Avoiding the issue

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: June 30, 2009 7:00 PM

It’s hard to tell if the powers that be in Vernon are truly interested in returning Polson Park to its former glory days or are just bent on ignoring social issues. During a recent tour of the park, city politicians and bureaucrats discussed how it could be upgraded and made more attractive to families. But amidst the ideas for an outdoor skating rink, a grandstand and modernizing the bandshell, the conversation was dominated by the criminal element that has taken up residence there, as well as those who have pitched a makeshift tent because they’re without a home. And there is no better example of that than the plan to remove trees and create a trail on the west side of Vernon Creek. “It would reduce some of the high-risk activity. They would be much more visible to people using the trail system,” said Clint Kanester, bylaw services manager. “The more users, the better to increase safety.”

There’s also a push to have community policing set up an office in Polson Park as a way of addressing safety concerns. “I’d like to see a nurse coming off a shift at the hospital feel safe enough to walk through the park. When we get to that point, I’d be really happy,” said Coun. Bob Spiers. And no one can deny that there is a problem in Polson Park and that drug deals and prostitution are unacceptable in a place that’s supposed to be an urban oasis. But when the druggies, hookers and johns are given the boot from the park, they won’t just vanish. They will make their way past the floral clock and head out into the rest of the community, looking for a new place to ply their trade.

The upsurge in crime in Polson Park is likely a result of the RCMP declaring much of downtown a red zone (under court sentencing, an individual can be ordered to stay out of a particular area. If they are found there, they have breached their sentence and can be arrested). They couldn’t hang around Cenotaph Park or the Upper Room Mission anymore so they went somewhere else. And that’s what will happen if Polson Park is declared off limits. Spiers says he wants an off-duty nurse to feel safe walking through the park, but what happens once she leaves the safe embrace of its boundaries? Will her walk home continue to be uneventful? Beyond just chopping down some trees and giving community policing an office, what is really being done to minimize social issues in Vernon?

Yes more police officers have been hired and bylaw enforcement is on the beat, but that doesn’t address the root causes of homelessness or crime. Is the city doing everything it can to support substance abuse counselling, job training and affordable housing? I’m not naive enough to think that rehab and shelters are the be-all and end-all. There will always be some individuals who refuse help and follow the beat of their own drum. But a purely law-and-order approach isn’t very effective either. In the end, tackling social issues is much like doing housework. You can sweep those dustballs under the rug. But while they may be out of sight, they’re still there and will ultimately resurface again.

Teens Make Heroic Rescue

107.5 KISSFM:
Two Kelowna 19-year olds are being applauded for their heroics, after they rescued four elderly Alberta people whose vehicle had gone into a lake. It happened Monday afternoon at Griffin Lake, at Three-Valley Gap near Revelstoke. Revelstoke Mounties say Tyler Lockerby and Matt Jackson were following a mini-van on the Trans-Canada Highway, when it veered out of control and slid into the lake. The Kelowna men pulled three people from the submerged van, then went back and rescued a fourth once they were told there was another person still trapped.Police say their quick action averted a tragedy.
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Water rescue
Web posted on Tuesday, 30 June 2009 CHBC VIDEO

Two young Kelowna men are being hailed as heroes for pulling people from a sinking vehicle.

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CBC NEWS:

Two teenagers from Kelowna are being hailed as heroes after saving four Calgarians whose minivan careened down an embankment and into a lake near Revelstoke, B.C., on Monday. Tyler Lockerby and his friend Matt Jackson were travelling east on the Trans-Canada Highway near Revelstoke when the driver of the Dodge Caravan in front of them lost control, Lockerby told CBC News on Tuesday. "Just seemed like it swerved off to the right, hit a sign, went up kind of an angled part of a meridian where it begins, went over, then rolled over to the right down, like, a 30-foot bank," said Lockerby. The van landed in Griffin Lake and began to sink. "It was all caved in, smashed-out windshields, windows; the windshield wipers were still running," said Lockerby.Jackson said the pair wasted no time diving into the water to rescue the occupants — an elderly couple and their two disabled adult daughters."We just jumped out of the car and ran down the embankment and dove in pretty much, and started seeing people's arms, and starting to pull them out of the water," said Jackson."We were probably in the water within less than a minute of it going in," he said. "We pulled out three people out of the driver's side door and one out of the front window, and both Ty and I swam to shore."

The RCMP said the four Alberta residents were taken to hospital in fairly serious condition. The parents were taken to hospital in Kamloops and the daughters remained in Revelstoke, but all are expected to survive, thanks to the heroic efforts of Jackson and Lockerby, police said. Lockerby, who turned 19 on Monday, said it was an unforgettable birthday."Some people are telling us we're heroes, but I don't know — what else would you do?" he said.

Cell Phone Survey

Peter McIntyre Tuesday, 30 June 2009 1 107.5 KISSFM:

The B-C government wants to get your opinion on people talking on cellphones while driving. The government has been under pressure to ban the use of cell phones and other electronic devices while people are driving and has been looking at other provinces that have imposed restrictions.

Now it's asking for public input on the issue.

People can answer a short list of questions posted on a government website (www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/legislation/current.htm), or contact the office of the superintendent of motor vehicles in writing or by phone.

Toll-free, outside Victoria:
* In Vancouver: call Enquiry BC at 604 660-2421, ask to be transferred to 250 952-6948
* Rest of B.C.: call Enquiry BC at 1 800 663-7867, ask to be transferred to 250 952-6948

The deadline for submitting a response is Aug 7, 2009.

Carbon tax to rise by 50 per cent

By Jonathan Fowlie, Vancouver SunJune 30, 2009

British Columbia's carbon tax will increase by 50 per cent on Wednesday, marking a full year since the measure was introduced, and delivering on a promise to increase the tax each July 1 until 2012. The increase will bring the tax to $15 per tonne of carbon-dioxide emissions, meaning the amount charged on a litre of gasoline will rise to 3.51 cents from 2.34. Finance Minister Colin Hansen said Monday that as the tax heads into its second year, he thinks it is "as fair as it could be structured," and that while the government continues to fine-tune its approach to climate change, no one is going to get a free ride on the carbon tax. "We're working with different groups," Hansen said. "We've got sector industry working groups looking at the impact of the climate action agenda and how we can best meet the needs of those particular sectors." He said he is willing to consider new incentives in certain areas if needed to encourage the use of energy-efficient appliances. "What's not on the table is the wholesale tax exemption," Hansen said.
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Don Quixote Note: Plus this "revenue neutral tax" has GST charged on top. (A tax on a tax)!
Local M.P. replies to GST on Carbon Tax Question.

