WHY Elections get Called ! (In both official languages)

Harper's lawyer rejects expert in Cadman case

Tim Naumetz The Canadian Press

OTTAWA–Prime Minister Stephen Harper was cross-examined last week in his $3.5-million libel case against the Liberal party, it was disclosed in court yesterday. Harper agreed to the sworn testimony in his unprecedented suit against the Liberals even though he claimed parliamentary privilege last year to avoid testifying in a libel suit filed against him after the 2006 federal election. A lawyer for the Liberals confirmed in response to a question from Justice Charles Hackland that Harper had been cross-examined over an affidavit he filed in the case, but she would not reveal any details. Harper's lawyer, Richard Dearden, also declined to comment on the Prime Minister's testimony. Former Conservative candidate Alan Riddell sued Harper over statements the Prime Minister made about an agreement struck between Riddell and the Tories that had him step aside as a candidate for the 2006 election. The Prime Minister argued he could not be compelled to testify when Parliament was in session, citing an 18th-century British law that protected MPs from lawsuits by creditors. Harper later agreed to an out-of-court settlement.

Meanwhile, Dearden argued yesterday that an expert opinion comparing Harper's suit to one of the biggest scandals in Canadian history should be tossed. The Liberal party filed the opinion by a political scientist as part of its defence in the defamation suit Harper launched against the party over the Chuck Cadman affair. The opinion by University of Toronto professor Peter Russell compares the Cadman allegations to the scandal that brought down Canada's first prime minister, John A. Macdonald, in 1873. Dearden told Hackland the comparison – which Russell used as one example in arguing Harper is the first Canadian prime minister to sue political opponents – unfairly taints Harper's reputation. Dearden argued there is no comparison between the Pacific Railway scandal and allegations that Conservatives offered Cadman a bribe to help defeat the Liberal minority government in 2005. Harper launched the suit in the wake of a biography of Cadman that quoted his widow saying Conservatives offered the late independent MP a $1-million life insurance policy to vote against the Liberals in the Commons on a confidence measure. Harper based his lawsuit on Liberal party Web postings suggesting Harper was aware Tories had offered Cadman financial considerations, and an audio recording the party posted of an interview Harper had with Cadman's biographer, B.C. author Tom Zytaruk. Russell cited the railway scandal as he tried to argue that, unlike any previous prime minister, Harper filed his libel action in an attempt to silence the opposition.

4-laning planned for Highway 97A

Kelowna Courier Aug 31:
A key section of Okanagan highway north of Vernon will be widened to four lanes by the fall of 2010, thanks to a provincial-federal partnership. Highway 97A will be expanded between Larkin and Crozier roads, an interchange constructed with a roundabout at the ramp terminals, and a new local road will connect the existing highway and the new interchange at a cost of $33.7 million. Highway 97A connects Vernon with Armstrong and then to the Trans-Canada Highway at Sicamous. The widening is from the end of the current four-lane section to the industrial park south of Armstrong. “This funding will not only help promote economic development in this province, but will contribute to the safety of lives and the efficiency of the highway system in British Columbia and the national highway system as a whole,” commented Federal Minister of Public Safety Stockwell Day. “The addition of two new lanes to this section of Highway 97A will reduce delays and improve travel time through this busy area,” added Shuswap MLA George Abbott. “Having new roundabouts will eliminate direct access off the highway, improving the safety of drivers travelling along this route.” “Highway 97 has long been identified as a priority for upgrades, and this investment, along with others we are making along Highway 97 in the Okanagan Valley, will significantly improve the safety of this important transportation route,” said Okanagan-Shuswap Colin Mayes.

“This priority project reflects our government‘s commitment to infrastructure investments, and fosters a stronger economy and a cleaner environment,” said federal Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities Lawrence Cannon. The official announcement was made at the nearby Royal York Golf Club in Armstrong. About $12 million will come from the Building Canada Fund and $21.6 million from the province. Federal funding from the $33-billion Building Canada plan ($2.2 billion for infrastructure projects in B.C. from 2007 to 2014) is conditional on the province completing an environmental assessment and consulting with First Nations.

Skimmed and scammed?

Kamloops This Week

A major retailer has fallen victim to the debit card skimming scam that has affected Kamloops shoppers this summer, police said Friday. RCMP Cpl. Brian O’Callaghan said investigators, working with financial institutions, now believe the Staples store on Hillside Drive had its debit machines switched out at some point in late June. “Police believe that clients who attended the Staples between June 23 and July 18 had their personal banking information skimmed,” he said. O’Callaghan urged anyone who used their debit card at Staples during that time to change their PIN.

Former MLA cries foul in Liberal nomination process

Andrew Livingstone Northern News Services Published Friday, August 29, 2008

SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Former Yellowknife Centre MLA Jake Ootes said he is not supportive of the way the Liberal Party of Canada is selecting party candidates. Ootes, a former NWT cabinet minister who was elected to the legislative assembly in 1995 and served as an MLA until 2003, now lives in Celesta, a small community on the north shore of Shuswap Lake in British Columbia.

Jake Ootes

He ran for the federal Liberal candidacy in the Okanagan-Shuswap riding in 2007 but was not selected. He planned to seek the nomination again this year. But Bruce Young, co-chair for the Liberals' election readiness committee in B.C., contacted Ootes and told him not to seek the nomination because they wanted a female candidate. "I got a call from the headquarters in B.C. here to say that with the resignation of (candidate Buffy Baumbrough), they were below the percentage of female candidates that the leader wants," Ootes said. Earlier this year, Baumbrough, who won the nomination in 2007 as the Liberal candidate for the riding, declined it to seek re-election to Vernon city council.

Liberal leader Stephane Dion is aiming to have more than one-third of Liberal candidates be female in the next federal election. Ootes spoke with Janna Francis, president of the Okanagan-Shuswap riding association about running. They both had plans to seek the nomination. Francis said she supports an open nomination process that isn't limited by gender. "We didn't like that response and that's (why) we were going to advocate that there not be a condition placed on candidates," she said. "As much as we respect and want more women in politics ... we didn't think that this riding needed that kind of policy."

If Ootes were to put in his nomination papers, he would have to face a green light committee - a provincial-level group that approves applicants for nomination. "I was told that they have all sorts of ways and means to turn down these applications," Ootes said. Ootes wasn't prohibited from putting in an application; in fact, it was supported by the election readiness committee. However, it would still have to be approved by the green light committee, which Ootes felt would never happen, so he decided to not run. "My decision not to seek the nomination is in keeping with the Liberal tradition of ensuring party unity and harmony," Ootes said.

Ootes said while he supports the idea of more women in politics, he doesn't support what he calls the "affirmative action" approach the party is taking for female representation. "I think that setting a percentage of women in office is not a correct way to go," Ootes said. "I strongly support more women to be at the decision making table. To force-feed and appoint people directly isn't the way to go. There are ways and means of setting and educating people on the political process and encouraging the political process but the affirmative action approach is not the way to go with it." Francis said she was disappointed Ootes did not put in his nomination papers, stating it is important for communities to have a choice when making these kinds of decisions. Francis was selected as the candidate for the riding when nomination meetings were held Aug. 23.The British Columbia Liberals office and the party headquarters in Ottawa were contacted regarding Ootes' concerns, but did not comment prior to deadline.

