by John Thomson - Story: 29206April 30, 2007 / 6:00 am http://www.castanet.net/edition/news-story-29206-13-.htm#29206
Victoria has taken a new approach to assessing strata hotel units, major ski hills and major ports that will, according to Rick Thorpe the Minister of Small Business and Revenue and the Minister responsible for Regulatory Reform, strengthen certainty, equity and fairness and promote resort growth and tourism. But what does it really mean because government, you know what I mean. Here is my take on what will happen. You own a unit in a strata hotel and the strata hotel runs at fifty per cent occupancy. What is going to happen is you’re receiving a free ten per cent and whether you are taxed on residential or commercial, it is going to be based on the actual use? Now you will get a free ten per cent. That means if your property is running at fifty per occupancy as opposed to fifty percent residential, fifty per cent commercial you are allowed to actually have an additional ten per cent in residential. Your strata hotel would be taxed at 60 per cent in residential, forty per cent in commercial. The most important thing in this entire legislation is the certainty, so now buyers can take a look and know to the dollar based on what the hotel believes it will do in revenues what they will be paying in taxes.
If you currently are being classed in class one you don’t need to worry, you will always be in class one, you are grandfathered. That’s the big news. You are grandfathered. For anyone currently in class six it is going to be a benefit because they will now have a reduction in their taxes because they will be in this new lower tax bracket. The government has stated there will be an ongoing discussion related to areas that are maybe not taxed as fairly area’s that may be a little bit vulnerable, maybe those areas that have high residential taxes and high commercial taxes. It normally works out that more urban centres have lower residential taxes and the smaller communities have higher taxes. Property values should normally equate. The benefit is the certainty because the uncertainty has slowed growth ever since the news came out last September of the change in the tax picture. This is good stuff . .
Monday, April 30, 2007
Charges Laid in 4th "Greeks" Murder
CHBC VIDEO
Charges in four homicides (Video)Web posted on Monday, 30 April 2007 Mounties solve one Okanagan murder and may have solved another.
(Jessica Samuels) http://www.1075kiss.com/news/headlines/
Charges have been laid against 5 suspects in another murder allegedly in connection with the Greeks gang in Vernon. Corporal Henry Proce gave the names of those charged during a morning police news conference. 'Pete Manolakos, Andre Raymond, Dale Sipes, Sheldon O'Donnell and Douglas Brownell.' Proce says these charges are for the 2005 shooting death of Ronald Thom. Four of the suspects were already in police custody in connection with the death of David Marniuk. The fifth, Douglas Brownell, was arrested on Friday and is scheduled to appear in Kelowna court today.
This is the fourth murder in which Mounties have laid charges and are allegedly connected to the Greeks gang. Police have also laid charges in the deaths of Robert Hewison and Jeffrey Drake. The charges laid in the death of Robert Hewison is a also a new development Proce says,'This has not been previously released to the media but we have laid a charge with the murder of Mr. Hewison and in fact we've already received a conviction on that and that individual has been sentenced.' Corporal Henry Proce says police are not able to release the man's name at this time due to investigative reasons. Proce says the charges and conviction in the Hewison case all occurred with in the past month in Vancouver. Hewison's body was found in the Westside Road area in March 2005. He had been shot to death.
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5 men charged with murder in B.C. Interior CBC.ca
The RCMP have charged five men with first-degree murder in the shooting death of a Vernon man in May 2005, which they allege was part of a series of drug-related gang killings in the B.C. city. Eight people were shot or beaten to death in Vernon between July 2004 and June 2005 and police allege that seven of the slayings were connected to a gang they call the Greeks.
Only three of the killings had led to charges prior to Monday, when a special RCMP task force announced they have laid charges in two more of the homicides.
Five people have been charged in the fatal shooting of Ronald Thom, 31, in May 2005, including Peter Manolakos, who police allege was the leader of the gang. The other four men charged have been identified as Andre Raymond, Dale Sipes, Sheldon O'Donnell and Douglas Brownell. Thom's body was dumped on a back road south of Vernon. Thom's girlfriend, Belinda Scott, also disappeared. Her body was found three months later. Manolakas, Sipes, O'Donnell and Raymond were already in prison, after being arrested and charged in the spring of 2006 with the disappearance and slaying of David Marniuk Brownell was arrested on Friday.
Police also revealed that another man has been charged and has pleaded guilty to a charge of murdering Robert Hewison of Vancouver. RCMP Sgt. Al Haslett said that man's name is not being released in order to protect an ongoing investigation. The RCMP say their investigation has made a huge difference in making Vernon — which had the highest murder rate in Canada in 2005 — a safer place to live.
Charges in four homicides (Video)Web posted on Monday, 30 April 2007 Mounties solve one Okanagan murder and may have solved another.
(Jessica Samuels) http://www.1075kiss.com/news/headlines/
Charges have been laid against 5 suspects in another murder allegedly in connection with the Greeks gang in Vernon. Corporal Henry Proce gave the names of those charged during a morning police news conference. 'Pete Manolakos, Andre Raymond, Dale Sipes, Sheldon O'Donnell and Douglas Brownell.' Proce says these charges are for the 2005 shooting death of Ronald Thom. Four of the suspects were already in police custody in connection with the death of David Marniuk. The fifth, Douglas Brownell, was arrested on Friday and is scheduled to appear in Kelowna court today.This is the fourth murder in which Mounties have laid charges and are allegedly connected to the Greeks gang. Police have also laid charges in the deaths of Robert Hewison and Jeffrey Drake. The charges laid in the death of Robert Hewison is a also a new development Proce says,'This has not been previously released to the media but we have laid a charge with the murder of Mr. Hewison and in fact we've already received a conviction on that and that individual has been sentenced.' Corporal Henry Proce says police are not able to release the man's name at this time due to investigative reasons. Proce says the charges and conviction in the Hewison case all occurred with in the past month in Vancouver. Hewison's body was found in the Westside Road area in March 2005. He had been shot to death.
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5 men charged with murder in B.C. Interior CBC.ca
The RCMP have charged five men with first-degree murder in the shooting death of a Vernon man in May 2005, which they allege was part of a series of drug-related gang killings in the B.C. city. Eight people were shot or beaten to death in Vernon between July 2004 and June 2005 and police allege that seven of the slayings were connected to a gang they call the Greeks.
Only three of the killings had led to charges prior to Monday, when a special RCMP task force announced they have laid charges in two more of the homicides.
Five people have been charged in the fatal shooting of Ronald Thom, 31, in May 2005, including Peter Manolakos, who police allege was the leader of the gang. The other four men charged have been identified as Andre Raymond, Dale Sipes, Sheldon O'Donnell and Douglas Brownell. Thom's body was dumped on a back road south of Vernon. Thom's girlfriend, Belinda Scott, also disappeared. Her body was found three months later. Manolakas, Sipes, O'Donnell and Raymond were already in prison, after being arrested and charged in the spring of 2006 with the disappearance and slaying of David Marniuk Brownell was arrested on Friday.
Police also revealed that another man has been charged and has pleaded guilty to a charge of murdering Robert Hewison of Vancouver. RCMP Sgt. Al Haslett said that man's name is not being released in order to protect an ongoing investigation. The RCMP say their investigation has made a huge difference in making Vernon — which had the highest murder rate in Canada in 2005 — a safer place to live.
Dion's faux pas ! Trudeau in front door, Martha Hall in back door?
CLICK ON CARTOON TO ENLARGE
Winnipeg Sun
Liberal Leader Stephane Dion said he was proud of Trudeau. Dion said the late prime minister's son decided to run by himself and to win by himself, and asked for nothing.
"So he comes in politics by the front door in a very proud way," Dion said in an interview from Toronto.
Dion had called his new candidate immediately to congratulate him.
"I told him that nobody anymore will pretend to say that he has only a family name in politics," he said. "So from now on, he has also a first name." Dion said Trudeau will be an asset to the party across Canada. "He will work to be sure that Canada will enjoy a strong Liberal majority government next time," Dion said.
Winnipeg Sun
Liberal Leader Stephane Dion said he was proud of Trudeau. Dion said the late prime minister's son decided to run by himself and to win by himself, and asked for nothing.
"So he comes in politics by the front door in a very proud way," Dion said in an interview from Toronto.
Dion had called his new candidate immediately to congratulate him.
"I told him that nobody anymore will pretend to say that he has only a family name in politics," he said. "So from now on, he has also a first name." Dion said Trudeau will be an asset to the party across Canada. "He will work to be sure that Canada will enjoy a strong Liberal majority government next time," Dion said.
Bart bares all in film
Misty Harris, CanWest News ServicePublished: Friday, April 27, 2007 Canada.com
In the unlikeliest nude scene since Kathy Bates' hot-tub hijinks in About Schmidt, Bart Simpson will reportedly go full frontal in his upcoming feature film. According to Newsweek, which got a sneak peek at The Simpsons Movie, "little Bart flashes his little part to the entire world" while skateboarding sans clothing on a dare from dad Homer. If his full Monty makes it to the big screen in July, the magazine notes, it may be the first time a Hollywood movie has exposed this sort of skin -- albeit in cartoon form -- without being slapped with an R-rating.
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The show is set in the mythical Springfield — a very common name for cities in the U.S. — and the writers never let on as to the state in which the Simpson family lives. They want to premiere the film in Springfield — so the question is, which one?20th Century Fox has invited 16 of the Springfields nationwide to compete for the honor of hosting the premiere. Fox will pick the winner based on short film entries showcasing the community’s positive aspects and links to the Simpsons. (Links to the Simpsons? Like what? “As luck would have it, guys, we have an incompetent police force, a grossly mismanaged nuclear facility and an inadequate public school system! Look no further!”)
In the unlikeliest nude scene since Kathy Bates' hot-tub hijinks in About Schmidt, Bart Simpson will reportedly go full frontal in his upcoming feature film. According to Newsweek, which got a sneak peek at The Simpsons Movie, "little Bart flashes his little part to the entire world" while skateboarding sans clothing on a dare from dad Homer. If his full Monty makes it to the big screen in July, the magazine notes, it may be the first time a Hollywood movie has exposed this sort of skin -- albeit in cartoon form -- without being slapped with an R-rating.
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The show is set in the mythical Springfield — a very common name for cities in the U.S. — and the writers never let on as to the state in which the Simpson family lives. They want to premiere the film in Springfield — so the question is, which one?20th Century Fox has invited 16 of the Springfields nationwide to compete for the honor of hosting the premiere. Fox will pick the winner based on short film entries showcasing the community’s positive aspects and links to the Simpsons. (Links to the Simpsons? Like what? “As luck would have it, guys, we have an incompetent police force, a grossly mismanaged nuclear facility and an inadequate public school system! Look no further!”)
Lot of beer changing hands.
On Monday at 8:30AM Council will reconfirm the first three readings of the 
2007 Tax Rates Bylaw. Final reading will occur the following Monday at the regular Council Meeting. The only hope for the residential taxpayer is for the Council to decide to fund their $275,000 in additional taxes by dipping into last years operating surplus. (Don't hold your breath)!
Click on Chart to enlarge
The original tax rate proposal would have increased the tax revenues raised by the city by $874,773 of which $575,342 would have come from Growth and $299,431 from a general tax increase to all classes of 2%.
2007 Tax Rates Bylaw. Final reading will occur the following Monday at the regular Council Meeting. The only hope for the residential taxpayer is for the Council to decide to fund their $275,000 in additional taxes by dipping into last years operating surplus. (Don't hold your breath)!Click on Chart to enlarge
The original tax rate proposal would have increased the tax revenues raised by the city by $874,773 of which $575,342 would have come from Growth and $299,431 from a general tax increase to all classes of 2%.
- The proposal to change the business tax ratio from 3.02 (as per original shakeout) to 2.75 will result in additional non growth taxes to the residential class of $275,000 and a reduction in taxes of $411,700 to the business class. ($136,700 balance comes from utilities and industrial classes.)
- This will result in the residential class taxpayer contributing an additional $703,117 or 7.43% increase of which 2.48% will come from growth and 2.1% from original tax increase and 2.85% will come from a manipulated tax rate increase.
- Consequently the business class will have a increase in taxes of $32,057 (.64%)of which there is an increase of 7.32% due to growth and 2.1% from original tax increase and a reduction of 8.7% due to a manipulated tax rate decrease.
(Due to this manipulation) The owner of the average $287,000 property will pay $28 more and the average business valued at $570,000 will save $318. ( Of course the big bank property valued at $3,000,000 will save $1675.
Manipulation Definition: to manage or utilize skillfully (webster) also Artful management; as, the manipulation of political bodies
Click on Cartoon to Enlarge
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Detainees Or Terrorists?