Press Release: Skoreyko Challenges Foster to Fight for Hospital Beds

June 30 2009
For immediate release:
BC Conservative Dean Skoreyko has challenged Liberal MLA Eric Foster to fight for new hospital beds to be opened immediately at Vernon Jubilee Hospital and to go on the record of asking Health Minister Kevin Falcon to commit to them now.

“Throughout the recent election campaign Foster said how much he looked forward to supporting the residents of this area and this is his first chance to do so. Let him demonstrate that he will honour his promises and not just say what it takes to get elected then disappear” says Skoreyko. “We have had a 14,000 name petition on this issue that the previous Liberal MLA chose to ignore. The last thing we need is another Gordon Campbell ‘Yes’ Man. “

“Minister Falcon says that they don’t have unlimited dollars to put towards health care here in BC but you don’t hear the Liberals say that about the Olympic cost overruns and boondoggles like the Vancouver Convention Center that came in $400 million over budget and with a leaking roof. It should be about priorities and accountability.” Skoreyko concludes.

For further information:
Dean Skoreyko 250.308.2923

Retrofits could be tied to property taxes

by Rob Turner - CASTANET Jun 30, 2009 / 7:00 am

Kelowna residents may one day be able to finance costly retrofits of their heating and cooling infrastructure through their property taxes. Council has directed staff to research whether certain home improvements such as converting to solar or geothermal energy could be repaid over 10 or 20 years, much like a sewer project. Council agreed to take a look at the idea after Coun. Angela Reid said it was being considered for renewable energy projects by other municipalities elsewhere in the province. Reid said later that such a mechanism would allow homeowners to make major expenditures on renewable energy technology and attach the financing to the home instead of their person. "When they sell the home, the financing of that project goes with the home and is paid with the property tax, says Reid."

Kelowna water customers face hike

Rob Turner - Jun 30, 2009 CASTANET:
Customers served by the Kelowna city utility department will pay seven per cent more on average for water starting in August. That's the "overall" increase for all customers. Single-family residential customers will face a 4.5 per cent average increase, while commercial and strata customers will pay 9.0 per cent more on average. For agricultural customers, there will be no increase, as council approved a staff report. Council heard that the city's farm users already pay a lot more than agricultural customers in the surrounding irrigation districts.

Council approved the recommendation Monday afternoon, but not before Coun. Angela Reid weighed in on the problem with so-called bulk metering in such establishments as strata developments. Bulk metering means a single water meter is in place for the strata entity regardless of the number of individuals who form the corporation. Consumption by individual owners within a strata corporation are up to 40 per cent higher than consumption by equivalent single-family residences, Joe Creron, civic operations director, told council. "How are you going to encourage consumption if people don't even know what they're using?" Creron commented.
Council approved Reid's motion that staff look into the bulk metering issue with a view to possibly ending the practice in the future. The rate increase does not affect customers using water from other city purveyors SEKID, Rutland Waterworks, Black Mountain Irrigation or Glenmore-Ellison.

Pabst, a boxer mix, crowned World's Ugliest Dog over a field of Chinese cresteds

RUNNER-UP

A new champion has emerged in the competitive world of ugly-dog exhibitions. Pabst, a 4-year-old boxer mix, was crowned World's Ugliest Dog at the annual event held at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in northern California on Friday.

Pabst, like many of the event's competitors, is a rescue dog -- owner Miles Egstad of Citrus Heights, Calif., adopted him from a shelter three years ago. He's named for the well-known cheap adult beverage because, Egstad said, he had a "bitter beer face."

Pabst's win was something of an upset for the competition, now in its 21st year, which often appears to favor members of the Chinese crested breed. "Hairless" Chinese cresteds (which aren't truly hairless, as tufts of fur sprout from their heads, feet and tails), with their tendency toward dental issues that cause their tongues to stick out, are typically World's Ugliest Dog shoo-ins. (Chinese cresteds also come in a coated variety known as "powderpuff," and hairless and coated puppies can even be born in the same litter. Understandably, however, the powderpuffs aren't the regular victors in the Ugly Dog competition that the hairless dogs are.)

Pabst emerged from the event's mutt class to beat Miss Ellie, the winner of the purebred class, in a runoff for the title of Ugliest Dog. Even Egstad was surprised by Pabst's upset victory. "I don’t think he’s that ugly!" he said.

Deer on East Hill 8:30 this morning.

Conservation Manager notified.

Last seen heading down 25th avenue after cruising on 23rd st.

By-law officers have new high-tech tool

Parking progress
Web posted on Monday, 29 June 2009 CHBC VIDEO

Kelowna traffic bylaw officers trade in their chalk for a high tech tools to catch parking violators.

Wayne Moore - Jun 29, 2009 CASTANET:
It's not a cash grab, it's a more efficient way of doing the job. That's how City Clerk, Stephen Fleming describes a new state-of-the art licenser plate recognition device. The new electronic system, which has been attached to one city by-law vehicle, was on display in front of City Hall Monday. "The device enables the officer to take a picture of the vehicle and match it to a GPS system so we know where it is, for things like enforcement of time restricted parking, resident only parking," says Fleming. "There's a series of cameras located on the roof or on the trunk that take photographs of vehicles which will pinpoint their location and the time." Fleming says in a two hour time restricted area, the system would know exactly which vehicles remained beyond the two hour limit. "This replaces the manual chalking system. Besides having to do that manually, it was not very effective when it was raining or wet or in the winter." He says it could even be used at night. Fleming says there is also an option built into the system which would allow the RCMP to download the list of stolen vehicles.

"If the system detects one, the screen goes off and we can notify the RCMP to deal with it." Cameras mounted on the vehicle take pictures of the license plate, tires as well as the front of the vehicle, which, coupled with GPS tracking, can tell where the vehicle is and if it has been in that location longer that it should have been. Fleming says the new system should allow by-law officers to cover a larger area in a shorter period of time. City Council approved the new device during its last budget deliberations. The total budget allotment was $75,000. The license plate recognition device is now in use. Fleming says manual chalking ended last Friday.

Mint to freeze exec bonuses over missing gold

CTV.ca News Staff June 29:

The Conservative government has instructed the Royal Canadian Mint to withhold all executive bonuses, as a reaction to a report released on Monday which showed $15.3 million worth of missing gold at the Crown corporation cannot be attributed to an accounting error. "The mint's unexplained loss of precious metals is inexcusable," Transport Minister John Baird and minister of state for transport, Rob Merrifield, said in a joint written statement released Monday evening. They have instructed the mint to withhold bonuses "until the matter is resolved to our satisfaction." Moreover, the government will require the mint to report on inventory levels of precious metals every three months. This response came hours after Liberal critic for crown corporations Joe Volpe said the Conservative government waited too long to respond.