Green party announces its first member of Parliament

CBC Aug 30:

The Green party has gained its first ever member of Parliament — Blair Wilson — a Vancouver-area Independent who quit the Liberal party last year. Green party Leader Elizabeth May introduced Wilson at a news conference Saturday morning in Ottawa. The MP for the West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country riding was turfed from the Liberal caucus last year after allegations of spending irregularities in his 2006 campaign. Wilson reminded reporters that he was cleared of any wrongdoing after an eight-month investigation by Elections Canada. May said her party welcomes the MP because he gives the Greens a voice in parliamentary debates. She also said having Wilson on her team means she should be allowed to take part in the televised leaders debate in the next federal election campaign. Wilson said environment issues and the Green party have strong support in his riding. "The environment has always been the biggest issue in my riding and I think that in the [next] election, the environment will be the top issue nationally as well," he said. Whether Wilson ever enters the Commons as a Green party MP will likely be determined by voters in his riding later in the fall. Political observers speculate that Prime Minister Stephen Harper will move to dissolve Parliament next week before the fall sitting resumes, sending Canadians to the polls for a vote in mid-October.

Ottawa cashing in with tax on B.C.'s carbon tax

Fri Aug. 29 2008 21:32:37 ctvbc.ca With a report by CTV British Columbia's Jim Beatty.

See above LINK for CTV Video of Aug. 29

B.C. Finance Minister Colin Hansen said he is powerless to stop Ottawa from having tax on the carbon tax.

When British Columbia's much disputed carbon tax kicked on July 1st, Victoria said it would be revenue neutral, the money generated would be returned to taxpayers. But it turns out Ottawa is cashing in by collecting the GST on top of the carbon tax. This was revealed to Zabin Somani when she opened her monthly gas bill and found that Terasen Gas had charged her for B.C. new carbon tax and the federal GST on top of that. "I had no idea that I would get taxed on a tax,'' she said. That certainly wasn't mentioned in February when the carbon tax was introduced. At the time, former B.C. Finance Minister Carole Taylor said this carbon tax would be entirely revenue neutral, meaning every dollar raised will be returned to the people of B.C. in the form of lower taxes. But as it turns out, this isn't exactly true. The province won't benefit from the $1.8-billion dollar carbon tax, but the federal government will. Consumers may not realize it but they are now being charged GST on top of the carbon tax for everything from gasoline and diesel to propane and home heating oil.

As a result, that revenue neutral carbon tax the province keeps talking about will generate $30 million for Ottawa. "Well I think it's a crummy deal,'' said one old age pensioner, who spoke to CTV. For its part, Terasen Gas says it's simply following orders. "Terasen's role in collecting tax is to follow our requirements and then remit those taxes back to government," said Joyce Wagenaar, a spokeswoman for Terasen. BC Finance Minister Colin Hansen says there is nothing he can do. "I personally disagee with the concept of a tax on a tax but that's the way the federal government has the GST set up,'' he said.

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DON QUIXOTE NOTE: Finally a breakthrough on the National News:

On July 9 in an Posting called A Tax On a Tax-How Canadian I had e-mailed all the Federal Party Leaders as well as the the Provincial Party Leaders including my MLA Tom Christensen and the Premier about this particularly asinine GST Tax on the B.C. Carbon Tax.

Premier Gord Campbell: July 14 "Thank you for your email regarding a federal government tax on natural gas. I am sharing your correspondence with the Honourable Colin Hansen, Minister of Finance. Please be assured that Minister Hansen will ensure you receive a response specific to your concern. Again, thank you for writing." (Since then no reply from Finance Minister!)

On Aug 1 I have been assured by the Premier of B.C. and my local MLA's office as recently as yesterday that the Provincial Finance Minister will be responding to my concerns and will be replying shortly. (Since then Nothing)

It seems CTV British Columbia's Jim Beatty was finally able to get a reaction out of the Finance Minister Colin Hansen. I tip my hat to him. Hopefully he will get a reaction from the Other Federal and Provincial leaders in a follow up story.

The only one that replied to me with an actual coherent response was ELizabeth May of the Green Party on Aug 1

32nd Ave (27th St. to PV Road) Construction Closure Sept 2.

At the Cow Meeting on Monday it was suggested by staff that the Roundabout portion of this project would probably not commence until the Spring of 2009. The portion of the 32nd St project now being done will start Sept 2 and last 10 weeks ending in Mid November.

Employee speaks out over plant closure

By Jennifer Smith - Vernon Morning Star Published: August 29, 2008

The employees at Lavington’s glass plant, who will soon be out of a job, are being applauded for their experience, skill and dedication which has profited the company. “We have always been the plant that if no one else can make that bottle, they send it to us,” said a staff member, who wishes to remain anonymous. The employee explains that plant owner Owens-Illinois, which announced the plant will be closing Oct. 31, is known specifically for the products that come out of Lavington. “There’s a long list of customers that want our glass,” he said, listing specialty glassware for U.S. markets like California. “The employees are the ones that make the quality of glass. It’s the experience,” said the 23-year-employee, who adds he’s not even at the top of seniority, he’s only somewhere in the middle. “This is all they know and they’re the best in the world.” It’s the high level of skill and experience at the plant that has several employees questioning the closure announcement.“It’s not that it (the plant) isn’t profitable, it is,” said the unnamed employee.

His theory is that since Lavington is known for its high quality product, customers won’t accept anything else. Therefore, O-I’s other plants are having a hard time selling their product, he suggests. “Their customers won’t take it because they know Lavington exists.” So he claims, O-I has to close Lavington to make its other plants more profitable. He says the company has actually been saving money with Lavington’s experienced employees, who are even able to fix their own machines instead of contracting out. “That’s the kind of stuff that goes on here and not at any other plants.” But he understands that any loss could also be largely due to sizeable expenses for the Canadian side of the company to truck product over the border. In turn, there are 300 employees who are losing their jobs and will have to try and fit their skills into a whole new market, although O-I has stated that it will assist employees seeking new jobs.

In terms of union help, the employee says Local 213 has been a disappointment. “I don’t expect any help from our union.” Then there are the estimated 30 to 40 transport trucks loading up and hauling product from the plant on a daily basis. The plant closure will be a huge loss of work for those transportation companies and drivers, says the employee. But the even broader impact is on the community. “There’s $20 million in wages alone that are spent in the valley,” he said. Plus there is the impact on local companies that will be losing the glass plant’s business. Precision Electric Motor and Pump Service supplies, repairs and maintains motors for the glass plant and is sad to lose the business. “They’ve been a good customer,” said owner Chris Marchetti. “I’ve been dealing with them in motors for the last 15 to 20 years and there’s a lot of memories in that plant.” While Precision won’t be devastated by the loss, it will have to seek business elsewhere. “That’s one of the reasons why we go up to the Cariboo and elsewhere in the province because there’s not a lot of big business here,” said Marchetti. Losing yet another big company in the area hurts all around, he said. “To lose a big operation like that affects everyone.” At B.C. Bearing’s Vernon location, the feeling is mutual.“Losing one is one too many,” said Brent Troidle, technical sales manager. Estimating that the glass plant makes up about 10 per cent of the local B.C. Bearing’s business, Troidle says the even bigger loss is in the established relationship. “They’re one of our better customers for sure,” said Troidle. “It’s certainly disappointing. It’s certainly a portion of business that we wish not to see go.”

