Beardsell lashes out at budget ‘sham’

Published: March 31, 2009 7:00 PM Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star

Barry Beardsell didn’t disappoint his supporters as he savaged the City of Vernon’s proposed 2009 budget Monday. Before a crowd of more than 70 at city hall, the former councillor used a public input session to pounce upon the document, questioning the figures included within it and the actions taken by present council. “This budget is a sham and disgusting, and what you are trying to do is not fair to taxpayers,” he said. The proposed tax increase for the average home is 1.99 per cent but Beardsell says that doesn’t take into account changes in the fire levy in Okanagan Landing or the impact of increased costs at the North Okanagan Regional District. “Nobody has the guts or the nerve to do anything about it,” he said.

Beardsell says funding grants to non-profit groups could have been cancelled this year, and he questions the need for 11 new employees. “You have been hiring people like they’ve been going out of style,” he said of the $700,000 cost. The one new position that came under attack was a transportation demand management co-ordinator for $87,100 a year. That individual would seek alternatives to people driving vehicles. “This position will do nothing good because people have to go to work or shopping and in Vernon, most of us can’t do it by cycling or walking,” said resident Nathaniel Royko.

Merchant Jeff Wuolle complained about the increase in taxes and how it impacts businesses like his. “What gives you the opinion that council is immune and isolated from the worldwide recession?” he said. There were also concerns that the change in the fire protection levy and taxing vacant land will hit Landing residents particularly hard. “The 1.99 per cent tax increase is being done on the backs of the Landing and I don’t think that’s fair,” said Pat Lett. But there was also support for the budget, including having residents in the Landing and the rest of the city taxed the same for fire protection. “We need to have everyone in the city paying similar rates and they are entitled to receiving similar levels of service,” said Randy Noonan. “We have to pay taxes that are in keeping with a modern city.”

Despite considerable opposition to the budget, Coun. Jack Gilroy defends the document, and particularly hiring more staff. “We are thinking of the citizens. We need these positions to make the city work,” he said. However, Coun. Patrick Nicol wants the budget reviewed again. “The message is loud and clear. People want us to reassess what we are doing.”

Heated dispute erupts over Landing firefighting

Published: March 31, 2009 7:00 PM Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star

The City of Vernon is being accused of breaking an agreement over firefighting in Okanagan Landing. Council members were told during a budget input meeting Monday that the city agreed to maintain a volunteer fire department when the Landing was annexed in 1993. “We thought we had a deal, a deal’s a deal,” said Pat Lett, who led the pro-annexation campaign. Presently, a business plan recommends that Okanagan Landing no longer have an autonomous fire hall and that it fall under the jurisdiction of the downtown hall. Lett insists a referendum would be required among Landing residents, and that view is supported by Klaus Tribes, who was on city council at the time of annexation. “If the Landing wants a different type of fire protection, it’s up to them to initiate it,” said Tribes. If the business plan proceeds, two full-time firefighters could be at the Landing hall at all times, but resident Darlene Hainer says the volunteers provide a sufficient service. “Any number of paid firefighters will not make it any faster (to a blaze),” she said.

Terry Fossey says two firefighters translates into 10 for all shifts and two cannot go into a burning building themselves. “Things will keep snowballing,” he said of costs. Jim Inglis suggested that the plan is a result of pressure from unionized firefighters. “They have no vested interest than jobs and job security and adding to it,” he said. During a presentation, Landing fire chief Ed Forslund stated that his crew has an average of 50 to 70 call-outs a year, including one or two serious structure fires. “We aren’t ready to have full-time career staff at the Landing hall. Our call volumes don’t warrant it.”

However, other speakers supported the business plan. “We’re talking life safety here. Anything that we can get to improve response times would make us all happy,” said Jim Dubois. Brent Bond, Vernon Professional Firefighters Association president, says public safety should be considered with the business plan and not tradition or money. “Nowhere in the business case have the volunteer firefighters from the Landing been removed from the fire service,” he said, adding that 7.3 per cent of the city’s budget goes to fire protection when the provincial average is 10 per cent. Based on Monday’s debate, Bond believes there is a need for further public discussion. “It shows that people require an information session because there is a lot of misinformation about the fire service,” he said.

While the business plan has not been approved by council yet, city administration recently initiated dual response, where both firefighters from the Landing and Vernon halls could respond to the same incident. That has angered Barry Beardsell, a former councillor.“If they (staff) did that without the permission of council, they should be down the road,” he said.Mayor Wayne Lippert admits he has mixed feelings about how dual response was implemented. “They were fully within their mandate but it would have been nice if council was made aware of it. They are charged with giving the best services with the resources they have,” he said of staff.

Shades of grey

Published: March 31, 2009 7:00 PM Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star

Conflict of interest is a term that’s frequently tossed around but rarely is it as easy as black and white. In particular, is the case of Jack Gilroy, the Vernon councillor. Recently, Gilroy has been accused of being in a conflict of interest over restructuring of fire protection services because he is a former deputy fire chief and his son and nephew are paid firefighters. “It’s not enough to be above board. You must also be seen as being above board,” said Tony Stamboulieh, with the Vernon Taxpayers Association. There is also the fact that Gilroy received a $500 donation from the Vernon Professional Firefighters Association for his November election campaign. Generally able to joke most things off, Gilroy has tackled the accusations head-on. “I’m only in a conflict if I vote on a contract that gives wages to my son,” he said, adding that integrating the Landing and Vernon fire halls provides no financial gain to his family. He also points out that as a former firefighter and deputy chief, he has knowledge that benefits council discussions.

According to provincial legislation, a council member should consider not participating in a discussion or voting if there is “a direct or indirect pecuniary interest in the matter.” On the surface, Gilroy doesn’t appear to be in a conflict of interest. Yes his son and nephew are city employees, but if he doesn’t vote on their wages, he is not breaking the rules. And as for his former career, there should be no surprises. Gilroy has always worn his allegiances on his sleeve and that was evident any time he ran for office. But while the law is the law, perception also comes into play, and there are people convinced that a politician can’t separate their activities from financial contributions or personal acquaintances.

Not long ago, Coun. Shawn Lee excused himself from a funding request from a non-profit group because an employee with that organization is a patient at his dental clinic. Coun. Patrick Nicol has frequently walked out when a neighbour or a tenant in his office building is before council. Obviously Gilroy leaving the room would have circumvented any doubt, and he has bungled the matter from a PR perspective. He must understand that it’s not simply a case of doing what’s right, you must be seen as doing what’s right. But where does a politician draw the line?

Should Mayor Wayne Lippert remove himself from the fire services issue because he got $500 from the union? Is Lippert beholden to developers because some of them gave him campaign money? Is Coun. Bob Spiers influenced by Barry Beardsell because the former councillor gave him $100? And it should be pointed out that Stamboulieh received $200 from a development company when he ran for mayor. Ideally, no politicians would accept contributions but campaigns are expensive and most of them don’t have the personal financial resources to do it on their own (Patrick Nicol and his self-funded $11,259 is a rarity). However, taking money doesn’t automatically mean they are guilty of anything. Ultimately, Gilroy may have done nothing officially wrong and he will remain at the council table, but that means some residents will keep scrutinizing his actions.

Police cars collide with each other

CASTANET:

While responding to a reported domestic assault, two North Okanagan police cars collided. The emergency call was reported in the Highland Park area of Armstrong March 27 and the two officers responded around 10 p.m. RCMP spokesperson Gord Molendyk says the accident took place in the 3500 block of Mill Street. “The officers were responding code 3 to the scene (with lights and sirens) when they collided. I don’t have any other information about what happened. There is an investigation underway,” says Molendyk. He says one of the police vehicles had to be towed back to the office and will likely be retired from service as a result. “Neither one of the officers was injured in the accident. A third officer responding was on scene within minutes of the 9-11 call and was able to deal with the emergency.” He says the two officers involved in the accident were able to arrive a short time later and assist in the investigation.