Stockwell Day
http://www.castanet.net/edition/news-story-29237-919-.htm#29237
Lots of fuming and frenzy in Ottawa this week on the topic of prisoners in Afghanistan. Let me give you some basic facts without the 'Spin from the Hill'
1. In the process of pushing back the terrorist (Taliban) insurgency which threatens to destroy progress (and innocent lives) in Afghanistan our soldiers capture Taliban terrorists who surrender when they realize they are losing. Other suspected criminals and wrongdoers are also arrested by Afghani forces.
2. There are over 30 provinces in Afghanistan Canada is deployed mainly, but not only, in Kandahar.
3. Earlier this year Correction Service of Canada (federal prisons) sent two officers to Kandahar. 4. Their mandate is to help train the new Afgani Corrections officers in the proper care of prisoners and to recommend improvements in the prisons and detention facilities. Though they are not there as UN monitors they are able to see and talk to prisoners about their treatment in jail.
5. Though torture may have happened they cannot find evidence of it in observing the prisoners and terror suspects.
6. Complicating the question of torture, Taliban and Al-Qaeda terrorists are trained and commanded to lie if they are captured. They are told to loudly complain at every opportunity to media and others that they have been tortured, even if they have not been.
7. Since February my Corrections Officers have made 17 visits into the 3 facilities in Kandahar. 8. All of our officials have clearly been informed that they may have access to all detention facilities in Kandahar.
9. It is not our responsibility to build a prison in Canada to house suspected Taliban killers. That idea was suggested at one point by Liberal head Stephan Dion. After all, that is exactly what the Americans were criticized for when they sent terrorists captured in the Middle East to the American prison in the US territory of Guantanamo Bay in Cuba.
10. There is much to be done to improve the conditions in Afghani jails, but our officials are reporting step by step progress.
11. Though I reported a number of times (including on the pages of this newspaper) the good work being done by our Corrections officers and RCMP in Afghanistan, neither the national media nor the official opposition have shown interest or asked questions about that.
12. The mission in Afghanistan is an official United Nations mission using a cooperative of more than 35 nations with troops and development officers working side by side with Afghanis and with the plea for help from the Afghan government.
http://www.castanet.net/edition/news-story-29237-919-.htm#29237
Lots of fuming and frenzy in Ottawa this week on the topic of prisoners in Afghanistan. Let me give you some basic facts without the 'Spin from the Hill'
1. In the process of pushing back the terrorist (Taliban) insurgency which threatens to destroy progress (and innocent lives) in Afghanistan our soldiers capture Taliban terrorists who surrender when they realize they are losing. Other suspected criminals and wrongdoers are also arrested by Afghani forces.
2. There are over 30 provinces in Afghanistan Canada is deployed mainly, but not only, in Kandahar.
3. Earlier this year Correction Service of Canada (federal prisons) sent two officers to Kandahar. 4. Their mandate is to help train the new Afgani Corrections officers in the proper care of prisoners and to recommend improvements in the prisons and detention facilities. Though they are not there as UN monitors they are able to see and talk to prisoners about their treatment in jail.
5. Though torture may have happened they cannot find evidence of it in observing the prisoners and terror suspects.
6. Complicating the question of torture, Taliban and Al-Qaeda terrorists are trained and commanded to lie if they are captured. They are told to loudly complain at every opportunity to media and others that they have been tortured, even if they have not been.
7. Since February my Corrections Officers have made 17 visits into the 3 facilities in Kandahar. 8. All of our officials have clearly been informed that they may have access to all detention facilities in Kandahar.
9. It is not our responsibility to build a prison in Canada to house suspected Taliban killers. That idea was suggested at one point by Liberal head Stephan Dion. After all, that is exactly what the Americans were criticized for when they sent terrorists captured in the Middle East to the American prison in the US territory of Guantanamo Bay in Cuba.
10. There is much to be done to improve the conditions in Afghani jails, but our officials are reporting step by step progress.
11. Though I reported a number of times (including on the pages of this newspaper) the good work being done by our Corrections officers and RCMP in Afghanistan, neither the national media nor the official opposition have shown interest or asked questions about that.
12. The mission in Afghanistan is an official United Nations mission using a cooperative of more than 35 nations with troops and development officers working side by side with Afghanis and with the plea for help from the Afghan government.
Justin Trudeau wins Liberal bid
edmonton Sun
MONTREAL — The stage is set for a possible Trudeau dynasty in
Canadian politics. Justin Trudeau, the son of the late prime minister Pierre Trudeau, has won his bid for a Liberal nomination. Party members in the east-end Montreal riding of Papineau gave Trudeau a slim victory on the first ballot. His local opponents complained that Trudeau — whose first home was 24 Sussex Drive and who grew up in luxury — had no connection to the gritty, blue-collar Papineau. But the 35-year-old former drama teacher suspended his current university studies and spent several weeks hitting the pavement, selling memberships and getting to know local leaders. Questions have swirled around his possible entry into politics since he delivered a stirring eulogy at his father’s 2000 funeral. He came into national prominence on the day he was born. On Christmas Day 1971, Trudeau became the first child born to a sitting prime minister since John A. Macdonald’s youngest daughter.
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He has narrowly won his bid for the Liberal nomination for Montreal's Papineau riding on the first ballot, taking 54 per cent of the 1,266 ballots cast.
MONTREAL — The stage is set for a possible Trudeau dynasty in
Canadian politics. Justin Trudeau, the son of the late prime minister Pierre Trudeau, has won his bid for a Liberal nomination. Party members in the east-end Montreal riding of Papineau gave Trudeau a slim victory on the first ballot. His local opponents complained that Trudeau — whose first home was 24 Sussex Drive and who grew up in luxury — had no connection to the gritty, blue-collar Papineau. But the 35-year-old former drama teacher suspended his current university studies and spent several weeks hitting the pavement, selling memberships and getting to know local leaders. Questions have swirled around his possible entry into politics since he delivered a stirring eulogy at his father’s 2000 funeral. He came into national prominence on the day he was born. On Christmas Day 1971, Trudeau became the first child born to a sitting prime minister since John A. Macdonald’s youngest daughter.---------------------
He has narrowly won his bid for the Liberal nomination for Montreal's Papineau riding on the first ballot, taking 54 per cent of the 1,266 ballots cast.
Vernon unveils prehistoric exhibits
By RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star StaffApr 29 2007 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/
Massive creatures walked the earth centuries ago, and now they will return to delight and mesmerize children of all ages. The Okanagan Science Centre will host the Dinosaurs Unearthed exhibit from Tuesday to Oct. 31, while the Vernon Museum will display mammoth and bison remains from May 12 to Dec. 1.
“People are always fascinated by ancient creatures,” said Ron Candy, museum curator. And there will be a chance to get up close and personal with one as a giant, mechanized tyrannosaurus rex crashes his way through a wall at the science centre. A loud, ear-piercing growl will tell spectators they aren’t alone. “He’s going to be very impressive,” said Kevin Aschenmeier, program facilitator, of the beast. Virtually all of the main floor of the science centre has been taken over by Dinosaurs Unearthed. Walls have been transformed into rock, giving it a prehistoric feel. A dig area allows everyone to try their hand at archeology, while every wall is covered with information displays about dinosaurs and the world they ruled. There are also replicas of entire skeletons and various fossils.
“There’s a whole world of discovery here,” said Sandy Dixon, science centre manager. It’s anticipated the exhibit will be extremely popular. “People love dinosaurs. I’m not sure if it’s because they are big or because they are monsters,” said Aschenmeier. To tap into that passion, the science centre is offering a number of programs beyond the members’ only preview Monday at 6:30 p.m. and the grand opening May 5 at 1 p.m. There will be movie night May 25 and June 8, and a chance to sleep overnight in the centre with the dinosaurs. Dixon anticipates Dinosaurs Unearthed becoming a tourist attraction for Vernon. “We are really stepping out as far as advertising goes,” she said. “We have billboards in Winfield and Enderby and we are advertising in magazines.”
Massive creatures walked the earth centuries ago, and now they will return to delight and mesmerize children of all ages. The Okanagan Science Centre will host the Dinosaurs Unearthed exhibit from Tuesday to Oct. 31, while the Vernon Museum will display mammoth and bison remains from May 12 to Dec. 1.
“There’s a whole world of discovery here,” said Sandy Dixon, science centre manager. It’s anticipated the exhibit will be extremely popular. “People love dinosaurs. I’m not sure if it’s because they are big or because they are monsters,” said Aschenmeier. To tap into that passion, the science centre is offering a number of programs beyond the members’ only preview Monday at 6:30 p.m. and the grand opening May 5 at 1 p.m. There will be movie night May 25 and June 8, and a chance to sleep overnight in the centre with the dinosaurs. Dixon anticipates Dinosaurs Unearthed becoming a tourist attraction for Vernon. “We are really stepping out as far as advertising goes,” she said. “We have billboards in Winfield and Enderby and we are advertising in magazines.”
Leaping over a few city blocks and several millions of years, the Vernon Museum is shedding some light on mammoths and bison. “It’s the real stuff here. They are all archeological specimens,” said Candy of the exhibit. And unlike dinosaurs who never inhabited the Okanagan, mammoths and bison roamed the valley. “If someone is in the right spot, they could possibly dig up a portion of a mammoth or a bison,” said Candy. Included in the exhibit is a mammoth tusk from Kamloops and a mammoth tooth from Enderby. The wooly creatures, which died out 10,000 years ago, were about 11 feet in height and weighed four to six tons. Tusks were about 10 feet in length. “Figure two of these hanging off a head, so they were big animals,” said Candy. Those attending the exhibit will also be able to see teeth and skulls from ancient bison, as well as the head of a modern counterpart. “It helps give an idea of how big they were,” said Candy. Admission to Dinosaurs Unearthed is free for Okanagan Science Centre members, $25 for families, $9.99 for adults, $6.99 for youth and seniors and free for ages two and under. Admission to the Vernon Museum is by donation. 
Williams says 'disdain' will continue
TERRY ROBERTS The TelegramWesternStar
Premier Danny Williams says he will treat Stephen Harper with the same "disdain" the prime minister has treated this province.He demonstrated that Friday during a
news conference at Confederation Building, less than 24 hours after the provincial government brought down the wealthiest, most goody-filled budget in the province's history.Williams referred to the prime minister as "Steve" eight times during a 20-minute exchange with reporters, and said he was prepared to "discount" him completely."His buddy George Bush calls him Steve. I can call him Steve. I'm not a buddy of his, but by the same token I have to basically treat him with the same disdain that he's treating Newfoundlanders and Labradorians," Williams said. "He doesn't consider us part of the federation. Therefore, we have to move on in our own way."The latest blast from Williams follows comments made by Harper Thursday in the House of Commons.Harper added fuel to the dispute by taking some of the credit for this province's record-setting surplus."Sounds like a good Conservative budget to me. Also sounds like they're having awful rough treatment and they want it to continue," Harper said.
Premier Danny Williams says he will treat Stephen Harper with the same "disdain" the prime minister has treated this province.He demonstrated that Friday during a
news conference at Confederation Building, less than 24 hours after the provincial government brought down the wealthiest, most goody-filled budget in the province's history.Williams referred to the prime minister as "Steve" eight times during a 20-minute exchange with reporters, and said he was prepared to "discount" him completely."His buddy George Bush calls him Steve. I can call him Steve. I'm not a buddy of his, but by the same token I have to basically treat him with the same disdain that he's treating Newfoundlanders and Labradorians," Williams said. "He doesn't consider us part of the federation. Therefore, we have to move on in our own way."The latest blast from Williams follows comments made by Harper Thursday in the House of Commons.Harper added fuel to the dispute by taking some of the credit for this province's record-setting surplus."Sounds like a good Conservative budget to me. Also sounds like they're having awful rough treatment and they want it to continue," Harper said.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Al Gore says Tories' green plan a 'fraud' designed to mislead Canadians
CJOB
TORONTO (CP) - The Conservatives' new environmental platform is a "complete and total fraud" that is "designed to mislead the Canadian people," former U.S. vice-president Al Gore said Saturday. The noted environmentalist was presenting his Oscar-winning documentary "An Inconvenient Truth" in Toronto at a consumer environmental show, with Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty and environmentalist David Suzuki in attendance. Gore praised Suzuki for confronting Environment Minister John Baird on Friday, saying he saw the two exchange words on TV. When Baird told Suzuki the Conservatives were going further than any other government in Canadian history, Suzuki said it wasn't enough.
