Mayor Looks Back at 2007

Betty Selin, Astral Media Radio News - Vernon

Vernon's Mayor believes council had a very productive 2007. Among his proudest accomplishments he says police and by-law officers have made a real improvement in the problems of drug dealing and people not feeling safe downtown. Lippert says they shut down 16 drug houses and cleaned up the downtown core. Wayne Lippert also believes they are making progress on the tough issues of affordable housing and homelessness. He says the 40 unit building near the sewage treatment plant will open soon. As for the controversial issue of an outdoor sports complex he says they will keep searching for solutions in 2008.

North Okanagan year in review – Video

CHBC Video Web posted on Friday, 28 December 2007

From referendums, to the homeless, to the troubles of a former mayor...the top news stories of 2007.

Some tough questions for the RCMP

North Okanagan: –CHBC Video
Web posted on Friday, 28 December 2007

A Vernon man dies after being tasered and shot after threatening police with a knife.

Hinton for Vernon mayor? You read it here first

By Christopher Foulds - Kamloops This Week - December 30, 2007

But what will happen in 2008?
In March, federal NDP candidate Michael Crawford suggests that Conservative MP Betty Hinton will be moving to Vernon permanently, where she will launch a bid for that city’s mayor’s chair. Hinton will reply that Crawford is sputtering nonsense and that her left-leaning opponent is way off-base.

In June, Hinton will announce she is visiting Vernon for an “indefinite period of time,” and confirms she has offered to help run the city, if voters wish.

Town hall meeting draws fire

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star - December 30, 2007

A Vernon politician claims an upcoming town hall meeting may be nothing more than a snow-job.Coun. Barry Beardsell believes a Thursday meeting on the proposed civic complex will do little to address public concerns about the $32 million facility. “It’s ‘come to the meeting, we’ll BS you and trust me,’” he said. The town hall meeting will be held at 7 p.m. at city hall. Beardsell insists such a process should have been held months ago so residents could have been actively involved in the development of a civic complex. “This is after the horse is out of the barn,” he said of the meeting.“And what format is it going to be? Do you ask a councillor or mayor of your choice a question or do you ask a question and wait to see who the mayor designates to answer it?”

Beardsell also claims there’s been a lack of communication with council members over the public gathering.“I didn’t know about the town hall meeting until I read about it in the paper,” he said. Mayor Wayne Lippert is quick to dismiss Beardsell’s comments. “The town hall meeting is necessary. People are asking questions including Councillor Beardsell,” he said. “There is information out there and we are looking to provide more. We have the cost estimates and pictures on it.” Lippert doesn’t believe a meeting could have been held before now and, if it had, it wouldn’t have been that meaningful. “We wouldn’t have had the same information we do now. I’d rather have as good of information as we can get, instead of piece-meal,” he said.Lippert can’t explain why Beardsell was not informed of the town hall meeting.“He’s had discussions with our administrator. I would assume he would know about it,” said Lippert.

On Jan. 26, residents will be asked to approve borrowing up to $30 million for a civic building. The complex would include a library, as well as city hall and RCMP offices and possibly an art gallery.

Civic Complex Sales Pitch Starts

Click on Image to Enlarge:

Don Quixote Note: Once again the phrase "borrowing up to $30 million over 25 years" rears its head. This City hasn't had a 25 year borrowing term for a long time. They always have borrowed over a 20 year period and this will raise the claimed $40.43 per year effect on the average $289,509 property. If they want Clarity and full and transparent information then they will provide an updated 20 year term projection. If they won't I will do so in the new year. I am willing to be convinced that this project is in my best interests but they better make sure all their financial information is open and accurate.





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Multiplex and Performing Arts Theatre - Where we stand ! and FUTURE DEBT OBLIGATIONS of the City Of Vernon.

will give you the terms and position of some of the outstanding Debt of both Vernon and Greater Vernon. (last updated at end of 2005)

Average house in Vernon $289,509. (Land $138,937, Improvements $150,572) would have paid $62.72 towards the $14,750,000 multiplex and $34.06 towards the $9,020,000 Theatre in 2007. This would make the Debt costs for the Multipex $42.21 and the Theatre would be $25.72. Operating subsidy would be $20.51 for Multiplex and $8.34 for Theatre.)

Most of the Multiplex and Performing Arts Theatre was incurred in 2000 at a 6.36% interest rate. The expected rate that the City has used for the new Civic Complex in 2008 is 4.9%.

Police Shooting Follow Up

RCMP NEWS RELEASE 2007-12-28 14:22:44

On December 27, 2007, Vernon/North Okanagan RCMP attended to an apartment in the 3800 block of 27 Avenue in an attempt to locate a male wanted on a warrant issued under the Mental Health Act. RCMP were advised that day that the subject was at his residence and was suicidal. There was concern that the male could be causing harm to himself.

Upon attending the residence, police attempted to make phone contact with the male and could hear the phone inside the apartment, however, there was no answer. Out of concern for his safety, the decision was made to use force to gain entry to the apartment.

Members entered and found the male in an agitated state and in possession of a knife. They tried talking to him but he refused to drop the knife. The Conducted Energy Weapon (commonly referred to as the Taser) was then deployed and only had a momentary effect on the male. He again advanced on the members inside the apartment with the knife. He continued to disobey the verbal commands to drop the knife which resulted in deadly force being used.

Another member on scene administered life saving attempts until ambulance arrived and transported the victim to Vernon Jubilee Hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Police Officers involved in the shooting are being provided with assistance from RCMP Health Services. Other members have been deployed to allow the members involved time to deal with the situation.

Southeast District Major Crime are currently on scene and are continuing to investigate this matter. An observer from the Commission for Public Complaints has been monitoring the investigation with full and unfettered access since the outset of the investigation. They will continue to monitor the investigation as it unfolds and there will be continuous liaison between the RCMP and the Commission for Public Complaints. The RCMP have invited an independent experienced investigator from Calgary City Police who is on site and will live monitor/review the investigation in Vernon.

It is normal procedure in any police related death for the BC Coroner Service to launch their own investigation, which has begun. The Coroner will also determine whether a Coroner’s inquest or inquiry will be called. Investigators will be awaiting the report from the Coroner as to the exact cause of death and if there is any other medical evidence that can assist in helping to determine the reasons for the individual’s actions during the police intervention.

The investigation is focusing on, but is not limited to, the officers’ use of force, and the deployment of their intervention options to determine whether or not their actions were in line with both RCMP policy and the Criminal Code. Police use of force is governed by section 25 of the Criminal Code of Canada. That section provides that ‘as much force as is necessary’, can be utilized in effecting an arrest so long as that force is not excessive, or not more than was necessary to effect the arrest.

An autopsy was scheduled for this morning at 10:00 am in Penticton.