IHA waited two years to conduct review

Tue, 2009-03-31 15:49. Local News 105.7 SUNFM Charmaine de Silva - Kelowna

Why did Interior Health wait almost two years before reviewing breast cancer testing conducted at Okanagan Health Services Area Labs? That is the question being raised, after Astral Media Radio obtained another series of leaked documents - this time, written from within the Interior Health organization.

Although Interior Health officials say they were only alerted to concerns about breast cancer testing at Okanagan Health Service Area labs in December of 2008, emails show the discussion began almost 2 years ago, in May of 2007. In an email, former Director of OHSA labs, Dr. Kirk Ready asked for the opinion of fellow IHA pathologists on review of all breast cancer testing.

In a response to that email, the current Clinical Director, Dr. Doug Hardy wrote, he felt "a full review with recutting, restaining and rereading of all the cases [was] not warranted." Doctor Hardy goes on to suggest an "in house" review of the specimens. Doctor Hardy is the pathologist carrying out the current review, which is being conducted in the same laboratory Dr. Ready raised concerns about in his initial letter.

Despite Dr. Ready raising these concerns almost two years ago, it appears Interior Health did not facilitate a review of the breast cancer specimens. In a letter to IHA CEO Murray Ramsden, written December 2008Dr. Ready writes, "I raised this matter to the OHSA Lab Administrative Director during my time as Clinical Director...Dr. Terry Bainbridge offered to review the cases once the slides were pulled. However, no resources were allocated to undertake a search in Meditech or to pull the slides."

On Monday, BC Opposition Leader Carole James called for a full public review of the breast cancer testing conducted at Interior Health. This, after a letter written by Dr. Ready was released to the media, in which concerns were raised about breast cancer tests conducted in an 18 month period between May 2005 and October 2006.

http://davegranlund.com/cartoons/2009/03/31/spring-foreclosures/

Whistle blowing doc Pathologist Slams Interior Health

Web posted on Monday, 30 March 2009 CHBC VIDEO

A disgruntled physician complains of unsafe and unsanitary practices at the Kelowna hosp

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Breast cancer tests under review in B.C.

JUSTINE HUNTER Globe and Mail Update March 30

March 30, 2009 VICTORIA — Dozens of breast cancer lab tests in B.C. are under review in response to concerns raised by a former clinical director of the Okanagan Health Service Area Laboratories. Pathologist Kirk Ready quit as lab chief for the Interior Health Authority last October, and later questioned how tests were conducted for invasive breast cancer cases in B.C.'s Interior hospitals. In a letter that was raised in the legislature on Monday, Dr. Ready warned patients may not have been offered proper cancer treatment as a result of questionable testing conducted between May of 2005 and October of 2006. “There were no standards procedures ... which may have increased the risk of misinterpretation of the tests,” he wrote.

Dr. Ready could not be reached for comment on Monday but Robert Halpenny, senior medical director for Interior Health, said all the tests during that period are being re-examined. The final report is due in April but he said so far there has been no evidence that any patients were incorrectly diagnosed. The tests had previously been conducted by the BC Cancer Agency but during the period under investigation, they were conducted in Kelowna General Hospital's labs, facilities that Dr. Ready described as “filthy” and lacking clear procedures for conducting the analysis. The New Democratic Party opposition said the tests need to be investigated independently. These are serious concerns around breast cancer testing,” New Democratic Party leader Carole James said on Monday. The opposition also released a letter from Dr. Ready, written to his strata council when his listed his Kelowna property for sale, alleging “jaw-dropping” practices at the “filthy” lab. “In the worst episode that I became aware of, 19 bodies were being stored in the (Kelowna General Hospital) morgue. The cooler only held 12 bodies, required that staff rotate the bodies in and out of the cooler to slow decomposition.” In that letter, dated March 18, Dr. Ready said he terminated his contract with the health authority because of a myriad of problems that he felt put patients at risk.

Dr. Halpenny confirmed that twice in the last three years, the morgue was overcrowded but he said those conditions lasted no more than two hours. Health Minister George Abbott said patients in Interior Health should not worry: “No inaccuracies have been found.” He accused the NDP of exploiting fears after a judicial inquiry in Newfoundland found at least 386 patients received mistaken results of their breast cancer tests. At least 108 patients whose tests were misread have died as a result of the botched tests in Newfoundland, although it is not clear how many of them, if any, died as a result of a misdiagnosis. “I have been seeing in recently days an absolutely shameless and irresponsible attempt ... to try to piggyback on the tragedy that occurred in Newfoundland with respect to testing,” Mr. Abbott told the legislature. He said the Interior Health Authority “has looked very thoroughly, very comprehensively at the allegation, the concern, that was raised. They have reviewed all of the files. They have found no irregularities.” Dr. Halpenny could not say how many cases are under review, but he believes there were dozens. He expects to have a final report in the next two weeks.

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Related Articles: Abbott hammered over breast cancer testing 105.7 SUN FM

More allegations from leaked letter 105.7 SUNFM

Pathologist Slams Interior Health 205.7 SUN FM March 27

Paramedic strike will 'improve service'

Victoria Daily News March 31:

The union representing ambulance paramedics has rejected a last-ditch offer of a 90-day "cooling-off period" and is proceeding with a largely symbolic strike Wednesday, the union president says. Health Minister George Abbott met with union and B.C. Ambulance Service officials on Monday to offer an extension of a signing bonus and renewed negotiations if there was no strike action. CUPE local 873 president John Strohmaier said Tuesday he turned it down, and he was expecting pickets to go up at the administrative office shortly after midnight when the union contract and the signing bonus offer both expire. The essential services standard set by the Labour Relations Board requires more ambulances to be staffed than are on the road without a strike, Strohmaier said. As long as the dispute lasts, he said the union will press for every available ambulance to be in use. "On a daily basis, there's anywhere from 20 to 50 ambulances they choose not to staff," Strohmaier said.

B.C. Ambulance Service has offered a three per cent wage increase and signing bonuses of up to $4,100 for full-time paramedics and up to $2,600 for part-timers. The union is seeking seven per cent in each of the next three years, to bring wages closer to those of police and firefighters. Abbott said the 90-day voluntary extension would get the government over the election period where the legislature can't be called back to consider back-to-work legislation. Strohmaier said the joint committee framework was tried in the past few years, with both union and management recommending at least four more ambulances to address shortages in the Lower Mainland. He said the government's "hired gun," acting B.C. Ambulance Service president Lee Doney, wouldn't accept the recommendation and he sees no change to that. The union has asked for veteran mediator Vince Ready to assist, but the government has been reluctant to do that, he said.

Council gets an Earful

Betty Selin-Vernon 105.7 SUNFM

Close to 100 people packed into Vernon council chambers Monday night for a final chance to speak on the 2009 budget. More than a dozen people questioned the city's budget with topics ranging from the general increase in taxes, business taxes and fire protection in Okanagan Landing and additional staff. Landing resident, Pat Lett says the Landing is a cash cow for the city... "The Okanagan Landing residents pay 48.1% of all general taxation. We only have nine thousand residents out of 36-thousand." He says the city should be improving streets and sidewalks instead of spending more than six-hundred thousand dollars on two fire fighters for the Landing. Former Councillor Barry Beardsell says the budget is a sham and when you add the general increase with the sewer increase it's a lot more than the 1.99 per cent the city is promoting... "the increase over last year is 11.3% Put that in perspective with what is happening in this economy and you say what is going on with this council and this administration?" Beardsell says councillors need to go back, make cuts and get out of some functions. He even suggested dropping the keys to the O'keefe Ranch in the lap of the MLA, saying the province wouldn't shut down the heritage tourist facility.