Baird fires back at Gore's attack on climate plan CTV
Environment Minister John Baird has fired a salvo back at former U.S. Vice President Al Gore in a war of words over the Conservatives' new climate policy. "Former Vice-President Al Gore deserves acknowledgement for the success of his film in highlighting the huge ecological challenge of climate change," Baird said Saturday."It is difficult to accept criticism from someone who preaches about climate change, but who never submitted the Kyoto Protocol to a vote in the United States Senate (and) who never did as much as Canada is now doing to fight climate change during eight years in office."
TORONTO (CP) - The Conservatives' new environmental platform is a "complete and total fraud" that is "designed to mislead the Canadian people," former U.S. vice-president Al Gore said Saturday. The noted environmentalist was presenting his Oscar-winning documentary "An Inconvenient Truth" in Toronto at a consumer environmental show, with Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty and environmentalist David Suzuki in attendance. Gore praised Suzuki for confronting Environment Minister John Baird on Friday, saying he saw the two exchange words on TV. When Baird told Suzuki the Conservatives were going further than any other government in Canadian history, Suzuki said it wasn't enough.
Baird fires back at Gore's attack on climate plan CTV
Environment Minister John Baird has fired a salvo back at former U.S. Vice President Al Gore in a war of words over the Conservatives' new climate policy. "Former Vice-President Al Gore deserves acknowledgement for the success of his film in highlighting the huge ecological challenge of climate change," Baird said Saturday."It is difficult to accept criticism from someone who preaches about climate change, but who never submitted the Kyoto Protocol to a vote in the United States Senate (and) who never did as much as Canada is now doing to fight climate change during eight years in office."
RCMP won't probe nomination allegations: Day
CBC.ca
The RCMP have no plans to investigate Liberal allegations surrounding Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day's election to Parliament seven years
ago, Day said Thursday. "They've reviewed the information that was given to them and … the RCMP's investigation on this matter remains concluded," Day said during question period. The Liberals handed over documents to the RCMP in March, saying they proved a former MP was paid off so Day, who was then leader of the now defunct Canadian Alliance party, could win a seat in the House of Commons. Day called for an apology from Liberal MP Mark Holland, who demanded Day resign until the RCMP decided whether to launch an investigation into the allegations. One of Day's tasks is to oversee the RCMP.
The Liberals alleged the handful of faxes, which contained correspondence between Day and former Alliance MP Jim Hart, proved Hart was paid $50,000 to resign and let Day run in his B.C. riding of Okanagan-Coquihalla. They said they found the faxes in their Opposition offices, which were occupied by the Alliance when the Alliance was the Opposition party, from 2000 to 2003. Day and his party maintained Hart voluntarily quit and received a severance package. The RCMP investigated the matter in 2001 and concluded no criminal offences had been committed.
The RCMP have no plans to investigate Liberal allegations surrounding Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day's election to Parliament seven years
ago, Day said Thursday. "They've reviewed the information that was given to them and … the RCMP's investigation on this matter remains concluded," Day said during question period. The Liberals handed over documents to the RCMP in March, saying they proved a former MP was paid off so Day, who was then leader of the now defunct Canadian Alliance party, could win a seat in the House of Commons. Day called for an apology from Liberal MP Mark Holland, who demanded Day resign until the RCMP decided whether to launch an investigation into the allegations. One of Day's tasks is to oversee the RCMP.The Liberals alleged the handful of faxes, which contained correspondence between Day and former Alliance MP Jim Hart, proved Hart was paid $50,000 to resign and let Day run in his B.C. riding of Okanagan-Coquihalla. They said they found the faxes in their Opposition offices, which were occupied by the Alliance when the Alliance was the Opposition party, from 2000 to 2003. Day and his party maintained Hart voluntarily quit and received a severance package. The RCMP investigated the matter in 2001 and concluded no criminal offences had been committed.
Waterfront motives questioned
By Chuck Poulsen Friday, April 27, 2007 http://www.dailycourier.ca/stories.php?id=41057
City Hall is trying to do an end run on the Simpson covenant that won‘t stand up in court, Sharron Simpson and her lawyer said Friday. On Monday, Kelowna city council will be asked by staff to remove the covenant and zone the waterfront properties as parkland. The lands involve property that is in the Kelowna Sawmill (Simpson) Covenant, including waterfront land between Queensway and the Water Street Seniors‘ Centre. The covenant has been an issue because some downtown waterfront land would have been used in the Lawson‘s Landing development. That project was derailed by the federal government for environmental reasons, but lawyer Tom Smithwick is suspicious that the park zoning proposal is a means of circumventing the covenant whenever council might decide it wants to.
“It‘s been quite clear for the past two or three years with what‘s been going on with the signing of a contract by the city to sell land to a third party (Lawson Landing), that that placed the whole Simpson covenant issue and these lands in jeopardy. “That leads me to believe that if they (the city) want to remove the covenant, what they are doing is removing a nagging annoyance of people who have been saying ‘Wait a minute, there is history here and we have certain rights.‘ “If the nagging annoyance of the Simpson covenant goes away, does that leave them with free liberty to do what they will from decade to decade? Yes, it does. “Do I have suspicions that they may have uses they will bring forward on the land, contrary to the covenant? Absolutely.” Simpson worries the city might some day rezone the land from park to commercial use. “With any piece of property in this city, there can be an application to rezone that land unless there is some restriction on it,” said Simpson. “If they remove the covenant, there is nothing to say they can‘t rezone it to commercial afterward. If the covenant remains, the land can not be resold.” Smithwick says he has a precedent-setting decision from B.C. Supreme Court in 2004 that supersedes the city‘s previous legal advice. He said the case of Water Front Parks Society versus the City of Vancouver is similar to the issue here. The Vancouver case was won by the society, upholding a covenant on CPR land from 1919. Asked if she is prepared to take Kelowna to court, Simpson said: “I really hope we aren‘t going to go to that, but I‘m not going to back down on the issue, either.”
Should the rezoning be approved, it would mean a significant step towards the preservation of public waterfront from City Park to Waterfront Park and Rotary Marsh, said David Shipclark, the city‘s director of corporate services. The covenant was placed on the properties in 1946 when they were sold to the city. It restricted their use. The proposed rezoning would identify the original parcels, plus land that City Hall, the Museum and Memorial Arena sit on, for the public‘s use as parkland. The Kelowna Sawmill Covenant never guaranteed these lands would be public park. The covenant only stipulated the lands be for municipal use, said Shipclark. “If council agrees to the staff recommendations, we will be able to preserve public access to Okanagan Lake throughout the downtown,” said Shipclark. “There was no provision in the Kelowna Sawmill Covenant for public access to the waterfront, and no provision for parkland. The new arrangement would guarantee both.”
City Hall is trying to do an end run on the Simpson covenant that won‘t stand up in court, Sharron Simpson and her lawyer said Friday. On Monday, Kelowna city council will be asked by staff to remove the covenant and zone the waterfront properties as parkland. The lands involve property that is in the Kelowna Sawmill (Simpson) Covenant, including waterfront land between Queensway and the Water Street Seniors‘ Centre. The covenant has been an issue because some downtown waterfront land would have been used in the Lawson‘s Landing development. That project was derailed by the federal government for environmental reasons, but lawyer Tom Smithwick is suspicious that the park zoning proposal is a means of circumventing the covenant whenever council might decide it wants to.
“It‘s been quite clear for the past two or three years with what‘s been going on with the signing of a contract by the city to sell land to a third party (Lawson Landing), that that placed the whole Simpson covenant issue and these lands in jeopardy. “That leads me to believe that if they (the city) want to remove the covenant, what they are doing is removing a nagging annoyance of people who have been saying ‘Wait a minute, there is history here and we have certain rights.‘ “If the nagging annoyance of the Simpson covenant goes away, does that leave them with free liberty to do what they will from decade to decade? Yes, it does. “Do I have suspicions that they may have uses they will bring forward on the land, contrary to the covenant? Absolutely.” Simpson worries the city might some day rezone the land from park to commercial use. “With any piece of property in this city, there can be an application to rezone that land unless there is some restriction on it,” said Simpson. “If they remove the covenant, there is nothing to say they can‘t rezone it to commercial afterward. If the covenant remains, the land can not be resold.” Smithwick says he has a precedent-setting decision from B.C. Supreme Court in 2004 that supersedes the city‘s previous legal advice. He said the case of Water Front Parks Society versus the City of Vancouver is similar to the issue here. The Vancouver case was won by the society, upholding a covenant on CPR land from 1919. Asked if she is prepared to take Kelowna to court, Simpson said: “I really hope we aren‘t going to go to that, but I‘m not going to back down on the issue, either.”
Should the rezoning be approved, it would mean a significant step towards the preservation of public waterfront from City Park to Waterfront Park and Rotary Marsh, said David Shipclark, the city‘s director of corporate services. The covenant was placed on the properties in 1946 when they were sold to the city. It restricted their use. The proposed rezoning would identify the original parcels, plus land that City Hall, the Museum and Memorial Arena sit on, for the public‘s use as parkland. The Kelowna Sawmill Covenant never guaranteed these lands would be public park. The covenant only stipulated the lands be for municipal use, said Shipclark. “If council agrees to the staff recommendations, we will be able to preserve public access to Okanagan Lake throughout the downtown,” said Shipclark. “There was no provision in the Kelowna Sawmill Covenant for public access to the waterfront, and no provision for parkland. The new arrangement would guarantee both.”
Friday, April 27, 2007
Quesnel Reaches Agreement to Lease Portion of Fifth Floor of City Hall Complex
By City of Quesnel http://www.civicinfo.bc.ca/302n.asp?newsid=2137
QUESNEL – The ongoing development of City Hall continued Wednesday as the City of Quesnel announced it has reached an agreement with Vista Radio that will see Quesnel's local radio stations, The Wolf and The Max, call the fifth floor of the City Hall complex home. "This is exciting news for the City of Quesnel," said Mayor Nate Bello. "This announcement is proof our Council is committed to improving the economic viability of City Hall. To have a partner join us with the rich history of community involvement that The Wolf and The Max enjoy enhances this facility." "This is another step forward. We are filling City Hall with great tenants," Bello added. "I welcome the staff from The Wolf and The Max and know they will enjoy their new home. Our goal of a financially sustainable facility has come one step closer with today’s announcement."
"We wanted a high-visibility space to call home in Quesnel and the fifth floor at City Hall is certainly that," said Tracey Gard, General Manager for Vista Radio Cariboo Region. "The space the City made available for us is of superior calibre, making our decision to relocate a pretty easy one. We have a great relationship with the City of Quesnel and look forward to continuing to offer our listeners outstanding programming from our vibrant and rejuvenated new office."The agreement will see Vista Radio lease roughly 1,875 square feet on the fifth floor. Tenant improvements will begin immediately, with the station scheduled to move in by late-May. The lease is for a 10-year period. The fifth floor is comprised of roughly 8,700 square feet of prime real estate on the top floor of City Hall, featuring spectacular views of the City from three sides of the building. The Ministry of Transportation currently occupies 3,220 square feet on the fifth floor.
QUESNEL – The ongoing development of City Hall continued Wednesday as the City of Quesnel announced it has reached an agreement with Vista Radio that will see Quesnel's local radio stations, The Wolf and The Max, call the fifth floor of the City Hall complex home. "This is exciting news for the City of Quesnel," said Mayor Nate Bello. "This announcement is proof our Council is committed to improving the economic viability of City Hall. To have a partner join us with the rich history of community involvement that The Wolf and The Max enjoy enhances this facility." "This is another step forward. We are filling City Hall with great tenants," Bello added. "I welcome the staff from The Wolf and The Max and know they will enjoy their new home. Our goal of a financially sustainable facility has come one step closer with today’s announcement."
"We wanted a high-visibility space to call home in Quesnel and the fifth floor at City Hall is certainly that," said Tracey Gard, General Manager for Vista Radio Cariboo Region. "The space the City made available for us is of superior calibre, making our decision to relocate a pretty easy one. We have a great relationship with the City of Quesnel and look forward to continuing to offer our listeners outstanding programming from our vibrant and rejuvenated new office."The agreement will see Vista Radio lease roughly 1,875 square feet on the fifth floor. Tenant improvements will begin immediately, with the station scheduled to move in by late-May. The lease is for a 10-year period. The fifth floor is comprised of roughly 8,700 square feet of prime real estate on the top floor of City Hall, featuring spectacular views of the City from three sides of the building. The Ministry of Transportation currently occupies 3,220 square feet on the fifth floor.