This investigation is still in the very early stages with several interviews currently being conducted. As such, no further information can be released at this time.

The RCMP will provide an accurate and detailed account of what happened upon further investigation and once more details are known.

RCMP shooting victim refused to take medication: family

Jeff Lee, CanWest News Service Jan 28

Family members of young man shot by the RCMP in Vernon, B.C., say he suffered from mental health issues and had refused to take his medication. They confirmed 23-year-old Chris Klim was killed by police on Thursday after he threatened them with a knife. The police were executing a warrant under the Mental Health Act at the time.His grandmother Shirley Klim said she and her husband had looked after Chris for years and that he suffered from mental health issues.In a release Friday, RCMP said they were forced to shoot after the man "produced a knife and threatened to use it on police officers." The officers said they feared "grievous bodily injury or death." Klim was taken to Vernon Jubilee Hospital where he died of his wounds. The RCMP's major crime section, the B.C. Coroners Service and the Commission for Public Complaints against the RCMP are investigating.

A neighbour described Klim as a sweet person who lived alone on social assistance. Mary-Kathryn Albrecht said he seemed disturbed recently and told her he didn't want to take his medication. "I know he was upset over being made to take his injections and his medication, and he had said a couple of times when I ran into him last week "I never hurt anybody, I never hurt anybody," she said. Shirley Klim said her family is still trying to deal with the tragedy and is awaiting the outcome of the police investigation. She said her grandson was estranged from his father, Clarence. Clarence Klim said he knew Chris was having problems, but didn't keep in contact. "He just didn't want to take the medication, and he felt he didn't need it," he said. "He tried to kill himself a few years ago, and he would get depressed lots."

Press conference today in Vernon regarding police shooting of male yielding a knife

RCMP NEWS RELEASE 2007-12-28 09:23:43

Please be advised that Vernon/North Okanagan RCMP will be holding a press conference today in relation to the Police shooting of a male yielding a knife.

The conference will be held at 1:30 pm at the Vernon/North Okanagan RCMP Detachment located at 3402 30th Street, Vernon, B.C.

Police shoots knife-wielding male

2007-12-28 07:20:06 RCMP Media Release

On December 27, 2007, police officers from the Vernon/North Okanagan RCMP responded to arrest a male on a warrant issued under the Mental Health Act in the 3800 block of 27th Avenue. Upon attendance at the scene, the suspect produced a knife and threatened to use it on the police officers. Fearing grievous bodily injury or death, police subsequently shot the male who was then taken to Vernon Jubilee Hospital. He was pronounced dead a short time later. The police officers did not sustain any injuries. Southeast District Major Crime Section is currently on scene to investigate. The Coroners Service have also been advised.

As per protocol, The Commission for Public Complaints against the RCMP (CPC) has been advised and will be sending a representative to Vernon. This situation is another example of the many dangerous situations that police officers face. While the vast majority of police contacts with the public are resolved peacefully, physical force is occasionally required to subdue suspects. The Criminal Code allows police to use reasonable force in their enforcement of the law. In extremely rare instances an officer may be required to draw his or her firearm. It should be noted that drawing a firearm is only done under extreme circumstances. A firearm is only discharged if there is an immediate threat of extreme violence and to protect the lives of the public and officers. The investigation is continuing and further updates will be released to the media and public as they arise.

Vernon Mounties Shoot to Kill

Charmaine de Silva - Astral Media Radio News

RCMP say a knife-wielding man was shot by police died shortly after arriving at Vernon Jubilee Hospital. Constable Cathy Scott says officers were responding under the Mental Health Act in the 38-hundred block of 27th Avenue when the incident happened. Scott says police shot the man, fearing bodily injury or death. The Southeast District Major Crime Section is on scene, and the coroner's service has been notified.

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by Contributed -Dec 28, 2007 CASTANET

The year is ending in tragedy in the North Okanagan for those involved with a police shooting Thursday. While attempting to arrest a man under the Mental Health Act, RCMP shot and killed the suspect. Police say that during the course of the arrest, the man produced a knife and threatened to use it. An RCMP press release describes the rest of the story: Fearing grievous bodily injury or death, police subsequently shot the male who was then taken to Vernon Jubilee Hospital. He was pronounced dead a short time later. The police officers did not sustain any injuries.

RCMP say that the Southeast District Major Crime Section is on location investigating and, as per procedure, the Commission for Public Complaints against the RCMP will be attending. The incident took place in the 3800 block of 27th Avenue. The man's name has not been released pending next of kin notification.

Bridge could open ahead of schedule

By Daily Courier Staff December 28, 2007
The new W.R. Bennett bridge could open to traffic earlier than planned, transportation officials say. Even with the planned Christmas season shutdown, construction is going well enough to allow for the possibility the bridge will be finished before next summer. “We‘re pretty confident we‘ll be ahead of the July opening date,” Jon Buckle, who oversees the project for the Ministry of Transportation, said Thursday. A specific opening date will be known by March. Potentially complicating factors would include such things as severe weather, which could disrupt the construction schedule, Buckle said. Meanwhile, crews have now finished dismantling the old ferry docks on the Westside. Their removal was provided for in an agreement struck between the province and the Westbank First Nation when additional land was secured for the bridge project. Some parts of the dock dated back to the 1930s, and much of it was in poor condition. The Ministry of Environment was interested in seeing the docks removed as a way of returning the lakeshore to a more natural state. Meanwhile, the wooden decking now visible underneath the new bridge is a normal part of the construction process and will eventually be removed. “There won‘t be any wood on the bridge when it‘s all said and done,” Buckle said.

PLANNED BURNS REDUCE WILDFIRE HAZARD IN FINTRY PARK

VERNON – As the Fintry Provincial Park Wildfire Hazard Reduction Project continues, burning of brush piles may occur in the park during the first two weeks of January.The burning, to be carried out by Ministry of Environment contractors, is part of a plan to reduce wildfire fuel hazard and interface concerns, and to facilitate ecosystem restoration. In particular, the upcoming burns are required to reduce interface wildfire threats to Fintry delta residents, and the park’s recreation and historical facilities. The area being treated has been impacted by mountain pine beetle and western pine beetle. Since 2006, the B.C. government has invested more than $60,000 in the Fintry Provincial Park Wildfire Hazard Reduction Project.In addition, a small thinning project around the Fintry Manor House has been completed and these brush piles may be burned by Vernon-based forest protection crews at the same time as the main wildfire hazard reduction burns.The burns in Fintry Provincial Park are weather-dependent and will only take place if conditions provide for the least impact on air quality in surrounding communities.

