implement budget/policy priorities; establish an independent City Auditor; create a citizens' commission to recommend council salaries, impose mandatory salary caps on city council; require annual performance audits for key personnel; modernize accountability/disciplinary practices; and make deputy directors and attorneys 'at will' employees?"
The Modesto City Council on Tuesday used legislative Wite-Out to rewrite a government reform measure it previously agreed to send to voters in February.The council's unanimous decision clears up language for the "Increase Accountability in City Hall Measure of 2008," which is designed to give elected representatives more sway over Modesto's government.
Key points of the accountability measure include:
- Requiring the mayor to take an early hand in city budget discussions, a break from the current system that puts that responsibility in the city manager's office
- Creating a salary-setting commission that could raise pay for council members
- Obliging the council to hire an outside auditor
- Giving disciplinary authority to department deputy directors and reclassifying certain employees as at-will
Turlock reviews city manager.
By ADAM ASHTON Modesto Bee (Full Article)
Union deal disagreement leads to 4-1 vote to look at Kerr's performance.
Union deal disagreement leads to 4-1 vote to look at Kerr's performance.
Turlock City Manager Tim Kerr is on the hot seat because of a disagreement with City Council members stemming from his negotiations with an employee union. Council members voted 4-1 on Monday to evaluate his performance. They held a special meeting to parse their memories of a closed-door session at which they approved a contract for the Turlock City Employee Association.A majority of the council was concerned that Kerr gave too much to the union after their closed-door vote.Representatives contend they voted to give the employee union as much as 9 percent in raises over two years, or to give ground to the bargaining group on a pension issue, according to people who attended the meeting.The Turlock City Employee Association gained both incentives, picking up the raises and a 0.7 percent increase in pensions."It was repeated over and over again that the enhanced retirement would be at no additional cost to the city," Councilman Kurt Spycher said.Councilman Ted Howze said he was concerned about the raises and retirement benefits because they could come at a cost to the raises the city can afford for its public safety unions.
He said the council had prioritized those contracts because the city's police officers and firefighters earn signifi- cantly less than their counterparts in other cities."It's not that any group of employees are any less important," Howze said. "We'd love to give them all big raises. The problem is we only have so many dollars."Mayor John Lazar said Kerr handled the negotiations as he was directed. Lazar voted against reviewing Kerr's performance."I have full confidence in our city manager," Lazar said. "He's very capable and competent. I'm not a micro-manager."
--Kerr joined Turlock in October 2005 after seven years as Ceres' city manager. The Ceres City Council voted to dismiss him that summer, though its members continued to praise his work after they let him go.
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Don Quixote Note: Turlock is a 55,000 population City just South on I 99 from our sister City Modesto. The other city mentioned Ceres lies between Modesto and Turlock. The city is located in the San Joaquin Valley along California State Route 99, south of Modesto and north of Turlock in Stanislaus County. Ceres is the derived from the name of the Roman goddess of Agriculture. Looks like they have a migrating bureaucrab workforce similar to that of NORD.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Transition Houses Receive Funding Increases
Starlee Speers, Astral Radio Media News
Several Women's Transitional Houses in the North Okanagan are receiving annual funding increases from the Provincial Government. Debby Hamilton with the Vernon Women's Transitional House says, the $62-thousand in funding means more security for the women and children who stay with them.."We always did provide 24 hour staffing but it came at the expense of the daytime staffing hours...So now they're all funded accordingly."Hamilton says, the transitional house in Vernon is very busy and they rarely have an empty bed.The Shuswap and area Women's Centre is also receiving an increase of $72 -thousand dollars in annual funding. That money will enable the centre to be staffed 24 hours a day.The Revelstoke women's shelter has received increased funding as well.
Super Regional Committee Finalized.
CLICK ON CARTOON TO ENLARGE:
"Vernon Mayor Wayne Lippert, Armstrong Mayor Gerry Oglow and Electotal Area C director Stan Field will make sure that that the NORD taxpayers get the future governance that they deserve " -NORD NEWT
Blog readers can decide which of the superheros are their representatives in this Provincially Mandated Super Committee !
"Vernon Mayor Wayne Lippert, Armstrong Mayor Gerry Oglow and Electotal Area C director Stan Field will make sure that that the NORD taxpayers get the future governance that they deserve " -NORD NEWT
Blog readers can decide which of the superheros are their representatives in this Provincially Mandated Super Committee !
Highlights of the mini-budget introduced Tuesday by Finance Minister Jim Flaherty:
OTTAWA - GST cut one percentage point to five per cent, effective Jan. 1, 2008.
-Personal income tax cut retroactive to Jan. 1, 2007, cutting lowest marginal tax rate to 15 per cent from 15.5 per cent.
-Jump in basic personal exemption to $9,600, retroactive to Jan. 1, 2007, increasing to $10,100 in 2009.
-$10 billion in federal debt relief.
-One percentage point cut in corporate tax to 20 per cent in 2008.
-Reduction in corporate tax rate to 15 per cent by 2012.
-Small business income tax reduced to 11 per cent by 2008.
-Total tax relief estimated at $60 billion over five years.
Office stunt sidetracks meat issue
Editorial Vernon Courier Oct 30 Managing editor Scott Neufeld
The possibility of a federal election appears to be dwindling, but it seems
North Okanagan political hopefuls have their claws out anyway. Last Wednesday, the federal candidates representing the NDP and Green parties, Alice Brown and Huguette Allen held a protest outside Colin Mayes’ downtown office. But they weren’t protesting anything Mayes or his party had done, they were there voicing their disapproval for provincial meat regulations. Suspiciously, the protesters picked a day when Mayes was away from his office. So did they simply mistake Mayes’ office for MLA Tom Christensen’s or was this simply a case of political opportunism? This seemed to be a perfect opportunity to paint the sitting MP as an absentee politician, out of touch with his constituents. Never mind that he was in Ottawa for the Throne Speech.