On June 9 -- 10 weeks after the government heard about the unaccounted for gold - the government requested the mint ask the RCMP for help investigating the matter. The mint complied; however, the RCMP has not confirmed whether it will help in the matter. "All along the mint has left open the possibility that gold has been stolen -- a startling admission that seems more likely given this report," said Volpe. "Instead of immediately chasing down all possible leads, the government may have given those responsible the equivalent of a head-start for their get-away." In early June, it was discovered that there was an unreconciled difference between the value of gold on the mint's books and the physical count of gold for the 2008 fiscal year. There was much speculation as to the cause of the unaccounted for gold, ranging from refining processing errors to accounting errors to theft. Spokesperson for the mint, Christine Aquino, said the corporation commissioned an external audit by Deloitte and Touche to look at whether the discrepancy was due to an accounting or transaction error."They've done quite an extensive review and have determined that it is not an accounting error," Aquino told CTV.ca in a phone interview.

The mint's chairman, James Love, has said he believes a criminal heist is unlikely given the elaborate security at the mint, where RCMP-trained personnel keep an eye on things. However, the audit report has recommended an "in-depth review of systems security and an assessment of potential inappropriate activity by both internal and/or external parties." The audit report released on Monday also suggests the mint further investigate its refining operations and conduct an accounting review of prior years. "They feel we may have missed something in our accounting records in previous years that would affect the 2008 year," said Aquino. "All avenues are open and we will vigorously pursue the audit recommendations and hopefully come to a conclusion in the near future," said Aquino. The corporation intends to file a claim with its insurers to offset the amount of any unreconciled difference.

Falcon Not Committing To New Beds

Written by Peter McIntyre Monday, 29 June 2009 11:56 107.5 KISSFM:

Kevin Falcon is not ready yet to commit to new beds for Vernon Jubilee Hospital, once the new patient care tower is finished.The new Health Minister visited the work site Friday, saying the project is several months ahead of schedule, putting completion in early 2011. Falcon says using the two shelled-in floors will be based on results of an external review by Interior Health. Falcon told KISS FM, "(The review will) take a look at capacity and utilization. We want to make sure that whatever decisions are make are based on foundations of real science and facts. So they will do that and certainly I'll be guided by the recommendations from Interior Health and the external review we have going on." If the new floors are used, it would add 60 patient beds to the hospital which doctors say are desperately needed. Falcon is also downplaying suggestions he plans to amalgamate BC's five health authorities, saying at this point he's not convinced there would be benefits and savings. The Surrey Cloverdale MLA says the challenge in health care will be to do more, with the assets they have, as they don't have unlimited dollars to continue to expand.

Olympic posters on sale today

Sonia Aslam VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) | Monday, June 29th, 2009

The official posters of the 2010 Olympic Games were unveiled in Ottawa today. They have a cropped maple leaf composed of vibrant blues and greens showing the landscape of Vancouver and the Sea to Sky corridor.

When the Olympic and Paralympic posters are put together, the two halves of the maple leaf join to create a whole leaf. The posters, which sell for $15, go on sale today. News1130 is the official radio sponsor of the 2010 Olympic Games.

GOVERNMENT RELEASES PUBLIC SECTOR COMPENSATION REPORTS

VICTORIA – The Province has released reports for the second consecutive year detailing the major elements of compensation for the top ranking/paid public sector executives in British Columbia.

The enhanced disclosure requirements apply to chief executive officers and the next four highest ranking/paid executives where these positions hold an annual base salary of $125,000 or more.These disclosures go beyond what is already reported under the Financial Information Act, because they include compensation elements not captured under the FIA.

This information is also posted on the webpage for the Public Sector Employers’ Council Secretariat, http://www.aved.gov.bc.ca/psec/disclosure.htm.

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This is not the list for everyone making over $75,000 required under the Financial Information Act but just those making over $125,000. The full list are available at the websites of each different agency.

Interior Health Salaries Over $75,000 – Year ended March 31, 2008

Bernard Madoff gets maximum 150 years behind bars for fraud scheme

CBC NEWS:
Disgraced financier Bernard Madoff was sentenced in New York Monday to the maximum 150 years behind bars for fleecing hundreds of investors out of tens of billions of dollars in a massive Ponzi scheme. Madoff, 71, has been in jail since March, when he pleaded guilty to securities fraud and other charges. U.S. District Judge Denny Chin called the fraud "staggering," adding that " the breach of trust was massive." "Here the message must be sent that Mr. Madoff's crimes were extraordinarily evil and that this kind of manipulation of the system is not just a bloodless crime that takes place on paper, but one instead that takes a staggering toll," Chin said. In court prior to the judge's decision, Madoff faced some of his victims and said he was sorry. He said he "will live with this pain, this torment, for the rest of my life." "I dug myself deeper into a hole" as the Ponzi scheme progressed, Madoff told court.Madoff's lawyer, Ira Sorkin, said his client expects to live out his life behind bars.

Earlier, Madoff sat and listened as victims of the scheme spoke of their losses and called for harsh punishment. The nine victims who addressed the hearing included Carla and Stanley Hirschhorn, who said the loss of their life savings is "a living nightmare that we can't wake up from." "He stole from the rich. He stole from the poor. He stole from the in between. He had no values," said another victim, Tom Fitzmaurice, in court. "He cheated his victims out of their money so he and his wife Ruth could live a life of luxury beyond belief." Chin said the U.S. federal probation department recommended that Madoff get a sentence of 50 years. Prosecutors asked for a prison sentence of 150 years. Any lesser term, they said, should at least be the equivalent of a life sentence. Madoff's lawyer asked the judge to hand down a 12-year prison sentence.

At the time of Madoff's arrest late last year, fictitious account statements showed thousands of clients had investments worth $65 billion U.S. But investigators said he never traded securities, and instead used money from new investors to pay returns to existing clients. Madoff was ordered to forfeit about $170 billion on June 26 — the amount prosecutors said flowed through the main account used to operate the scheme — not an actual amount of assets held. The government will probably only be able to recoup a fraction of it. Prosecutors said the total losses, which span decades, haven't been calculated. But 1,341 accounts opened since December 1995 alone suffered losses of $13.2 billion, they said.

Kelowna Remuneration and Payment Report 2008

Item 6.2 - 2008 Annual Report.pdf (5583kb) (2009-06-25)

Residents peeved

Web posted on Friday, 26 June 2009 CHBC VIDEO

People living below a giant concrete wall in Vernon say it's ugly and the mayor agrees.