Glass shop considered for film facility

JOE FRIES Monday, March 30, 2009 Penticton Herald

Osoyoos already has its $10-million baby, now the head of the Okanagan Film Commission says Penticton’s shot at stardom may be right around the corner. Commissioner Jon Summerland says five production companies have toured the cavernous former home of Oldcastle Glass, with an eye to turning it into studio space. The potential suitors came from the U.K., the U.S. and Canada, and represented companies looking to shoot TV series and feature films, he noted.
"Everybody’s liked it, but the ceilings are not high enough," Summerland said, but "We’re still pushing because it’s a great facility." Boasting 53,000 square feet of mostly warehouse space, along with loading docks and close proximity to major highways, the Rosetown Avenue location, which has been vacant since 2007 and is available for lease, has a lot to offer. "It’s a pretty clear spanÉ and it has all these great cranes and stuff which are excellent for moving around your set pieces," Summerland said. But the relatively short-lived nature of film projects may be a problem for the building’s owner.

"Some of the interest from the movie people is shorter term than maybe our clients would look at, but they’ll look at everything," said realtor Gary Gierlich. "We’ve had all sorts of interest." He said half of the building has 22-foot ceilings, while the film industry would prefer a 30-foot clearance, but "There’s room in there to build sets and do whatever you need." Gierlich said the space has also attracted interest from people wanting to use it for manufacturing, storage and even paintball, but it may be simply too big. "To date, it’s all inquiries and no written deals," he noted. Same goes for the film commission. "You’ve got two projects looking in Penticton right now - very, very, very close," Summerland said, although he declined to talk specifics. "I can’t at this point, but soon enough you will hear," he said, adding the production companies are "way beyond the initial scouting."

A $10-million Paul Gross film is set to start shooting near Osoyoos soon, and Summerland is optimistic more shoots in the area will follow. "I would say the South Okanagan has always been on everyone’s radar, but now that we’ve got more and more infrastructure, more and more crew, I would say we’re about to explode down there."

Starbucks announces first-ever Canadian closing in Richmond, B.C.

CBC NEWS:

Starbucks Corp. will shut down its Aberdeen Centre location in Richmond, B.C., on Wednesday, the company's first-ever closing in Canada. The coffee retailer said the decision to close was caused by current economic conditions and because the location itself was under-performing. Some employees at the Richmond location said they were given just five days' notice about the pending shutdown. Starbucks has announced it plans on closing 100 coffee shops outside of the U.S., but it has so far not revealed how many more outlets in B.C. will be shuttered. Starbucks has 365 locations in the province.

Budget Meeting

Starlee Speers and Betty Selin - Vernon 105.7 SUN FM:

Got something to tell Vernon council about this year's budget? The last of the public input sessions on the 2009 Vernon budget is being held Monday. Mayor Wayne Lippert says depending on what submissions are made to council. the budget could be adopted at their first April meeting. Lippert says they haven't had many people come out to the last five or six budget input sessions. He says everyone is welcome to address council but advises potential speakers to stay on topic. As it stands now, the general tax increase would be one point 99 percent.

The public meeting starts at 5:30 at City Hall.

Monday March 30 at 5:30Pm. Public Input to 2009 Budget.

Under the provisions of the Local Government Act, the municipality must have a financial plan that is adopted annually, by bylaw, before May 15th, which is the date that the annual property tax bylaw must be adopted. The planning period is five years, covering the current year plus the next four years.

Council must undertake a process of public consultation regarding the proposed financial plan before it is adopted. This is normally done in the early part of the year by way of a public meeting. Notice of the meeting is placed in the local papers.

The 2009-2013 Financial Plan as advertised in Sunday's paper is on City's website and can be found here

• 2009-2013 Financial Plan - 5.10MB
• Financial Plan Bylaw 5176 - 166Kb

. A copy can be picked up at City Hall at the front desk. (This paper copy is much easier to read than the online version.)

Vernon Trees for Tomorrow funding

Castanet:
The City of Vernon and the District of Coldstream are benefiting from a total of $65,100 through the Trees for Tomorrow program, a cost-sharing venture to plant trees in public spaces. "I am pleased to see both Vernon and Coldstream benefiting from this opportunity through the Trees for Tomorrow program to improve air quality and beautify their communities," says Okanagan-Vernon MLA Tom Christensen. "By planting more trees we reduce our greenhouse gases and support long-term community sustainability." The City of Vernon is receiving $50,000 from the Trees for Tomorrow program for the Vernon Urban Forest Development Program project. The District of Coldstream is receiving $15,100 from the Trees for Tomorrow program for the Coldstream Cemetery and Aberdeen Road Boulevard projects.

B.C. saves for Earth Hour

VANCOUVER – Electricity consumption in B.C. dropped by 1.1 per cent during Earth Hour last night. British Columbians saved 72.67 megawatts of electricity from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m., the equivalent of turning off 1.5 million lights.

The highest drop in consumption – 4.6 per cent – was recorded in Pemberton. Eighty four communities throughout the province participated in Earth Hour this year.

Savings in individual local communities:

Kamloops 1.1 per cent

Vernon 0.9 per cent

Spring Chipping Program Change in Dates:

City of Vernon Website:

Curbside collection of prunings will take place on the following dates:

City of Vernon and Foothills Subdivision:
Week 1 - April 14 - 17, 2009
Week 2 - April 21 - 24, 2009

Blue Jay and Okanagan Landing:
Week 1 - April 28 - May 1, 2009
Week 2 - May 5 - 8, 2009

Spring & Fall Clear Bag Program

City of Vernon, Okanagan Landing and Blue Jay:

• Spring Program: April 21 to April 24, 2009

• Fall Program: Nov 24 to Nov 27, 2009 - On garbage day.

Aldon Waste Systems will provide curbside collection of leaves and garden refuse in clear plastic bags on your regular garbage collection day. The program is in effect for one week only as noted in the dates above.

City of Vernon residents may put out an unlimited number of clear bags by 7:00 a.m. at the same location as your garbage collection pickup. All coloured bags will be considered as household garbage that is limited to the usual two bags or container quota.

Please do not rake leaves onto the street as they block storm drains and jam the street sweeper.

Vernon wins the BCHL Interior Division

Don Klepp - Mar 29, 2009 CASTANET:

Another strong performance by Andrew Hammond and three goals by Connor Jones led the Vernon Vipers to a 3-1 victory in Salmon Arm on Saturday. After winning the Interior Division series 4 games to 2, the Vipers await the winners of the Victoria/Powell River Coastal series, which will be decided in a seventh game in Victoria on Tuesday. BCHL Commissioner John Grisdale presented the Ryan Hatfield trophy to Captain Chris Crowell who politely accepted the heavy piece of silverware on behalf of the Vipers and then promptly handed it over to an attendant, before joining his team mates for a salute to the Viper fans in attendance. Clearly, the Vipers feel they have unfinished business, the BCHL league championship series.

GAME NOTES:
The three stars were 1.) Connor Jones, 2.) Bryan Gillis, and 3.) Andrew Hammond.
Connor Jones now leads Viper playoff goal scoring with seven goals, and is tied with brother Kellen for the playoff points lead (13).

In the 41 games where the Vipers have taken a lead into the third period this season, they have a record of 39 wins, no regulation losses, one tie, and one overtime loss.