There are dozens of issues the local Greens and NDP could protest in front of Mayes’ office, that they would pick one that had nothing to do with him is baffling. Likely with the swell of opposition to the provincial meat regulations, they felt it was an opportune moment to score some political points. Whether the issue is raised in Parliament is irrelevant. What matters is how the meat regulations are dealt with in Victoria. The provincial government has refused to budge on the issue, meaning that small meat producers are being cut out of the industry. If this issue is important to citizens then they should make their displeasure known to their local MLA. It’s counter-productive to try and embarrass the MP.
Had it been ordinary citizens enlisting the aid of the MP perhaps things would have been different. Mayes could talk to Christensen on behalf of his constituents who are unhappy with the changes. But when the movement is spearheaded by a pair of self-interested political candidates, then it becomes suspect. Hopefully Mayes will add his voice to those urging the provincial government to soften their meat regulations. However he doesn’t owe any explanation to his political opponents. They owe the public an explanation for why they would try and pull of such a stunt.
The possibility of a federal election appears to be dwindling, but it seems
North Okanagan political hopefuls have their claws out anyway. Last Wednesday, the federal candidates representing the NDP and Green parties, Alice Brown and Huguette Allen held a protest outside Colin Mayes’ downtown office. But they weren’t protesting anything Mayes or his party had done, they were there voicing their disapproval for provincial meat regulations. Suspiciously, the protesters picked a day when Mayes was away from his office. So did they simply mistake Mayes’ office for MLA Tom Christensen’s or was this simply a case of political opportunism? This seemed to be a perfect opportunity to paint the sitting MP as an absentee politician, out of touch with his constituents. Never mind that he was in Ottawa for the Throne Speech.There are dozens of issues the local Greens and NDP could protest in front of Mayes’ office, that they would pick one that had nothing to do with him is baffling. Likely with the swell of opposition to the provincial meat regulations, they felt it was an opportune moment to score some political points. Whether the issue is raised in Parliament is irrelevant. What matters is how the meat regulations are dealt with in Victoria. The provincial government has refused to budge on the issue, meaning that small meat producers are being cut out of the industry. If this issue is important to citizens then they should make their displeasure known to their local MLA. It’s counter-productive to try and embarrass the MP.
Had it been ordinary citizens enlisting the aid of the MP perhaps things would have been different. Mayes could talk to Christensen on behalf of his constituents who are unhappy with the changes. But when the movement is spearheaded by a pair of self-interested political candidates, then it becomes suspect. Hopefully Mayes will add his voice to those urging the provincial government to soften their meat regulations. However he doesn’t owe any explanation to his political opponents. They owe the public an explanation for why they would try and pull of such a stunt.
Regional District Okanagan-Similkameen nominees to Super Regional District working committee named. 9 people prepare to forge valley's future !
Regional District Okanagan-Similkameen Minutes
October 18, 2007 Corporate Issues Page 8 of 11
It was MOVED and SECONDED
THAT each Regional Board appoints a maximum of three Board Directors (representatives from one large sized community, one medium sized community and one rural community) to the “growth management and governance challenges of the Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys” working group/committee;
AND THAT Chair Ashton, Director Slater and Director Logan be appointed to the working group/committee; AND FURTHER THAT the appointees provide regular updates to the Board on the progress of this working group/committee.
Chair D. Ashton, City of Penticton
Director J. Slater, Town of Osoyoos
Director G. Logan, Electoral Area ‘H’
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Don Quixote Note:
Above appointments complete the 9 man working committee.
The Central Okanagan Regional District has appointed three members to the study committee, including chair Robert Hobson, Peachland Mayor, Graham Reid and Central Okanagan East Electoral Area Director, Patty Hanson.
The North Okanagan Regional District (NORD) appointed Vernon Mayor Wayne Lippert, Armstrong Mayor Gerry Oglow and Electotal Area C director Stan Field. The three appointees are suppose to represent the interests of 'a large city rep, a medium city rep and an electoral area rep,' respectively.
October 18, 2007 Corporate Issues Page 8 of 11
It was MOVED and SECONDED
THAT each Regional Board appoints a maximum of three Board Directors (representatives from one large sized community, one medium sized community and one rural community) to the “growth management and governance challenges of the Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys” working group/committee;
AND THAT Chair Ashton, Director Slater and Director Logan be appointed to the working group/committee; AND FURTHER THAT the appointees provide regular updates to the Board on the progress of this working group/committee.
Chair D. Ashton, City of Penticton
Director J. Slater, Town of Osoyoos
Director G. Logan, Electoral Area ‘H’
-----------------------------------
Don Quixote Note:
Above appointments complete the 9 man working committee.
The Central Okanagan Regional District has appointed three members to the study committee, including chair Robert Hobson, Peachland Mayor, Graham Reid and Central Okanagan East Electoral Area Director, Patty Hanson.
The North Okanagan Regional District (NORD) appointed Vernon Mayor Wayne Lippert, Armstrong Mayor Gerry Oglow and Electotal Area C director Stan Field. The three appointees are suppose to represent the interests of 'a large city rep, a medium city rep and an electoral area rep,' respectively.
Casino Information from Gateway Casinos Income Fund presentation
GATEWAY CASINOS INCOME FUND
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2007
The Vernon Casino is currently located in 12,000 square feet at the Village Green Hotel. It was opened in 1998 and no longer reflects the populations’ expectations for casinos. The Fund’s plans envision relocating the facility to a newly developed 300,000 square foot neighborhood shopping center located on Highway 97 in the north end of Vernon. This is a high traffic location in the middle of a new large-scale retail and business park development, convenient to the city population and the North Okanagan trading areas.In the third quarter of 2006, the Fund finalized negotiations and entered into a long-term lease for the property. This development was purchased by a new developer in late 2006 and the lease was renegotiated to the Fund’s benefit. During the first quarter of 2007, Lake City Casinos entered into an offer to lease a 30,000 sq. ft. single purpose building to be constructed at the Silverstar Shopping Center located at 100-400 Anderson Way in Vernon. The lease term will be 10 years with 2 renewal terms of 10 years, beginning when Lake City takes possession of the property. The landlord shall provide 265 parking stalls on the property for our exclusive use plus an additional 35 non-dedicated parking stalls on the adjacent lot. The offer includes an option for Gateway to purchase the casino property. The building is expected to be completed in the summer of 2008 and the new casino is anticipated to contain up to 400 slot machines, 6 live tables, 2 electronic tables and a small poker room with 2 poker tables. Site preparation has commenced and permits are expected in Fall 2007.