The likelihood that the plant, which O-I plans to sell, will ever become another glass plant or any other big business, is minimal, says the anonymous employee. “Once you shut that plant down and close the furnaces, they’re dead,” he said. “They’re going to make sure that once they shut this plant down, it will never be opened again, not without $60 or $70 million.” He estimates that the necessary rebuild cost of one furnace alone is $34 million. Therefore, the anonymous employee says with the unlikelihood of the glass industry surviving, coupled with the individual effects, the closure is going to greatly impact Greater Vernon.

O-I could not be reached for comment.

Divisions appear over cash

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: August 29, 2008

There are differences of opinion on how the City of Vernon should spend a $10,000 windfall. Council has tabled discussions on how to use $10,000 generated from the city hosting the Southern Interior Local Government Association conference in the spring. While some politicians wanted the cash pumped into capital improvements at city hall, others wanted to give taxpayers a break. “Let it fall into the general revenue surplus,” said Coun. Barry Beardsell, adding that would benefit taxpayers. But Coun. Juliette Cunningham wanted the funds to go towards a handicapped washroom at city hall. “There is some issue with people not being able to use our washrooms,” she said. “I’m surprised that we haven’t been challenged on being a public facility without wheelchair-accessible facilities.” In a report to council, staff had made some suggestions for the $10,000 including a fund to purchase gifts for visiting delegations, shower facilities for city hall employees and improvements to the staff lunch room. “The $10,000 should be a direct benefit to the staff who put in the time and effort (organizing the conference),” said Coun. Pat Cochrane. The convention wrapped up with net revenue of $19,489, and SILGA policy indicates that the first $10,000 stays with the host municipality. The matter on how to spend the money was tabled until a staff report on the cost of handicapped washrooms can be received.

Audit Reveals "Lack of Direction" For IH Surgical Services

Starlee Speers Astral Media Radio (Vernon)

The BC Auditor General calls the delivery of surgical services within the Interior Health authority a "work in progress." John Doyle says he expected to find a comprehensive framework for surgical services, effective services management and performance reports from his review. He says what was found was a lack of clear direction, and a lack of intergrated human resource planning and defined roles and accountabilities. The Auditor Generals report released Friday makes twelve recommendations for improvement including assessing the methods used to schedule surgery times and report to the public their performance of delivering surgical services. The report says Interior Health has accepted all of the recommendations and has already implemented some of them.

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Interior Health Authority Working to Improve Surgical Services
Backgrounder
News Release

AMALGAMATION POLL

A blogreader asked me to post a poll on the amalgamation of the four main areas of Greater Vernon, Namely Coldstream, Areas B , Areas C and Vernon.

In anticipation that this might be an area of debate in the upcoming November election, I have added a poll on the right hand side and will keep it open for a month.

Please feel free to leave comments but keep them relatively civil.

Plan to limit slots draws poor crowd

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: August 28,

Limiting the number of slot machines in Vernon doesn’t appear to be a major issue for most residents. Only two people spoke at a public hearing Monday about a proposed bylaw that would restrict slot machines to 300 in the community. While Lake City Casinos wants 400 machines, resident Bob Spiers pushed for the 300 slots as a way of getting the company to provide funding for a social responsibility fund. “It gives the city the bargaining power to get a heck of a lot more money,” he said. Spiers pointed out that Vancouver gets $200,000 a year from a casino for social issues there. Lake City Casinos officials support a limit on the number of slot machines in Vernon, but they want the figure set at 400. “We’ve had the property rezoned and we’ve been through a public information session. Our business plans are based on 400,” said vice-president Steve Kumpf of the new casino which is currently being constructed on Anderson Way. “There have also been government permits and building permits issued. We’ve always been clear that we plan to install 400 slots.”

Once the public input was finished, the political debate heated up. “We want some compensating factors,” said Coun. Barry Beardsell of the money he believes the casino takes out of the local economy. He added that additional funding from the casino could go towards gambling related issues as well as city initiatives like O’Keefe Ranch. “I’m expecting some co-operation from Lake City and the B.C. Lottery Corporation to come to the table and deal with us in a fair manner.” But Beardsell was challenged by Coun. Patrick Nicol, who favours 400 slot machines. “We have had a legitimate agreement with this business,” he said. “This is a building that’s built, with employees and a mandate we agreed to.” Nicol insists the city can establish a social responsibility fund from the extra funding it will get from the larger casino.

Even if a limit of 300 machines becomes law, Lake City Casinos can go ahead with 400 machines at the Anderson Way site because they were shown in designs submitted to the city. With 400 machines, the casino would be considered legally non-conforming under the bylaw.It’s expected council will consider the proposed bylaw at its Sept. 8 meeting.

Planning begins on new home for Summerland RCMP

Penticton Western Aug 28

A new Summerland RCMP detachment will soon begin to take shape. Earlier this year, the District of Summerland acquired three lots at the top of Peach Orchard Road for the new police facility. The buildings included a church and two residential properties. The purchase price was around $1.5 million.Municipal administrator Don DeGagne said requests for proposals will soon be sent to architects for the pre-design work. The pre-design and design for the building is expected to take at least six months. DeGagne says the new building, which will be located close to the downtown area and Highway 97, will be roughly 720 square metres and will replace the aging police station on Jubilee Road. The present building was constructed in 1969 as a restaurant and was converted to become the police detachment facility in 1975. The building is now too small for the detachment’s needs. “We determined it would be a satisfactory location with good accesses,” said DeGagne, adding the new building would be designed to allow future expansion and may also accommodate a new ambulance station. The cost of the facility is estimated at $5 million and borrowing will be involved. Construction is not expected to begin before next spring.

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Don Quixote Note: 720m sq meters is 7750 sq ft. Total cost building of $5 million equates to $645 per Sq. Ft.

Liquor pricing raises concern

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: August 28

There are calls to tighten up “cheap drink nights” at Vernon’s pubs and night clubs. Coun. Patrick Nicol is increasingly concerned about beverage prices at drinking establishments, and that over-consumption may lead to some problems for the RCMP. “Clearly people will drink and we want them to drink safely,” he said, adding that a major concern in Vernon is drinking and driving. “It’s a nut-show out there when that generally takes place.” There is also the concern that over-consumption may lead to physical altercations that the RCMP must respond to. “Cheap drink nights create problems way beyond those recognized,” said Nicol. Nicol wants the RCMP to review the pricing of drinks and for there to be open dialogue with the owners of bars. “We should try to identify where the problem areas are,” he said. “Engage the people who own these operations because they are good people.” Mayor Wayne Lippert agrees with Nicol that the issue of over consumption and the impact on the community is serious, but he believes most night club owners are aware of that. “There have been a couple of requests from operators to do away with that,” he said of lower pricing for alcohol.