Town Hall Meeting

Town Hall Meeting City Hall Council Chambers Thursday, January 3, 2008 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm Public Input Session for the Proposed Civic Complex

In preparation for the January 26th Referendum, a moderated Town Hall Forum will be held to present your questions to the Stakeholders of the proposed Civic Complex. Mayor and Council RCMP, City Hall, Library and Art Gallery representatives will be on hand to answer your questions. Please plan to attend. Get your questions answered prior to making your Referendum decision.

Mayor of this Town. (Sung to King of the road music)

Mayor of This Town (2007)

Civic Complex for sale or rent
Voters to woo...money well spent.
An old Blackberry is all I use
I have paid my Civic dues.
Ah, but two hours of non-stop chat
On any subject, at the drop of a hat
Show I'm a man of means by all means
Mayor of this town.

Second term, hey, there’s a way
I’m no quitter the voters will say !
Buttoned down suit and yellow truck
Pouring coffee and photo ops bring me luck.
I piss off some councilors some would say
But for my vision they all must pay
I'm a man of means by all means
Mayor of this town.

I told every voter on every street
The civic complex location would be neat
There will be no overruns in this mayor’s town
And when I bring it off I’ll be election bound.

I sing,
Civic Complex for sale or rent
Voters to woo...money well spent.
An old Blackberry is all I use
I have paid my Civic dues.
Ah, but two hours of non-stop chat
On any subject, at the drop of a hat
Show I'm a man of means by all means
Mayor of this town.
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With apologies to King Of The Road by Roger Miller

Investigation examines service funding

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star - December 23, 2007

Concerns that Vernon is being short-changed for providing services are being investigated. The chief financial officers for Vernon, Coldstream and the North Okanagan Regional District will review the issue of overhead charges and present a report by Jan. 24. “I like the idea of all three CFOs trying to hammer this out and to bring some clarity,” said Gary Corner, Greater Vernon Services Committee chairman. The city provides services to GVSC under contract, primarily for the Greater Vernon water utility. It claims that it’s short $716,638 a year because GVSC is not paying enough to use city assets such as vehicles and buildings. City officials insist a full payment from GVSC would keep it from having to raise taxes five per cent in 2008.

“It could have a significant impact on all our budgets so it should be looked at now,” said Wayne Lippert, Vernon director. Discussions revolved around when the CFOs should submit a report and it was decided it should be no later than Jan. 24. “The sooner the better because we are working through budgets now,” said Lippert. Barry Beardsell, a Vernon director, says this issue arose back in the spring and it should have been addressed by now. “This is the business of the public — the taxpayer,” he said. “Why aren’t we attending to these matters? These things should not drag on and on.”

But Cliff Kanester, BX-Swan Lake director, disputes the city’s argument, saying that all GVSC jurisdictions agreed to follow the regional district’s financial policy in 2003. Jerry Oglow, NORD chairman, hopes the dispute can be resolved. “It appears that one of the stakeholders (Vernon) wants the model reviewed. It will boil down to the stakeholders deciding what is fair,” he said.

Review fuels fear for rural politicians

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star - December 23, 2007

Rural politicians fear their communities are being forgotten by a valley-wide governance review. Electoral area directors from the North Okanagan and Okanagan-Similkameen claim potential changes in governance could see their jurisdictions disappear. “We’d like to have some input on this thing,” said Herman Halvorson, rural Enderby director. “People want to retain their rural identity.” Four potential governance options have been put forward, and the status quo of three regional districts isn’t one of them. “I always feel like I am being driven down a chute. You shouldn’t give the impression that it’s a done deal,” said Gerri Logan, director for rural Princeton.“If you ram it down people’s throats, I’m sorry but you’re going to have a fight on your hands.”

The models being considered are merging the three regional districts into one, something similar to metro Vancouver where it’s primarily municipalities involved, expanding the Okanagan Basin Water Board concept to include other issues, or following an Ontario model. “The Waterloo agenda is being pushed by the mayor of Vernon,” said Halvorson. In Waterloo and Muskoka, electoral areas are absorbed into existing municipalities to become district municipalities or townships. The new areas would be divided into wards and a director for each ward would be elected to municipal council. Wayne Lippert, Vernon’s mayor, doesn’t deny that he is interested in the Ontario model, partly because he was familiar with it as a councillor in Bracebridge, Ont. “As a rural councillor, I had my say. The structure there is 30 years old and rural interests have been protected.”Lippert denies the Okanagan’s rural areas are being forgotten as part of the governance review.“They are at the table and there’s been a lot of talk to address the concern of the electoral areas,” he said.

According to rural Lumby director Rick Fairbairn, some constituents question the need for a change. “People have been asking what’s the purpose of this review and what does it mean for rural areas?” he said. “What’s it going to mean for taxes and what’s it going to cost us?” Jerry Oglow, North Okanagan Regional District chairman, says there’s a reason why status quo is not being considered as part of the provincially mandated review.“Status quo was right off the table from the community services minister and the premier,” he said. The review committee has until the end of March to present a final report to the provincial government.

With files from Black Press reporter Tracy Clark.

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Politicians abandon valley’s interests Dec 23 Editorial Morningstar

Politicians involved in the valley-wide governance review claim the process is moving ahead well. But it increasingly appears that the final outcome has already been determined. Case in point are comments from Jerry Oglow, North Okanagan Regional District chairman. Oglow says that four potential governance options are being considered, but not one of them would see the three existing regional districts remain as is. “Status quo was right off the table from the community services minister and the premier,” he said.And certainly that may be the view of the provincial government, but it is not Victoria that will have to live with any changes in governance. It will be every resident in the Okanagan Valley. Perhaps the existing system of three regional districts — with some finetuning — is the best form of governance for the Okanagan. While there are occasionally some challenges, the model has served the region relatively well for 40 years. One of the positive aspects of the current model is representing the interests of more rural communities while allowing them to partner with municipalities on various initiatives. The committee of valley-wide politicians looking at governance shouldn’t have been so willing to cast the status quo aside. It was worth seeing if it should remain on the table. But instead of actually considering the interests of the valley and their individual communities, the politicians only appear willing to do the bidding of the provincial government.And that just reinforces the perception that Victoria has already decided what should happen in the Okanagan.

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Don Quixote Note: Mayor Lippert's System can be found at District Municipality of Muskoka Governance System

Questions ariseover civic complex

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star - December 23, 2007

The City of Vernon denies it is trying to keep residents in the dark over a proposed civic complex. The Vernon Taxpayers Association has recently accused the city of not providing sufficient details on the project which goes to referendum Jan. 26. “To date, there have been no opportunities for public input,” said Tony Stamboulieh, association spokesman, in a release. “The public has been given only design displays and a workshop of design options with no public dialogue.” However, city officials insist they are following an open process.“We will have five open houses and the mayor has asked for a town hall meeting so people can ask questions,” said Leon Gous, chief administrative officer.Gous added that financial information has also been placed on the city’s Web site.On Jan. 26, residents will be asked to approve borrowing up to $30 million over 25 years for a civic building.