Paramedics set to strike this week

Published: March 28, 2009 12:00 PM Tom Fletcher - Kamloops This Week

B.C. ambulance paramedics appear headed for a strike this week, and Health Minister George Abbott took the unusual step of going public to denounce their wage demands. Abbott said the union’s demand for wage parity with Vancouver Police constables represents an 87 per cent increase in total compensation over the next seven years. That figure was rejected by union president John Strohmaier, who said the union wants four to 4.5 per cent per year over seven years. “We will commence the strike on April 1,” Strohmaier said in an interview from Vancouver. “I think there’s a certainty to that given Mr. Abbott’s comments.” Abbott and Lee Doney, acting CEO of the B.C. Ambulance Service, held a news conference at the legislature on Thursday to reveal that they had offered a one-year contract with a three per cent pay increase.

Sweetened with signing bonuses of up to $4,100 for full-time paramedics and up to $2,600 for part-timers, the offer totals six per cent, but it was rejected. Essential-service provisions are being worked out that would keep most paramedics working, “so there is no reason why anyone need panic,” Abbott said. He noted “the clock is running out” on the life of the B.C. government, which will be dissolved on April 14 for the provincial election. During the month-long campaign, the government would be unable to call the legislature back to pass back-to-work legislation. Abbott urged the Canadian Union of Public Employees local 873 executive to let members vote on what he called a “generous” offer, with signing bonuses larger than those accepted by dozens of other government unions in 2006. “They won’t get an opportunity to vote on it because I won’t sign a memorandum,” Strohmaier said. “My members aren’t interested a signing bonus as much as they are interested in narrowing the gap that exists between wages in emergency services.” Members have voted 97 per cent to give the union executive a strike mandate and notice will be served to take effect at midnight on Tuesday, he said.

Labour Minister Iain Black said he has asked his deputy Paul Straszak to assess the likelihood of a settlement and report to him by Sunday. Black wouldn’t comment on the possibility the government would consider back-to-work legislation this week, the last week of the session before the election campaign begins. NDP health critic Adrian Dix said he has been urging the government for three years to deal with recruitment problems, especially in rural and remote areas where part-time paramedics hold other jobs and are paid $2 an hour to be on-call. “You have many areas, really huge swaths of the province, where frequently there is no one on call,” Dix said.“So if there’s a call in Anahim Lake, that means the ambulance goes from Williams Lake, which means the ambulances from 100 Mile [House] have to cover Williams Lake.”

Vernon Wins MISA Conference

Vernon been chosen to host the annual provincial MISA (Municipal Information Services Association) Conference, a 4-day event that brings together HI tech leaders in municipal government as well as business from all across Canada. The conference provides the opportunity for discussion and networking on the information challenges that all government organizations face. Sessions will include information on new and innovative technologies, systems and market trends, as well as government challenges that affect the delivery of information services to the public. In announcing the Conference, organizer Wayne Ikasaka, Manager of Information Services at the City of Vernon notes that "In excess of 400 delegates, municipal IT managers, GIS professionals and IT business representatives are expected to converge on the city, and we are very proud that Vernon has been chosen to host this event." "Plans are already underway", said Ikasaka, whose staff will be working with Information Services at N.O.R.D. to organize the conference.

In past years, the event has attracted notable guest speakers such as Brian Burke, GM of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Dr. David Suzuki. When asked about the possible economic spin-off from an event such as this, Mayor Wayne Lippert noted that the Nanaimo conference in 2008 netted over $600,000 for that community in four days. Said Lippert, "Vernon is increasingly attracting events of this calibre and this conference gives us another great opportunity to showcase local businesses and attractions. " I'd say that Vernon is fast becoming known for its ability to organize major events, as well as great hospitality and services to visitors from all over the world." The MISA Conference will be held at the Vernon WesbilId Centre from September 14th through September 17th, 2010.

News Release Document - 21Kb PDF

Wood Lake ice fishing death

Howard Alexander - Kelowna. 105.7 SUNFM

A tragic end to a daring rescue on a frozen Okanagan Lake. A 70 year old Vernon man has died after falling through the ice Friday morning. RCMP Constable Steve Holmes says he died in hospital but no word yet on the cause of death. Holmes says, "That will be something the coroner will speak to. We're not at liberty to speak to that at this time. We're also not releasing his name because not all of his next of kin have been notified." The man the deceased was ice fishing with, a 60 year old Vernon resident, also fell through the ice, but he was wearing a flotation jacket. Holmes says, "Fortunately he was wearing what is called a Mustang personal flotation jacket . That's a jacket that's designed as a floatation device as well as to wear as an article of clothing. So that allowed him sufficient boyancy to stay above the water."He was treated for hypothermia at Kelowna General and was released.

Short-staffed RCMP relaxes recruitment rules

Poll Results Castanet

Question: Do you think the RCMP should relax some of it`s requirements for new recruits in order to hire all the new members they need?

Yes

58

No

145

Total Votes: 203

CBC NEWS: Friday, March 27, 2009

The RCMP, which is on a hiring blitz, will now turn a blind eye to some indiscretions by its applicants, including some drug activities, CBC News has learned. The force, which is in the midst of its largest ever recruiting drive, needs to hire close to 2,000 members over the next two years. At the same time, an internal memo obtained by CBC News reveals the RCMP has changed its policy on drug use "to permit consideration of mitigating factors in all cases of criminal activity, which may include drug trafficking, etc."

The former policy immediately disqualified applicants who were involved in trafficking, cultivating, producing, or manufacturing illegal drugs or substances. The revised rules say that for all serious crimes, or for any criminal offences or activity in an applicant's history in the last three years, "the regional recruiting officers must provide written rationale detailing the mitigating factors considered." "Our applicants that have had some minor indiscretions in the past and that disclose those to us, that's an indication of their honesty," said RCMP Insp. Peter Kirchberger of the Mounties' national recruiting program. "And if it's not a significant criminal event in the past, then we can apply mitigating circumstances and allow that applicant to continue in the process." That means admitting to growing a marijuana plant or perhaps slipping a joint to a college roommate no longer means an automatic rejection from joining the force. As a former RCMP officer, Senator Larry Campbell said he has no problem cutting applicants slack for youthful indiscretion, but added the policy is poorly written and open to interpretation. "There should be some explanation in there about what mitigating circumstances would be and under what conditions," Campbell, who also served as the chief coroner of B.C., said in an interview. The RCMP insists professional drug traffickers would never make it through the process and that anyone who has a major criminal conviction need not apply.

Government, investments drive Okanagan‘s economy Steve MacNaull

Steve MacNaull 2009-03-28 Kelowna Daily Courier:

The Okanagan prides itself as an entrepreneurial hotbed where innovation drives a diversified economy based on real estate, forestry, tourism, agriculture and high technology. The reality is the Valley is dependent primarily on government jobs, government handouts and people living off their investments. “That‘s surprising to most people,” said Jason Cox, the commercial credit manager at Penticton-based Valley First Credit Union. “But, really, you have to look at it as a whole package. Lots of government jobs exist in communities where there is the infrastructure and amenities to support them. So that means there‘s also going to be restaurants and shopping, culture and tourist attractions and other businesses that provide employment.” The Okanagan has long been a desirable destination for retirees and the wealthy who bring with them big investment portfolios. “Retirees and people who have been successful with their investments or sold a business have money to seek out places like the Okanagan with its nice climate and lifestyle,” Cox said. “They obviously have money to spend in the community. It‘s important to have them to support everything from banks and stores to restaurants and other services.”