Police issue warning to public

Morning Star:

Police are alerting the public of a mail scam that involves the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). The agency itself is warning taxpayers to beware of a scam that has surfaced where people are receiving a letter fraudulently identified as coming from the CRA and asking for personal information. The letter claims there is “insufficient information” for the individual’s tax return, and that in order to receive any “claims,” they will have to update their records. The letter attaches a form specifically requesting the individual’s personal information in writing via fax or e-mail, including information on bank accounts and passport. The CRA is adamant the letter is not from its organization, and that Canadians should not provide their personal information to the sender. Vernon RCMP spokesman Gord Molendyk said there have been no reports of the letter, which he believes arrives in the mail and by e-mail, showing up so far in the North Okanagan. “We want to get the word out about this scam and be preventative,” he said. A copy of the bogus letter can be found on the CRA’s website, www.cra.gc.ca/alert.

All taxpayers should be vigilant when giving out any confidential information to third parties.T he CRA states it has well established practices to protect the confidentiality of taxpayers’ personal information.

A PDF version of the letter is available on the CRA Web site at www.cra.gc.ca/alert.

Plant closure could bump tax bill

Kiss FM News

Raise taxes or cut services. That's the dilemma the new Coldstream Council will be facing next year due to the pending closure of the Owens Illinois glass plant in Lavington.Financial director Catherine Lord says the shut down will result in up to 200-thousand dollars in lost taxes and energy fees to the municipality. Lord says a four percent tax hike would be needed, to make up the shortfall. The plant will close October 31, putting 300 employees out of work.
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Don Quixote Note: My analysis of the O.I. Properties is that at last years assessed value of almost $8.8 million ($1.44 land Value, $7.36 Improv.) that the loss to Coldstream if the property is changed to a light industrial use is $199,636. However the loss in tax revenue to the School Board would be $22,023 and the Library would be $17,039. (Overall Tax revenue loss for all taxing authorities would amount to $241,201.)

The loss to Coldstream if the property is changed to a business use is $191,269 but the reduction from above Light Industrial usage calculation would be picked up by a decrease in NORD Tax Revenue of about $14,500. the loss to Coldstream if the property is changed to a light industrial use is $199,636. (Overall Tax revenue loss for all taxing authorities would amount to $248,634.)

Worse Case Scenario:
If However the Plant was reduced down in assesment to $0 because it was of no use to new owner the potential tax revenue loss would rise to $377,689. This additional $136,488 (compared to a light industrial class same assemnet value senario) would see losses of an additional $25,906 for Coldstream, $50,080 for School and $52,000 for Nord and $4460 for Hospital.

It can be seen that most of the Tax revenue loss is due to the class change rather then a large writedown in building value. (65% to 35% ratio)
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Losses due to Natural Gas Franchise and Hydro are an additional revenue loss to Coldstream.
My recall of last years budget was that $30,000 = a 1% tax hike in Coldstream. If that was the case each $100,000 of loss would be 3.3%.

Video cameras for cop cars

Castanet: Kelly Hayes & Wayne Moore
Smile! The next time you get stopped by an RCMP cruiser in Kelowna, you could be on tape. Kelowna's top cop is looking at adding video technology to some police vehicles. Superintendent Bill McKinnon, attending the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police Conference in Montreal, says he has been looking at the technology for a few years. McKinnon says it will cost about $4,000 to equip a cruiser with the video technology, down from about $7,000 last year. "I'm looking at buying a few and putting them in our cars. I think it would be advantageous for our members as investigators," says McKinnon. "It will make not only the person being stopped, but also our members, more accountable for their actions."

CRIME STATS FOR B.C. Now available.

http://www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/police_services/publications/statistics/1998-2007-policejurisdictionalct.pdf

Example of Local Number of Criminal Code Offences
Policing Jurisdiction 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Vernon Mun 6,081 5,323 5,315 5,261 6,015 6,386 6,485 6,050 5,649 5,091
Vernon Prov 705 592 631 604 589 797 740 759 704 586
Coldstream Mun 438 531 386 371 370 478 442 382 352 374

Full listing of Policing Publications can be found at: Police Services.
Some of Interest at this Link Include:

• Crime Statistics in British Columbia, 2007
• B.C. Crime Trends, 1998 to 2007
• B.C. Policing Jurisdiction Crime Trends, 1998 to 2007
• Police Resources in British Columbia, 2006 (revised February 2008)
• Municipal Case Burden Report - 2002 - 2006 (July 2007)
• Municipal Crime Rate Report - 2002 - 2006 (July 2007)

City of North Van receives $1-million grant for Spirit Trail

Kelly McManus - North Shore Outlook

The Ministry of Transportation has presented the City of North Vancouver with a $1-million grant to assist with the ongoing construction of the Spirit Trail. The bikeway and pedestrian route, conceived as a means of joining existing bikeways, linking routes from Horseshoe Bay to Deep Cove, will span 35 kilometres once completed. The grant, presented today to Mayor Darrell Mussatto by Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon, will be used in the creation of the Harbourside West Overpass, better connecting the Marine Drive and the Harbourside Business Park. The overpass is scheduled to be completed in 2010.

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The City previously received a $980,000 grant through the provincial government’s LocalMotion program. Through this cost-sharing program, the City is able to complete un-built portions of the Spirit Trail that wind through the City’s waterfront areas, Moodyville Park and Lynnmouth Park to the City’s eastern boundary with the District of North Vancouver.

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Don Quixote Note: Perhaps when the overdue quarterly Grants Report is tabled in open Council we can see if Vernon has applied for some of these Grant Monies that the provincial Govt. is giving out in anticipation of next years Spring Election .

Vernon's sister City in action: Modesto's Council, manager take healthy look at benefits

MODESTO BEE Aug 27

The Modesto City Council and its new city manager are taking a hard look at management leave and monthly vehicle allowances, two employee benefits that have mushroomed in scope and cost. While this evaluation was prompted by the city's current budget crunch, it is worthwhile review at any time.

The two key issues:

Vehicle allowance: About 40 managers receive monthly vehicle allowances ranging from $100 to $500 each, regardless of how much they drive their personal car for city business.

Management leave: About 280 employees receive paid time off, known as management leave, as an acknowledgment of the extra hours they put it at night meetings and on weekends. The leave ranges from 20 to 80 hours per year. Employees are allowed to either take the time off or cash out all or part of the unused time. This benefit costs the city almost $730,000 a year.

Councilwomen Janice Keating and Kristin Olsen raised questions about the leave during budget deliberations earlier this year. Monday, at the council's Finance Committee meeting, City Manager Greg Nyhoff made some recommendations. For 2008-09, the city has reduced by three the number of mid-level manager positions designated to receive a vehicle allowance of $100 to $200 per month. Furthermore, Nyhoff is asking that the 14 managers still receiving the allowance track their business-related mileage for six months so that it can be determined whether they should receive a flat amount or reimbursement per mile driven. This is a good first step. Beyond that, the council needs to review the $300 to $500 vehicle allowances paid to the city manager, city attorney, city clerk, department directors and deputy directors. Modesto should offer compensation packages that are competitive with private business and other public agencies, but it should not pay vehicle allowances to employees who, in fact, seldom need to use their cars for city business.

The city is providing management leave to about 70 employees who also get overtime for extra hours. That double-dipping should go away, and Nyhoff proposes to address that in negotiations with the Modesto Confidential and Management Association. To its credit, the association has shown its willingness to talk on the issue. For the other 200-plus employees receiving management leave, Nyhoff suggests the long-term approach should be to eliminate the cash-out option and to cap leave at 40 hours a year. Those seem like reasonable targets.