Coldstream’s top earners revealed

Jennifer Smith - Vernon Morning Star Published: June 27, 2009 12:00 PM

The numbers are out on how many tax dollars ended up in the pockets of Coldstream politicians and top staffers. The top salaries paid in 2008 for elected officials ranged from $22,596 total remuneration including meeting stipends and $2,368 in expenses paid to former mayor Gary Corner to $721 paid to Coun. Gyula Kiss. Each politician is paid a set amount, and some made very little in 2008 considering they were only just elected in November. They are also paid a set amount for meetings attended and can claim expenses for out-of-town meetings. Garlick says those expenses depend on how many meetings and conferences are attended, which is generally up to the individual politician. “I think they’re good to go to but I don’t think you need to go every year,” said Garlick, who didn’t claim for many meetings and had zero expenses last year. Following Corner, the top earners were: former councillor Mary Malerby, former councillor Glen Taylor, Coun. Doug Dirk, Mayor Jim Garlick, Coun. Bill Firman, former councillor Carol Williams and councillors Maria Besso, Pat Cochrane and Richard Enns.Several employees also made the list of top paid positions (those earning $75,000 or more per year), including Michael Stamhuis, director of engineering services who is the current CAO, Craig Broderick, director of development services, and Bob Bibby, building official.

Former chief administrative officer Wendy Kay topped the list with a total remuneration of $113,850 plus $8,711 in expenses (which included vehicle allowance). Also included in the list is former director of financial administration Catherine Lord, making $96,812 and $4,613 in expenses. The consolidated total of other employees with pay and expenses of $75,000 or less for 2008 was $1.6 million plus $17,500 in expenses. Coldstream also paid out more than $20 million to suppliers in 2008, including $2.7 million to S.J. Pasechnik and Sons, the contractor of the new Coldstream and Lavington fire halls.

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Coldstream Annual Report: 2008 Annual Financial Report - 7.29MB PDF

2007 and 2006 Comparison figures can be found at: Coldstream Salaries for Staff and Council

Vernon Annual Report:2008 - 41.07MB 2007 - 3.07MB
City of Vernon Annual Report and financial statements for 2006

Commuter Challenge 2009 Results

**I have learned that the City of Vernon had 41 participants or a 13.7% participation rate. There was an error when the team leader entered the data into the website.

Commuter Challenge is a national program that encourages Canadians to walk, cycle, ride-share/carpool, tele-work or take transit instead of driving alone to work. Individual Canadians can participate in addition to workplaces. We encourage you to give your car some time off throughout the year to make a difference! The program is based on a friendly competition between workplaces and communities across Canada to see which has the highest percentage participation rates during the week. By recording participation online, Canadians are able to see how their healthier commutes affect greenhouse gases reductions by tracking kilometers traveled. City Travel Comparison Overview
City	Participation (%)	KM Saved	GHG Saved (kg)	Calories Burned	Fuel Savings ($)	Population	Participants
Kelowna and Central Okanagan	0.3467	30797.4	5728.35	387960	2128.92	165000	572
Vernon	0.2337	2763.7	523.74	45656	206.24	35944	84
Salmon Arm	0.0625	278.0	37.15	0	14.86	16012	10
Kamloops	0.0124	401.0	103.41	10128	42.10	80376	10
Penticton	0.0031	30.0	8.02	0	3.21	31909	1

2009 Commuter Challenge

May 31 – June 6, 2009

Vernon Companies
Organization	GHG Saved (kg)	Fuel Savings ($)	Calories Burned	KM Saved	Participants	Employees	Participation (%)
Summit Environmental Consultants Ltd.	214.64	85.86	15543	1226.0	31	31	100.0
MQN Architects	55.06	22.02	3652	332.0	13	25	52.0
ICBC - Vernon	68.96	27.58	6512	328.0	12	24	50.0
Vernon Health Unit	74.70	29.88	10148	296.2	11	180	6.1
Regional District of North Okanagan	52.06	21.26	5005	352.7	7	65	10.8
Progressive Solutions Inc	17.33	6.93	1685	70.0	4	50	8.0
BC Transmission Corporation - Vernon	16.61	2.95	959	63.6	3	25	12.0
Blockbuster Video	11.43	4.57	1544	46.8	1	10	10.0
City of Vernon **	4.92	1.97	607	18.4	1	300	0.3
Telus - Vernon	8.02	3.21	0	30.0	1	0	0.0

Fruit growers confident in the future of farming

Jennifer Smith - Vernon Morning Star Published: June 27, 2009 12:00 PM

In the past 30 years of raising apples from blossoms to bins, Denise MacDonald has seen a fair number of changes in fruit growing. “It’s a fairly complicated industry now,” said MacDonald, with the B.C. Fruit Growers’ Association, which represents 850 commercial tree fruit growers in the Okanagan-Similkameen valleys. She’s seen long-time family orchards ripped out and replaced with vineyards or development, but still believes the industry has some strong roots to continue growing from. “We do have a future,” said MacDonald, from Summerland. “I think the farmers that remain are very capable people and very serious about what they’re doing.” There have also been changes in the market. Traditionally fruit growers used to sell their products overseas but they are now focusing on sales closer to home. “We’re kind of having to shift gears and think local,” said MacDonald, as environmental and economic factors are playing a role.

When it comes to the product, although she may be biased, MacDonald says the Okanagan does it best. One advantage the area has is that it doesn’t need to use as many herbicides and pesticides. “It’s historically been a very dry valley, where we don’t have to spray as much. We’re pretty lucky in our growing environment.” Which is why the association is looking into declaring the whole valley of low pest prevalence. “It’s science-based, it’s not just an empty promise,” said MacDonald, who thinks it could greatly benefit the industry and the region.While Okanagan growers don’t have to rely on pest management, they do have to rely on water conservation.“I am on the water committee and we are trying to get the farmers to be aware of the drought conditions and prepare for it,” said MacDonald, adding that municipalities can help by keeping lines of communication open with farmers to alert them to low water situations.“Farmers can maybe adjust, turn their water off when it’s pouring rain and things like that.”

Speaking to Coldstream council Monday, MacDonald urged municipalities to not only communicate but think of farmers when making policies. Coun. Pat Cochrane suggested she speak to the City of Vernon.“I get the impression they do need a bit of education on the value of agriculture,” said Cochrane.

Economic help to be hired

By Jennifer Smith - Vernon Morning Star Published: June 27, 2009 12:00 PM

The global recession paired with the recent closure of one of its few industrial manufacturers (Owens-Illinois glass plant), has Coldstream hoping to hire on some help. The district is looking at hiring an economic development officer to focus on current and future economic needs in Coldstream. “It gives a body to actually getting these tasks done, otherwise these tasks just sit there,” said Mayor Jim Garlick. The officer comes at an estimated cost of $160,000 for 18-months, October through to March 2011. Coldstream is hoping to access the Community Adjustment Fund grant to help offset the costs of the position. If that funding is acquired, Coldstream’s share of the cost would be 10 per cent ($16,000). “I think it’s a great opportunity,” said Coun. Pat Cochrane.