The taxpayers association has presented the city with a number of questions about the complex proposal. Among them is how much money Okanagan Regional Library will contribute towards the project and whether ORL will purchase the existing library site. The association is also concerned that city taxpayers could pick up the entire cost of an art gallery in the building. According to Gous, ORL has committed to $9 million for library space, and ownership of the existing library would be determined through a purchase agreement. In terms of the art galley, Gous says the city would pick up $4.8 million in capital costs for the art gallery and an agreement is being sought from the Greater Vernon Services Committee to lease the space.

Gous says he was pleased to see the association show an interest in the complex. “They are fair questions especially because we haven’t had the information sessions yet,” he said. But the association believes more needs to be done. “In order to remedy the lack of public input, the Vernon Taxpayers Association invites all citizens of Vernon to a public meeting Jan. 8 at 7 p.m. at the Schubert Centre,” said Stamboulieh.

Airport earns achievement award

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star - December 23, 2007

A prestigious honour has touched down at the Vernon Airport. The city-owned airport and manager Grahame Go have been presented with the B.C. Aviation Council’s William Templeton Trophy for outstanding initiative and achievement. “It shows the development of the airport and its growth,” said Mayor Wayne Lippert. “We have a lot of people who use the airport and work here and a lot of people don’t recognize that.” In 2005, the airport created a strategic business plan and a number of projects have been completed since then. They include a 200-foot runway extension, installation of a certified weather information system, construction of a new self-serve fuel station, implementation of an airport zoning bylaw and expansion of the aircraft tie-down area.There have also been three air shows, and the airport has worked with Okanagan College on its aircraft maintenance engineer program.“The airport has progressed in development and economically,” said Go.

According to city figures, there are 15 businesses and organizations based at the airport and they employ 802 people directly and indirectly. That generates $29.5 million a year in income. Go believes changes at the airport have been positive. “We’ve seen good growth with lease revenue and 20 per cent growth in gas sales. We are working towards an airport that can sustain itself,” he said. But a significant level of criticism has recently been directed towards operation of the airport.Among the concerns are the city taking over gas sales from a private contractor, operating losses at the airport and alleged poor communications with pilots. Lippert said he is aware of the complaints. “We have been working through them and I’ve met personally with some members of the flying club.”

Defiant druggie handed jail term

By Ron Seymour December 22, 2007 Kelowna Courier

A man who ignored fines and court orders has become the first person jailed under Kelowna‘s new get-tough approach to repeat bylaw offenders. He was sentenced to 12 days in jail after failing to pay $1,200 in fines for carrying drug paraphernalia, and for disobeying a judge‘s orders to stay out of downtown Kelowna. “Some individuals just need to understand that they have to obey the law,” Mayor Sharon Shepherd said Friday, applauding the court‘s decision to jail the repeat offender. “I hope the word gets out now that if you‘re hit with a lot of bylaw fines and you don‘t pay them, you‘re going to suffer,” added Coun. Barrie Clark, the former head of a city committee on crime and safety. In September, city bylaws were reworked to provide a maximum of 90 days‘ jail time for people who repeatedly thumbed their nose at the justice system after bylaw violations.

Without an incarceration provision, enforcement officials said they were at a loss to deal with people who ignored fines, as well as those who constantly violated bylaws prohibiting such things as aggressive panhandling or possessing drug paraphernalia. The jailed man, who was not identified in a police press release issued Friday, had accumulated $1,200 in fines. When he didn‘t pay, he was summoned to court – but he failed to appear. He was later arrested by police and brought before court. The judge gave him a suspended sentence, and the man was ordered to stay out of the so-called red zone, an area of downtown Kelowna notorious for drug dealing, for six months. However, the next day, the man was arrested inside the red zone and brought back to court. That‘s when the judge jailed him for 12 days. “This wasn‘t just some random person jailed for a first-time offence. It sounds like he had numerous opportunities to make better choices,” said John Perrott, executive director of the Downtown Kelowna Association, which supported the addition of the incarceration option to the bylaws.

Will more slots get a chance?

December 21, 2007 Kamloops This Week

Fearing that new provincial smoking regulations will slash bingo revenues at the Chances Gaming Centre, its owners have asked city council to allow up to 25 new slot machines into their Halston Avenue business. In 2004, Kamloops councillors restricted the number of slot machines at the gaming centre to 50. The gaming centre has 586 seats reserved for bingo, half of which are reserved for smokers. Marsha Walden, vice-president of bingo gaming for the B.C. Lottery Corporation, said Ontario bingo halls lost up to 35 per cent in business after that province introduced new smoking regulations a few years ago. A public hearing next year will precede any decision by council on the slot-machine request.Walden said the downtown casino in the Executive Inn is drawing up its own expansion plans, noting she doesn’t know whether that plan will include a larger number of slot machines.

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Don Quixote Note: It appears that Vernon Council neglected to limit the number of slot machines at a particular location. Therefor it appears it can not use the substantial change clause below. However Clause 13 of the gaming act is available and the City can move to limit the number of slots at any particular location or in total as some Cities have done. This was overlooked in the past but Council should pass a resolution ASAP to ensure the leverage of Council in the future.

12 For the purposes of the Act, "substantial change", in relation to the type or extent of lottery schemes or horse racing at a gaming facility includes
(a) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 60/2003, s. 2.]
(b) adding bingo events at the gaming facility if bingo events are not currently conducted there,
(c) adding casino gaming at a gaming facility if casino gaming is not currently conducted there,
(d) adding horse racing, other than teletheatres, at a gaming facility if horse racing is not currently conducted there, and
(e) adding slot machines at the gaming facility if it is currently without slot machines.
(f) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 60/2003, s. 2.]

http://www.qp.gov.bc.ca/statreg/reg/G/208_2002.htm#section12

Limit on number of slot machines

13.1 The lottery corporation must get approval from the host local government before increasing the number of slot machines at a gaming facility beyond a maximum limit presently established by that host local government in a form referred to in section 13 (a).

District Municipality of Muskoka Governance System

For those of you who want to see the Governance system that has been brought forward by Vernon's Mayor Lippert to the Super Regional Governance Committee on Wednesday you can go to http://www.muskoka.on.ca/home.htm and Click here to access the 2007-2010 Municipal Directory in PDF format. It includes information about Muskoka District Council, lower tier municipalities, contact information and a calendar that outlines Council and Committee meeting dates and times.