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Facility Development Commission
Gateway’s agreements with the BCLC include a provision for additional compensation equal to eligible capital and operating expenses from Facility Development Compensation (“FDC”) equal to 3% of the total net win generated at the six B.C. casinos. This compensation is in addition to the fee paid for operating the casinos. Accumulated funds are held in trust in accounts managed by Gateway and additional compensation is issued from these accounts. During the first quarter of 2007, Gateway received preliminary approval for recovery of up to $35 million of the costs incurred on the redevelopment of the Burnaby Casino and drew $11.0 million from the Burnaby FDC account to recover against costs incurred on the project to date. The preliminary approval was increased to $43.1 million in June, 2007. During the second quarter of 2007, Gateway drew a further $2.2 million from the account. Final approval from the BCLC is subject to agreement on the basis for allocating the cost of the acquisition of land to the various project components. Once this has been finalized, the percentage of the budget eligible for FDC recovery will be determined.During the first six months of 2007, the Fund has received a total of $13.2 million of FDC recoveries related to the redevelopment of the Burnaby Casino. In accordance with our definition of distributable cash, these amounts have not been included in the calculation above. However, only approximately $8.0 million of this has been needed to fund development costs, as the remaining amounts have been financed through the credit facilities, leaving $5.3 million of cash available. This has been used to fund the shortfall in distributable cash for the first six months, as well as leaving cash available for future use.
Accelerated Facility Development Commission
During the fourth quarter of 2006, the BCLC unveiled an initiative to improve the economic model of casino redevelopment in the province, which was developed in consultation with casino service providers to recognize the recent significant increases in development costs. The Accelerated Facility Development Commission (“AFDC”) provides for an additional amount equal to 2% of the gross win (in addition to the 3% FDC) to recover the capital costs of the redeveloped casino property, and is applicable to projects approved by the BCLC after July 1, 2006. AFDC payments will be payable weekly beginning on the later of April 1, 2007 or the opening of the redeveloped property. The AFDC is a one-time initiative that is limited to the initial redevelopment of a property. Once the approved eligible costs of the redevelopment are recovered through the existing FDC and the AFDC, the service provider is no longer eligible for AFDC on the project and recovery will revert back to the 3% FDC only. Although the AFDC applies only to projects approved by the BCLC after July 1, 2006, Gateway has received written confirmation from the BCLC that the program will apply to the Burnaby Casino.
------------------
Casino Operational Services Agreements
The Burnaby Casino, Cascades Casino and the Lake City Casinos are operated pursuant to Casino Operational Services Agreements (“COSAs”) between the Partnership and the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (“BCLC”). The Palace Casino is operated pursuant to a Casino Facility License, a Casino Gaming Retailer Agreement, and a Video Lottery Retailer Agreement between the Partnership and the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (“AGLC”). The COSAs for the Burnaby Casino and the Lake City Casinos provide for a 10-year term commencing in 2001 (except for the Penticton Casino, which commenced in 2000), with an option to extend for an additional 10 years, subject to certain conditions. The COSA for the Cascades Casino also provides for a 10-year term, with an option to extend for an additional 10 years, subject to certain conditions, commencing in 2005.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2007
The Vernon Casino is currently located in 12,000 square feet at the Village Green Hotel. It was opened in 1998 and no longer reflects the populations’ expectations for casinos. The Fund’s plans envision relocating the facility to a newly developed 300,000 square foot neighborhood shopping center located on Highway 97 in the north end of Vernon. This is a high traffic location in the middle of a new large-scale retail and business park development, convenient to the city population and the North Okanagan trading areas.In the third quarter of 2006, the Fund finalized negotiations and entered into a long-term lease for the property. This development was purchased by a new developer in late 2006 and the lease was renegotiated to the Fund’s benefit. During the first quarter of 2007, Lake City Casinos entered into an offer to lease a 30,000 sq. ft. single purpose building to be constructed at the Silverstar Shopping Center located at 100-400 Anderson Way in Vernon. The lease term will be 10 years with 2 renewal terms of 10 years, beginning when Lake City takes possession of the property. The landlord shall provide 265 parking stalls on the property for our exclusive use plus an additional 35 non-dedicated parking stalls on the adjacent lot. The offer includes an option for Gateway to purchase the casino property. The building is expected to be completed in the summer of 2008 and the new casino is anticipated to contain up to 400 slot machines, 6 live tables, 2 electronic tables and a small poker room with 2 poker tables. Site preparation has commenced and permits are expected in Fall 2007.
--------------------------
Facility Development Commission
Gateway’s agreements with the BCLC include a provision for additional compensation equal to eligible capital and operating expenses from Facility Development Compensation (“FDC”) equal to 3% of the total net win generated at the six B.C. casinos. This compensation is in addition to the fee paid for operating the casinos. Accumulated funds are held in trust in accounts managed by Gateway and additional compensation is issued from these accounts. During the first quarter of 2007, Gateway received preliminary approval for recovery of up to $35 million of the costs incurred on the redevelopment of the Burnaby Casino and drew $11.0 million from the Burnaby FDC account to recover against costs incurred on the project to date. The preliminary approval was increased to $43.1 million in June, 2007. During the second quarter of 2007, Gateway drew a further $2.2 million from the account. Final approval from the BCLC is subject to agreement on the basis for allocating the cost of the acquisition of land to the various project components. Once this has been finalized, the percentage of the budget eligible for FDC recovery will be determined.During the first six months of 2007, the Fund has received a total of $13.2 million of FDC recoveries related to the redevelopment of the Burnaby Casino. In accordance with our definition of distributable cash, these amounts have not been included in the calculation above. However, only approximately $8.0 million of this has been needed to fund development costs, as the remaining amounts have been financed through the credit facilities, leaving $5.3 million of cash available. This has been used to fund the shortfall in distributable cash for the first six months, as well as leaving cash available for future use.