Park plans to shine

Roger Knox - Vernon Morning Star Published: June 27, 2009 12:00 PM

Shine up the city’s jewel. That was the message members of Vernon council gave to city administration in regards to the future of Polson Park Friday. Mayor Wayne Lippert and five council members – Coun. Buffy Baumbrough was absent due to a prior commitment – went on a 90-minute walk around the downtown park, described by some councillors as “the city’s jewel and treasure,” and were joined by city staff, bylaw officials, recreation staff and summer safety patrol members, along with several members of the public. The idea was to take an up-close look at Vernon’s historic park and come up with some ideas for improvement or enhancement. “There’s only one chance over the next three generations to do this. This is the time,” said Coun. Patrick Nicol in regards to redeveloping Polson Park. “Personally, as a councillor, I’d take money from our reserves and actually spend money on the park. Reserve monies are for things with a purpose for the long term that benefit generations long after we’re gone.”

Among the ideas bandied about were improving the trails in the park, including adding a walking/running/cycling trail on the west side of Vernon Creek, which would result in removing a number of the trees. The area is infamous for the criminal element that hang out in the park, and for the homeless who will erect “tent cities.” Clint Kanester, manager of bylaw services for Vernon, is in favour of the trail. “It would reduce some of the high-risk activity, they would be much more visible to people using the trail system,” said Kanester. “The more users, the better to increase safety.”

There was no bigger topic during the 90-minute tour than safety. Nicol suggested housing community police in Polson Park, an idea that was lauded by all. “I like the idea of putting community police, or even bylaws and auxiliary police down here, even in the summer months,” said Coun. Bob Spiers. “I’d like to see a nurse coming off a shift at the hospital feel safe enough to walk through the park. When we get to that point, I’d really be happy. Let’s put in some more lighting, too.”

Coun. Jack Gilroy’s wish list includes another tennis court or two, an outdoor skating rink, a great trail system with lots of signage, more covered gazebos, modernizing the bandshell, metal bleachers right now, where the historic grandstand sat before it was burned down in a 2006 arson fire, and expanded parking at the south end of the park. Coun. Shawn Lee and Mayor Wayne Lippert both felt that the grandstand should be replaced, but not to the scale of the previous structure. What all of council agreed is that some kind of permanent structure should be built. “My experience working as a volunteer, the challenge has been proper hook-ups for Hydro or water for vendors for the events at the park,” said Lippert. “There should be a building there with storage near the bandstand.”The grandstand was never replaced. In its place, utility trailers have been set up which holds storage for local athletic organizations, and serve as a lunchroom for city employees.Nicol, however, said the grandstand in the park was a significant focal point for community welcomes, such as the Queen’s visit in 1959. He doesn’t want to see the park’s history forgotten.

“The park has been a gathering place in the past because of the grandstand. There should be a creative way to re-do that,” he said. Coun. Mary-Jo O’Keefe and Al McNiven, manager of parks for Greater Vernon, said Polson Park must cater to families. “We start out with a basic philosophy of turning Polson Park into a family site,” said McNiven. “Everything you do tries to draw the family to the park. Keep it an informal setting, so I can come down anytime I want and I have the space to do certain things.” McNiven also agreed with Gilroy’s idea of expanding the water park. Currently, new playground equipment is being installed.

Doug Dirk was pushing his wheelchair-bound friend, Graeme Murphy around the park and joined the tour. Murphy said accessibility for the handicapped in the park is “pretty fair.” “It’s not great, but it’s pretty good. It could use some upgrades,” said Murphy. “I’m glad council is open to looking at improvements. There’s nothing too bad in getting around. There’s the odd spot that could use a bit of an upgrade. Some spots are pretty bumpy.” Kim Flick, Vernon’s manager of planning, and a mother who brings her son to the park on a regular basis, said the city is blessed to have Polson Park in the downtown. “It’s a legacy for the community. Everything we’ve heard from the community reinforces the value of this park in their hearts.”

Flick and McNiven spent Friday afternoon putting preliminary directions for the park together so a planning process can start immediately. Council will receive a written report with their input and discuss it at their next regular meeting on July 13.

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Morning Star Editorial Keep the city’s jewel sparkling

Safety, trails, expansion, family-oriented. Those were among the more popular suggestions put out by Vernon Mayor Wayne Lippert and five members of council Friday morning as they met with city administration to discuss future re-development of Polson Park. Located in the heart of the city, Polson Park should be a spot where people congregate for family gatherings, for sporting events, for graduation and wedding ceremonies and photos, for recreation, for relaxation, and, for the most part, the park provides all of those amenities for citizens and visitors. But, locally, there is a fear factor about the facility. Fear of the criminal element that frequents the park, conducting illegal activities. And fear of the homeless, who erect so-called “tent cities” along the west bank of the park, in heavily-treed areas. It’s that fear that prevents many people from even going to the park, let alone enjoying themselves while there.

Among the suggestions to help improve safety were eliminating some of the trees along the west bank and creating a running/walking trail and, perhaps the most intriguing suggestion of all, incorporating a permanent structure that would house not only storage, seating and a kitchen, but Vernon RCMP’s Safe Communities Unit. Their presence alone would certainly deter a lot of the criminal element away from the park. There were also suggestions about expanding the water park, adding more tennis courts, a putting green, more signage, more gazebos, heated washrooms, and keeping the park’s long history in the forefront of park-goers. It was suggested that families be first-and-foremost in the upgrade; that Polson Park should be an area that draws families in an informal setting for all types of fun and activity. All of the ideas and all of the suggestions put forward by council were exemplary. It shows that they want to do everything they can to keep what they call Vernon’s jewel shining brightly. Let’s hope the ideas are put into place very soon.

Has time come to go with the flow?

Ron Seymour 2009-06-27 Kelowna Daily Courier:
After a freeze on rates in 2007, higher water charges are coming down the pipe for Kelowna homeowners this year. Council on Monday will consider a staff recommendation to raise overall water rates by seven per cent. However, the actual increase varies for different types of property owners, and according to the volume of water they use. For example, people who live in gated communities face higher increases, at nine per cent, in a bid to discourage what staff say is excessive consumption. “These communities resemble single-family-home neighbourhoods, with separate homes and lawns and gardens,” utility services manager Don Degen said Friday. However, the use of water inside gated communities, on a per-unit basis, tends to be higher than for a single-family home, a water-consumption analysis shows. At a typical gated community, the average annual water bill, shared by all residents, would rise under the proposed increase to $3,453 from $3,144. A key aim of raising rates is to discourage unnecessary consumption and achieve a 15 per cent reduction in overall water use between now and 2012.