Because of existing contracts and the need for the city to be competitive in its compensation packages, council members cannot unilaterally eliminate management leave or vehicle allowances. Nor should they want to. There's no indication of foul play or overt abuse of these benefits by city workers. Rather, they've simply become expectations and something that isn't always counted with the more traditional compensation elements -- pay, health benefits and pensions. The job of the council and the city manager is to keep a firm rein on all benefits, to make them fair but not lavish and to not let them bloat into uncontrollable expenses for the city. The discussion at Monday's Finance Committee meeting suggests the city is moving in the right direction. The Finance Committee also agreed that the city offer a voluntary unpaid furlough program, leaving on the table the possibility of a mandatory time off without pay depending on the budget outlook. That's another sensible approach.

New Westside Council will get raise

Castanet:
It will be up to the new Westside Council to determine how much it will receive in remuneration. At this week's Committee of the Whole meeting, Council approved a motion which would see the mayor and councillors paid according to the median paid to councils in six similarly-sized B.C. municipalities. The six communities include three with populations higher than Westside (Langley, Port Moody and North Cowichan) and three with lower populations (Penticton, Vernon and Campbell River). The average remuneration for the six municipalities is $56,325 for mayor and $20,101 for councillors. Currently, the Mayor of Westside receives $52,140 per year while each of the six Councillors is paid $19,166 per year. Staff will compile the figures in January and present them to council. Meantime, council will get an increase in per diem travel and mileage allowances. The new allowances take into account the rising costs of food and fuel and is based on comparisons with other similar sized B.C. municipalities. The new policy indicates a per diem amount for meals, mileage reimbursement rates and establishment of a reserve account for each council members. The reserve amount is added to council's indemnity at the beginning of each year and expenses are charged to those accounts. A full accounting of individual accounts and expenses will be made public. The mayor will receive an additional $1,520 with councillors getting $1,100 for expenses. That amount will be increased January 1, 2010 and each subsequent year based on changes to the B.C. Consumer Price Index.
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Don Quixote Note: Vernon advertised for member to be appointed to a remuneration committee to decide on Council stipends for the next incoming Council. No word on whether the committee was formed or the composition of the committee has escaped the DARKSIDE where this type of motion would normally have been declassified in an open Council meeting. It is wise that the membership of the committee is not declassified until its report is revealed in Public session to allow this committee to work without any outside pressure or influence.

Any results whether they are to bump remuneration UP or DOWN will be voted on by this Council but only accrue to the benefit of the next Council. There will be no retroactively.

Lists of B.C. health facilities tied to tainted meats released

VERNON IHA HEALTH SITES HAD NO PRODUCTS ON RECALL LIST SERVED

CBC News:

All five regional health authorities in B.C. have released the names of facilities where meat products linked to a nationwide outbreak of listeriosis were served. Lists of the facilities have been posted on the websites of the regional health authorities. Provincial authorities say they plan to review policies of food supply in light of the Maple Leaf Foods meat recall. A statement on the Interior Health authority website said 20 facilities were affected by the recall.

46 sites provide food services
20 sites impacted by this recall
8 products used in IH sites

Interior Health Sites Affected by Recall - August 27 (See full list for affected sites)

RED Indicates NO PRODUCTS SERVED IN THIS FACILITY
Vernon Jubilee Hospital 2101 – 32nd Street Vernon
Noric House Extended Care 1400 Mission Rd Vernon
Gateby IC Facility 3000 Gateby Place Vernon
Pleasant Valley Health Centre3800 Patten Drive Armstrong
Parkview Place 707-3 rd Ave Enderby

Amendments to the draft OCP! Meeting Wednesday, August 27, 2008

There have been "requests for amendments to the Bella Vista West Neighbourhood Plan". Bella Vista West is the development to the west of The Rise, with a large lot designated 'rural agricultural' in between, which used to have the 'urban growth area' designation on the previous OCP.

"As a result" of receiving these "requests", "Council has authorized staff to initiate a review of the neighbourhood plan. As an initial step, the City is conducting a workshop:"

Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Schubert Centre, 3505 - 30th Ave, Vernon
6:00 to 8:00 pm

Green Party urges government review and changes for Canadian Food System

Media Release August 27, 2008

MARGAREE – The Green Party is sounding alarm bells over the recent outbreak of Listeriosis, saying the recent deaths due to the Listeria bacteria should be a sufficient warming for Health Minister Tony Clement and Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz to review the Canadian food safety regulations.

“In 1996, the Liberal government moved food safety out of Health Canada’s mandate,” said Green Party leader Elizabeth May. “Food safety was handed over to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) while the Agency was also made responsible for promoting Agri-Foods. The end result is that safety regulations are now designed for a global food system, not a more sustainable local food system. The global food system is rife with dangers due the long distances food travels, the impossibility of controlling food regulations and practices around the world and the long shelf life that is expected of food these days."

Green Party Industry and Business critic Huguette Allen, candidate in Okanagan—Shuswap, has actively campaigned against new meat inspection regulations in British Columbia that harm smaller and family farms.

"Many regions of Canada have excellent local food economies but are hindered because small family farms are expected to adhere to the same safety standards as food that is transported all over the globe. Yet we know from common sense as well as experience, that no matter what standards we impose of global foods, safety issues persist. When outbreaks occur, repercussions are inevitable."

Ms. Allen pointed out that the Harper government says Canadian food distribution system is not 100 percent safe and that "food poisoning and bacteria outbreaks will occur from time to time”, yet the government makes it illegal for Canadian family farms in most provinces to sell poultry and meat raised and processed on the farm.

Consistent with its privatization agenda, the Harper government has announced that as of October 2008, it will no longer inspect federally inspected slaughterhouses (sic) but will require these companies report on themselves.

“The Green Party opposes this move and urges the government to review the Canadian food system and safety regulations in their entirety and to put food safety back into the hands of Health Canada,” said Ms. Allen. “The CFIA should be given the responsibility for local food economies rather than Agri-food/global food economies.”

Contact: Camille Labchuk Press Secretary
613-562-4916 ext. 244
clabchuk@greenparty.ca

PM cancels Jean's Beijing trip, fuelling election hype

CBC

Prime Minister Stephen Harper has asked Gov. Gen. Michaëlle Jean not to attend the Paralympic Games in Beijing, in a move further suggesting Harper will pull the plug on his current minority government and trigger a federal election.

The Prime Minister's Office announced late Tuesday that Ontario Lt.-Gov. David Onley will represent Canada in Jean's place at the Games, which open on Sept. 6. The decision allows Jean, who was to depart on Sept. 5, to remain in Ottawa, in case Harper asks her to dissolve Parliament.

(HARPER PULLS STRINGS)

Coldstream braces for big financial hit

By Jennifer Smith - Vernon Morning Star Published: August 26, 2008

The closure of Lavington’s glass plant is sending a ripple effect through the region. On top of the 300 employees who will be out of work when the plant, owned by Owens-Illinois, shuts down Oct. 31, the entire region will be impacted. The District of Coldstream will be particularly effected, since the plant has been a major industry in the community since it opened in 1969. The plant represents approximately six per cent of Coldstream’s total taxes. When the plant closes, Coldstream will then lose tax revenue in the range of $150,000. To make up for that shortfall, Coldstream taxpayers could be on the hook for a four per cent tax increase for 2009. “We’d have to increase the taxes or find the money somewhere else,” said Catherine Lord, Coldstream’s director of financial administration. Part of the financial loss comes from the fact that if the plant property is sold, the tax classification will change. It will go from the highest tax bracket of major industry to light industry or commercial.