The District Municipality of Muskoka was established by Provincial legislation and commenced operations on January 1, 1971. In design and function, the District closely parallels other Regional Municipalities in Ontario with the District Corporation forming the upper tier of a two-tier system of local government. The following six Area Municipalities comprise the lower tier in Muskoka:

Town of Bracebridge	Township of Georgian Bay
Town of Gravenhurst	Township of Lake of Bays
Town of Huntsville	Township of Muskoka Lakes

Our Mayor ran in the Bracebridge Elections of 1982 and 1988. Results can be found here:

RBC invests $134,000 in Thompson-Okanagan communities

VANCOUVER, Dec. 21 /CNW/ -
RBC donated $134,000 to 12 charities in the Thompson-Okanagan in 2007 as part of its commitment to enhance the economic and social well-being of the communities where it operates. Grants ranging in size from $2,000 to $40,000 were given to non-profit organizations to support everything from literacy programs and new hospital equipment to community theatre initiatives.

"RBC is proud to support the work that charities throughout the Thompson-Okanagan are doing to enhance the quality of life in the region," said Brian Simkins, RBC regional vice president, B.C. Interior.

The following organizations in the Thompson-Okanagan received grants in 2007:

     Okanagan

     -   Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation - $10,000
     -   Vernon and District performing Arts Centre Society - $2,000
     -   Kelowna General Hospital - $25,000
     -   Kelowna Visual and Performing Arts Centre Society - $5,000
     -   Penticton Seniors Recreation and Wellness Society - $5,000
     -   South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation - $10,000

     Kamloops

     -   Kamloops Boys and Girls Club - $40,000
     -   Kamloops Laubach Literacy Council Association - $2,000
     -   Royal Inland Hospital Foundation - $15,000
     -   Interior Community Services - $10,000
     -   Kamloops Brain Injury Association - $5,000
     -   Western Canada Theatre Company Society - $5,000
     

Vernon Overhead/ GVS Blasted

Starlee Speers-Astral Media Radio, Vernon

Vernon will have to wait until the new year before the issue of overpayment at Greater Vernon Services is sorted out. GVS chair says, the three chief financial officers will have to get together to work out a solution because that's not the politician's area of expertise. NORD chair Jerry Oglow says the issue affects Vernon the most. At stake, is over $700,000 dollars in fees which auditors for Vernon believe is unbalanced.Mayor Wayne Lippert says, the sooner a solutions is found the better because it could mean less of a tax hike for Vernon residents who are facing a 5 percent next year.

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Starlee Speers-Astral Media Radio, Vernon

An outgoing Greater Vernon Services director didn't mince words at his last commission meeting Thursday. Barry Beardsell says GVS has no power and it doesn't get anything done. The Greater Vernon Services director says the committee is like a ship without a captain and a rudder. Beardsell says since the commission was changed into a committee earlier this year, they've taken no direction and haven't accomplished anything. Beardsell says GVS really needs to be streamlined to be more effective. The Mayor changed appointments earlier this year and dropped Beardsell from the board.

Rifts emerge over regional government

By Tracy Clark - Penticton Western News - December 21, 2007

One Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen director says she will not sit quietly while some regional politicians across the valley try to force through a new form of regional governance without considering rural areas. “If you ram it down people’s throats, I’m sorry but you’re going to have a fight on your hands,” said rural Princeton director Gerri Logan, at Wednesday’s meeting of the regional governance review committee in Penticton. The group made up of politicians from the north, central and south Okanagan regional districts, administrative staff and Ministry of Community Services staff is under a provincial mandate to review the existing regional governance model and consider the amalgamation of the valley’s regional districts. At the meeting, the third since the committee formed, four models of governance were presented by a subcommittee headed by Peachland Mayor Graham Reid, whose council initiated the call for the governance review in a letter to the province earlier this year.

The options include, merging the three regional districts into one under existing provincial legislation; following a model similar to metro Vancouver where memberships are made up mainly of municipalities; expanding the Okanagan Basin Water Board model to include a broader range of regionwide issues; and following a model used in Waterloo, Ont. The Waterloo model and similar District Municipality of Muskoka model — with which Vernon Mayor Wayne Lippert has experience during his time on council there — received the most attention from the board. These “two-tier” models looked at the potential of municipalities absorbing electoral areas to become district municipalities or townships.

As such, the new areas would be divided into wards and a director for each ward would be elected to municipal council. Half of the regional board would be composed of a chair, who is elected at large and the mayor of each district municipality, while the other half is made up of elected representatives from urban centres — in the Okanagan this would be Kelowna, Vernon, Westbank and Penticton. Alan Patton, director for rural Oliver, said these types of systems only “facilitate provincial downloading for no apparent benefit.” Taxes will increase and rural residents will receive no more services. “Why should we become involved in an idea like this? It’s just going to cost more money,” agreed Rick Fairburn, a director for rural Lumby in the North Okanagan, adding however, that he would like to learn more. Rural Princeton’s Logan said she feared that the domination of the discussion on the Waterloo model proved that a change in governance was going ahead no matter what. “I always feel like I am being driven down a chute,” she said. “You shouldn’t give the impression that it’s a done deal.”

After the meeting, Logan said she believes that the review is an attempt by a few to abolish rural areas. “What I see is a few people at this board trying to do is get rid of the electoral areas,” she said, adding that while there are fewer rural areas in the north and central regional districts, there are eight in the South Okanagan and Similkameen. “That means eight voices for all of those constituents would be snuffed out and that just kills me.”

But Vernon’s Lippert said that the Ontario model has done just the opposite. “It kept the rural voice there,” he said, adding that when the model was first introduced in Ontario rural directors had similar misgivings but that the model has “stood the test of time.” He also pointed out that the model allows current service levels to remain, but cross boundary issues are dealt with at a regional level. Reid added that the focus on the Waterloo model was not an attempt to force it through, but was due to a lack of familiarity with it.

RDOS chair Dan Ashton said he would like a fifth model added to the list, whereby the north and central districts amalgamate and the south retains its current structure. Ashton said he feared that too many of the discussions left the Similkameen Valley out, but that the small valley is “joined at the hip with the Okanagan.” “It is imperative the Similkameen is part of this,” he said. Penticton Mayor Jake Kimberley said he would like to see all options given some consideration, but cost should be the biggest factor. Too many municipal residents are paying for rural residents to use their services, he said, pointing to a report which found that 60 per cent of recreational users come from outside city limits. And at the same time, municipalities are contributing the largest share of regional district budgets — Penticton contributes 40 per cent of the RDOS budget — and are dealing with downloading from senior governments and increasing costs.

“Escalating costs to municipalities are huge,” he said. “Everyone should be concerned about the quality of life in our valleys.” The governance committee needs to look at ways to reduce costs of having so many levels of governments, but he admitted finding an option that is endorsed by all areas will be difficult. “It’s going to be damn tough to come to a collective agreement.” The next meeting of the regional governance board on Jan. 11 will include all board members from the three districts and will look at the various governance models. The all-day event in Vernon is open to the public. The final report on a governance model for the valley will be submitted to the province March 31.

