Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: November 26, 2009 6:00 PM
Agreement exists for reforming Greater Vernon governance but one option isn’t on the table. Representatives from Vernon, Coldstream, BX-Swan Lake and BX-Silver Star met Tuesday to discuss the ongoing dispute over water, and particularly changing administration structures. However, eliminating boundaries and forming one large jurisdiction has no support. “If we amalgamate, we take on the roads in Areas B and C,” said Jim Garlick, Coldstream mayor, of the potential costs. “The Landing has put pressure on the city. The only way they’ve been able to provide services is through development.” Garlick believes a co-operative approach among all jurisdictions has been successful with major infrastructure and getting government grants. “Putting our strengths together and separating the rural areas from the urban has served us,” he said.
The city has given notice that it will withdraw from water distribution over administration/operational concerns. But recent talks have revolved around trying to keep the function together. Garlick has proposed separating parks issues from water, and both services could be governed either as a committee or commission, with each having various levels of authority. A structure outside of the North Okanagan Regional District could also be pursued. Mike Macnabb, BX-Silver Star director, insists there is merit to dividing administration of water from parks. “We’re talking huge ticket items. It may make it better and more streamlined,” he said. Wayne Lippert, Vernon mayor, favours establishing a utility focused on water. “A utility sees no boundaries. It would take the politics out of it,” he said. “A true utility looks at serving its customers.” Lippert says the current structure hasn’t worked, but he believes progress is being made. “It’s always a positive when people sit down and start talking. I’m encouraged,” he said.
For Garlick, officials and residents must understand that all jurisdictions are equal partners. “Nobody is getting a free ride here. Everyone pays the same for water just as we do with parks,” he said. The next step is for the chief administrative officers from Vernon, Coldstream and NORD to meet and look over information related to the services and governance.
1 comment:
Remarkably lucid comments from Mayor Garlick here. Particularly the one about the cost to all of amalgamation in terms of the miles of roads maintained by MoTI in EAs B and C. This is one of the principal reasons why Vernon taxpayers should not be so supportive of the politicians annexation plans. The cost is huge. Ask Vernon why so many proposed annexations have failed after they give the residents in the area proposed for annexation the numbers on their potential tax increases. Then as a taxpayer in the City ask yourself, how much does my bill go up because of this policy. Time instead to look inwards for development areas and cut back on sprawl. This is the only sure way to ease future taxpayers burdens. Take advantage of your strengths and the infrastructure you have.
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