“Rates for both of these classes are about the same, but they are only about 35 per cent of the major industrial rate,” said Lord. But the loss doesn’t stop there. With Terasen Gas and B.C. Hydro paying the district for usage in the community, there will also be a loss there depending on how much gas or power the glass plant uses. Lord is trying to round up more information on these aspects to come up with some firm numbers. She estimates that the overall financial impact will be significant. “By the time it all falls out, it’s going to be around $150,000 to $200,000,” said Lord, adding that there is also direct impact on those residents who work at the plant and their families.

A report is expected to be brought forward to Coldstream’s Sept. 8 council meeting. While Coldstream residents are going to feel the greatest impact, the plant closure effect extends beyond the district’s boundary. “It’s going to be felt throughout the region,” said Lord. “This is just Coldstream’s taxes, but Coldstream collects taxes for the regional district, the library, the schools.” Vernon city council is also worried about the financial implications of the glass plant’s closure as many of the employees either live in the city or shop in that community. “The loss of 300 well-paying jobs is devastating to Coldstream and Greater Vernon,” said Coun. Barry Beardsell.

“We are in rough economic times. It will hurt this economy.” Beardsell is warning his colleagues that the plant closure could impact the city’s finances and that should be considered when developing the 2009 budget. “We had better pull our horns in because that loss will hurt real estate and businesses,” he said. Owens-Illinois announced a permanent closure of the plant Friday, which comes into effect Oct. 31.The closure was driven by the company’s ongoing global asset utilization process, which identified an opportunity to shift production to other, more efficient O-I North American facilities.

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Don Quixote Note: The 2007 rate for major industry in Coldstream was 30.84265 while the business rate was 5.33826 and the light industrial rate was 5.01133. This class change seems to bring up at least a 80% reduction of tax revenue not the 35% rate reduction used in the story.

Property Tax Mill Rates - 2008
Download Property Tax Mill Rates - 20Kb PDF

Major Industry 23.337135 + 2.843229 = 26.180364

Business 4.026166 + .441241 =4.467407

Lt Industry 3.296166 +.275598= 3.51764

This class change using 2008 figures seems to bring up at least a 80% reduction of tax revenue not the 35% rate reduction used in the story.

City taking economic development reins

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: August 26, 2008

There’s a major shift in how economic development is delivered. The City of Vernon is poised to take on economic development and tourism services as the North Okanagan Regional District withdraws from the function. “We will be the strong, co-operative leader and provide the service,” said Mayor Wayne Lippert. On Monday, city council instructed administration to advertise for an economic development officer and a tourism marketing person. While there is an existing Greater Vernon economic development function, it’s anticipated NORD will launch the process to disband the initiative at its Sept. 3 meeting. Lippert said Vernon started looking at developing its own service after Areas B and C opted to withdraw from NORD’s economic development function. “Because of our physical size, we can provide the service ourselves,” said Lippert. “We have a little industrial land around the airport and economic development isn’t just about industry. It’s about the development and retention of business.” But the new initiative won’t be just limited to Vernon. It will contract out its services to other North Okanagan communities for a fee. “We will work with any jurisdiction,” said Lippert.

Lumby has been trying to access economic development services for years, and Mayor Eric Foster says it doesn’t matter who is in charge. “For smaller communities, a fee for service works a lot better and Vernon running it makes sense because they are the big economic driver,” he said. Stan Field, Area C director, is pleased to see the city setting up an economic development/tourism division. “That’s the way we understood it would happen,” he said. Field had wanted the existing Greater Vernon service to morph into a North Okanagan-wide function but some jurisdictions were reluctant to get involved. “It just wasn’t working through the regional district,” said Field. Field still isn’t interested in economic development but he is willing to financially support tourism marketing through the city. Jerry Oglow, NORD chairman and Armstrong mayor, supports the city running economic development. “We are working with the city in respect to economic development and how best to deliver the service,” he said.

Some issues that need to be resolved include who will operate Greater Vernon’s tourist information centres, and what will happen to existing economic development staff. “We have excellent staff and I hope all or some of them can transition to the city but that will be the call of the city,” said Oglow. It’s possible that the city could have the two new positions filled by the new year.

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Morning Star Editorial

At a time when OI Canada has decided to close the glass plant and the forest sector continues to struggle, there is obviously a need for the North Okanagan to diversify its economy if the region is to grow and prosper. And key to that is having a solid structure in place that not only tries to draw new investors here but tries to keep existing businesses firmly in place. But despite many grandiose plans, the Greater Vernon economic development function has never lived up to expectations. That's why the City of Vernon's move towards taking the function over is welcome news. It will shift the service away from the political infighting that often dominates the North Okanagan Regional District and hopefully provide some clear direction.And one has to acknowledge that the function will not be Vernon-centric. In fact, little of its business may physically take place in Vernon as the city doesn't have a lot of land for industry, which generally creates good-paying jobs. That land is found in the surrounding communities and other jurisdictions will be able to access the economic development service for a fee. In fact, that situation is ideal for places like Lumby. They can pay only for the activities they need. Of course there are still some details to be worked out, including the future of the existing economic development staff and who will operate Greater Vernon's tourist information centres. But the bottom line ultimately must be promoting Vernon and the North Okanagan as a great way to do business, and forgetting about who actually administers the function.

Supportive Living Property

On Monday the City of Vernon declassified another resolution from the DARKSIDE as follows: "That Council direct the Manager of Finance to contact the Province to request reimbursement to the City of Vernon for the costs being downloaded on the City as a result of the New Assessment Class 3 -Supportive Living Property"

"AND FURTHER advises that the City of Vernon supports housing projects of this type by providing reduced costs through Development Cost Charges."

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Don Quixote Note: Below is a posting that may have been the source of this debate and decision from the DARKSIDE.

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I first posted this article on Supportive Housing Tax exemption on July 22.

Class 3 - Supportive Housing - funded and identified by the provincial government, a property which combines on-site support services with housing for persons who were previously homeless, at risk of homelessness, have mental or physical disabilities, or who are recovering drugs or alcohol addictions. (New class introduced in 2008).

A BC Assessment fact sheet with more information on the new classification for supportive housing is available here. Each year, the provincial Cabinet will approve the
eligible supportive housing properties. For more information about supportive housing properties, consult Order in Council 541/2008, which was deposited June 27, 2008.