Accelerated Facility Development Commission
During the fourth quarter of 2006, the BCLC unveiled an initiative to improve the economic model of casino redevelopment in the province, which was developed in consultation with casino service providers to recognize the recent significant increases in development costs. The Accelerated Facility Development Commission (“AFDC”) provides for an additional amount equal to 2% of the gross win (in addition to the 3% FDC) to recover the capital costs of the redeveloped casino property, and is applicable to projects approved by the BCLC after July 1, 2006. AFDC payments will be payable weekly beginning on the later of April 1, 2007 or the opening of the redeveloped property. The AFDC is a one-time initiative that is limited to the initial redevelopment of a property. Once the approved eligible costs of the redevelopment are recovered through the existing FDC and the AFDC, the service provider is no longer eligible for AFDC on the project and recovery will revert back to the 3% FDC only. Although the AFDC applies only to projects approved by the BCLC after July 1, 2006, Gateway has received written confirmation from the BCLC that the program will apply to the Burnaby Casino.
------------------
Casino Operational Services Agreements
The Burnaby Casino, Cascades Casino and the Lake City Casinos are operated pursuant to Casino Operational Services Agreements (“COSAs”) between the Partnership and the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (“BCLC”). The Palace Casino is operated pursuant to a Casino Facility License, a Casino Gaming Retailer Agreement, and a Video Lottery Retailer Agreement between the Partnership and the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (“AGLC”). The COSAs for the Burnaby Casino and the Lake City Casinos provide for a 10-year term commencing in 2001 (except for the Penticton Casino, which commenced in 2000), with an option to extend for an additional 10 years, subject to certain conditions. The COSA for the Cascades Casino also provides for a 10-year term, with an option to extend for an additional 10 years, subject to certain conditions, commencing in 2005.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Police Target Criminals with Lavish Lifestyles
Starlee Speers, Astral Radio Media News
Seven homes worth an estimated $2 million dollars in Vernon could be forfeited to the crown if the owners of the homes are convicted of crimes. RCMP Insp. Steve McVarnock says, right now the residences can't be sold or transferred to a different owner until the court matters are dealt with. "We're trying to make an impact or a dent in what hurts these people, and that's money. We can seize bank accounts, residences, expensive vehicles, marine vehicles, you name it. Some people live a lavish lifestyle." Local police do not receive a share of the revenue when forfeited property is sold. The money is usually split between the Province and Federal Government. The latest four homes on a restraint order are in the 5500 and 5700 blk of Okanagan Landing Road, the 4100 blk of 15th Crescent and the 77 blk of Tronson Road in Vernon.
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Mounties target houses - Video CHBC
Web posted on Monday, 29 October 2007
Growing a certain type of indoor crop in Vernon could cost you your house.
Liberals host discussion on arts and culture
The Okanagan-Shuswap Liberal Association will host a roundtable discussion on arts and culture policy in Canada. The event will be held Oct. 30 at the People Place in Vernon from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Candidate Buffy Baumbrough will open the meeting, and 
then participants will discuss the role the federal government should play in arts and culture. The discussion will focus on five topics: strengthening cultural institutions, supporting cultural expression, supporting the artist, cultural diplomacy abroad and supporting cultural trade.
Join us at an Arts & Culture round-table to discuss concrete plans for a strong and focused arts & culture policy. The event will be hosted by the Okanagan-Shuswap Federal Liberal Association on October 30 from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. at People Place, #101, 3402 – 27 Avenue, Vernon.
then participants will discuss the role the federal government should play in arts and culture. The discussion will focus on five topics: strengthening cultural institutions, supporting cultural expression, supporting the artist, cultural diplomacy abroad and supporting cultural trade.Join us at an Arts & Culture round-table to discuss concrete plans for a strong and focused arts & culture policy. The event will be hosted by the Okanagan-Shuswap Federal Liberal Association on October 30 from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. at People Place, #101, 3402 – 27 Avenue, Vernon.
Federal Liberal candidate Buffy Baumbrough will deliver a brief presentation, which will be followed by a discussion on the role that the federal government should play in arts & culture. You are invited to share your expertise and input. Refreshments will be served. Attendance is free.
Please register by calling Sylvia at 250-542-1272 or e-mail sylvia.d@telus.net by October 19. Or call us toll free: 1-888-508-9261.
B.C. premier signs treaty to fight climate change
The Canadian Press Mon. Oct. 29 2007
B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell has signed on to an international effort to create a carbon emission trading system.On behalf of the province, Campbell has joined several European countries and U.S. states,
including California, in signing the International Carbon Action Partnership, which sets up a global carbon trading protocol.Campbell, who was invited to the conference by the Prime Minister of Portugal, is the only Canadian representative at the conference.The premier believes the new program will dovetail with B.C. and Manitoba's participation in the Western Climate Initiative, setting caps and trading goals for carbon emissions among several U.S. states and the two Canadian provinces.Commenting from Lisbon, Campbell says he does not believe his presence at the conference is a slap at the federal government's attempts to reduce this country's greenhouse gas emissions by developing a Canada-only credit trading program. He says global warming is an international challenge and that the federal government was aware of his intention to sign the ICAP agreement. He says he will brief Prime Minister Stephen Harper when the two leaders meet Tuesday.