This month, British Columbia Statistics released its 115-page Local Area Economic Dependencies report based on 2006 figures compiled from myriad sources. Six Okanagan communities were included. Government jobs account for 16-24 per cent of after-tax income in the communities, government transfer payments 17 to 27 per cent and non-employment income (also known as investments and private pensions) 18 to 24 per cent. Government transfer payments include everything from Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security and child tax benefits to employment insurance, income assistance (welfare) and GST credit. With about 60 per cent or more of the economy tied up in those three categories, that leaves just 40 per cent spread out over the nine other sectors – forestry, mining, fishing, tourism, high technology, construction, film production and other. For instance, Kelowna, which went through an unprecedented building boom, had construction at just 12 per cent. Oliver and Osoyoos, the orchard and grape growing capitals of the province, saw only 10 per cent of their income from agriculture and food. Forestry, the economic backbone of the province, ranged from four to 11 per cent in the six Okanagan communities surveyed. People of the Okanagan shouldn‘t be surprised or ashamed at the Valley‘s apparent lack of free enterprise and diversity. “The major employer in almost every community the world over is government,” pointed out Cox.

“In Penticton‘s case we have the usual high employment and good incomes at the school district and in health care plus the tax and veteran‘s affairs offices. But we also have a good economy on top of that. You have to keep it all in perspective.” David Webb, the chairman of the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission, concurred. “We appreciate the government jobs because they pay well and are important to the community,” said Webb, who is also the president of Everest Recruitment in Kelowna. “But really, it is all that grows above that that makes a community sustainable. The tech sector and real estate attract skilled people and their families and help define a community. The activity means there has to be a service sector of retail and hospitality, that usually have lower-paying jobs, to support it. It takes all sorts to form a vibrant, diversified economy and the Okanagan has that.”

After tax income (percentage by category)
Penticton
Public sector: 24
Government transfer payments: 22
Investments: 22
Construction: 9
Tourism: 6
Forestry: 5
Agriculture and food: 3
Mining: 2
High tech: 0
Fishing: 0
Film: 0
Other: 7

Kelowna
Public sector: 23
Government transfer payments: 17
Investments: 20
Construction: 12
Tourism: 7
Forestry: 4
Agriculture and food: 3
Mining: 2
High tech: 2
Fishing: 0
Film: 0
Other: 9

Vernon
Public sector: 22
Government transfer payments: 20
Investments: 20
Construction: 10
Tourism: 5
Forestry: 9
Agriculture and food: 2
Mining: 2
High tech: 1
Fishing: 0
Film: 0
Other: 9


Spallumcheen
Public sector: 18
Government transfer payments: 21
Investments: 18
Construction: 11
Tourism: 3
Forestry: 11
Agriculture and food: 7
Mining: 2
High tech: 0
Fishing: 0
Film: 0
Other: 9

Two decaying schools gain new life

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: March 27, 2009 4:00 PM

Vernon Secondary School has provided students with a strong educational foundation for decades, even as it’s been crumbling around them. That’s why $55 million for a new VSS and Coldstream Elementary is being embraced by teachers and parents, but particularly the children. “It’s one big celebration,” said Alysa Ready, a Grade 9 student, who insists the current VSS is falling apart. “You walk into the bathroom and parts of the wall fall off.” As she is currently in Grade 12, Miranda Staniewicz, won’t benefit from the new school but she is thrilled for future students. “It will be great to have windows and natural light instead of just the cracks through the bricks,” she said. Sentiments are similar at Coldstream Elementary. “It’s been added on to 10 times. The building is just incredibly old,” said Judi Haines, principal. And the new structure will mean all of the students will be under one roof instead of some being in portables. “If you’re in a portable, you have to walk outside and get cold in the winter,” said Kailey Marcinowski, in Grade 3.

VSS, which was built in 1968, will be replaced at a cost of $42 million, while Coldstream Elementary, which parts of date back to 1908, will be replaced at a cost of $13.4 million. It’s anticipated construction at Coldstream will begin this June and run until September 2010, while the timeline for VSS is to begin work in March 2010 and be completed by about September 2011. But VSS principal Morris Vardabasso jumped the gun by putting on a hard hat during Friday’s official announcement. “You can call me a little over-zealous. I have my shovels out back,” he said. Planning for both schools has been underway for years, and modern building codes are coming into force, including an elevator at Coldstream. “People in wheelchairs won’t have to go up ramps,” said Maja Splawinski, in Grade 3. Haines is looking forward to an open layout. “You will walk into the building and look through the glass window over the top of the library and out into the woods in the back,” she said. Both schools will be rebuilt on their present sites and the existing buildings will continue to be used by students during construction. “There are safety issues for sure but we will separate them. They will lose some playing fields and flexibility,” said Bob McDonnell, with MQN Architects.

Vardabasso says he and his colleagues are already looking at ways to ensure construction doesn’t disrupt student activities too much at VSS. “There will be some transitional issues. We may have to bus students to other fields but it’s a small price to pay for what we will be getting,” he said. VSS currently has 1,025 students and the new school will accommodate 950, while Coldstream has 386 students and the new building will fit 375, plus 40 kindergarten students. Taking part in Friday’s announcement was MLA Tom Christensen, who graduated from VSS 25 years ago. Based on his own personal experiences, he is pleased that a new school is being developed. “The structure hasn’t changed much. The challenges with cracks in the wall and aging were visible then,” he said.

SKOREYKO TO REPRESENT BC CONSERVATIVES IN VERNON-MONASHEE

Media Release:
Vernon businessman, Dean Skoreyko, has accepted the invitation from the BC Conservatives to represent the Party in the upcoming May 12th Provincial Election.

“It would be an honour to represent the people in the riding of Vernon-Monashee as a member of the only truly conservative party in BC” said Skoreyko. “The BC Conservative Party is the one party that will stand up for the people of this province and not for special interest groups.”
Skoreyko’s Campaign Manager, former Conservative MP, Darrel Stinson, agrees that we need someone in Vernon-Monashee who will not be afraid to speak on the issues such as health care, the economy, the environment and justice. “The last thing we need is an MLA that will not put the residents first in front of their political masters”, said Stinson. BC Conservative President, Wayne McGrath, also agrees with Skoreyko that the citizens of British Columbia, including Vernon-Monashee, need a credible alternative to the Liberals and NDP.

For additional information please contact:
Dean@conservativesbc.com

Alexander to play nice with council

Jeremy Deutsch - Kamloops This Week Published: March 26, 2009

Brian Alexander was a controversial figure in last year’s civic election, but the former mayoral candidate is trying to put his past behind him. Alexander and the city have been in discussions for months, working on a social contract that would allow him to gain access to city buildings. He made an appearance at council this week to finalize some of the wording in the contract and field any questions the new council had for him. Alexander, an outspoken critic of the last council, drew the ire of the city after he started the website kamloopsbullshit.com, in which he made disparaging remarks about staff and council. He was banned from city facilities, but not council chambers. Alexander then made a run for the mayor’s chair, but finished a distant third in voting.

He admits he had problems with former mayor Terry Lake and some senior city staff, but said he’s trying to learn from his mistakes, suggesting he now gets along much better with Mayor Peter Milobar. “All I wanted from the beginning was to voice some concerns and that sort of thing,” Alexander said. “I wasn’t out there to scare anybody — it wasn’t my attention.” Part of the social contract will ensure he doesn’t post more derogatory remarks on his website. Milobar said the city had concerns about Alexander’s behaviour in the past, but noted the council critic has been trying to address the concerns. “He’s been working with staff to come up with guidelines, and that’s what we’re working towards.”

Council limits tax hike to 2%

Jason Luciw - Kelowna Capital News Published: March 26, 2009

A decision to reduce this year’s tax hike from five to two per cent is a matter of principal, according to West Kelowna council. One by one, with the exception of Coun. Rosalind Neis, councillors repeated the message that the present recession demands that the District of West Kelowna show some fiscal restraint. Coun. Duane Ophus’ comments at a meeting Tuesday night, best summed up the majority of council’s sentiments. “It’s really important at this point in our history that we send a signal to the community that we are very financially responsible,” said Ophus. “Obviously, we wouldn’t do it if it had any true negative (effect) on our financial position, but that’s just not the case.” It would be inappropriate to tax today’s taxpayers excessively for something that may or may not occur “somewhere down the road,” said Ophus.