Armstrong taxes escalate due to policing and spillway
By Tyler OlsenMorning Star Staff Apr 27 2007 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/
Armstrong residents can blame an increase in policing costs and the need for a revamped dam/spillway for a larger tax bill this year. The average Armstrong homeowner will pay just over $60 more in city taxes in 2007, an increase of just under five per cent from the previous year, according to the city’s financial plan and budget, which council tabled Monday. A $20 water frontage increase for a rebuilt Silver Star Lakes spillway along with around $30 in policing costs brought on by new provincial regulations accounts for most of the increase. The city also continued to slash commercial taxes, reducing business levies by 3.45 per cent on average.
City treasurer Shelly Thibodeau noted that the commercial rate remains more than three times that of residential. The move is part of a long-term plan to bring down business rates, according to Coun. Chris Pieper, who chairs the city’s finance and administration committee. “This was a dedicated goal by city council to bring down the average business tax to meet the average in the province of B.C.,” Pieper told council. Thibodeau added that the reduction in business taxes did not force the city to increase taxes on residences. The decrease was applauded by he Armstrong/Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce.
“Any time they bring down commercial it’s great for us and it’s a bonus for our businesses,” said chamber manager Patti Noonan Tuesday. “Times are sometimes tough and we’re thankful for anything the city does that encourages growth of businesses.” The city had hoped to keep taxes in line with the increase in the cost of living, around two per cent. But with a rebuilt spillway costing much more than anticipated, the increase was inevitable, according to Pieper. Proudly citing the city’s high service levels, he added, “If we had less of a tax increase we would have to cut something.
“It’s just to maintain our standards that we set for ourselves.” According to the city’s financial plan, Armstrong boasts the second lowest property taxes compared to a sampling of Okanagan municipalities. Lumby had the lowest property taxes among those areas sampled. Spallumcheen was not included. An average residential property assessed at $248,417 will be subject to $1,274.51 in taxes. The average assessment rose just under 31 per cent from last year, when a homeowner with an average property valued at $189,663 paid $1,214.16.
Armstrong residents can blame an increase in policing costs and the need for a revamped dam/spillway for a larger tax bill this year. The average Armstrong homeowner will pay just over $60 more in city taxes in 2007, an increase of just under five per cent from the previous year, according to the city’s financial plan and budget, which council tabled Monday. A $20 water frontage increase for a rebuilt Silver Star Lakes spillway along with around $30 in policing costs brought on by new provincial regulations accounts for most of the increase. The city also continued to slash commercial taxes, reducing business levies by 3.45 per cent on average.
City treasurer Shelly Thibodeau noted that the commercial rate remains more than three times that of residential. The move is part of a long-term plan to bring down business rates, according to Coun. Chris Pieper, who chairs the city’s finance and administration committee. “This was a dedicated goal by city council to bring down the average business tax to meet the average in the province of B.C.,” Pieper told council. Thibodeau added that the reduction in business taxes did not force the city to increase taxes on residences. The decrease was applauded by he Armstrong/Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce.
“Any time they bring down commercial it’s great for us and it’s a bonus for our businesses,” said chamber manager Patti Noonan Tuesday. “Times are sometimes tough and we’re thankful for anything the city does that encourages growth of businesses.” The city had hoped to keep taxes in line with the increase in the cost of living, around two per cent. But with a rebuilt spillway costing much more than anticipated, the increase was inevitable, according to Pieper. Proudly citing the city’s high service levels, he added, “If we had less of a tax increase we would have to cut something.
“It’s just to maintain our standards that we set for ourselves.” According to the city’s financial plan, Armstrong boasts the second lowest property taxes compared to a sampling of Okanagan municipalities. Lumby had the lowest property taxes among those areas sampled. Spallumcheen was not included. An average residential property assessed at $248,417 will be subject to $1,274.51 in taxes. The average assessment rose just under 31 per cent from last year, when a homeowner with an average property valued at $189,663 paid $1,214.16.
District provides trees
By Jennifer Dyck Morning Star StaffApr 27 2007 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/
Coldstream is addressing the pine beetle panic by giving away free trees. Residents in the district will be able to pick up free tree
seedlings at the municipal office Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. The pine and other varieties of seedlings, provided by the Ministry of Forests, are being offered as a solution to life after the beetle’s destruction, but also as a way of growing a greener community. “Everybody’s in this panic that we’re going to lose all these trees,” said Coun. Jim Garlick, who has initiated the seedling giveaway day. “But probably what we’ve neglected to do is plant trees over the years.”
Along replenishing the tree population, the initiative has a beautifying effect. “You look up at places like Middleton Mountain and they could use some trees,” said Garlick. “You’ll lose some of your view but it will create shade and it will look better for the community.” There is a maximum of 30 seedlings per resident, on a first come, first serve basis. The seedlings should be planted in people’s gardens to begin with and moved once they have grown and matured. Garlick is hopeful that this initiative won’t be the last. “Maybe we can do this in the future regularly.”
Coldstream is addressing the pine beetle panic by giving away free trees. Residents in the district will be able to pick up free tree
seedlings at the municipal office Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. The pine and other varieties of seedlings, provided by the Ministry of Forests, are being offered as a solution to life after the beetle’s destruction, but also as a way of growing a greener community. “Everybody’s in this panic that we’re going to lose all these trees,” said Coun. Jim Garlick, who has initiated the seedling giveaway day. “But probably what we’ve neglected to do is plant trees over the years.” Along replenishing the tree population, the initiative has a beautifying effect. “You look up at places like Middleton Mountain and they could use some trees,” said Garlick. “You’ll lose some of your view but it will create shade and it will look better for the community.” There is a maximum of 30 seedlings per resident, on a first come, first serve basis. The seedlings should be planted in people’s gardens to begin with and moved once they have grown and matured. Garlick is hopeful that this initiative won’t be the last. “Maybe we can do this in the future regularly.”
Politicians clash over halfway house
By RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star StaffApr 27 2007 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/
There’s some diverse views among Vernon politicians over the controversial issue of halfway houses.
Corrections Canada is considering proposals from the Salvation Army and the Okanagan Halfway House Society to establish a facility for parolees in Vernon. “There is a need for a facility because where will they go?” said Coun. Jack Gilroy, adding that there are parolees currently in the community but there is no structure for them. “If there is a proper house and supervision, it can work.” Vernon’s former halfway house was closed after the murder of 75-year-old Bill Abramenko in 2004. Eric Fish, who has been charged with the death, was missing from the facility at the time of the incident.
Corrections Canada officials have stated that a process has been followed to address local safety concerns, and there would be restrictions on what kind of parolees can’t stay at the new 14-bed halfway house. “We will get to say who comes here,” said Gilroy of a review panel. Mayor Wayne Lippert says the city would like some input on a halfway house coming to Vernon, but he believes there is a need for such a service. “We have parolees here wandering around and there is no direction for them.” However, Coun. Pat Cochrane isn’t sure if Vernon requires a facility for parolees. “Based on the past problems, it will be a challenge to get public support,” he said. If there has to be a facility, Cochrane’s preference is it only host parolees from the North Okanagan.
“They shouldn’t transplant hardened criminals from other parts of the country here,” he said. Officials with the Kelowna-based Okanagan Halfway House Society would not comment at this time about their proposal.
Sean Wong, with the Salvation Army, says the church has expertise and skill when it comes to halfway houses. “The Salvation Army does this across the country.” Wong insists a Salvation Army facility would involve the police and services that allow parolees to reintegrate into the community. In terms of a location, Wong says one has not been selected, and he doesn’t believe the downtown church site would be in the running. “It is not the most ideal location,” said Wong, who used to be a parole officer in Ontario. Corrections Canada will announce the successful bidder May 14.
There’s some diverse views among Vernon politicians over the controversial issue of halfway houses.Corrections Canada is considering proposals from the Salvation Army and the Okanagan Halfway House Society to establish a facility for parolees in Vernon. “There is a need for a facility because where will they go?” said Coun. Jack Gilroy, adding that there are parolees currently in the community but there is no structure for them. “If there is a proper house and supervision, it can work.” Vernon’s former halfway house was closed after the murder of 75-year-old Bill Abramenko in 2004. Eric Fish, who has been charged with the death, was missing from the facility at the time of the incident.
Corrections Canada officials have stated that a process has been followed to address local safety concerns, and there would be restrictions on what kind of parolees can’t stay at the new 14-bed halfway house. “We will get to say who comes here,” said Gilroy of a review panel. Mayor Wayne Lippert says the city would like some input on a halfway house coming to Vernon, but he believes there is a need for such a service. “We have parolees here wandering around and there is no direction for them.” However, Coun. Pat Cochrane isn’t sure if Vernon requires a facility for parolees. “Based on the past problems, it will be a challenge to get public support,” he said. If there has to be a facility, Cochrane’s preference is it only host parolees from the North Okanagan.
“They shouldn’t transplant hardened criminals from other parts of the country here,” he said. Officials with the Kelowna-based Okanagan Halfway House Society would not comment at this time about their proposal.
Sean Wong, with the Salvation Army, says the church has expertise and skill when it comes to halfway houses. “The Salvation Army does this across the country.” Wong insists a Salvation Army facility would involve the police and services that allow parolees to reintegrate into the community. In terms of a location, Wong says one has not been selected, and he doesn’t believe the downtown church site would be in the running. “It is not the most ideal location,” said Wong, who used to be a parole officer in Ontario. Corrections Canada will announce the successful bidder May 14.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Too many halfway house secrets
–managing editor Scott Neufeld http://www.dailycourier.ca/ EDITORIAL
The two-year moratorium expires this fall and Corrections Canada has resumed its efforts to thrust a halfway house upon Vernon. In a closed door meeting on Monday, Corrections Canada met with politicians at city hall. No one outside knows exactly what was discussed,but two contractors have bid to run a new halfway house in Vernon and it’s likely Corrections Canada was informing the city. The previous house was closed due to public pressure in the wake of four murders in a 10 year span, all allegedly committed by parolees. Corrections Canada has said it was the first time such a facility had closed due to public pressure.
Now the moratorium on halfway houses is ending and Corrections Canada is looking to move back in.Statistics show criminals are less likely to re-offend after a stay in a halfway house, proponents say. But if locating a halfway house in Vernon is such a good thing, then why the secrecy? It seems reasonable the issue of its location be kept quiet for now, but there’s been no official statement saying the facility is a certainty. A few individuals have let out scraps of detail, but there’s been no further information other than what the media has been able to dig up.One of the bidders would not confirm with the Vernon Daily Courier that their organization had submitted a proposal.
With all of the turmoil surrounding the last halfway house, Corrections Canada and to a lesser extent the city, should be constantly assuring the public that this is the right move. Halfway houses are a key component of our criminal justice system. There has to be a mechanism to ease offenders who have served their time, to return to society. But rather than housing parolees that are already in the community, building a halfway house actually invites more dangerous former convicts than would live here otherwise.The highest level parolees can’t live in Vernon without a halfway house here.
With all of the history here with parolees, the community needs to have more input into what type of offender is allowed in and what safeguards will be put in place. Above all, Corrections Canada needs to be sensitive to the anger that still seethes in this community. For a halfway house to succeed here, public relations should be their top priority. And while violent offenders do need a place to be rehabilitated, they should be located somewhere else. Vernon has borne more than its fair share of violent parolees.
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CHBC VIDEO
New halfway house coming (Video)Web posted on Wednesday, 25 April 2007 The issue of a halfway house in Vernon is again raising concerns.
The two-year moratorium expires this fall and Corrections Canada has resumed its efforts to thrust a halfway house upon Vernon. In a closed door meeting on Monday, Corrections Canada met with politicians at city hall. No one outside knows exactly what was discussed,but two contractors have bid to run a new halfway house in Vernon and it’s likely Corrections Canada was informing the city. The previous house was closed due to public pressure in the wake of four murders in a 10 year span, all allegedly committed by parolees. Corrections Canada has said it was the first time such a facility had closed due to public pressure.
Now the moratorium on halfway houses is ending and Corrections Canada is looking to move back in.Statistics show criminals are less likely to re-offend after a stay in a halfway house, proponents say. But if locating a halfway house in Vernon is such a good thing, then why the secrecy? It seems reasonable the issue of its location be kept quiet for now, but there’s been no official statement saying the facility is a certainty. A few individuals have let out scraps of detail, but there’s been no further information other than what the media has been able to dig up.One of the bidders would not confirm with the Vernon Daily Courier that their organization had submitted a proposal.
With all of the turmoil surrounding the last halfway house, Corrections Canada and to a lesser extent the city, should be constantly assuring the public that this is the right move. Halfway houses are a key component of our criminal justice system. There has to be a mechanism to ease offenders who have served their time, to return to society. But rather than housing parolees that are already in the community, building a halfway house actually invites more dangerous former convicts than would live here otherwise.The highest level parolees can’t live in Vernon without a halfway house here.