B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell has signed on to an international effort to create a carbon emission trading system.On behalf of the province, Campbell has joined several European countries and U.S. states,
including California, in signing the International Carbon Action Partnership, which sets up a global carbon trading protocol.Campbell, who was invited to the conference by the Prime Minister of Portugal, is the only Canadian representative at the conference.The premier believes the new program will dovetail with B.C. and Manitoba's participation in the Western Climate Initiative, setting caps and trading goals for carbon emissions among several U.S. states and the two Canadian provinces.Commenting from Lisbon, Campbell says he does not believe his presence at the conference is a slap at the federal government's attempts to reduce this country's greenhouse gas emissions by developing a Canada-only credit trading program. He says global warming is an international challenge and that the federal government was aware of his intention to sign the ICAP agreement. He says he will brief Prime Minister Stephen Harper when the two leaders meet Tuesday.
Sister cities crack open time capsule- Vernon plays ball and dines.
Click to enlarge:
AT A GLANCE
WHAT: Modesto played host over the weekend to delegations from sister cities Kurume, Japan, and Vernon, British Columbia, Canada.
WHAT THEY DID: Softball games, a dinner, concert, a gift exchange and the opening of a time capsule
OTHER FRIENDS: Modesto also has sister city relationships with Khmelnitskiy, Ukraine, Vijayawada, India, and Aguascalientes, Mexico.
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AT A GLANCE
WHAT: Modesto played host over the weekend to delegations from sister cities Kurume, Japan, and Vernon, British Columbia, Canada.
WHAT THEY DID: Softball games, a dinner, concert, a gift exchange and the opening of a time capsule
OTHER FRIENDS: Modesto also has sister city relationships with Khmelnitskiy, Ukraine, Vijayawada, India, and Aguascalientes, Mexico.
By KEN CARLSON October 29, 2007 Modesto Bee
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Modesto Sister Cities International also welcomed a group from Vernon, British Columbia, Canada, over the weekend. Representatives of the two cities exchanged gifts and enjoyed a dinner, softball game and a public reception Sunday evening at the McHenry Museum.
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Same Problem Different Solutions.
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Dion acted swiftly and has vowed to cooperate fully with Elections Canada. Stark contrast to Harper who, instead of saying he would work with EC, is involved in his second lawsuit with them and has spokespeople saying things like they can interpret the rules themselves.
Dion acted swiftly and has vowed to cooperate fully with Elections Canada. Stark contrast to Harper who, instead of saying he would work with EC, is involved in his second lawsuit with them and has spokespeople saying things like they can interpret the rules themselves.
Statement by the Honourable Stéphane Dion, Leader of the Official Opposition, on the Resignation of Blair Wilson
October 28, 2007 News Release
OTTAWA – I learned of the allegations of
improper campaign spending against West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast MP Blair Wilson today. They are serious allegations, which raise questions that Mr. Wilson must address without delay. As such, I have accepted Mr. Wilson's resignation from his position as National Revenue critic, and as a member of our national caucus, effective immediately.I am particularly concerned about allegations of Elections Act violations by Mr. Wilson's campaign. I am pleased that Mr. Wilson has called on Elections Canada to launch a formal review of the matter. I trust Elections Canada will deal with this matter expeditiously.In the meantime, I have instructed the Liberal Party of Canada to provide whatever assistance they can to Elections Canada as it reviews the allegations.
-------------------------- Excerpts at links below:
West Vancouver-Sunshine coast MP has unpaid debts, allegations of improper campaign spending
Blair Wilson's father-in-law goes public to say that the Liberal MP who has campaigned on his 'fiscally responsible' record is not the success he claims to be. The Province has learned of numerous allegations of unpaid debts, controversial business practices and campaign spending irregularities involving the MP for the West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast ridingB.C. Liberal MP resigns from caucus over spending allegations
VANCOUVER — Liberal MP Blair Wilson has resigned from the federal Liberal caucus over allegations that he didn't disclose all of his expenses during the last election campaign.Mr. Wilson, who represents the riding of West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast, stepped down on Sunday from his position as Liberal national revenue critic.He said in a statement that he's confident the allegations will be found to be baseless.“I will collaborate fully with Elections Canada, and do whatever I can to help expedite its investigation into the allegations,” the B.C. MP said. He could not be reached for further comment.City plan scenarios aimed at stimulating downtown growth
By Natalie Bank October 29, 2007 Vernon Daily Courier
The potential official community plans for Vernon range from small changes in current development rules to major policy shifts that would steer growth to the city‘s core. On Friday council held a special meeting where the city‘s senior planning staff unveiled the three OCP scenarios. Coun. Juliette Cunningham said the workshop made it clear what would happen if the OCP isn‘t amended. “…We would leave ourselves open to urban sprawl and we have heard that people want to have development closer to the core and that sits with our guiding principles.” The second and third scenarios would encourage growth in the city centre by using what‘s called a policy-based district approach that would charge development cost charges based on square footage and district. The policy would make it cheaper to build in the city centre and most expensive in the hillside residential and agricultural district.
Right now the DCCs for a bachelor suite downtown would cost the same as a large house in the outskirts because the city charges DCCs on residential development per unit. In the second scenario, Hybrid, growth would be encouraged in already built up areas such as downtown and residential neighbourhoods. The third scenario, Neighbourhood Centres, would focus on new family development in and around commercial areas and make more restrictions on development away from the city‘s core. The idea is to keep single or two family neighbourhoods as they are and create pockets of densities that would support transit.
Coun. Patrick Nicol said the plans show people want smart growth, the term for sustainable development, but he wants to make sure people will still have choices about the best place for their family to live. “We‘re at the starting point of something different, which is encouraging, but it is a long road to change.” The first scenario, Modified Business as Usual, would continue using the existing OCP approach, but with new guidelines on environmental management and hillside development. During the initial public consultation process, which included workshops, surveys and focus groups over the last year, 44 per cent of people said they were opposed to development on hillsides. The Growth Choices Survey, conducted in July, also showed 84 per cent of residents are against development of Agricultural Land Reserve areas and 86 per cent are opposed to development on wetlands. All three scenarios involve protecting and preserving green spaces, sensitive areas and agricultural land as well as restrictions on hillside development.