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Don Quixote Note:

Provincial Legislation established the District Municipality of Muskoka on January 1, 1971.The district of Muskoka is home to roughly 50,000 full time residents and an additional 100,000 seasonal property owners.

Muskoka's Government

The Muskoka District Municipality is governed by a 23 member council that consists of the mayors of the 6 region municipalities, 16 district councillors, and a district chair elected by the council at large. The district council is responsible for the general of the Muskoka District, with the council establishing policies that are then administered by the district staff.

Rolling the dice

By Tyler Olsen - Vernon Morning Star - December 21, 2007

Lucky us. The City of Vernon and the British Columbia Lottery Corporation are teaming up to bring us a new, expanded casino. As a Crown corporation, the BCLC is supposedly tasked with overseeing lottery business in this province for the benefit of every one in British Columbia. And as we all know, there is nothing that enhances the social fabric like a good flip of the cards or pull of a slot-machine handle. Let the good times roll.While not a fan, I honestly believe the BCLC is the best way to deliver gambling in the province. Prohibition doesn't work, that much is clear. If they really want to, people will gamble, toke, drink or fight, whether in another jurisdiction or illegally in a smoky basement. Banning lotteries would be hypocritical when I believe that other sorts of prohibition likely do more harm than good. But some moderation would be nice.

The BCLC has turned into a huge cash cow for the province and local municipalities. And yet, while most crown corporations could use a more profit-oriented mentality, the lottery corp is one that should be treated less like your average profit-driven enterprise. A dinosaur-obsessed six-year-old kid hopped up on sugar could make money running the BCLC. The focus of the corporation should be providing a safe outlet for residents' gambling urges, containing the threat of addiction and, maybe, making some change on the side. That would take at least a grade-four education which, maybe, is why I have to turn on the TV and suffer through BCLC commercials.

“Think winning the lottery is as likely as getting struck by lightning?,” one commercial asks. “Well, meet some recent winners!” It then scans through a range of smiling men and women holding huge cheques with six-figure prize winnings. Of course, the commercial doesn't actually answer its original question.The fact is, the odds of being struck by lightning in one's lifetime is significantly better than striking it rich in the lottery at any one time, although it’s also true that the more you plunk down on the 6/49 or other draws, the more likely you are to win. Even so, spending $10,000 throughout your lifetime still wouldn't bring your odds below one in 2000. Suddenly Enron stock isn’t such a bad idea. Meanwhile, studies in Ontario have shown that 35 per cent of revenues come from less than five per cent of gamblers. Which brings us back to the question of why there are advertisements for the lottery on TV – and why the advertisements are misleading people into thinking the lottery could be a half-decent bet.

Does anyone growing up outside of a hermit cabin in the Kootenays reach gambling age not knowing that the 6/49 is out there? Of course not. It’s pure marketing and product promotion, not unlike what will take place with our new casino in Vernon, from which the city and province will divvy up the profits. Yes, it will provide a significant amount of revenue. But if we need more people to be throwing more money down the black hole of gambling, then maybe we have our own problem. Because unfortunately, gambling doesn't work as a progressive tax, extracting more from those with higher incomes. It's an indiscriminate levy on unreasonable hopes and dreams. Seniors on pensions, single mothers and lonely middle-aged men yank on that one-armed bandit hoping it may pull them out of their doldrums. They roll those dice hoping to escape and they pick up that Super 7 ticket dreaming of mansions, butlers and miniature purebred dogs.The only safe bet, though, is that they, and our society, will lose.

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"Casinos and prostitutes have the same thing in common; they are both trying to screw you out of your money and send you home with a smile on you face." -VP Pappy

"I hope to break even this week. I need the money." -Veteran Las Vegas Player

Councillor wants more info on complex

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star - December 21, 2007

A veteran politician believes the City of Vernon could learn some lessons from Saturday’s referendum results in Coldstream. Coun. Barry Beardsell believes the strong no vote against a sports complex in Coldstream indicates the city’s Jan. 26 referendum on a civic complex could face a rough ride. “I believe there is such a mood of anger towards the arrogance of politicians doing these things without explaining themselves,” he said. Vernon residents are being asked to approve borrowing up to $30 million over 25 years for construction of a civic building. Beardsell insists there is a need for more information to be provided to residents prior to the Jan. 26 vote.“Give the true facts instead of hints,” he said.

Among the information he claims is missing is whether Okanagan Regional Library will purchase the existing library site, whether city taxpayers will have to subsidize construction costs for a new library and details about green space and parking. Beardsell also says there should be details on “vague promises” to expand the museum in future. “They should put all of the true facts out there but it won’t help the cause because the cause is not defendable.”

Mayor Wayne Lippert agrees the process in Coldstream provides the city with some direction for its referendum.“We really need to get some clear information out,” he said.“With the referendum in Coldstream, the comment I heard was no one really understood what was proposed.”

Prior to Jan. 26, the city is planning some open houses as well as static displays at a number of locations.Artist’s drawings for the proposed complex are now posted on the city’s web site (www.vernon.ca).Financial information is also being added for the $32 million project.For a home assessed at $280,000 a year, a successful referendum would lead to an additional $40 in taxes a year.“That assumes ORL takes care of its $9 million and we get some revenue from the RCMP for offices and we rent out some space,” said Leon Gous, chief administrative officer. “As the community grows, that figure should go down.”

The complex is about 100,000-square-feet, including parking and common areas. There would be 29,000-square-feet for a library, 30,000 square-feet for offices and 11,000-square-feet possibly for an art gallery.Gous is aware of Beardsell’s concerns.“He raises many questions but many of them won’t be answered until we conclude an agreement with ORL,” said Gous.“It will be quite a complicated agreement with them.”

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EDITORIAL Morning Star Dec 21

Hopefully City of Vernon officials closely observed the outcome of the referendum in Coldstream. While there was substantial concern about building a sports complex on farm land, one of the biggest complaints from the public was the lack of information about the project, especially when it came to costs. In the end, a huge majority of Coldstream residents crushed the plan in its tracks, and unless the City of Vernon wants the same thing to happen with its civic complex, it better be proactive when it comes to public relations. Certainly a good start was posting architectural drawings on the city’s Web site, but not having cost details available at the same time was a mistake.There are also plans by the city to host open houses as a way of spreading the word about the civic complex prior to to the Jan. 26 referendum.

Obviously any attempt to answer the questions of individual voters is a positive one, and it’s something the Greater Vernon Services Committee should have done in Coldstream. Of course some residents will remain close-minded no matter how many open houses are held, but there’s little the city can do about that situation. Perhaps the biggest stumbling block is the city’s claim that some issues will remain unresolved until a referendum is successful and firm facility negotiations can occur with Okanagan Regional Library. That may be true, but it will only reinforce the view of some that the city doesn’t have its ducks in a row.In the end, the city has a month to inform the public and change tactics as required. If it is responsive instead of reactionary, the city may avoid the fiasco that occurred in Coldstream.