With all of the history here with parolees, the community needs to have more input into what type of offender is allowed in and what safeguards will be put in place. Above all, Corrections Canada needs to be sensitive to the anger that still seethes in this community. For a halfway house to succeed here, public relations should be their top priority. And while violent offenders do need a place to be rehabilitated, they should be located somewhere else. Vernon has borne more than its fair share of violent parolees.
---------------------------
CHBC VIDEO
New halfway house coming (Video)Web posted on Wednesday, 25 April 2007 The issue of a halfway house in Vernon is again raising concerns.
Letter reveals new Tory program (new sponsorship program )
Globe and Mail OTTAWA --
Heritage Minister Bev Oda asked Conservative MPs to suggest which events should get money from a new sponsorship program even before rules for the $30-million plan have been established. In an April 18 note to Tory MPs, Ms. Oda insisted that the program will be run diligently, with "clear funding criteria" to establish which cultural events will get money. But she also asked MPs from her party to suggest events in their ridings that should get grants. New Democratic Party MP Charlie Angus, who found a copy of the letter in the committee-session room that the Conservatives use for caucus meetings, said the questionnaire suggests that the Tory government plans to use its new sponsorship program as a partisan slush fund.
"It's pork-barrelling," he said. "Arts and heritage groups should be able to apply for relevant projects. They shouldn't be given out as favours through the Conservative Party to ridings that vote Conservative."After Mr. Angus held a press conference to make the letter public, Ms. Oda announced in the Commons yesterday that she would also send the letter to MPs from other parties. "The program does not yet exist," she said. "The government wants to address the real needs of our communities, and we will do it through a fully accountable and transparent process." Ms. Oda left the Commons through a back door after Question Period. A spokeswoman, Véronique Bruneau, declined to say whether Ms. Oda decided to ask MPs from other parties for input after her note to Tories was made public. "I think it shows that she got caught in the headlights of accountability," Mr. Angus said.
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Don Quixote: Hopefully our local M.P. used the 8 day head start to promote Funtastic and our local Art Gallery any other elgible groups in his riding etc. ??
Heritage Minister Bev Oda asked Conservative MPs to suggest which events should get money from a new sponsorship program even before rules for the $30-million plan have been established. In an April 18 note to Tory MPs, Ms. Oda insisted that the program will be run diligently, with "clear funding criteria" to establish which cultural events will get money. But she also asked MPs from her party to suggest events in their ridings that should get grants. New Democratic Party MP Charlie Angus, who found a copy of the letter in the committee-session room that the Conservatives use for caucus meetings, said the questionnaire suggests that the Tory government plans to use its new sponsorship program as a partisan slush fund.
"It's pork-barrelling," he said. "Arts and heritage groups should be able to apply for relevant projects. They shouldn't be given out as favours through the Conservative Party to ridings that vote Conservative."After Mr. Angus held a press conference to make the letter public, Ms. Oda announced in the Commons yesterday that she would also send the letter to MPs from other parties. "The program does not yet exist," she said. "The government wants to address the real needs of our communities, and we will do it through a fully accountable and transparent process." Ms. Oda left the Commons through a back door after Question Period. A spokeswoman, Véronique Bruneau, declined to say whether Ms. Oda decided to ask MPs from other parties for input after her note to Tories was made public. "I think it shows that she got caught in the headlights of accountability," Mr. Angus said.
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Don Quixote: Hopefully our local M.P. used the 8 day head start to promote Funtastic and our local Art Gallery any other elgible groups in his riding etc. ??
Paying For Water Must Be Fair to All
(Pete McIntyre) http://www.1075kiss.com/news/headlines/
The chairman of Greater Vernon Services says its too soon to say what's the best way to pay for water upgrades. Gary Corner says the G-V-S committee has been looking into the issue for several months, and he expects a decision by this summer. 'Some of the questions that we need answered as far as which type of billing system would be the fairest across the community. I think that's the way, whatever we decide on its got to be fair to everybody.' There's been criticism of hiking user fees to fund the improvements, as all the benefiting properties don't contribute. Local taxpayer groups are calling for it to be financed through taxation which is one of the options being considered.Business Class to benifit at expense of Residential Class or will they? Answer at 2 PM in Council Chambers.
Today at 2 PM Vernon City Council will decide on the final tax rates that will be charged for 2007. In order to decrease the burden on the Business Class from a 3.2 ratio to a 2.72 ratio from a residential tax point of view these are the implications:
- If the Utility rates rates are left at their present 6.5 ratio the 15,295 residential folios will pay an average increase of $23.08 compared with $17.65 if the utility ratio is hiked to 17.22 (rate of 40 /1000 of assessed value).
- The average house that would have been taxed 646.44 for municipal taxes (exclusive of fire) at the original 3.2 business tax ratio shakeout will now be charged $31.50 more at the 6.5 Utility Ratio or only $26.00 more at the $40 rate or 17.22 Utility ratio.
Naturally the council could ameliorate (def: to make a situation better or more tolerable) the residential taxpayer by using the more than $460,000 left over from the 2006 operating surplus or the $90,000 from the airport profits over last 3 years etc and eliminate the tax increase of either $353,000 or $270,000.
If the Utility rate does not move to the higher rate this year but is put over and raised to this level next year the 2008 revenue loss if the new Control building comes on line will be $537,842. (That's almost enough to pay for a roundabout!)
From ’chaos to stability’
By Vernon Daily Courier staff Wednesday, April 25, 2007 http://www.dailycourier.ca/stories.php?id=40725
A wing of Howard House men‘s shelter has taken on a new look after residents renovated their rooms. Each room cost around $500 to refurbish including new paint, throw carpets, pictures and other amenities. Barb Levesque, executive director of John Howard Society of North Okanagan/Kootenay, said donations from the community paid for the material and the residents did all the work. The house is divided into different stages. The first stage is where men staying at the facility live in a dorm with numerous beds. From there, they can move into smaller rooms with two beds and finally to their own private room. Each person must earn their way into the private quarters by getting a job, paying rent and proving they have the desire to support themselves. Levesque said not all of the men want to take that path, but for those who do the opportunity is there. While living at Howard House, the men are assisted in finding work, they can take counselling and a variety of programs are available to them. They can rent a room for up to 12 months. “It‘s a co-operative type thing,” Levesque said of the living quarters that have a common kitchen and washing facilities. “They form a bit of a community. They answer to each other. We expect them to act the same way as any community.”
Rent is $450 a month and the residents have a chance to purchase a few possessions and save up some money before moving out and getting their own place. “They manage their own affairs,” said Levesque, adding the men are moving from “chaos to stability.” Renovating the rooms themselves also gives the men a sense of ownership and pride. Donations for the renovations came from the Vernon Teachers Association, Upper Room Mission, the Alliance Church and Shelby Wall. Levesque said there are nine more rooms that need to be renovated and once again the facility is looking for donations.
A wing of Howard House men‘s shelter has taken on a new look after residents renovated their rooms. Each room cost around $500 to refurbish including new paint, throw carpets, pictures and other amenities. Barb Levesque, executive director of John Howard Society of North Okanagan/Kootenay, said donations from the community paid for the material and the residents did all the work. The house is divided into different stages. The first stage is where men staying at the facility live in a dorm with numerous beds. From there, they can move into smaller rooms with two beds and finally to their own private room. Each person must earn their way into the private quarters by getting a job, paying rent and proving they have the desire to support themselves. Levesque said not all of the men want to take that path, but for those who do the opportunity is there. While living at Howard House, the men are assisted in finding work, they can take counselling and a variety of programs are available to them. They can rent a room for up to 12 months. “It‘s a co-operative type thing,” Levesque said of the living quarters that have a common kitchen and washing facilities. “They form a bit of a community. They answer to each other. We expect them to act the same way as any community.”
Rent is $450 a month and the residents have a chance to purchase a few possessions and save up some money before moving out and getting their own place. “They manage their own affairs,” said Levesque, adding the men are moving from “chaos to stability.” Renovating the rooms themselves also gives the men a sense of ownership and pride. Donations for the renovations came from the Vernon Teachers Association, Upper Room Mission, the Alliance Church and Shelby Wall. Levesque said there are nine more rooms that need to be renovated and once again the facility is looking for donations.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
N O T I C E Of SPECIAL REGULAR OPEN MEETING
N O T I C E Of SPECIAL REGULAR OPEN MEETING City of Vernon
A Special Regular Open meeting of Council will be held Thursday, April 26, 2007, commencing at 2:00 pm in Council Chambers at Vernon City Hall, 3400 – 30 Street, to review and consider First, Second and Third Readings of the “City of Vernon 2007 Tax Rates Bylaw Number 5073, 2007” – a bylaw for the levying of rates for 2007 tax rates.
AGENDA FOR SPECIAL MEETING
AGENDA BACKUP DOCUMENTS (Proposed Tax rates options etc.)
A Special Regular Open meeting of Council will be held Thursday, April 26, 2007, commencing at 2:00 pm in Council Chambers at Vernon City Hall, 3400 – 30 Street, to review and consider First, Second and Third Readings of the “City of Vernon 2007 Tax Rates Bylaw Number 5073, 2007” – a bylaw for the levying of rates for 2007 tax rates.
AGENDA FOR SPECIAL MEETING
AGENDA BACKUP DOCUMENTS (Proposed Tax rates options etc.)
Who's hot, who's not on city council
–managing editor Scott Neufeld Editorial http://www.dailycourier.ca/
At the top of this week’s hot list is mayor Wayne Lippert who took on a more dominant leadership role at the latest council meeting. Council has to sift through many motions and bylaws each meeting and it’s often tough to get a mover and seconder on each item. But like a teacher picking out lazy students, Lippert was calling out councillors left and right to move
motions and keep the meeting rolling at a steady pace. Now if only someone could convince him to raise his hand and vote with the rest of council like he’s supposed to . . .
motions and keep the meeting rolling at a steady pace. Now if only someone could convince him to raise his hand and vote with the rest of council like he’s supposed to . . .
Landing on the cold list this week is Coun. Jack Gilroy for his opposition to the region’s air quality agenda. With so many communities that are lax on air quality issues in the North Okanagan it’s important for Vernon to take a leadership role. This means tougher standards and measures that may be unpopular among orchardists, but will help everyone breathe easier.
Coun. Pat Cochrane earned extra hot points this week for digging in to the issue of the city’s tax rates. There is probably no more boring and complicated issue than the tax structure, but Cochrane took the time to ask questions and made sure he understood what was at stake. Something many other councillors seem too shy to do while the TV cameras are rolling.
In the same vein, Coun. Juliette Cunningham earns a cold rating for proposing a deferral of a decision on the tax structure. Cunningham cited a flood of new information as the reason for the delay. However, the basic details were already printed in the Vernon Daily Courier last September and followed up in a city hall report a month later. Several councillors, simply didn’t take the time to do their homework on the implications, delaying a decision that would have given local businesses a tax break.
Making a rare appearance on the cold side is Coun. Patrick Nicol for bringing up the issue of giving tax breaks to lakeshore property owners who struggle to pay their property taxes. This issue is often brought up at council and is misunderstood. If a pensioner owns a high-priced piece of land and can’t pay the taxes there are many options allowing them not to pay their taxes until they sell the property. This issue shouldn’t be raised anymore.
Coun. Barry Beardsell flashes cold to hot for being so agreeable at Monday’s meeting. It was the first meeting in recent memory where there wasn’t a single occasion where Beardsell was outvoted by the entire council. Cunningham even went so far as to commend Beardsell for his positivity.
Not much to say about Coun. Buffy Baumbrough who didn’t have much to say at the meeting. She’s cold this week.
Utility Tax Rate Reviewed
(Pete McIntyre) http://www.1075kiss.com/news/headlines/
Vernon's tax rate for 2007 will be decided at a special meeting of city council tomorrow. Council is considering a proposal that would increase the rate utility companies pay. Up until now, Vernon’s rate has been much lower than other cities with power transmission centres. Councillor Pat Cochrane has some concerns. 'We've more than doubled the utility rate in one year, I think that's a substantial increase ans sure its easy to say they can afford it but somebody - somewhere still has to pay for it.' Councillor Patrick Nicol is upset that under the plan, all of the increased revenue would go towards businesses, instead of the residential taxpayer.