Last year, when economic times appeared brighter, council was championing five per cent tax increases every year to bolster reserves to approximately $35 million by 2013, with the aim of offsetting foreseen cost increases in areas such as policing and road maintenance. The district is currently getting a multimillion dollar break on those items under a provincial agreement that is helping West Kelowna transition from a rural area to a self sufficient municipality. Chief financial officer Jim Zaffino explained that reducing the tax hike to two per cent this year would have a compounding effect over the next five years, leaving the fledgling municipality with only $30 million in reserves by 2013. Coun. David Knowles said that was still a “tremendous” amount of money for the municipality to be saving. That’s provided the municipality doesn’t draw down reserves for unforeseen projects, commented Neis. “There are costs that are coming down the road and from what I’ve heard from people, the more we save now, the better off we’re going to be.”

When phoning constituents to get a sense of what they wanted this year, however, Knowles said most people told him they would be happier with two per cent for this one year. Council can return to five per cent increases next year, in an effort to further bolster reserves, said Knowles. When it comes to taxes, the municipality usually talks averages to give everyone a general idea of the increase they’ll be facing. A home valued at a little more than $450,0000 is the average assessment in West Kelowna. Under a five per cent tax increase, residents would have been paying about $1180 on the municipal portion of taxes this year, or $56 more than in 2008. With a two per cent tax increase, residents are paying $22 more in taxes this year. That leaves about $34 in a taxpayer’s pocket this year.

Schubert faces tough times

Published: March 26, 2009 6:00 PM Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star

A focal point for seniors’ activities and community events is feeling the financial pinch. The Schubert Centre is facing a $162,000 shortfall as a result of government policies and upgrades to its 30th Avenue facility. “We find ourselves in a financial crisis we need help recovering from,” said Ron Denton, treasurer. In an attempt to handle the situation, the non-profit society is seeking financial relief from the City of Vernon in the form of an annual exemption for water, sewer and property taxes. That amounts to about $15,000. “We need to thoughtfully look at this,” said Coun. Patrick Nicol. “It’s a recreational area for seniors and the community.” A grant will now be considered by the city’s finance committee, and that’s good news for Jack Gareb, the Schubert Centre’s manager. “It’s one of the things that will help get us out of the red,” he said, adding that it’s not unusual for other communities to support similar facilities. “In Kelowna, they own the building and pay the manager’s salary.”

If the city provides assistance, the Schubert Centre is offering council free meeting space in perpetuity. Other options to handle the shortfall are also being considered, but Gareb was not willing to get into specifics at this time. Money problems arose when the provincial government changed its gaming rules and the Schubert Centre lost $65,000 a year in revenue. It then did renovations to its kitchen to try and cater more events, and it was impacted by the federal government looking for $100,000 in GST. As a result of all of this, the society had to go to a bank to borrow funds and it is now trying to pay off that debt. “It creates a cash-flow situation,” said Denton. While circumstances are currently difficult, there are no plans to close the centre’s doors. “We’re going to get it,” said Gareb of the needed funding.

Plan on hold

Web posted on Thursday, 26 March 2009 CHBC VIDEO

The proposal to integrate fire services in Vernon has run into a firestorm of opposition.

Battle lines drawn over budget

Published: March 26, 2009 6:00 PM Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star

Vernon’s mayor is lashing out at a citizens’ group questioning city hall’s budget process. The Vernon Taxpayers Association claims there has been excessive spending in the proposed 2009 budget and financial figures are misleading. “I find it very interesting that a group concerned about openness and transparency never turned out for any of the budget sessions. We provided the public with an opportunity for input” said Mayor Wayne Lippert. “This council has gone beyond any other council to make its citizens aware of the budget and to allow them to provide input.” The 2009 budget calls for a 1.99 per cent tax increase for the average home, but the association claims that doesn’t take into account a hike in firefighting costs, particularly in Okanagan Landing, and higher operating expenses. “Critical expenditures have been excluded from general expenses and will be taken out of reserve funds so the budget does not appear as excessive as it really is,” states the association in a release.

There is also a concern about 11 new employees being hired at a cost of about $700,000. “They are hiring people like crazy. The hirings that have increased are something else,” said Barry Beardsell, a former councillor speaking for the association. “With the economic times we are in, this is totally frightening.” However, Lippert defends the hiring of staff, saying that the public wanted more open hours at the RCMP detachment and that requires receptionists. He also says that the tourism and economic development managers are a result of the regional district abandoning those services. “We can gain revenue back from other jurisdictions (through a contract for service),” he said. “For everything we have in there and the capital works, it’s a good budget.” Beardsell says he and the association didn’t attend any of council’s budget discussions because there was nothing final about the document. “It’s only at this point that a hard copy of the budget has been made available to the public,” he said. The association is encouraging residents to attend a public input session at city hall Monday at 5:30 p.m. “Now is the time for input,” said Beardsell.

Mayor denies donor influence

Published: March 26, 2009 6:00 PM Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star

Vernon’s mayor insists campaign contributions don’t dictate how he votes. According to disclosure statements filed for the 2008 civic election, Wayne Lippert received donations of $16,005, many of them from developers and other businesses. But he says that monetary support doesn’t influence his duties as mayor. “I don’t feel any burden or expectation with how I deal with things,” he said. The largest donation was $2,000 from Wesbild Holdings, while there was $1,000 from Leona Snider, owner of The Rise, and $750 from Tavistock Properties. Lippert provided $100. His total campaign expenses were $16,941, with $5,615 of that going to advertising ($3,688 with The Morning Star). “It costs money to get to this office and have a chance,” he said, admitting that the finances needed may put the mayor’s chair out of reach for some people. “It definitely makes it tough because it takes money.” Of the other mayoralty candidates, the next highest spender was Juliette Cunningham who had expenses of $6,440. She had contributions of $7,150, including $2,000 from the North Okanagan Labour Council and $600 from herself. Among the other candidates Steve Campbell spent $3,779 and had contributions of $3,779. Floyd Edwards rang up $700 in expenses and had no donations, while Tony Stamboulieh’s expenses were $752 and contributions were $1,250. Rick Thorburn collected $500 in donations and spent $1,943.

Of the 13 people who ran for councillor, veteran incumbent Patrick Nicol topped the pack, spending $11,259. “I wanted to make sure I got my message out,” he said. “I really believe people should know what a person stands for.” Nicol’s campaign was financed by himself. “It’s how you truly stay independent,” he said of why he doesn’t accept donations. Of the other five elected as councillors, Bob Spiers was next, with expenses of $4,002 and contributions of $4,286. Among them were $400 from himself and $100 each from former councillors Barry Beardsell and Jim MacGillivray. Shawn Lee’s expenses were $2,944 while he had contributions of $350. Mary-Jo O’Keefe had expenses of $1,752 and donations of $799 while Jack Gilroy spent $1,038, Gilroy’s contributions amounted to $1,000, including $500 from the Vernon Professional Firefighters Association. Buffy Baumbrough filed $410 in expenses and $78 in donations.

New hands lend support to historic ranch

Published: March 26, 2009 6:00 PM By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star

An infusion of new blood is creating a sense of optimism at cash-strapped O’Keefe Ranch. The O’Keefe Ranch and Interior Heritage Society held its annual general meeting Tuesday and six new people joined the board — Jim McEwan, Brian Postill, John Blunt, Wayne Kinghorn, Carolyn Farris and Catherine Lord. “We feel very confident,” said Rod Drennan, president. “We recruited for skills we need on the board such as marketing, infrastructure and special events. This (new directors) is huge for us.” The 50 people at the AGM were also informed that 37 applications were received for the manager’s position. “If we work at this, we could be looking at having someone there during the first or second week of May,” said Drennan.