There are 3 properties with a 20 assessment code for Vernon:

• 20-233-01365000 ($1,187,000)
  
• 20-233-01399000 ($380,600)
  
• 20-233-03596000 ($965,000)

Liberals ready for election

By Jennifer Smith - Vernon Morning Star Published: August 26

A fresh, new Liberal face believes she can lead her campaign team to victory, one vote at a time. The Okanagan-Shuswap Liberal Riding Association crowned its leader Saturday – 58-year-old Janna Francis. Since there were no other names in the running for the federal Liberal nomination, Vernon’s Francis took the crown during candidates election meetings at the Schubert Centre and in Salmon Arm. A small group of approximately 10 gathered in Salmon Arm and upwards of 35 came out in Vernon. Francis is a new face to the people of her riding, following candidate Buffy Baumbrough, who announced earlier this year she would not represent the party in the next election. While Francis may be a stranger to some, she has lived and worked in the community for the past four years, since moving from Kelowna, and says she has loved living here. “This is an amazing area of Canada,” said Francis, recognizing the population’s desire for healthy living. Since the central part of the Liberal party’s campaign is the green shift plan, Francis is ready to head her team in that direction. That will include looking at how the carbon tax will effect areas such as the agricultural community. As a social worker, Francis is also concerned about the need for childcare and other family issues. “I care deeply for children and families. I care about people,” said Francis, who has served on Kelowna’s Women’s Liberal Commission, Elizabeth Fry Society, United Way campaign and the Kelowna mayor’s task force on youth issues. Working with the Liberal party, Francis believes her values will be upheld. “The Liberal party is my political party. It has the best options for the kind of Canada I want to live in.” But as she takes the reigns as the local representative, Francis says there is some work to be done in preparation for a possible election. “Harper could go to the governor general as early as Sept. 2,” she said, as she works to pull the campaign team together.“We need to be ready.”

In Okanagan-Shuswap, the federal Liberals have traditionally run third behind the Conservatives and the NDP, but Francis is confident the ranking could change in the next election. “One vote at a time is how we’re going to win this,” she said. The OSLRA will also be looking at replacing their president, who is currently Francis. Along with her election, Francis also celebrated another good news story with an engagement party for her son and his fiancé Saturday.

Councillors raise hands against OCP

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: August 26, 2008

Opposition to Vernon’s new official community plan is coming from within city hall. Both Councillors Barry Beardsell and Patrick Nicol voted against second reading for the amended OCP Monday. “There has to be a vision,” said Nicol, who believes the planning document doesn’t place enough emphasis on parks, recreation and culture. “When we talk about the OCP and how we’re going to have families, they need resources.” Nicol insists there should be sweeping discussions with the Greater Vernon Services Committee, the school board and service groups to look at how best to provide recreational opportunities, from sports fields to playgrounds. The OCP calls for more people living downtown, but Nicol points out that school enrolment is dropping and efforts are needed to make the central core attractive. “We need to find services that will keep people in the downtown,” he said, Nicol is also concerned that the proposed OCP isn’t specific enough when it comes to environmental protection. “When the town was turned on its head three years ago (election), it was about preserving green space.”

Beardsell continued to focus on transportation networks and isn’t impressed that the OCP calls for some roads to reach a level of congestion. “I am ashamed to be part of a community that would bring transportation to the threshold of disaster,” he said. Beardsell is still upset that the OCP doesn’t set aside land for a western bypass. “When a corridor is lost, it’s lost forever,” he said. Mayor Wayne Lippert is disappointed that some councillors are slamming the OCP after considerable staff effort, but he suggests the opposition may be the result of a recent public hearing. “It’s a councillor’s job to bring forward what they think residents want,” he said.The OCP was amended to reflect the comments received from the Aug. 11 public hearing.A second public hearing on the OCP will be held Sept. 8.

Francis to represent Liberals

Pete McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM

A Vernon social worker will represent Okanagan -Shuswap Liberals in the next federal election. Janna Francis went unopposed to win the nomination. Francis is currently the president of the local Liberal Association, and previously ran for the Liberals in Kelowna in 1997. The nomination process created some controversy after Liberal officials admitted they wanted a female candidate, which led to Shuswap resident Jake Ootes backing out. The move was made after leader Stephane Dion set a goal of having one third female candidates. Francis joins incumbent MP Colin Mayes of the Conservatives, Alice Brown of the NDP and Hugette Allen of the Green Party as declared candidates for the next election.

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Results of 1997 General Election Kelowna

1997 GE
	Ref	25,246	50.0%	SCHMIDT, Werner			M	Kelowna
	Lib	11,306	22.4%	FRANCIS, Janna			F	Kelowna	Social Worker
	PC	8,477	16.8%	HORNING, Al			M	Kelowna	Realtor
	NDP	3,838	7.6%	STEELE, Fred			M	Kelowna	Public Relations
	Grn	1,612	3.2%	HUGHES, David			M	Kelowna	Environmental Home Inspector

More than 2,000 sign Okanagan petition against 'monster' boats

CATHRYN ATKINSON Special to The Globe and Mail August 26, 2008

More than 2,300 Okanagan residents have signed a petition they hope will lead to higher fines and other sanctions against the owners of noisy, powerful speedboats that shatter the peace of the region every summer. The $100,000 "monster" boats emit up to 120 decibels when simply idling on Lake Okanagan, the same amount of noise as a taxiing jet, with the sound echoing off the mountains that surround the lake. The petition was started after the RCMP told Kelowna council last month that they were hamstrung by a lack of resources and strong laws to curb the noise pollution coming from boats, apart from issuing tickets with maximum fines of $115. As of yesterday afternoon, 2,330 fed-up residents had signed the online petition in the past 11 days, demanding changes to the laws that govern boat use on the lake.

The creator of the petition, which can be seen at http://www.stoptheloudboats.com, did not want to publicize his name because he feared retribution from the boat owners. He said he had a high-profile, non-governmental job in Kelowna and lived just outside the city, right on the lake. "It's a small town. I'm nervous and can't afford to go public; I have a family. A number of these boat owners consider themselves to be outlaws. I've seen a couple of comments on the petition website and a local news website from them that have been scary," he said. He said he was "knocked out" by the positive response to the petition, having started it by contacting 13 of his friends and neighbours. He said respondents came from all around the Okanagan valley, not just those living near the lake.

He said copies of the petition would be handed to municipal, provincial and federal governments in September, and to delegates at the September meeting of Union of British Columbia municipalities. Constable Gerry Guiltenane, the only RCMP officer charged with patrolling the 135-kilometre-long lake on a full-time basis, said in an interview last month that he'd clocked the boats going 120 kilometres an hour. He expressed an interest in having the worst transgressors' boats impounded. The noise is amplified when the boats are exhausting into the air, rather than underwater, and more horsepower is available when they do this, he added. Boat owners could also get around RCMP inspections on the lake by simply flipping a switch to go to the underwater mufflers. RCMP spokeswoman Julie Rattee said the police don't get involved in petitions and must enforce the laws as they stand. "I don't think you'd find a police officer that wouldn't be happy to have more to work with. The reality is that we are dealing with a small maximum fine and one RCMP patrol boat," she said. Councillor Robert Hobson of Kelowna said the city was exploring several options, including speed limits, higher fines and decibel-based noise restrictions for boat engines.

Councillor calls for 'cheap drink' review

By Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM

Banning "Cheap Drink" nights at nightclubs may be one way for Vernon to reduce the amount of drunk drivers on the roads. Councillor Patrick Nicol made that suggestion, saying its a "nut show" on the roads the nights those events are held. "It's the young people that go for the cheapest drinks and all the statistics point to those under 24 creating the greatest havoc in terms of death and destruction on the highways." Nicol would like to see the RCMP meet with local nightspot operators to discuss the issue, and come up with some solutions. "If you're going to have those nights, you're going to have to increase the policing or else you're going to have increasing incidents that we've had that are so tragic." In addition to rising impaired driving cases locally, there's also been three crashes this year involving suspected drunk drivers and taxis, one resulting in a fatality.Nicol made his comments after council gave it's approval to a new 32 seat outdoor patio for the Kal Hotel Sports Bar. RCMP have seen fluctuating levels of impaired driving cases this summer but officials agree cases appear to be on the rise. Nine impaired charges were laid this past weekend while 11 drivers were given 24-hour suspensions.