Vernon's tax rate for 2007 will be decided at a special meeting of city council tomorrow. Council is considering a proposal that would increase the rate utility companies pay. Up until now, Vernon’s rate has been much lower than other cities with power transmission centres. Councillor Pat Cochrane has some concerns. 'We've more than doubled the utility rate in one year, I think that's a substantial increase ans sure its easy to say they can afford it but somebody - somewhere still has to pay for it.' Councillor Patrick Nicol is upset that under the plan, all of the increased revenue would go towards businesses, instead of the residential taxpayer.
Parking Ticket Quota Bonus (Kelowna)
by Kelly Hayes - Story: 29099April 25, 2007 Castanet
Impark is not saying, but the City of Kelowna is convinced the extra money isn't being offered as an incentive to write more parking tickets. Impark takes over from the Corps of Commissionaires next month. Part of the contract with Impark includes a bonus for anything above 40,000 paid tickets in a year. The Commissionaires had a similar contract where they were paid $1 a ticket above 30,000 written tickets in a year. The Commissionaires hit the mark once in its five year contract and say that its employees did not know about the bonus. "It's not something the rank and file know about," says Commissionaires Operations Manager, Pat Patterson. "Because we don't want them to go out there and write more tickets." He says the extra money collected last year ($3,000) went into general revenue. Despite repeated calls to Impark, the company refuses to comment about its new contract.
Impark is not saying, but the City of Kelowna is convinced the extra money isn't being offered as an incentive to write more parking tickets. Impark takes over from the Corps of Commissionaires next month. Part of the contract with Impark includes a bonus for anything above 40,000 paid tickets in a year. The Commissionaires had a similar contract where they were paid $1 a ticket above 30,000 written tickets in a year. The Commissionaires hit the mark once in its five year contract and say that its employees did not know about the bonus. "It's not something the rank and file know about," says Commissionaires Operations Manager, Pat Patterson. "Because we don't want them to go out there and write more tickets." He says the extra money collected last year ($3,000) went into general revenue. Despite repeated calls to Impark, the company refuses to comment about its new contract.
North Vancouver gardener loses home over grow-op
Susan Lazaruk, The ProvincePublished: Wednesday, April 25, 2007 Canada.com
A woman with a green thumb -- featured in Gardens West magazine for growing clematis that enveloped her small two-storey house in North Vancouver -- was growing more than the flowering vine. Judy Ann Craig lost her home when it was seized in a ruling by the B.C. Court of Appeal yesterday after she was busted for growing marijuana inside the house. Craig was originally given a year's conditional sentence, a $100,000 fine and a $15,000 victim surcharge after pleading guilty two years ago to production of a controlled substance by Provincial Court Judge Judith Gedye.
Federal Crown prosecutors won an appeal to have the $567,000 house in the Lonsdale area forfeited to the government as proceeds of crime under federal drug laws. Craig's lawyer, Howard Rubin, argued the law was designed to deal with organized crime, not an "independent" entrepreneur like Craig, but the appeal judges disagreed. The 54-year-old former realtor grew more than $100,000 worth of marijuana in her 1,000-square-foot home from 1998 until her 2003 arrest, court heard. Craig, who told court she used her earnings to improve her garden and posed for a 2002 gardening article, said customers included friends sick with AIDS as well as tradespeople and professionals. Her accountant had even filed tax returns, claiming 70 per cent of the house for business use, $30,000 in startup costs, plus the cost of hired help for trimming, cloning and transplanting. Craig now faces a $250,000 bill for unpaid taxes.
A woman with a green thumb -- featured in Gardens West magazine for growing clematis that enveloped her small two-storey house in North Vancouver -- was growing more than the flowering vine. Judy Ann Craig lost her home when it was seized in a ruling by the B.C. Court of Appeal yesterday after she was busted for growing marijuana inside the house. Craig was originally given a year's conditional sentence, a $100,000 fine and a $15,000 victim surcharge after pleading guilty two years ago to production of a controlled substance by Provincial Court Judge Judith Gedye.
Federal Crown prosecutors won an appeal to have the $567,000 house in the Lonsdale area forfeited to the government as proceeds of crime under federal drug laws. Craig's lawyer, Howard Rubin, argued the law was designed to deal with organized crime, not an "independent" entrepreneur like Craig, but the appeal judges disagreed. The 54-year-old former realtor grew more than $100,000 worth of marijuana in her 1,000-square-foot home from 1998 until her 2003 arrest, court heard. Craig, who told court she used her earnings to improve her garden and posed for a 2002 gardening article, said customers included friends sick with AIDS as well as tradespeople and professionals. Her accountant had even filed tax returns, claiming 70 per cent of the house for business use, $30,000 in startup costs, plus the cost of hired help for trimming, cloning and transplanting. Craig now faces a $250,000 bill for unpaid taxes.
107.5 KISSFM NEWS BRIEFS
City Looks to Protect Heritage Buildings .(Pete McIntyre) http://www.1075kiss.com/news/headlines/
The city of Vernon is looking at ways to protect and preserve privately-owned heritage buildings. Council is considering certain incentives for heritage owners to prevent the older buildings from being demolished. Councillor Patrick Nicol feels the city has to find ways to encourage the owners. 'At some point we are simply going to have to value these properties and identify them and reward them or they simply will not exist. They'll be gone.' Nicol would like the city to consider a heritage tax relief program which he says has been a success in Kelowna. Council has referred the issue to its Heritage Advisory Committee for input.
Commenting on his re-election, Malcom Dunn said, "I am honoured that my fellow Board members feel positive about the DVA’s accomplishments over the past year and the overall direction we are going." "We have had to make some hard decisions on downtown security last year but thanks to the support of our Security Partners we have made a noticeable difference." "I expect that security will remain a topic of interest over the coming year," said Dunn, "but our new Board is not going to forget the DVA has an important leadership role to play in many other areas including special events, downtown development, marketing, mural tours, etc." He concluded, "I am looking forward to working with the new Board, the membership and the staff so we can have another productive year for the DVA." (News release)
The city of Vernon is looking at ways to protect and preserve privately-owned heritage buildings. Council is considering certain incentives for heritage owners to prevent the older buildings from being demolished. Councillor Patrick Nicol feels the city has to find ways to encourage the owners. 'At some point we are simply going to have to value these properties and identify them and reward them or they simply will not exist. They'll be gone.' Nicol would like the city to consider a heritage tax relief program which he says has been a success in Kelowna. Council has referred the issue to its Heritage Advisory Committee for input.
DVA Announces New Executive
The Downtown Vernon Association’s Board of Directors has announced it has selected the organization’s executive officers for 2007/08. Topping the executive officers list is Malcom Dunn of Kal-Mor Mortgages who has been elected as DVA
President, a position he held last year. Nola Neilson of Creatabls Clothing will continue as Vice President for the DVA. The Treasurer will be Shannon Collins of Valley First Credit Union who moves onto the DVA executive for the first time. The organization’s Secretary is Mary Jo O’Keefe of MJO Communications. The new DVA officers were elected at the organization’s Board of Directors meeting and retreat on April 21st.
The Downtown Vernon Association’s Board of Directors has announced it has selected the organization’s executive officers for 2007/08. Topping the executive officers list is Malcom Dunn of Kal-Mor Mortgages who has been elected as DVA
President, a position he held last year. Nola Neilson of Creatabls Clothing will continue as Vice President for the DVA. The Treasurer will be Shannon Collins of Valley First Credit Union who moves onto the DVA executive for the first time. The organization’s Secretary is Mary Jo O’Keefe of MJO Communications. The new DVA officers were elected at the organization’s Board of Directors meeting and retreat on April 21st.Commenting on his re-election, Malcom Dunn said, "I am honoured that my fellow Board members feel positive about the DVA’s accomplishments over the past year and the overall direction we are going." "We have had to make some hard decisions on downtown security last year but thanks to the support of our Security Partners we have made a noticeable difference." "I expect that security will remain a topic of interest over the coming year," said Dunn, "but our new Board is not going to forget the DVA has an important leadership role to play in many other areas including special events, downtown development, marketing, mural tours, etc." He concluded, "I am looking forward to working with the new Board, the membership and the staff so we can have another productive year for the DVA." (News release)
Tories go on green crusade
Leaked environmental plan promises to cut greenhouse gases by 20% and ban standard lightbulbs
http://calsun.canoe.ca/News/National/2007/04/25/4128130-sun.html
OTTAWA -- The government promises to ban inefficient light bulbs, cut greenhouse gas emissions by 20% and dramatically reduce air pollution as part of a national environmental initiative. Details of the long-awaited plan unexpectedly became public late yesterday after a speech Environment Minister John Baird intended to deliver later this week was faxed by mistake to the opposition Liberals. The premature release of the plan capped a bizarre evening of claims and counter-claims that put a dent in the young government's reputation for discipline. "It was mistakenly faxed to the wrong fax machine," Baird said. "I'm the minister. I take responsibility for that. That's unusual in this town."
The blueprint, dubbed the Turning the Corner plan, includes various measures to stop the rise of greenhouse gases in three to five years. "The previous government was never able to put on the brakes," the speech says. "We will do that beginning today." Once halted, the government plans to reduce greenhouse gases, so that by 2020, Canada will have cut them by 150 million tonnes. That represents 20% of current emissions. The government also plans to impose targets on industry so that air pollution is slashed in half by 2015. To reduce greenhouse gases, the government plans to impose "strict targets" for industry. Firms will be able to make in-house reductions, take advantage of domestic emissions trading, purchase offsets, use the Clean Development Mechanism under the Kyoto Protocol, and invest in a technology fund.
In addition to exploring domestic trading, the government will look at future linkages with emissions trading systems in the U.S. and possibly Mexico. That represents something of a change from Conservative policy. Harper and Baird have repeatedly brushed aside requests to take part in any international trading of emissions credits. Companies who reduced their greenhouse gas emissions prior to 2006 will also be rewarded with a one-time credit for early action. Baird's remarks also say the government will announce a ban on conventional incandescent light bulbs today.
All this left the Conservatives dealing with an embarrassing breach of secrecy. Yesterday the Tories flip-flopped and backed a motion in the House of Commons to meet Kyoto targets. Although the spectre of diving straight into Kyoto left the oil and gas sector gasping, as details of what the Tories plan to do in the environmental front started to leak out last night , a lot of those fears dissipated, said oil and gas analyst Peter Linder of DeltaOne Capital Inc. Setting targets for greenhouse gas emission and air pollution reductions was a necessary step for the government, as is it feels the pressure from the Canadian public to do something about the environment, said Linder. But where the Tory plan is more advantageous than Kyoto is in terms of timelines, he said. "2020 is 12-and-a-half years away and that's a long time from now ... so it's really buying time," said Linder.
"This is something that is reasonable, that I think will make Canadians happy, make most politicians happy and it's far enough away not to have a big impact on our economy, on Alberta and on the oil and gas industry." Implementing the Kyoto Protocol, as it's laid out in its written form, would cripple industry from coast to coast, send energy commodities soaring and force unemployment and interest rates to sky rocket, said Linder. "It will hurt everybody -- everybody working on the oil and gas industry, everybody ... in the steel industry, everybody working in the automobile industry ... every industry you can name," he said.
http://calsun.canoe.ca/News/National/2007/04/25/4128130-sun.html
OTTAWA -- The government promises to ban inefficient light bulbs, cut greenhouse gas emissions by 20% and dramatically reduce air pollution as part of a national environmental initiative. Details of the long-awaited plan unexpectedly became public late yesterday after a speech Environment Minister John Baird intended to deliver later this week was faxed by mistake to the opposition Liberals. The premature release of the plan capped a bizarre evening of claims and counter-claims that put a dent in the young government's reputation for discipline. "It was mistakenly faxed to the wrong fax machine," Baird said. "I'm the minister. I take responsibility for that. That's unusual in this town."
The blueprint, dubbed the Turning the Corner plan, includes various measures to stop the rise of greenhouse gases in three to five years. "The previous government was never able to put on the brakes," the speech says. "We will do that beginning today." Once halted, the government plans to reduce greenhouse gases, so that by 2020, Canada will have cut them by 150 million tonnes. That represents 20% of current emissions. The government also plans to impose targets on industry so that air pollution is slashed in half by 2015. To reduce greenhouse gases, the government plans to impose "strict targets" for industry. Firms will be able to make in-house reductions, take advantage of domestic emissions trading, purchase offsets, use the Clean Development Mechanism under the Kyoto Protocol, and invest in a technology fund.
In addition to exploring domestic trading, the government will look at future linkages with emissions trading systems in the U.S. and possibly Mexico. That represents something of a change from Conservative policy. Harper and Baird have repeatedly brushed aside requests to take part in any international trading of emissions credits. Companies who reduced their greenhouse gas emissions prior to 2006 will also be rewarded with a one-time credit for early action. Baird's remarks also say the government will announce a ban on conventional incandescent light bulbs today.