The public will have a chance to have their say about the scenarios at upcoming open houses, displays and through the city‘s website. Cunningham said council hopes the public will play an active role in choosing the best plan for Vernon. “…We‘re hoping with all the options made available to the public, they‘ll take advantage of that, because it‘s not our OCP, it should be the community‘s OCP.” For more information visit www.vernon.sgas.bc.ca.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Mayor: Media off-base with criticism
by Markus Ermisch - Kamloops This Week - October 26, 2007
Kamloops Mayor Terry Lake fired a shot at the Kamloops media yesterday for what he says is their critical coverage of a mayor-led trade mission to China, saying it may be wiser to spend money on such trips rather than advertising.Media coverage prior the trip had included stories about human-rights violations in the communist country and the role council may play in broaching that issue with its Chinese hosts, as well as what role publicly elected officials should play on a trip billed as a business delegation.“Mayor and council are there to develop relationships,” Lake said, noting that, in China, government officials are key to open economic doors.He said the money city hall spends on such trips is a “very, very small investment” considering the potential economic spinoffs.
To date, however, the spinoffs of the friendly city agreement Kamloops has inked with Changping in 2005 have been limited.“These things take time,” Lake said when asked why that is the case.“We certainly want to get our foot in the door.”This third trip to China was “very successful,” Lake said, noting that one highlight was the signing of an education protocol, which is an addendum to the Changping agreement. Venture Kamloops head Jeff Putnam said he met with several Chinese businessmen, one of whom has shown interest in importing wood from the Kamloops region for his hardwood floor company.Two others are expected to visit Kamloops next year.While in China, the trade missionaries also explored the possibility of getting an exhibit of the Ming Tombs to the Tournament Capital.
“I really see it as an opportunity to draw visitors from throughout the Pacific Northwest,” said Tourism Kamloops CEO Lee Morris.Prior to leaving for Asia, Lake told KTW that after this trip to China, it may be the time to scale back the involvement of publicly elected officials in such business trips.Upon his return, however, Lake said the relationship with Changping “needs to be fully structured before council backs away.”And that, he added, may take up to five more years, stressing again that in China, trade delegations leg by elected officials have more clout.Lake plans to lead another delegation to China next year, prior to the Beijing Olympics, to participate in the B.C.-Canada pavilion. The trip also included a stop in Uji City, Kamloops’ sister city in Japan.
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The hot and not list for the week.
NOT: The mayor’s criticism of the Kamloops media.Upon returning from China, Terry Lake suggested that perhaps money is better spent on business trips to China than on advertising in critical media outlets.The media, however, merely asked questions the mayor finds uncomfortable, namely how necessary is it to send publicly elected officials too China.Of the 14-member “business” delegation, only one person — Karen Watt of Excel Personnel — was, in fact, a business person. She paid her own way.
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Don Quixote Note: Our Mayor is in Vernon's sister city Modesto this week playing baseball and promoting Vernon. Rumors that he is acting as 'hose man' for ex firefighter Coun Gilroy who was pressed into service to fight the California wildfires are unconfirmed.
Arena cost soars
By Jason Luciw - Kelowna Capital News - October 28, 2007
Almost $4 million more in borrowing will be required to cover the soaring cost of the Westside’s new arena, which now totals more than $12.74 million.The regional district board will be asked Monday to approve a short-term borrowing bylaw totalling $3,963,747. The amount is needed to cover additional capital costs of building the 1,520-seat Royal LePage Place.The loan would be paid back with tax revenues over the course of five-years, according to the terms of the the borrowing bylaw.A list of capital expenditures is also to be released to the regional board on Monday. The budget indicates that more than $7.1 million for the project comes from borrowing, including the $3.29 million approved in a referendum.Funding from reserves totalled nearly $3.1 million. A federal/provincial infrastructure grant accounted for $2.0 million and approximately $450,000 of the costs were covered by fundraising.The original cost of the new arena was pegged at $6.8 million two years ago. That cost was known to have soared to $10.1 million, a figure confirmed by the regional board last spring. The new figure is now $2.6 million above the previously confirmed increased amount.
Plans underway to get coddling month under control
By Judie Steeves - Kelowna Capital News - October 28, 2007
As the Sterile Insect Release program moves from an aggressive effort to control the codling moth pest to a maintenance program, efforts are underway
to gain support for the program in more than financial ways.At Friday’s regular SIR meeting, board members agreed to move to have the valley designated as an area of low pest prevalence under the North American Plant Protection Organization.That will require that efforts be made by some other bodies to ensure compliance with those regulations. For instance, the pathways in and out of the SIR program service area have to be restricted so that it isn’t re-infested with the devastating apple pest. Fruit bin movements as well as the import of nursery stock and ungraded fruit which could be infested have to be controlled—but that isn’t something SIR staff can control, explained general manager Cara McCurrach. Instead, growers must take steps to make sure it’s controlled through the Ministry of Agriculture or the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.Packinghouses and nurseries must also make sure there is no re-contamination of areas where the codling moth has been controlled, she noted.
McCurrach said it’s important that everyone work together to ensure the codling moth is controlled, including those with backyard host trees such as crabapples, and orchardists with fruit trees such as apples or pears.That way, the valley can remain an area where fewer pesticides are used and the costs for the program can be kept down.McCurrach said they should ensure people are educated about the program, so it will continue to be successful. “If you spend $55 million on a control program, you want to do all you can to protect what you’ve achieved,” she explained.The board voted to send a letter to the Ministry of Agriculture and other agencies which give advice about trees to plant, to request that such codling moth host trees as crabapples are not recommended for people to plant.
In 2008, the incentive for those with such backyard trees to remove them will be gone, she noted. Throughout the valley, she said the SIR program has met its goals and has been generally successful at controlling the codling moth, but there remain hot spots where there are more problems with the pest than in other areas.For instance, there’s better control both north and south of the Central Okanagan.The board also voted to look at the potential of applying for an Integrated Community Sustainability project grant from gas tax revenues through the Union of B.C. Municipalities.The SIR program board is made up of representatives from all the regional districts in the valley.