Plant closure has major economic impact

Pete McInytre 107.5 KISSFM

The economic impact is sinking in about the pending closure of the Lavington Glass Plant. Owens-Illinois has announced the 39 year old plant will close at the end of October, putting 300 people out of work. Vernon councillor Barry Beardsell brought up the issue at Monday's city council meeting. He says it will affect businesses throughout the area. "With an estimated $15 million payroll loss, because these are well paying union jobs, that's devastating for the economy." Beardsell says Coldstream alone will lose about $300,000 in annual taxes, along with natural gas fees.

Due to that, he suggests it's time to take another look at Coldstream and the electoral areas, joining Vernon to reduce the taxpayer's costs. "It is time for a restructuring (in Greater Vernon) to reduce the costs that all the taxpayer's bare. In other words, less politicians, less bureaucrats and a more efficient local government for the area." Mayor Wayne Lippert says the shut down will have a ripple effect to all the businesses that supply goods and services to the plant and its workers. The U-S owner of the plant is consolidating operations south of the border to save energy and production costs.

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Don Quixote Note: My early unscientific calculation of the effect on Coldstream and NORD's and school board property taxes and Coldstream's franchise fee can be found here .

Vernon on Plant Closure

Kate Bouey, Astral Media Radio - Vernon

Vernon City Council has expressed shock at the announced closure of a Lavington glass container plant that will see 300 people lose their jobs come October. Councillor Barry Beardsell says it will mean the loss of 15-million dollars in wages and a 300-thousand dollar tax loss for Coldstream. He says Vernon should also think about tightening its belt as economic times get tougher. Mayor Wayne Lippert said he hopes to hire an economic development officer for Vernon could help in convincing businesses to stay put as well as move to the area. Lippert says the closure will have a ripple effect on businesses here that deal with the plant as well as local retail stores.

Don Quixote Note: A motion to declassify re Economic Development was passed at this meeting. "THAT Council authorizes the CAO to move forward with advertising for positions for the City of Vernon Economic development and Tourism Division"

Discussions on a new department, the funding of that new department and a decision to proceed with the manning of that new department occurred after debate on the DARKSIDE. There was no discussion on the reasoning of this new expenditure in the open Council when this declassifying resolution took place.

The (570)Regional Economic Development Function at NORD had a budget of about $100,000 of which Vernon Taxpayers were responsible for $51,581 . The (860) Tourism Ec. Development function had a budget of $554,180 of which Vernon Taxpayers were responsible for $373,882.

Will Vernon be withdrawing from the Regional Function in order to finance their own Economic and Tourism Department? This kind of debate and clarification was what should have happened when this DARKSIDE maneuver was declassified.

Vernon Council OCP

Kate Bouey, Astral Media Radio - Vernon

City Council has endorsed amendments to Vernon's Official Community Plan but not before a two and a half hour debate in council chambers Monday where members grilled city planner Kim Flick. This followed the first of two public meetings on the plan. Councillor Patrick Nicol said the OCP lacked vision while Barry Beardsell decried what-he-described as the lack of transportation policy. Mayor Wayne Lippert tried to rein in councillors -- telling Barry Beardsell to get off his soapbox -- in order to get through the agenda. Lippert admitted he was disappointed that city officials had so many amendments to make at this late date. A second public meeting on the OCP will be held September 8th at the Schubert Centre.

City council drinks in criticism over bylaw (Kamloops)

Reposting of article March 3, 2007
By MARKUS ERMISCH Staff reporterMar 02 2007 http://www.kamloopsthisweek.com/

Regulating the price of alcoholic drinks is a practice befitting a communist dictatorship, not Kamloops council, a local restaurant owner told civic lawmakers this week. “I don’t think council should be in the business to create a level playing field,” Frank d’Amore told council Tuesday. “Then we should move to a country like China, a non-democracy, where they tell you what to do.” D’Amore, who owns the Fogg ‘n’ Suds pub and Frankly Coffee coffee shop in the downtown core, said council’s 7-1 decision sets a precedent and opens the door for future intervention in business. “It’s not free enterprise; it’s regulating free enterprise,” he said.

Council decided on the bylaw, which sets the minimum drink price at $3, to curb binge drinking and associated ills like vandalism and pub brawls. D’Amore said that based on informal talks with police, he doubts the bylaw will achieve its objective. Most fights outside of bars, he pointed out, occur on weekends, when drink prices are at their highest. Retired bar owner Joe Weibe also opposed the bylaw, saying the ultimate regulation of alcoholic beverages — Prohibition — failed. Bars and restaurants are already regulated by various organizations, such as the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch and WorkSafe B.C., he said.

“It would be a conspiracy if people conjoined to fix prices,” he said. “Price fixing is price fixing, no matter what the product is.” The city’s police committee first began contemplating minimum prices about a year ago as a means to solve social problems. Council later surveyed bars and restaurants with a liquor licence. Of the 37 per cent of businesses that returned completed surveys to city hall, 57 per cent opposed price regulations. There was, however, a marked difference between food-primary and liquor-primary licensees: of the former, 66 per cent of those surveyed were opposed to price regulation, while 60 per cent of the latter were in favour of the move.

Coun. Tina Lange, owner of the Hello Toast restaurant on Victoria Street, was the bylaw’s lone opponent. “My concern with setting prices is that we’re regulating an area that’s none of our business,” she said. Mayor Terry Lake was of a different opinion. “We regulate a lot of things,” he said. “This is a small tool that will help us.” Lake said he doesn’t believe regulating the price of alcoholic drinks will “impinge on business.” Coun. Peter Milobar, whose family runs a bar and restaurant at The Place Inn, did not vote on the issue due to conflict of interest concerns.
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By JIM HARRISONMar 04 2007 http://www.kamloopsthisweek.com/
If municipal politicians had the corner on fiscal prudence, their intrusion into the private sector might be excused. But they don’t, which is why the Kamloops council vote imposing minimum drink prices on bars and pubs is wrong-headed and ill-considered. Municipal politicians believe they have this infinite pot of money to draw from to pay for civic services and whatever whim they choose to include under that umbrella. Not so in the private sector, where service and product value, among other factors, are the keys to longevity and success. It’s why some bars and pubs use discount drink nights as part of a marketing strategy. They don’t have taxpayers to shake down whenever they want more money. If discount-drink nights have some negative side effects, there are laws to deal with them and, presumably, police to enforce them.

Some bars have cheap wing nights. Do we legislate price next on chicken wings, because their presence might make people thirstier? Some offer free peanuts and popcorn — maybe there should be a minimum price established because they, too, have the potential to cause people to drink more. Whats next on the municipal business hit list? Some people think fast food is not healthy, so does council consider a minimum price on burgers and fries? On milk shakes and ice cream? On candy sold in stores? It’s a dark and deep hole council has stepped into and, as well-intentioned as it might be, venturing into this territory is something that begs for serious reconsideration.