Vernon and Districts Taxpayers' Association's NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 20, 2007

CAO Leon Gous' answers to the Vernon and Districts Taxpayers' Association's questions concerning the Civic Complex confirm the following:

1. There is "NO PURCHASE AGREEMENT" between the City of Vernon and the Okanagan Regional Library Board (ORL).
2. There is NO DECISION on whether the ORL will lease or buy the new library.
3. There is NO VALUE DETERMINED on the land and building proposed for the library--such value will be determined "AFTER completion" of the complex.
4. There is SILENCE concerning the overrun costs--in the case of the library, we are told any overruns will be paid by Citizens of Vernon!
5. There is NO CONTRACT between the City and ORL concerning the future sale of the library by ORL--only a 'position' by the City.
6. The Citizens of Vernon will be shelling out the FULL CAPITAL COSTS OF $4.8 million for the Art Gallery.
7. There is NO LEASE AGREEMENT with GVSC for the increase in rent from $11 sq.ft. to $25 sq.ft.
8. The only documentation concerning the Art Gallery is a letter supporting a 'concept plan of 11,000 - 12,000 sq.ft.'
9. There was NO RESPONSE to our question--why has there been no public input opportunities for the Citizens of Vernon? Mr. Gous' response was a blank.

The consultants' fees to date starting with the Cultural Centre white elephant to the present Civic Complex proposal?? Over $450,000! What have the citizens of Vernon received for it!?
Finally, this Mayor, Council and City Administration are asking us to sign a blank cheque without any solid contract in place.

Contact: Antony Stamboulieh 260-1082
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Original List of Questions Post

Harsh words for 'useless' group in Vernon

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star - December 21, 2007

A Greater Vernon Services Committee member is lashing out at the very organization he helped found. Barry Beardsell, attending his last meeting as a director Thursday, had harsh words for the committee. “GVSC is operating like a ship with no captain and no rudder,” he said. Beardsell has been associated with GVSC since it was formed in 2001, but Mayor Wayne Lippert did not reappoint him to the board as a Vernon representative. Beardsell believes problems with GVSC arose after the North Okanagan Regional District downgraded the agency from a commission to a committee. “It’s been useless and not worked well for the public,” he said. “It doesn’t have any power or authority. It’s just waffling and not getting anything done.”

As an example, Beardsell points to a recent budget meeting where three directors left the room. Without a quorum present, the meeting could not continue. “It’s indicative of how GVSC has operated for two years. It’s pathetic,” he said. Beardsell believes the situation is partially the result of some key players. “I won’t name names but there are a couple of people,” he said. If GVSC is to continue, Beardsell insists some changes are required. “GVSC needs an effective administrative person such as we had before so the business of GVSC is looked after by its own administrative person,” he said.

Currently, GVSC is overseen by Brian Reardon, who is administrator for the regional district. Gary Corner, GVSC chairman, doesn’t support Beardsell’s views. “GVSC does what it’s supposed to and that’s deliver services in parks, recreation, water and economic development,” he said. Corner admits, though, that politicians and staff have been focused on a variety of service reviews requested by the City of Vernon and Areas B and C. “We have so much going on, especially at the NORD level. It’s certainly muddied the waters,” he said.

Art Gallery funding sought

By Jennifer Smith - Vernon Morning Star - December 21, 2007

Despite painting some elaborate pictures of a proposed civic complex, Vernon isn’t having much luck finding funds for the art gallery portion of the building. The city’s chief administrative officer Leon Gous briefed Coldstream council on the civic complex plans Monday, which now include 11,300 square feet for the art gallery. At an estimated cost of $5 million for the art gallery portion alone, financial support is needed to fund the space.“It’s the one function that isn’t really ours and that there isn’t any money on the table for,” said Gous.

While the art gallery is a Greater Vernon function, Gous says they’ve been unsuccessful raising the issue at the Greater Vernon Services Committee. But without GVSC’s support and resident approval, Coldstream councillors agreed to hold off on their decision until after the Jan. 26 referendum. “I wouldn’t support trying to do an end run around GVS, because that’s what they’re trying to do,” said Coun. Doug Dirk.The artist renderings presented also aren’t enough to get Coldstream on board.

“It’s hard to really make a decision on the presentation without some numbers,” said Glen Taylor, questioning how much Coldstream would need to fork over. The proposed art gallery space would nearly double from its current 6,000 square-foot facility. Rental rates would also increase from the current $11 per square foot to $25. “They are very pleased with the outcome today,” said Gous.

The overall proposal includes doubling library space to 29,000, as well as providing offices for city workers and the RCMP. The upcoming referendum will ask residents to approve borrowing up to $30 million over 25 years for construction of a civic building. While the Okanagan Regional Library Board is supporting the library expansion with $9 million, others are questioning the need for more library space in this tehnologically-advanced society.“We think that physical expansion to the library is a mistake,” said Andy Danyliu, Coldstream Ratepayers Association president, who is also a member of the Vernon Taxpayers Association. “What we need is satellite branches and we would like to see a branch library in the Coldstream.”

Danyliu also questions just how much taxpayers can handle, with Vernon taxes proposed to increase approximately five per cent and Coldstream jumping nine per cent for 2008.“We have people being taxed out of their homes, we have people selling because they can’t afford their taxes,” said Danyliu. “The pennies add up and that’s why we (taxpayer associations) exist because the pennies adding up are breaking the backs of taxpayers.”For more information on the proposed civic complex, including artist renderings of the project, visit www.vernon.ca. “We’ve gone through a whole number of concepts and costed them out,” said Gous.

Civic Complex Financial Details online at City Website

The Proposed Civic Complex - Detailed Financial Information

Taxpayers Referendum Questions

Starlee Speers, Astral Media Radio - Vernon

The Vernon Taxpayers association has some questions for the city regarding the library civic complex proposal. The association wants city council to address those questions.Tony Stamboulieh, with the association, says the city has yet to prove why a library civic complex is needed. Stamboulieh says the referendum on the issue is in January and the financial details have yet to be provided.Vernon's Chief Administrative officer Leon Gous says, the financial information on the library proposal should be on the city's website Thursday. Gous says some of the info requested won't be available until after the referendum if there is a majority yes vote, like how much money the city will receive from the library board for the land.

City residents facing tax hike

Penticton Western

But the city has no additional plans to hire more RCMP officers as council deferred the planning hiring of two new RCMP members to the supplementary budget, a kind of wish list. Fulfilling this wish for more policing could cost the city almost $500,000.But the city will have to pay more than $400,000 in retroactive RCMP pensions — a fact which angered Kimberley. “Why can’t the federal government pick up this cost?” he asked.