Stolen Vehicle with Child Inside (Surrey)
2007-10-28 00:52:49
At approx. 21:50 hrs, the Surrey RCMP received a call from a man stating that his vehicle had just been stolen with his child inside. The male had quickly gone into a convenience store at 148 st and 104 ave and returned to find his 2005 Lexus SUV gone with his 2 year old daughter inside. The RCMP immediately deployed all possible resources including the RCMP helicopter. Within minutes the RCMP completely saturated the Guildford area. The RCMP activated Amber Alert and continued patrolling the area.
An RCMP member eventually located the vehicle approximately 5 kms from where it was stolen. The vehicle was idling and the two year old girl was sleeping inside. It appears that she was unharmed. The Amber Alert was immediately de-activated. There are currently no suspects, however, the file is still under investigation.
At approx. 21:50 hrs, the Surrey RCMP received a call from a man stating that his vehicle had just been stolen with his child inside. The male had quickly gone into a convenience store at 148 st and 104 ave and returned to find his 2005 Lexus SUV gone with his 2 year old daughter inside. The RCMP immediately deployed all possible resources including the RCMP helicopter. Within minutes the RCMP completely saturated the Guildford area. The RCMP activated Amber Alert and continued patrolling the area.
An RCMP member eventually located the vehicle approximately 5 kms from where it was stolen. The vehicle was idling and the two year old girl was sleeping inside. It appears that she was unharmed. The Amber Alert was immediately de-activated. There are currently no suspects, however, the file is still under investigation.
Complex alternatives offered
By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star - October 28, 2007
The Greater Vernon Services Committee is being accused of ignoring other locations for a sports complex.The Coldstream Ratepayers Association claims GVSC is so focused on a sports complex on Aberdeen Road that two other potentially viable sites aren’t being explored.“If we can find these things, why can’t the people with six-figure salaries find them?” said Andy Danyliu, association president, of GVSC staff.Danyliu says a 78-acre parcel just south of the Greater Vernon landfill on Highway 97 would be ideal for sports fields because of its view of Kalamalka Lake.“It opens up the vistas to the tourism industry,” he said, adding there would be opportunities for hiking trails which appeal to many residents.He also believes major sports events could also be held there without disrupting existing neighbourhoods.
“The only ones they would disturb are the coyotes and the cattle,” said Danyliu.Half of the Highway 97 site is in the Agricultural Land Reserve while the remainder is out. Danyliu describes that portion in the ALR as being marginal farm land.The owner of the property, who asked not to be named, confirms he has talked to GVSC.The price tag is $1.8 million, but the owner says he would deduct part of the cost for levelling the grade.“We would sell it to the regional district for $1.3 million,” he said of the property which has been on the market for a year.
Beyond this site, Danyliu is urging GVSC to look at land along Old Kamloops Road that could be incorporated into Kin Race Track.He says such a plan would breathe new life into the race track and benefit nearby motels, hotels and shops.Danyliu’s group opposes turning the 118 acres on Aberdeen Road into a sports complex, but if that site proceeds, he insists it should be restricted to just playing fields.“I challenge them to put a covenant on the land so no permanent building can be put on it for 20 years,” he said of the need to preserve the agricultural integrity of that land.
Gary Corner, GVSC chairman, denies Danyliu’s claims.“We’ve been looking for sites for years. We have looked at options,” he said.According to Corner, the Highway 97 site near the landfill is too steep.“Staff looked at the property and determined about 50 acres is only useable,” he said.He added that GVSC’s attempts to purchase land north of Kin Race Track have been unsuccessful in the past and it is too expensive because of the potential for commercial development there.Corner, who is Coldstream’s mayor, stands behind the Aberdeen Road property.,“This isn’t about a big stadium. This would be similar to what’s in Polson Park but with soccer fields,” he said.A referendum will be held Dec. 15, asking Coldstream residents if they support council submitting an application to the Agricultural Land Commission for non-farm use at 9325 Aberdeen Road, for the purpose of a park/sports field.
Lumby Silver Star Road Update
October 27, 2007 http://www.theotherbeaver.com/
The Lumby & District Chamber of Commerce met with members of Lumby Village Council when they returned from the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) meeting at the end of September.Mayor Eric Foster along with councillor Deb Leroux and village administrator Frank Kosa attended the UBCM.The group reported back that discussions about putting the road from Lumby to Silver Star was very productive. The Chamber reported in their recent newsletter that the village delegation told them that the “Department of Lands and Forestry is on board with the objective and meetings with the Westside Okanagan Band are going well. The Village and the Band are researching a business model that would work with the Okanagan people”.The village delegation also met in length with Minister of Community Services Minister Ida Chong about governance issues in the Okanagan and a subject that impacts the local Chamber of Commerce operating budget, business licences.“There was a lot of concern that the province was going to take all our business license money and we weren’t going to see it, but that’s not going to happen… the money is going to come to us,” according to Foster who claims the new system will allow businesses to do their business in different communities.
Armstrong outlines wish list
By Tyler Olsen - Vernon Morning Star - October 28, 2007
Armstrong council laid out Monday the three areas they would like to see addressed by a review of the regional governance structure.Council 
would like to see work done to reduce the levels of local government, unify delivery of core municipal services and harmonize regional administration boundaries – such as those of hospital and school districts and MLA and MP constituencies.Noting that the North Okanagan boasts 43 elected politicians and more than 150 support staff, Mayor Jerry Oglow said the concept of a governance overhaul comes from the idea that “it seems like a very expensive way to deliver municipal services to something like 75,000 people in a relatively small area.”
Coun. Chris Pieper said that after looking at a wide variety of administrative boundaries, from those of the local forest districts to politicians’ constituencies, and with the province contemplating change of the governance structure, it seems the right time to look at bringing the variety of boundaries and catchment areas together.“I would like to challenge the minister to look at a complete overhaul of everything from the MLA, the MP (electoral areas), the school districts, timber supply regions,” said Pieper, who acknowledged that such a wide ranging review has the potential to be unpopular.“I think we should start right from the top and pretend we don’t have boundaries and research it that way.” Coun. Ryan Nitchie, meanwhile, said the province and region should look at how best to deliver services to the people.“I really think that there are some opportunities there to streamline services,” said Nitchie.But he noted that municipal councils should continue to have power to dictate zoning and value issues as they see fit.Coun. John Trainor said council needs to add its voice as the province seems bent on changing the structure of regional governance.“I think it’s something we have to take part in, otherwise somebody will make a decision for us that we might not like.”