All this left the Conservatives dealing with an embarrassing breach of secrecy. Yesterday the Tories flip-flopped and backed a motion in the House of Commons to meet Kyoto targets. Although the spectre of diving straight into Kyoto left the oil and gas sector gasping, as details of what the Tories plan to do in the environmental front started to leak out last night , a lot of those fears dissipated, said oil and gas analyst Peter Linder of DeltaOne Capital Inc. Setting targets for greenhouse gas emission and air pollution reductions was a necessary step for the government, as is it feels the pressure from the Canadian public to do something about the environment, said Linder. But where the Tory plan is more advantageous than Kyoto is in terms of timelines, he said. "2020 is 12-and-a-half years away and that's a long time from now ... so it's really buying time," said Linder.
"This is something that is reasonable, that I think will make Canadians happy, make most politicians happy and it's far enough away not to have a big impact on our economy, on Alberta and on the oil and gas industry." Implementing the Kyoto Protocol, as it's laid out in its written form, would cripple industry from coast to coast, send energy commodities soaring and force unemployment and interest rates to sky rocket, said Linder. "It will hurt everybody -- everybody working on the oil and gas industry, everybody ... in the steel industry, everybody working in the automobile industry ... every industry you can name," he said.
City ponders facility options
By RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star StaffApr 25 2007 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/
Parolees will soon have an official residence in Vernon. Corrections Canada is currently considering proposals from two organizations to establish a halfway house in the community. “We will spend the next 10 days considering how the bids will best serve the city and we will announce the successful bid May 14,” said Lisa Bayne, community engagement co-ordinator with Corrections Canada. It’s anticipated it would take a year for a facility to open. A halfway house was closed after the murder of 75-year-old Bill Abramenko in 2004. Eric Fish, who has been charged with the death, was missing from the facility at the time of the incident. The two organizations that propose to operate a new facility made presentations to city council Monday.
“Every attempt is being made to do the right thing. There is a lot of sensitivity to the concerns (of the community),” said Coun. Juliette Cunningham. After the Abramenko murder, many residents opposed a halfway house ever being in Vernon again. But civic leaders admit there is a need for such a facility. “There are parolees in our community any way and they are not managed in a structured way that you have at a halfway house. It makes sense to have them managed,” said Cunningham. Cunningham is confident there have been changes in how parolees are dealt with, including hiring a community corrections liaison officer at the RCMP detachment.
The RCMP are aware of the two proposals. “I support a halfway house if it is well managed,” said Insp. Steve McVarnock. “If we have services for them to reintegrate, it’s better for me to know where they are than being in the underground.” Bayne says the successful applicant will work with Corrections Canada, the city and the RCMP, and details of a 2004 agreement between her agency and the city will be followed. Following the recommendations of a community advisory panel, a smaller facility will be opened. It will have 12 beds, including two emergency beds. There will also be restrictions on what kind of parolees can’t stay at the facility, such as dangerous sex offenders. Prior to a new halfway house opening, there would also be a public consultation process. “We want a safe community in Vernon and the best way to do that is to provide offenders with services and housing and to release them gradually,” said Bayne.
News that Vernon will again be home to a halfway house for parolees will undoubtedly spark concern for some residents. Vernon has served as a home for convicted offenders before and has good reason to feel hesitant about another halfway house. After all, a former resident of Vernon’s old home for parolees is charged with killing two men after walking away from Howard House in 2004. A halfway house is the ultimate Not In My Backyard issue, but there is good reason for that. The fact remains that criminals convicted once are statistically more likely to commit further offences than your average neighbour.
Any new halfway home’s location is key. It must have minimal impact on the surrounding neighbourhood and maximum benefit to parolees hoping to start their life anew. A new facility should only open once a location is found that minimizes the parolees exposure to Vernon’s drug scene while providing them with accessible services and employment options. And above all, everyone invovled must keep in mind lessons learned from past experiences.
Parolees will soon have an official residence in Vernon. Corrections Canada is currently considering proposals from two organizations to establish a halfway house in the community. “We will spend the next 10 days considering how the bids will best serve the city and we will announce the successful bid May 14,” said Lisa Bayne, community engagement co-ordinator with Corrections Canada. It’s anticipated it would take a year for a facility to open. A halfway house was closed after the murder of 75-year-old Bill Abramenko in 2004. Eric Fish, who has been charged with the death, was missing from the facility at the time of the incident. The two organizations that propose to operate a new facility made presentations to city council Monday.
“Every attempt is being made to do the right thing. There is a lot of sensitivity to the concerns (of the community),” said Coun. Juliette Cunningham. After the Abramenko murder, many residents opposed a halfway house ever being in Vernon again. But civic leaders admit there is a need for such a facility. “There are parolees in our community any way and they are not managed in a structured way that you have at a halfway house. It makes sense to have them managed,” said Cunningham. Cunningham is confident there have been changes in how parolees are dealt with, including hiring a community corrections liaison officer at the RCMP detachment.
The RCMP are aware of the two proposals. “I support a halfway house if it is well managed,” said Insp. Steve McVarnock. “If we have services for them to reintegrate, it’s better for me to know where they are than being in the underground.” Bayne says the successful applicant will work with Corrections Canada, the city and the RCMP, and details of a 2004 agreement between her agency and the city will be followed. Following the recommendations of a community advisory panel, a smaller facility will be opened. It will have 12 beds, including two emergency beds. There will also be restrictions on what kind of parolees can’t stay at the facility, such as dangerous sex offenders. Prior to a new halfway house opening, there would also be a public consultation process. “We want a safe community in Vernon and the best way to do that is to provide offenders with services and housing and to release them gradually,” said Bayne.
--------------------------------
http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/ Editorial 
News that Vernon will again be home to a halfway house for parolees will undoubtedly spark concern for some residents. Vernon has served as a home for convicted offenders before and has good reason to feel hesitant about another halfway house. After all, a former resident of Vernon’s old home for parolees is charged with killing two men after walking away from Howard House in 2004. A halfway house is the ultimate Not In My Backyard issue, but there is good reason for that. The fact remains that criminals convicted once are statistically more likely to commit further offences than your average neighbour.
Yet at the same time, society must do its utmost to reintegrate parolees into everyday life. We cannot, and would not want to, lock up every offender of every offence for life. Halfway houses, which can supervise the day-to-day activities of the recently released, and through which parolees can access vital programs, are key to the ongoing effort to turn convicted criminals into contributing members of society. With that in mind Vernon should keep its mind open to another home. But this city has paid a price before, and any future halfway house should be the result of deep thought and much public consultation.
Any new halfway home’s location is key. It must have minimal impact on the surrounding neighbourhood and maximum benefit to parolees hoping to start their life anew. A new facility should only open once a location is found that minimizes the parolees exposure to Vernon’s drug scene while providing them with accessible services and employment options. And above all, everyone invovled must keep in mind lessons learned from past experiences.
Detox centre under discussion
By DARREN HANDSCHUH Tuesday, April 24, 2007 http://www.dailycourier.ca/stories.php?id=40582
There is a need for a detox centre in Vernon and efforts are underway to establish such a facility in the city. City councillor Juliette Cunningham, 
who is also a member of Partners for a Safe and Healthy Community, said a detox centre is a vital step in addressing drug addiction issues in the community. Cunningham said psychiatrist Dr. Dave Smith met with the group and explained the role the facility would play in the community. Smith was not available for comment Tuesday. Cunningham said she has heard from police they are limited with what they can do when dealing with addicts. “There are few resources to refer them to,” said Cunningham. “There‘s not much in Vernon for intervention.” Cunningham said the group believes an integrated approach is needed to address homeless and addiction issues. “There‘s a huge correlation between the two and there is a huge correlation between addiction and crime,” she said. Cunningham said the hope is to create a shelter with supportive services where people with addiction issues can be referred.
who is also a member of Partners for a Safe and Healthy Community, said a detox centre is a vital step in addressing drug addiction issues in the community. Cunningham said psychiatrist Dr. Dave Smith met with the group and explained the role the facility would play in the community. Smith was not available for comment Tuesday. Cunningham said she has heard from police they are limited with what they can do when dealing with addicts. “There are few resources to refer them to,” said Cunningham. “There‘s not much in Vernon for intervention.” Cunningham said the group believes an integrated approach is needed to address homeless and addiction issues. “There‘s a huge correlation between the two and there is a huge correlation between addiction and crime,” she said. Cunningham said the hope is to create a shelter with supportive services where people with addiction issues can be referred. 
There are currently no 24-hour detox facilities in Vernon. “Everyone who is dealing with these problems recognizes a need for a detox centre,” she said. “A lot of it now is a Band Aid solution. “It always comes down to the funding. What it will take in Vernon is partnerships.” Cunningham said all three levels of government – municipal, federal and provincial – must work together, but that is easier said than done as many agencies are vying for the same money. “It‘s always a challenge because there are so many groups in need.” Ira Roness, Interior Health senior manager of alcohol and drug services for the Okanagan, said there has been discussion about a treatment centre for some time. Roness will meet with the partners organization in May to further discuss the issue.
The only 24-hour treatment centre in the Okanagan is Crossroads in Kelowna, which has only eight beds. Roness said he hasn‘t heard from other communities in the Valley looking for a treatment centre. He added there are other options available such as outpatient care, community care, group and individual counselling and outreach services. Roness said such community-based detox programs can work for some clients and each person must be assessed continually on an individual basis. Partners for a Safe and Healthy Community has a unified goal of addressing and finding solutions for problems in the city. Cunningham said the group coordinates fundraising efforts to ensure different groups are not competing for the same funding. When a problem is identified, an action committee is formed to find a solution.
Mayor takes shot at process
By RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star StaffApr 25 2007 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/
Council was told Monday that the focus group pertaining to youth issues had a poor turnout and other options are being considered to get youth involved in the review. As part of creating a new 2008 OCP, a consultant looked at the status of industrial and commercial land in Vernon. In the past decade, only 30,000-square-feet of new industrial space has been developed, while there has been 2.4 million-square-feet of commercial space in the last five years at the north end of town. Among the challenges for establishing industry is the cost of land, the pressure to rezone it for commercial and conflicts with other land uses such as agriculture. City staff and consultants have also looked at a number of growth scenarios for Vernon and the capacity for more residential housing.
Vernon’s mayor is increasingly concerned the
official community plan review is ignoring youth and their need for jobs. Mayor Wayne Lippert was shocked to learn Monday that OCP focus group discussions included a lack of housing for young people, but there was no mention of employment. “A majority are going out of town because the money is somewhere else,” he told his colleagues. “That’s an area we need to look at a little harder than just housing.” For Lippert, there is a need to attract good-paying jobs to Vernon so young people can stay here, purchase homes and raise families. “It’s very important. If we want to keep youth here, we have to look at it,” he said.
official community plan review is ignoring youth and their need for jobs. Mayor Wayne Lippert was shocked to learn Monday that OCP focus group discussions included a lack of housing for young people, but there was no mention of employment. “A majority are going out of town because the money is somewhere else,” he told his colleagues. “That’s an area we need to look at a little harder than just housing.” For Lippert, there is a need to attract good-paying jobs to Vernon so young people can stay here, purchase homes and raise families. “It’s very important. If we want to keep youth here, we have to look at it,” he said. Council was told Monday that the focus group pertaining to youth issues had a poor turnout and other options are being considered to get youth involved in the review. As part of creating a new 2008 OCP, a consultant looked at the status of industrial and commercial land in Vernon. In the past decade, only 30,000-square-feet of new industrial space has been developed, while there has been 2.4 million-square-feet of commercial space in the last five years at the north end of town. Among the challenges for establishing industry is the cost of land, the pressure to rezone it for commercial and conflicts with other land uses such as agriculture. City staff and consultants have also looked at a number of growth scenarios for Vernon and the capacity for more residential housing.
It was suggested that East Hill is already at 77 per cent of maximum density, but that brought 
protests from Coun. Barry Beardsell. “If you asked people in East Hill, they’d say, ‘Go to hell. We are at maximum capacity now,” he said. Beardsell also raised concerns about housing density in Okanagan Landing, where residents have hotly debated the issue over the years. And while there is the perception that high-rise towers and multiple-unit projects will allow more people to have homes, the cost of land and construction may prevent that. “It may not reduce the cost of housing,” said Coun. Patrick Nicol.
protests from Coun. Barry Beardsell. “If you asked people in East Hill, they’d say, ‘Go to hell. We are at maximum capacity now,” he said. Beardsell also raised concerns about housing density in Okanagan Landing, where residents have hotly debated the issue over the years. And while there is the perception that high-rise towers and multiple-unit projects will allow more people to have homes, the cost of land and construction may prevent that. “It may not reduce the cost of housing,” said Coun. Patrick Nicol. City reduces service reviews
By RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star StaffApr 25 2007 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/
The City of Vernon is easing up substantially when it comes to scrutinizing regional functions.