Local MP Stockwell Day, who heads the RCMP as public safety minister, said the issue will come up when the federal government starts renegotiating the policing contract with British Columbia.

The proposed tax increase of 5.74 per cent is also up for discussion. Kimberley said council will try to lower this figure once it starts debating the budget next month.

Editorial Dec 19
First, some of the items within the budget should not be the city’s responsibility in the first place, such as retroactive RCMP pension payments. We do not believe that the city should be held responsible for past mismanagement at a higher level of government. The city also faces ongoing restrictions on how it can use federal gas tax funds. These strings need to be cut as soon as possible.

More auxiliaries on the way

by Wayne Moore - Dec 20, 2007 CASTANET
The Kelowna RCMP Detachment continues to work towards its goal of 80 Auxiliary officers by 2010. Another 18 cadets will begin training in February, 2008. "They add visibility and safety for our members," says RCMP Superintendent, Bill McKinnon. "It means two to a car and two to a beat. They assist with everything from traffic control for events to security and regular patrols with other members." The Kelowna Detachment currently has 54 Auxiliary Officers, once of the largest forces in the province. To date, those 54 volunteers have logged more than 12,000 hours. In 2006, Auxiliary Officers accounted for more than 13,000 hours of service. The new recruits will go through a rigorous five month training program. They will be on the receiving end of a taser and pepper spray. Auxiliary members assist regular members on foot patrols, ski patrols, bike patrols, vehicle patrols, special event and traffic control.

Quebec legislates snow tires, no phones

QUEBEC CITY, Quebec, Dec. 20 (UPI) -- The Canadian province of Quebec has issued tough new driving laws, including mandatory winter tires, a ban on cell phone use and speed governors on trucks. Quebec Premier Jean Charest's minority government had support for the measures but failed to have the legal blood-alcohol limit lowered from 0.08 percent to 0.05 percent, the Globe & Mail reported. Under the law, all vehicles registered in the province must have winter tires on between Nov. 15 and April 15 beginning next year. Transportation officials said about 90 percent of Quebeckers already use the heavier grade tires, the report said.

The new law also bans the use of hand-held cell phones by drivers beginning Jan. 1, and requires new drivers to take certified driver's education courses. Heavy trucks will also require speed governors that allow a maximum speed of 60 mph, the report said. Quebec Minister of Transportation Julie Boulet said a pilot program of installing photo radars and cameras at traffic lights in 15 communities would also begin next year. In 2006, 717 people were killed in Quebec road accidents, transportation officials said.

Drop in Polls No Big Deal for MP

"Dogs Piss on Polls"

Starlee Speers-Astral Media News, Vernon

The MP for the Okanagan-Shuswap says, he's not giving much weight to a new poll which suggests support for the federal Conservatives has fallen sharply. Colin Mayes says, newsstories about issues like the Mulroney-Schrieber affair can affect the weekly polls but they don't have a lasting affect. "There can be an issue that is brought forward by the media over a course of a week that will concern citizens and they might in favour or not in favour, and that will reflect in a poll." The new Canadian Press Harris-Decima survey indicates a six point drop for the Conservatives, while the Liberals are up four points.

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OTTAWA - A new poll suggests Stephen Harper's Conservatives have lost their big lead over the Liberals in the wake of recent controversies, plunging six percentage points in popular support in just one week. The Canadian Press Harris-Decima survey puts the Tories at 30 per cent support, in a statistical tie with the Liberals who are up four points to 32 per cent. "It's a pretty significant drop on a one-week basis," said Harris-Decima president Bruce Anderson.
"We don't see this kind of movement in the numbers very often." Support for the Tories dropped across all regions and demographic groups. The striking shift follows several controversies which may be taking a toll on the governing party:-Former Tory prime minister Brian Mulroney's admission that he accepted cash-stuffed envelopes from arms lobbyist Karlheinz Schreiber and kept the payments secret for years. -Heavy criticism of Canada's position at the climate-change summit in Bali.-Political fallout from a critical shortage of medical isotopes due to the shutdown of the Chalk River nuclear reactor.

Showdown at GVSC Thursday at 8 AM ?

Click on Image to Enlarge:

Kissfm: Mayor Wayne Lippert says the charges are one of the main reasons the city is having to consider a five percent tax increase next year. "What I understand from staff, using the Regional District policy, the City of Vernon should be getting an extra $716 000, approximately, that it has not been receiving."Lippert says the issue will be discussed at this week's Greater Vernon Services meeting.

Mor. Star : But for Vernon to succeed in addressing the matter, it needs the support of another jurisdiction during a weighted vote (based on population).But Gary Corner, Coldstream mayor and GVSC chairman, is not ready to take a stand yet.“I haven’t seen all of the figures on it so I really can’t comment,”Cliff Kanester, BX-Swan Lake director, denies NORD has been underpaying the city.“They’ve sent us a bill and I think it’s ridiculous,” he said. “It was agreed that they would use the regional district’s overhead (financial calculations).”

Vernon Civic Complex ( Vernon and Districts Taxpayers' Association News Release)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 19, 2007

The City of Vernon's stated release date of December 15, 2007 for information on the City Complex has passed. At this time only design information is available. The only financial information was given by Mr. Leon Gous, Chief Administrative Officer, to Coldstream Council on December 17, 2007 and that information concerned the Art Gallery.

As there is insufficient information and the referendum date of January 26, 2008 is looming, The Vernon and Districts Taxpayers' Association today has requested of Mr. Leon Gous answers to the following questions:

1. Is the Okanagan Regional Library (ORL) going to contribute $9 million to the Library/Civic Complex or is the City of Vernon going to borrow $9 million on their behalf? Is the borrowing limit $30 million or $39 million for the project?

2. Will the ORL be buying the existing library and land from us for approximately $1 million +?

3. Will $8 million be enough to renovate the old library space and build the new library space + parking+ additional land footprint and will the Citizens of Vernon be paying the overrun costs on the entire building?

4. If, in the future, the ORL decides to sell the library and we can't afford to buy it back, can the ORL sell part of our Civic Complex to anyone they decide?

5. Will the Citizens of Vernon be paying 70% or 100% of the Art Gallery building cost of $5 million and the increased rental charge of $25/sq.ft. from $11/sq.ft. plus other additional subsidies?

To date there have been no opportunities for public input. The public has been given only design displays and a 'workshop' of design options with no public dialogue.

In order to remedy this lack of public input, The Vernon and Districts Taxpayers' Association invites all Citizens of Vernon to a Public Meeting on January 8, 7:00 pm at the Schubert Centre.

Contact: Antony Stamboulieh 260-1082