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Council considers funding strategy
By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star - October 28, 2007
Grants could soon be available to groups in need but one Vernon politician is concerned that could turn into a free-for-all.The finance committee will recommend to city council that two reserve funds be set up at $75,000 each. One would be for community grants (capital projects) and the other for discretionary grants (emerging issues).Coun. Barry Beardsell supports the general direction but he is worried current and future council members won’t show restraint when it comes to handing out money.“I’m very nervous about it. It’s almost making the city into an outfit you appeal to for money. It’s almost becoming the United Way,” he said. “Everyone’s hands (on council) seem to go up so readily. Financial care is going out the window.”
Coun. Juliette Cunningham defends the recommendation to council, saying financial requests are becoming common.“It’s to address the issue of them not having any other source of funds,” she said of non-profit organizations.Among those recently were a disabled elevator for the Vernon Curling Club and the Vernon Animal Care Society’s spay/neuter program for feral cats. “We’re getting all of these requests so this will be a more efficient and equitable way to deal with them,” said Cunningham.That is also the view of Coun. Patrick Nicol, the finance committee chairman.“I hope it will be a solid policy,” he said.
Under the proposed policy, organizations cannot seek assistance from the city if it has already received funding from other agencies such as the Greater Vernon Services Committee.There will also be deadlines for applications to be submitted by, and grants will be for one year only. “People can’t continue to come back for these grants in terms of the discretionary fund,” said Nicol.The recommendation must still be debated by council.
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Don Quioxote Note: Council resisted the temptation to tie the balances in these funds to a percentage of Casino revenues on yearly basis. Naturally they could only contemplate the existing casino revenue of $1.763 million as the extra revenue flowing from 200 additional slot machines could not be used as it would seem to prejudge their voting intentions on the Casino expansion and relocation before Public input on Nov. 13. The $75,000 in each fund is proposed to be split up in quarterly amounts to be distributed.
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EDITORIAL Grants policy a good idea
It’s easy to understand Coun. Barry Beardsell’s concerns about the City of Vernon potentially setting up a grants function for community initiatives. After all, it is taxpayers’ money being used and the politicians must realize they can’t meet the needs of everyone with their hand out. However, there’s long been a need for a firm, equitable policy to cover financial requests put before council. In many cases, the items put before council are truly grassroot ones where rank-and-file citizens roll up their sleeves and take on matters that impact the entire community. Two examples are dealing with the feral cat and rabbit populations.But volunteerism isn’t enough, and these efforts require cold, hard cash to continue. There is no ability to turn to the federal or provincial governments for help, so the only other opportunity is city hall. And that makes sense because the pressure is taken off the city to take direct action if non-profit groups are willing to do so.
Under the proposal, groups will be told that there is a limit to the taxpayers’ generosity. Primarily, there would be deadlines in which to submit requests and grants would only be for one year. Money wouldn’t be available if assistance has already been provided by agencies such as Greater Vernon Services.Despite the rules, hopefully the politicians will show some restraint as Beardsell has urged. Just because there is $150,000 at play, doesn’t mean it all has to be doled out.In the end, though, the grant function being proposed by the finance committee is a positive step.It shows that city hall isn’t just about collecting taxes, but reinvesting some of that money in the community it serves.
Bypass ignored
By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star - October 28, 2007
Vernon’s official community plan review is getting a rough ride because it doesn’t cover a controversial bypass.
Numerous politicians used an OCP growth plan scenario workshop Friday to question why the current process doesn’t include the proposed western bypass.“The fact that it will still be in the OCP makes me very uncomfortable,” said Coun. Buffy Baumbrough. Staff recommended that the western bypass not be part of the OCP review because the need for the route will depend on the land use option ultimately selected.“That piece of infrastructure also requires its own public discussion,” said Kim Flick, a long range planner.Flick is concerned debate about the bypass would overshadow public input about land use strategies in the OCP.“It (bypass) also won’t get a fair share of discussion if it’s grouped in with a major policy issue like the OCP,” she said.Flick’s report recommended protecting the corridor for the highway in the OCP subject to public consultation on its ultimate inclusion.
But that didn’t go over well with Coun. Pat Cochrane.“It’s a major flaw in the plan,” he said of not including the bypass in the OCP review process.That was also the view of Coun. Patrick Nicol.“It has such a huge impact on the future and this is about the future. We just can’t ignore it,” he said.The western bypass concept was initiated by the previous council and it would see a new bypass go from the army camp to Swan Lake through the Mission Hill, Okanagan Landing and Bella Vista areas.“It’s been a very contentious issue and it’s created a lot of uncertainty for residents,” said Coun. Juliette Cunningham.
Three draft land use plans for the OCP will be put before council Nov. 13 for consideration, and Flick says that will now include a simultaneous process to look at the western bypass.In November, there will be extensive public consultation on the OCP review and the draft land use plans. It will include open houses, mall displays and information on the city Web site.“It’s beyond precedent in terms of what we’ve done before,” said Leon Gous, chief administrative officer.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Future Plans for Land-Use
Starlee Speers, Standard Radio News
A Vernon councillor says, the community has been given a good range of choices for future land use in the city. Juliette Cunningham says, of the three land use scenarios for the Official Community Plan, she likes the one that focuses on building neighborhood centres "It focuses development on the build-up area in the city and that's something we've been talking about, in-fill development. It will be a little tougher to develop the further away you get from the city, so it will prevent the sprawl." Cunningham says, having denser development will help create more affordable housing.She adds, plans to re-structure Development Cost Charges will provide a new model that encourages developers to build more affordable and multi-family housing.
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