“This reduction target complements a 20 per cent reduction that has already been achieved for the utility since the city‘s Water Smart program began in 1988,” reads part of a report to council written by Degen. The reductions are said to have been achieved through the introduction of water meters, which made people more aware of their consumption, and differing rates that see higher charges applied to those who use a lot of water. Under the suggested increase, staff say, the typical owner of a single-family home would see a rise in his or her yearly water bill to $271 from $264.

Kelowna homeowners pay some of the lowest water rates in British Columbia. Water rates are about 50 per cent higher in Penticton and nearly double in Vernon.

City's Vision For Park

Peter McIntyre Friday, 26 June 2009 107.5 KISSFM:

Making Polson Park more accessible to families is a main priority for Vernon city council.Council members held a visioning session in the park today with their ideas being forwarded to the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee. Councillor Patrick Nicol would like to see a community policing office in the park, to make it safer. "There's the perception is not as safe as it might be. I think if you're going to reclaim it for the families that's one of the first things you're going to have to do if find a way to increase the level of activity in terms of supervision." NORD's manager of Parks, Al McNiven says the councillors would like to see things like an ice rink, trails, and a larger water park. "There's a bunch of ideas and you've got to start putting those on paper to see if they fit, and that's going to tell the story in the end, whether you can take all that stuff and make it fit in the space." Other ideas were for a trail around the park's perimeter, an outdoor ice rink, a putting green, another tennis court and an expanded kids playground and water park. The century old park has been in limbo since the grandstands burned down in 2006.

Paramedics Greet New Health Minister in Vernon

Starlee Speers-Vernon105.7 SUNFM:

Progress is being made on the construction of the new tower at Vernon Jubilee hospital but it appears striking paramedics aren't any closer to resolving their contract issues.Paramedics were protesting outside the hospital in Vernon today while a conference to update media on progress was held at the construction site. Jason Angulo, Strike captain for the North Okanagan says the union had requested a meeting with new Health Minister Kevin Falcon..."...to ask him to appoint a third party mediator to settle this dispute sooner rather than later. That was met with a quick rejection."Kevin Falcon spoke to the media Friday and said the new patient care tower is slightly ahead of schedule.

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WFN approves land exchange

Castanet:

Westbank First Nation members voted 89 per cent in favour of accepting a parcel of land on Devon Road in exchange for reserve lands the province required for the new William R. Bennett Bridge and Campbell Road interchange. It's the first land exchange approved under WFN's Self-Government Agreement. The Devon Road property, located in West Kelowna, is adjacent to the existing reserve boundary. "Westbank First Nation contributed some very high value lands to support the construction of the new bridge and related improvements," says WFN Chief, Robert Louie. "Now that our membership has approved to accept the Devon Road lands, we can move foreward with finalizing our exchange with the province." Louie says under the WFN Self-Government Agreement and Constitution, any lands that are removed from the reserve must be replaced by lands of greater or equivalent size or value. The land in question is currently within the Agricultural Land Reserve. Earlkier this week, Louie attended West Kelowna Council, asking that it 'vigorously' support a request to have the lands removed from the ALR. Council provided support in principle.

City getting its money's worth?

by Castanet Staff - Story: 47828 Jun 26, 2009 / 10:25 am

The City of Kelowna paid nearly $50 million in wages and expenses in 2008. That's close to $5 million more than was paid out in 2007. At the top of the pay scale is City Manager, Ron Mattiussi, who took home $250,520 in 2008, compared with a 2007 salary of $222,507. Strategic Initiatives Director, David Graham is next in line making $176,229, followed by Community Services GM, John Vos at $173,432, Corporate Sustainability GM, Paul Macklem earning $172,516 and Corporate Development Director, Rick Baker making $165,885. The wages of the top five earners are nearly 10% higher than they were the year previously.

In all, 142 employees with the City of Kelowna pull in yearly salaries of $75,000 or more. In 2007, just 122 employees were at or above the $75,000 threshold. We want to know if you think the City of Kelowna is getting the biggest bang for the taxpayer buck.

Poll Results at 7:00 AM June 27:

Question: Are Kelowna taxpayers getting the biggest bang for their buck?

Yes 117 No 723

Total Votes: 840

Tom Roast

Starlee Speers - Vernon 105.7 SUNFM:

What happens when a well-liked politician retires from politics? He gets roasted of course! Val Trevis with the Vernon Chamber of commerce says a fundraising dinner in honour of Vernon-Monashee MLA Tom Christensen will be held June 26th. She says the business community wanted to recognize the politician for all the work he's done since 2001.Trevis says so far, dignitaries confirmed are Mayor Wayne Lippert, MP Colin Mayes and Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon. She says the Premier is hoping to attend the event, where half of the money raised will go to Junction Literacy.Tickets are $70 for chamber members and $80 for non-members.
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107.5 KISSFM:

The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce is hosting the event for Tom Christensen (pictured) at the Best Western Vernon Lodge, which general manager Val Trevis says will raise funds for the Chamber, and the Junction Literacy and Youth Centre. Trevis tells KISS FM, "We just felt as a Chamber we needed to honour or former MLA who had dedicated eight years to this community and supported this business sector and the growth and development of Vernon." The list of guests includes cabinet ministers Kevin Falcon, George Abbott, Kevin Krueger, Rich Coleman and possibly even Premier Campbell who Trevis says hasn't confirmed his attendance as yet. "We're still hopeful. At this time, he hasn't said he isn't coming, so he's still listed as tentative."Vernon Monashee MLA Eric Foster, Vernon mayor Wayne Lippert and Okanagan Shuswap Conservative MP Colin Mayes are also expected to attend.

Pesticide use continues within city

Roger Knox - Vernon Morning Star Published: June 25, 2009 6:00 PM

The spraying of pesticides is continuing in Vernon for the time being. Council has delayed a request from a June 8 delegation, consisting of Kerry Bokenfohr of Parents for Healthy Playspaces, and Jerilynn Kiely of the Canadian Cancer Society, to speed up council’s plan to draft a bylaw that would ban cosmetic pesticides on public land in 2010, and on private property in 2012. Kim Flick, manager of planning, said the city isn’t in a position to consider an earlier shutdown of pesticide use. “A ban on cosmetic pesticide use can’t simply happen in and of itself without all the number of other integrated pest management stakeholders and other preparatory work required to support an environment that minimizes the use of cosmetic pesticides,” said Flick. Bokennfohr and Kiely had asked council to prohibit the cosmetic pesticide applications scheduled for this month for Vernon sidewalk cracks, boulevards, alleys, signposts and front borders of homeowner properties, and spraying on playgrounds, playing fields and schoolyards through August.