On Monday, council agreed to back out of formal reviews for seven services provided by the North Okanagan Regional District. “That brings the reviews down to a practical level,” said Coun. Barry Beardsell, who is involved in the process. No longer part of the review are parks and recreation, the Multiplex, victims assistance, regional development services, Greater Vernon governance, the Okanagan Basin Water Board and the Sterile Insect Release program.
The city had originally sought 19 reviews of functions to determine efficiency. In March, six other reviews were abandoned after discussions between city and NORD officials.
Among the six remaining are water, general government for NORD and emergency services such as the Jaws of Life. In terms of the Okanagan Basin Water Board and SIR, the city has decided that any operational changes rest with Victoria because they were formed under provincial legislation. “NORD has done as much as it can and it needs to be dealt with at the provincial level,” said Beardsell. Much of the focus will be on the basin water board, which deals with milfoil control and improving water quality. “It was set up with unclear terms of reference on how it should operate. A number of things need to be determined,” said Beardsell.
The City of Vernon is easing up substantially when it comes to scrutinizing regional functions.
On Monday, council agreed to back out of formal reviews for seven services provided by the North Okanagan Regional District. “That brings the reviews down to a practical level,” said Coun. Barry Beardsell, who is involved in the process. No longer part of the review are parks and recreation, the Multiplex, victims assistance, regional development services, Greater Vernon governance, the Okanagan Basin Water Board and the Sterile Insect Release program.
The city had originally sought 19 reviews of functions to determine efficiency. In March, six other reviews were abandoned after discussions between city and NORD officials.
Among the six remaining are water, general government for NORD and emergency services such as the Jaws of Life. In terms of the Okanagan Basin Water Board and SIR, the city has decided that any operational changes rest with Victoria because they were formed under provincial legislation. “NORD has done as much as it can and it needs to be dealt with at the provincial level,” said Beardsell. Much of the focus will be on the basin water board, which deals with milfoil control and improving water quality. “It was set up with unclear terms of reference on how it should operate. A number of things need to be determined,” said Beardsell.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
City looks to reduce limit for lawsuits
By Western News StaffApr 22 2007 http://www.pentictonwesternnews.com/
Penticton officials are praising proposed changes that could reduce the city’s exposure to civil lawsuits. The Union of British Columbia Municipalities is lobbying the provincial government to reduce the window for lawsuits to 10 years from 30 years. “We look at it as an improvement,” said acting mayor Rory McIvor, who described the current window of 30 years as “excessive” because it could expose the city to frivolous lawsuits. With the smaller window, the city would able to defend itself better, he said.
The 30-year limitation causes several difficulties for municipalities, according to a legal opinion from the city’s lawyer Richard Thompson. They include excessive costs for lengthy record keeping and tracking down witnesses who moved on or died. The opinion also noted that the current limitation could make local government responsible for all or a significant portion of a judgment awarded because other defendants go out of business or liquidate their assets during the limitation period. The new 10-year limitation period would spread the liability to where it belongs in such cases, said McIvor.
Penticton officials are praising proposed changes that could reduce the city’s exposure to civil lawsuits. The Union of British Columbia Municipalities is lobbying the provincial government to reduce the window for lawsuits to 10 years from 30 years. “We look at it as an improvement,” said acting mayor Rory McIvor, who described the current window of 30 years as “excessive” because it could expose the city to frivolous lawsuits. With the smaller window, the city would able to defend itself better, he said.
The 30-year limitation causes several difficulties for municipalities, according to a legal opinion from the city’s lawyer Richard Thompson. They include excessive costs for lengthy record keeping and tracking down witnesses who moved on or died. The opinion also noted that the current limitation could make local government responsible for all or a significant portion of a judgment awarded because other defendants go out of business or liquidate their assets during the limitation period. The new 10-year limitation period would spread the liability to where it belongs in such cases, said McIvor.
Regional district must reinvent itself, says Hobson
By Jason LuciwWestside ReporterApr 22 2007 http://www.kelownacapnews.com/
Regardless of what Westsiders decide in this spring’s referendum, the time has come for the Central Okanagan Regional District to rethink its role in local governance, says the chairman of the regional board. “I’ve had the unique opportunity to be your ‘mayor’ for 14 years,” said Robert Hobson at the conclusion of the last Westside Governance Committee earlier this month. Following the committee’s final meeting, Hobson confirmed his expectations that a review would be done on the role of the regional district as a whole. But, even before the committee’s recommendation to hold a June 16 referendum, Hobson had started looking at how the regional district’s purview would need to evolve. Whichever of the three options Westsiders choose, CORD has a cohesive role to play among all municipalities and unincorporated areas, said Hobson “Whatever decision is made, I know it will be the best for the Westside. “And, it will hopefully lift the burden off me and the regional district.”
The Westside’s massive growth in recent years has posed unique challenges for the regional district, which Hobson said would need to be seriously addressed if Westsiders chose to remain an unincorporated area. “We would immediately need to seek added powers,” he said. “Most importantly we would need control over our roads. “We would need to ask the province to make the appropriate changes so that the regional district could collect development cost charges,” said Hobson. Under the current structure, developers can offer voluntary gifts to the regional district to cover costs of future road maintenance and services. But, new subdivisions place far more pressure on roads and services than volunteer gifting covers. The City of Kelowna, for example, has managed to place millions of dollars in various reserves through the development cost charge structure, which it is permitted to have as a city. “And subdivision approvals would be something we really needed control over,” Hobson noted. Currently, the B.C. Ministry of Transportation approves subdivisions and maintains roads in all regional districts.
Should incorporation or amalgamation with Kelowna become the Westside’s new reality, Hobson said the regional district will still need to rethink itself. “There must be some soul searching…certainly change would not happen quickly.” Hobson doesn’t foresee a restructuring study being needed. Rather, he said he sees the regional district repositioning itself to take leadership roles in the areas of transportation and transit, regional parks and long-term planning for the whole Central Okanagan. “We’ve gone many years since the regional district was first established without really rethinking our role,” he said. With the governance referendum now slated for June, he said it makes sense to now sit down with the CORD board and “brainstorm” on the functions of the regional district for the future.
Regardless of what Westsiders decide in this spring’s referendum, the time has come for the Central Okanagan Regional District to rethink its role in local governance, says the chairman of the regional board. “I’ve had the unique opportunity to be your ‘mayor’ for 14 years,” said Robert Hobson at the conclusion of the last Westside Governance Committee earlier this month. Following the committee’s final meeting, Hobson confirmed his expectations that a review would be done on the role of the regional district as a whole. But, even before the committee’s recommendation to hold a June 16 referendum, Hobson had started looking at how the regional district’s purview would need to evolve. Whichever of the three options Westsiders choose, CORD has a cohesive role to play among all municipalities and unincorporated areas, said Hobson “Whatever decision is made, I know it will be the best for the Westside. “And, it will hopefully lift the burden off me and the regional district.”
The Westside’s massive growth in recent years has posed unique challenges for the regional district, which Hobson said would need to be seriously addressed if Westsiders chose to remain an unincorporated area. “We would immediately need to seek added powers,” he said. “Most importantly we would need control over our roads. “We would need to ask the province to make the appropriate changes so that the regional district could collect development cost charges,” said Hobson. Under the current structure, developers can offer voluntary gifts to the regional district to cover costs of future road maintenance and services. But, new subdivisions place far more pressure on roads and services than volunteer gifting covers. The City of Kelowna, for example, has managed to place millions of dollars in various reserves through the development cost charge structure, which it is permitted to have as a city. “And subdivision approvals would be something we really needed control over,” Hobson noted. Currently, the B.C. Ministry of Transportation approves subdivisions and maintains roads in all regional districts.
Should incorporation or amalgamation with Kelowna become the Westside’s new reality, Hobson said the regional district will still need to rethink itself. “There must be some soul searching…certainly change would not happen quickly.” Hobson doesn’t foresee a restructuring study being needed. Rather, he said he sees the regional district repositioning itself to take leadership roles in the areas of transportation and transit, regional parks and long-term planning for the whole Central Okanagan. “We’ve gone many years since the regional district was first established without really rethinking our role,” he said. With the governance referendum now slated for June, he said it makes sense to now sit down with the CORD board and “brainstorm” on the functions of the regional district for the future.
RUNWAY IMPROVEMENTS BOOST SAFETY
Gov. B.C.
MERRITT – Provincial funding of $50,000 for runway work at the Merritt
Airport will improve the operational safety of the 
airport, announced Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon today. “Investing in local airports will help provide new economic opportunities, and ensure safer and more reliable air services,” said Falcon. “These upgrades will make it easier and safer for planes to manoeuvre while on the ground.” The funding will go towards constructing turnarounds at either end of the airport’s runway, establishing more room for pilots to move and position aircraft. The contribution is from the ministry’s Transportation Partnerships Program, which provides funding in partnership with the operators of airport and port facilities. The project is being completed in partnership with the City of Merritt, which owns and operates the airport. The total project is budgeted for $150,000, with work expected to be completed in the spring or summer of this year. Increased usage of the airport is anticipated, including charter services, associated with major resort and recreational property developments in the area.
MERRITT – Provincial funding of $50,000 for runway work at the Merritt
Airport will improve the operational safety of the 
airport, announced Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon today. “Investing in local airports will help provide new economic opportunities, and ensure safer and more reliable air services,” said Falcon. “These upgrades will make it easier and safer for planes to manoeuvre while on the ground.” The funding will go towards constructing turnarounds at either end of the airport’s runway, establishing more room for pilots to move and position aircraft. The contribution is from the ministry’s Transportation Partnerships Program, which provides funding in partnership with the operators of airport and port facilities. The project is being completed in partnership with the City of Merritt, which owns and operates the airport. The total project is budgeted for $150,000, with work expected to be completed in the spring or summer of this year. Increased usage of the airport is anticipated, including charter services, associated with major resort and recreational property developments in the area.
Two Bids For New Halfway House
(Pete McIntyre) http://www.1075kiss.com/news/headlines/
It's been more than two years since Vernon's former halfway house was closed, but the process of opening a new one is underway. Corrections Canada says two proposals have been received for a new 14-bed facility to house paroled offenders. An announcement on the winning bid will be made May 14-th but at this point, the names are being withheld. The John Howard Society, which operated the previous facility, says its not one of the bidders.
It's been more than two years since Vernon's former halfway house was closed, but the process of opening a new one is underway. Corrections Canada says two proposals have been received for a new 14-bed facility to house paroled offenders. An announcement on the winning bid will be made May 14-th but at this point, the names are being withheld. The John Howard Society, which operated the previous facility, says its not one of the bidders.Lisa Bayne from Corrections Canada is not aware if specific sites are being proposed. "I don't know. I haven't had a chance to look at them yet. Perhaps one of the bidders may want the facility in a certain location, and the other may want it in a different location. It will depend on that. It will also depend on the recommendations of the community advisory board." Bayne says there will be a chance for public input before construction starts, and a community panel will choose which offenders can live at the facility. "The community advisory board has asked that certain limits be placed on things like dangerous sex offenders or limiting the amount of statutory release cases that in residence." Vernon's former halfway house closed in 2004 after the killing of Bill Abramenko, allegedly by a former resident of Howard House who walked away from the facility while on parole for murder.
Vernon 420 Rally
Starlee Speers, Standard Radio News http://www.vernon.thesun.net/node/516214
Vernon RCMP says staff at Greater Vernon services were duped when they issued a permit to use Cenotaph Park for a free concert last Friday. Corporal Henry Proce says, the group used the park to have a demonstration to legalize marijuana. Proce says, about 30 to 40 people were smoking marijuana, police were videotaping the event but no arrests were made. Internationally, April 20 has become the day pot enthusiasts hold massive smoke-ins to call for the legalization of marijuana.
Vernon RCMP says staff at Greater Vernon services were duped when they issued a permit to use Cenotaph Park for a free concert last Friday. Corporal Henry Proce says, the group used the park to have a demonstration to legalize marijuana. Proce says, about 30 to 40 people were smoking marijuana, police were videotaping the event but no arrests were made. Internationally, April 20 has become the day pot enthusiasts hold massive smoke-ins to call for the legalization of marijuana. Smoke-in at the park (Video)Web posted on Tuesday, 24 April 2007 When dope smokers invade a city park, Vernon Mounties only watch.
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