Last December, the society opted not to renew its contract with Danyk, who had been manager for four years. Largely because of Danyk’s severance, the ranch was looking at a $46,178 shortfall for 2009. But the City of Vernon agreed to provide an extra $45,800 to the ranch this year, bringing its total financial support to $260,178. With money continuing to be limited, the society has been in discussions with the city — which owns the ranch — to identify revenue sources. Also topping the agenda is ensuring the integrity of the buildings on site, including new roofs and heating systems. “We feel very confident that with grant money coming forward, we should be able to get all of the infrastructure completed by October,” said Drennan. “There will be a new look and feeling at the ranch by the end of this season.”

VJH Site Update

VJH Site Update

Site activities at VJH as of March 26, 2009

Extensive excavations for the concrete footings and foundations of the new Patient Care Tower are well underway. Over 1,000 metres of concrete have been poured to date. Reinforcement of the existing buildings is all but complete. And the crane that will be used to build the tower is now working and assisting with form work and concrete reinforcing.

The Next Phase

Over the coming months the structure will rise out of the ground at a very fast pace. The construction will be progressive. What that means is that, for example, as an area of footings is completed, backfill will follow as will underground piping.

It will be very exciting watching the new building rise out of the ground. Shortly you will see columns being erected in preparation for the first floor forms being installed.

Open House Coming Soon

We will be hosting a public open house at the Village Green Mall on April 18 to talk to the public about what they can expect during construction, and what the new patient care tower will do to enhance patient care in the North Okanagan. The VJH Foundation will also be there with information on its "Building a Tower of Care Campaign". We hope to see you there!

Slots of Fun

Gateway Casinos shrugs off recession talk with new offerings and new facilities in the Okanagan

By Darcy Nybo February 05, 2009 Business Examiner:

Being in recession consumers are more selective on where they spend entertainment dollars. Most entertainment businesses have felt the crunch, but one of the exceptions is the casino industry. Jeff Pascoe, VP operations of Gateway Okanagan Division for Gateway Casinos, says the recession has only been felt marginally by the company. “I’d say the smoking ban affected us negatively more so than the recession is now,” he explains. “That certainly had an impact on our business; however, our patrons are now accepting the change. Once we get past that we’ll see ourselves go back to a growth mode.” Growth in the casino industry has been fairly consistent in B.C. since the early 2000s. “We had four or five years of solid growth,” says Pascoe, “2009 will be more of a leveling off period for us. We expect to be back in growth mode by 2010, but it won’t be as dramatic as what we experienced from 2002 to 2007. Our patrons are getting younger and as we add amenities like restaurants and wine bars, there will be more opportunity to attract a wider variety of clientele.”

Suzanne Carter, the director of marketing of Okanagan Division for Gateway Casinos, has been with the company for 12 years now. She started with the company when the Kelowna casino was located between Lawrence and Leon on Pandosy. “Back then the casino consisted of gaming tables and a lot of smoke. The clientele was mostly male, through all age groups. When we brought the slots in, it really skewed towards higher female than male participation and it brought out an older crowd as well.” Lake City Casino moved to the Grand Okanagan in May 1999, taking casinos here to a whole new level. “We got slot machines before any other casinos in B.C. We have the same offerings now as we did then, except now the machines have changed substantially. When we first started we didn’t have progressive machines. With a progressive machine payouts are linked throughout the province giving patrons the opportunity for a bigger win. They are called B.C. Gold and are well marked in the casino. We also brought in more video based slot machines.”

Slots aren’t the only new thing for Lake City Casinos. Last year they brought in Dragon Bonus Mini-baccarat at the request of their patrons. They have three types of poker games: Texas Shoot Out, Texas Holdem Bonus and, of course, Blackjack. Something new for all three valley casinos in 2009 is Texas Holdem. Carter says the attraction to Texas Holdem has gone through the roof, and patrons are generally a younger crowd. “We attribute this to two things,” she says. “First the Internet and playing online, plus the sports network has been televising tournaments. Penticton opened a brand new room in September with five tables dedicated just for Texas Holdem. It’s the only one in the valley right now for so it’s really busy.”

The game will be in the new Vernon Casino this May. Located in the Village Green Hotel for the last 10 years, Vernon’s new facility will move to the new retail park by the Real Canadian Superstore off Highway 97 on Anderson way. The grand opening is scheduled for May this year. “The new casino will be very modern with up to 400 slot machines, which is a substantial increase over the 225 we have in Vernon right now, says Carter. “We will be offering two Texas Holdem Poker tables, an entertainment stage and a 90 seat restaurant with a sports bar.”

Kelowna is also expanding. Sometime in 2010 an additional 60,000 sq. ft. of gaming will be available, doubling the current size. The plans are to have a 100 seat upscale urban restaurant, a wine bar, another 200 slot machines and five Texas Holdem Poker tables. There will also be an entertainment stage which will feature live entertainment on weekends and for special promotions. Currently Lake City Casino at the Grand has 342 slot machines. There are still some ‘reel’ ones left, but most are electronic with video screens. “There’s no need to pull down the handle,” explains Carter. This means the term ‘one armed bandit’ will go the way of VHS and 8-Tracks. That’s not all that has changed on the slots. “They don’t take quarters anymore either. What you do is put your bill into the bill feeder and get credits for it. Play as long as you like and when you want to cash out you get a ticket from your slot machines and take it to a Quick Jack machine. It’s similar to an ATM in that you put your ticket in and it gives you money back, or you can take it to the cash cage and get money for it.”

Last but not least, Lake City Casinos have added the B.C. Gold card for their patrons. “Customers sign up to become a member of our B.C. Gold Player Club. They get cash back when they play,” says Carter. “You insert your B.C. Gold card into your favourite slot machine and keep it in while you play. You get 1 point for every one dollar of play, whether it’s a credit you’ve won or your own cash. 200 points = $1.00 cash back. Once you get to a minimum 1,000 points you can redeem it. Members of B.C. Gold get access to special events, promotions and coupons that we mail out. You have to be a member to take part in most of the onsite promotions and events as well.”

Things have certainly changed over the last few years in the casino industry. The biggest positive impact in the Okanagan was getting a liquor license in 2006 in Kelowna and Penticton. “That’s something we’ve always fought for,” she says. “We are an adult-only establishment and it’s made our customers very happy.” No matter how you look at it, keeping the customer happy is still the key to keeping business booming.

RCMP building finally off to tender

Wayne Moore - Mar 26, 2009 CASTANET:

The on-again, off-again public safety building planned for West Kelowna is finally off to tender -- again. West Kelowna Council gave staff the green light to go to tender on the $9.4 million dollar RCMP building Tuesday. Tender deadline is April 15. Construction is expected to begin in early May with completion in late spring or early summer 2010. The project originally went to tender last summer, however, the then $8.2 million project skyrocketed to more than $9.4 million. Council decided to put construction on hold and re-tender it at a later date in the hope costs would fall. Along with approving the re-tendering process, Council also approved provisions for separate and alternate price lists which will allow for cost savings if needed. Separate prices will be sought for in-ground rainwater storage cistern, all work related to the area north of Pamela Road, including landscaping and demolition and for changes to the exterior to stucco instead of stone facing. Council also learned that a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating is achievable. RCMP had hoped to move into the new 16,000 square foot building a few years ago. The new facility will replace the current 2,000 square foot West Kelowna Detachment.