Bokenfohr said earlier that pesticides used to control weeds are creating health risks, and said citizens are “the guinea pigs in this massive uncontrolled experiment.” Coun. Buffy Baumbrough said the 2010 date was selected so operational issues could be addressed .A number of public lands fall under the umbrella of the Vernon School District and Greater Vernon Advisory Committee.

Arbitrator wades into devolution

By Roger Knox - Vernon Morning Star Published: June 25, 2009 6:00 PM

An arbitrator has been appointed to look into the City of Vernon’s desire to withdraw from the Greater Vernon Water Service (GVWS). Brian Wallace’s job will be to determine how Vernon’s withdrawal affects all petitioners, including Electoral areas B and C, and the District of Coldstream. “We initiated the arbitration process because we put in the withdrawal notice,” said Vernon Mayor Wayne Lippert. “Ultimately, it’ll end up Vernon’s decision whether or not we accept the arbitrator’s decision. Coldstream or B and C do not have that option because they did not initiate the process.” In a two-page press release, the City of Vernon explained they first raised issues about GVWS in June 2006, and that, by November 2006, there was agreement among the participants on how to move ahead, which included devolution of water distribution.

In February, 2008, prior to giving notice to the Ministry of Community Services, the GVWS participants attempted to resolve the water utility issues that had dragged on for 18 months. At that time, according to Vernon, its city council opted for the return of responsibility for domestic water distribution to the city. The responsibility of bulk water would remain with North Okanagan Regional District. The city says all participants agreed to that structure in November 2006. “Devolution was the solution to the problem, now the solution has become the problem,” said Lippert. The press release outlined six points for the City of Vernon giving notice to withdraw from GVWS, including significant changes to the service governance and administrative structure; lack of co-ordination of capital and replacement projects between GVWS and the City of Vernon; and lack of accountability to water customers in Vernon.

The city says its users have paid in excess of $3 million each year to subsidize discount water rates in Coldstream and areas B and C. Lippert hopes going to arbitration will result in a productive outcome for Vernon residents. “I’m looking forward to getting this issue resolved, which will give us clarification of the governance structure we’ve been looking for,” he said. “By bringing water distribution back to the city, we will be able to provide a more accountable service, protect Vernon residents’ financial interests and respond much more efficiently to people’s needs.” According to Lippert, the arbitrator is under no timeline to come up with his recommendations.

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Coldstream protects its interests Jennifer Smith - Vernon Morning Star Published: June 25, 2009 6:00 PM

Water woes in Greater Vernon are tapping into protective measures from Coldstream.The region’s water utility is in jeopardy of being split since the City of Vernon wants to withdraw from water distribution. With that in mind, Coldstream has dug up some old paperwork and wants to ensure its needs are addressed with whatever ends up happening. Back in 2006, all partners, including Coldstream, had approved a list of Greater Vernon Water principles. Mayor Jim Garlick (who was a councillor at the time) says the council of the day may have been misguided in believing that the principles weren’t a big deal. “We were told that it didn’t really matter. “What we found out since then is it did have a lot more behind it than met the eye,” said Garlick. “They’re very vague. They don’t make sense anymore.”

Therefore Coldstream has revoked the principles and is going back to supporting the original master water plan principles. The original principles better reflect what Coldstream would like to see, including importance on supply, equal quality at the same price and competitive agricultural rates. “I certainly believe those principles are viable and certainly would be applicable today and in Coldstream’s best interest,” said Michael Stamhuis, chief administrative officer, who was actually involved in forming the original principles. The entire water arbitration process is frustrating for Coldstream, which sees Vernon as having achieved what it wanted and now it wants to change everything.“They’re saying they want to change the rules part way through the game,” said Garlick, adding that this process is also going to cost hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees, not just for Coldstream, but for every participant.

City plan targets neglected Swan Lake entrance

Roger Knox - Vernon Morning Star Published: June 25, 2009 6:00 PM

Vernon’s north end entrance could be spruced up. Vernon council has thrown its support behind a Communities in Bloom initiative that would look at beautifying the entrance to town from the Swan Lake end. “The initiative would bring it back forward through the City of Vernon, (Regional District Electoral) areas B and C, to turn the water back on and work with other stakeholders to beautify the area,” said Vernon Coun. Mary-Jo O’Keefe. “For quite a few years, people have expressed concern about the north end entrance.” O’Keefe explained that water to the meridian on Highway 97, which housed a number of plants, was turned off and the plants were allowed to die. Swan Lake Nurseryland, located right at the north end, and who is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, submitted a one-page proposal to Vernon council for landscaping the median between the weigh scale south to Stickle Road. The proposal, which would include irrigation, shrubs and trees, is estimated at $57,500, along with another $61,000 for finishing the trip along Highway 97 for a total project cost of $118,500 plus taxes.

Swan Lake Nurseryland would donate more than $15,000 in labour. The plan includes planting north of the weigh scale, cleaning up cement immediately south of the scales, and cleaning up the strip south of Stickle Road. While in favour of the project, Coun. Shaun Lee was among a couple of councillors who expressed concern about the maintenance of the strip when completed. “It’s easy to plan and landscape the area, the problem is maintaining it,” said Lee. “It’s been neglected in the past.” Coun. Buffy Baumbrough and O’Keefe said the local Rotary clubs had expressed interest in signing an agreement to look after the maintenance of the strip. If approved, work on the project would likely begin in late summer or early fall.

LA Times: Michael Jackson pronounced dead

Reported by: Carson Chambers ABC NEWS:

LOS ANGELES, CA -- The LA Times has reported that Michael Jackson was pronounced dead after being rushed to the hospital in cardiac arrest. He was 50.

According to TMZ, "Michael Jackson was taken by ambulance to a hospital in Los Angeles and we're told it was cardiac arrest and that paramedics administered CPR in the ambulance. He was picked up at his home around 20 minutes ago -- we're told his mother is on the way to visit him. The 911 call came in at 12:21PM at his Holmby Hills home in L.A."
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http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31552029/ns/entertainment-music/
http://www.globaltv.com/globaltv/national/Michael+Jackson+dead+Reports/1732619/story.html
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20090625/michael_jackson_090625/20090625?hub=TopStories

Tax deadline looms

By Wawmeesh G. Hamilton - Alberni Valley News Published: June 25, 2009 1:00 PM

As the July 2 deadline looms for payment of municipal taxes, all eyes are on Catalyst. The company filed a petition in BC Supreme Court on June 5, saying it “consumed about $600,000 worth of city services in 2008 but paid $6.3 million in city property taxes” The petition further poses that the company’s position is that “...the tax rates set under the bylaw are illegal because they are unreasonable and unsustainable.” “The city has responded to the matter via our solicitor, and a court date is being set,” city manager Ken Watson said. “The case will probably be heard in either Vancouver or Victoria,” he said.

There won’t be a sudden tectonic shift in city services if Catalyst only pays a fraction of its taxes, as it has threatened. But the clock will still be ticking. “We’ll be able to run as-is until the end of 2009,” Watson said. “But we’ll be making qualitative assessments about where cuts will have to be made.” The case is unique, and may be without legal prec-edence, Watson said. “There are some cases where industry in a service area has not benefited from those services,” Watson said. “But those have very specific circumstances that are different from here.” Speaking by phone, Mayor Ken McRae said that there may be movement on the issue after the appointment of the new provincial cabinet. “I’m trying to get a meeting with the ministers of finance, forests and municipal affairs, as well as the four mayors and president of Catalyst,” McRae said.

Bridge funding may not be dead yet, and the recent federal $1 billion to aid the pulp and paper industry is an example why, McRae said. He added that it won’t help Port Alberni much though. “The company could change their mind before then — you never know — but I doubt it,” he said. TimberWest, launched a legal challenge of municipal taxes of its own. However, the challenge affects its Campbell River operation, where it operates on privately managed forest lands. “I predicted this would spread and it has,” McRae said.“If other companies see that another is getting away with it, then all of them will want to.” The city hasn’t broken any rules or regulations, McRae said.“We’ve done everything by the community charter, which is controlled by the province,” he said. Meanwhile, on the ground, City staff are beginning to game out alternate budgets. “We’ve had discussions in council about is, but no decision has been made yet,” McRae said. McRae agreed that the city had reserves it could draw on if Catalyst doesn’t pay its tax bill, but the well only hold so much water. “We’ll be OK for about six months, but after that it’s going to get serious,” McRae said.

Bets on hold for gaming centre

By Francisco Canjura - Castlegar News Published: June 23, 2009

B.C. Lottery Corporation and City of Castlegar officials have no idea why the construction of the gaming centre has been delayed. Greg Walker manager of public affairs for the B.C. Lottery Corporation (BCLC) said they are checking into how the delay will affect the time line of construction. “The delays are construction oriented,” said Walker. He assured that the hold up is not because of BCLC or City of Castlegar regulations. “It’s not an issue of any of the regulation and it’s not an issue at city hall either. “We have a resolution supporting this facility from the City of Castlegar and BCLC certainly intends to proceed with the project, we just need to get a grip on the nature of the beast that we’re dealing with,” he said. Walker said at the moment neither he or BCLC have a time line of when construction will begin let alone when the centre will be operational. Castlegar Mayor Lawrence Chernoff said he doesn’t know what the hold up is either.

Chernoff said they’ve had some contact with Terrim Properties owner Terry Segarty, however he has given the city little information on why the project has been delayed. “All his drawings are not finished to our understandings, but we’re really at a point were (it’s really in BCLC’s hands) the city has little or nothing to say,” he said. He said the city, too, has no idea when construction on the project will begin. “All I know is that BCLC has been in contact with the operator and we’re hoping that we will hear some news in the next couple of weeks that something is going on or what the plan is, that’s my expectation,” he said. The News tried contacting Segarty, but we were unable to get ahold of him by deadline.

Agriculture Canada shifting 356 jobs out of Winnipeg

CBC NEWS:

The federal government dealt a blow to Winnipeg's agriculture sector on Thursday, announcing the departure of 356 Agriculture Canada jobs from the city. The delivery of the AgriStability program, which tops up a farmer's income in a poor production year, is being transferred from Winnipeg to Kelowna, B.C., and Melville, Sask. Patrick Girard, spokesman for Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), told CBC News that employees in the farm income programs directorate (FIPD) and the financial controls and reporting division (FCRD) will be affected. It is anticipated that the transfer will result in 440 staff (356 in Winnipeg and 84 in Regina) being affected, said Girard. Employees were told Wednesday of the plan to move the program. Girard said the Winnipeg office will remain open but in a reduced capacity, while the Regina office will be closed by June 30, 2010.

GamesTown 2010

http://www.gamestown2010.ca/

It starts with your story...

The countdown to the 2010 Winter Games has begun. We want to hear what your B.C. community is doing to get in the spirit. Tell us and the world how individuals and organizations in your community are making a difference in supporting sport, healthy living, sustainable development and of course, the Olympic Games spirit.

Later this year, three B.C. communities will be picked as the gold, silver and bronze GamesTowns and will receive funds to put towards sports or healthy living facility improvements of their choosing. Along the way, we’ll also be awarding many other great prizes, including tickets to the Winter Games! Find your community and get started today!

Now it's your turn! Tell your story, the way you want.

Upload stories, photos and YouTube video clips to your own B.C. Community Profile page on the Gamestown2010 website, showing us how your community engages the Olympic spirit and should be named GamesTown2010.

Gold Medal Winner	The Gold Medal Winner will receive:
	- 1 x $100,000 Cash Reward - 5 Pairs of tickets (10 tickets total) to the XXIst Olympic Winter Games Events - 5 Pairs of tickets (10 tickets total) to the Xth Paralympic Winter Games Events (events to be determined by the Province in it sole discretion) -1 x Plaque identifying the community as “Gold Medal Winner, GamesTown 2010” -1 x Visit from one or more 2010 Olympic and/or Paralympic Athlete(s) (either before or after the close of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and the Contest Period)
Silver Medal Winner	The Silver Medal Winner will receive:
	- 1 x $50,000 Cash Reward - 2 Pairs of tickets (4 tickets total) to the XXIst Olympic Winter Games Events (events to be determined by the Province in it sole discretion) - 2 Pairs of tickets (4 tickets total) to the Xth Paralympic Winter Games Events (events to be determined by the Province in it sole discretion) -1 x Plaque identifying the community as “Silver Medal Winner, GamesTown 2010”
Bronze Medal Winner	The Bronze Medal Winner will receive:
	- 1 x $25,000 Cash Reward - 1 Pair of tickets (2 tickets total) to the XXIst Olympic Winter Games Events (events to be determined by the Province in it sole discretion) - 1 Pairs of tickets (2 tickets total) to the Xth Paralympic Winter Games Events (events to be determined by the Province in it sole discretion) - 1 x Plaque identifying the community as “Bronze Medal Winner, GamesTown 2010”

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Don Quixote Note: To date there are no entries from Vernon, Lumby, Cherryville, or Enderby.
Armstrong is the only local town with an entry. (Spall and Coldstream aren't even in the listed entry list of Cities ?)