COUNCIL DECIDES NOT TO PURSUE ALLEGATIONS AGAINST WELLS

OSOYOOS TIMES-March 25, 2009- By Karen Knelsen Osoyoos Times

Osoyoos town council voted unanimously on March 20 not to pursue any action against Mayor Stu Wells based on conflict of interest allegations raised last month. A special public meeting publicized legal advice the Town received on the matter. In mid-February, a group calling themselves the Concerned Citizens of Osoyoos (CCOO), led by Ray Vandenberg, Jean Clarke and Robert Schuster, brought forth allegations of conflict of interest against Wells, all referring to 13 different matters he voted on as councillor between 2006 and 2008. Barry Romanko, the Town’s chief administrative officer, said that, based on legal advice sought by the Town, there is no evidence that the mayor, or any other parties, benefitted financially in voting matters regarding Vista Norte Development Ltd. The development group is owned by Michael and Donna Mortimer who own shares in a separate company called Palmilla Properties with Wells. CCOO alleged that Wells was in conflict when he voted on any developments being applied for by Vista Norte. Wells has said even though he owns shares in Palmilla Properties with the Mortimers, he has never benefitted from Vista Norte’s dealings and he was not yet sworn into office when council voted on a Vista Norte application for a marina in 2005.

They also claimed he was in conflict when he voted on development applications for other projects including the Watermark Beach Resort and the Indigo condominium project. Clarke said the reason her group believes Wells was in conflict when voting on projects not related to Vista Norte is because Wells is a developer. “He has an overall interest in development in Osoyoos,” Clarke said. “That’s why those issues were mentioned. This is how we saw it, it showed a pattern.” It was also alleged that Wells was in conflict whenever he voted on the proposed Northwest Sewer Project because he is a one-third owner of a house located in the area the project would affect. This was the only allegation the Town’s lawyers identified as having any possible grounds for conflict of interest. Romanko said the lawyers reported that since the property Wells shares title on could gain value from the connection of the Town’s sewage system to the northwest shore of Osoyoos Lake, he may have been in conflict by voting on it. But the lawyers noted that Wells sought legal advice on the matter of conflict before attending the vote on the project and the lawyers felt that seeking the advice proves a show of good faith, and is enough to excuse him from any possible conflict claims. Romanko also said the lawyers’ report noted that since Wells was serving as councillor during the time the votes in question were made, and that since he now serves as mayor and there has been an election in the interceding time, the allegations are now irrelevant.

It was Coun. Margaret Chadsey who made the motion not to proceed with forwarding the allegations to the B.C. Supreme Court and Coun. C.J. Rhodes seconded the motion. “I was elected as a councillor to do something very simple for this town, and that’s to do the right thing,” Rhodes said. He added that he was happy with the results of the legal opinions, but expressed displeasure at the amount of money and time spent on a matter apparently having no legal grounds. Chadsey also spoke, expressing hope the matter is behind them. “The role of council is multifaceted and we have so much work to do. This takes up too much of our time,” she said. “I hope that this is the end of it.” Although Coun. Ted Cronmiller was absent from the special meeting, the three councillors present plus Wells were enough to make up the necessary two-third majority for the vote.

In Romanko’s opening statements he explained the Community Charter included sections which allowed Wells to sit in on the meeting’s deliberations and cast his own vote. However, Wells voluntarily excused himself from the mayor’s chair and Coun. Michael Ryan, as acting mayor for the month of March, chaired the meeting. Romanko also explained that a group of at least 10 Osoyoos residents could continue to pursue the conflict allegations on their own. Clarke, who was present at the special meeting with Schuster and Vandenberg to hear council’s decision, said that despite the legal advice heard on Wells’ good faith actions in the matter of the sewage project, he did not follow due process. She said she was disappointed with council’s decision and added that Wells, instead of seeking legal advice beforehand, should have recused himself from matters in which he was concerned about potential conflict of interest, not the other way around. According to the minutes of council meetings, Wells at no time recused himself from any matters before him. Schuster took exception to Rhodes’ concern over money spent by the Town to investigate the matter, saying it cost his group only a little over $1,000 in legal fees. He also said their legal opinions directly contradicted those received by the Town. Clarke said the group did their homework and wouldn’t have gone to the Town if they weren’t sure of their grounds. But Vandenberg said the group won’t be pursuing the matter further. “I’m satisfied with the outcome for the simple reason he knows now he has to watch his step,” Vandenberg said. “I’m not prepared to spend a whole bunch of money to take it to supreme court. “I still believe we would win but it’s not good for the town.” Vandenberg said Wells slandered the group by calling them liars and asked for a public apology.

Councillor opposes formula

Lachlan Labere - Salmon Arm Observer Published: March 24, 2009 6:00 PM

The Columbia Shuswap Regional District will have to look at long-term borrowing to fund its new government offices after receiving heated criticism from a municipal member unhappy with previously proposed reserves. In his introduction to the 2009 five- year financial plan presented to the board last week, CSRD financial and corporate services manager Ted Holmes said it was the most difficult budget of his career. Holmes’ budget troubles weren’t over yet, particularly when he described his concerns regarding a sharp increase in general government expenses, owed largely to the regional government’s need for a new central office building. Holmes explained he received direction from the board last year to provide money in the budget to finance the new facility.

“We got very creative in that meeting and came up with a plan to do it over five years, $500,000 a year into reserve, and at the end of that time we short-term borrow the balance,” said Holmes, who then apologized to the board, stating he’d shelved that plan because he didn’t want to hit taxpayers with the $500,000. “And I believe we got a resolution from the City of Salmon Arm, saying ‘take the City of Salmon Arm right out of the budget,’” said Holmes. “I turned the paper over and I didn’t see any solutions to our staffing problems. I didn’t see any solutions at all. All I saw was take the money out, and I don’t agree with it and that’s personal, I do whatever the board tells me.”

There’s currently $543,426 in a reserve for the new building. In summary of a new building financial plan, Holmes has lowered the 2009 contribution to $350,000, with the contribution gradually increasing over the coming years to $675,000 in 2013. Salmon Arm director Kevin Flynn said he recognizes the regional district needs a new building. But he adamantly opposed the allocation formula, which he argued has member municipalities like Salmon Arm providing about 50 per cent of the reserve budget. “The fact is, you’re increasing general government significantly and not making any change to the administrative chargebacks, and that’s fundamentally unfair and wrong. And until that’s corrected, I don’t think we should be putting anything more into this reserve ...,” said Flynn.

Furthermore, Flynn said he was philosophically opposed to the five years of significant reserve contributions and the short-term borrowing plan. “You said that Salmon Arm didn’t have a solution – It’s not Salmon Arm’s job to come up with a solution,” said Flynn. “But Salmon Arm does not feel the building should be funded over 10 years… it should be long-term borrowing, just like we funded our building and just like the hospitals are funding their buildings.”

Flynn recommended an amendment to remove this year’s $350,000 reserve contribution from the budget, but Revelstoke-Columbia director Lonnie Parker said she was uncomfortable with the board revisiting the matter in the 11th hour. “I think what’s happening here is that, due to the economy and the state of our communities, there’s a political shift here to do whatever we can to reduce the taxes, regardless of however that will hurt us in the future,” she said. In response to comments that the amendment would derail plans for the building, board chair Marty Bootsma said this wouldn’t be the case, and that the CSRD would have to look at long-term borrowing. Flynn then recommended the board look to long-term borrowing, stating it’s a matter of being responsible with taxpayers’ money. “I think the issue is there’s a political reluctance to leave this decision up to the taxpayers and use either counter-petition or referendum,” said Flynn.

“Instead of doing that, we’re going to ram this through and do it on short-term borrowing and set up reserves with an unfair and very old and not recently reviewed allocation formula…” The board approved the amendment, with Parker, Sicamous-Malakwa director Rhona Martin and Falkland-Salmon Valley director Rene Talbot opposed.