Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Former School May Not Be Sold
Peter McIntyre Wednesday, 30 September 2009 09:52 107.5 KISSFM:
BC's Education Ministry may end up not selling the former West Vernon school site. That was the indication from new Education Minister Margaret MacDiarmid who met with mayor Wayne Lippert at the UBCM convention in Vancouver. Lippert says, "They're re-thinking some of their property decisions. It may still remain as a school, it may not, but that's something they (Ministry) will determine." Lippert says the province is looking at continuing to use the former school for early childhood education.He says as long as it remains a community asset, that's fine with him."They're recognizing the community purchased that through a referendum and it was truly a community asset, so that was good." The school closed down in 2007 due to low enrolment. A daycare has been using part of the building since 2008.The city and regional district have been interested in buying the land and using it for parks.
BC's Education Ministry may end up not selling the former West Vernon school site. That was the indication from new Education Minister Margaret MacDiarmid who met with mayor Wayne Lippert at the UBCM convention in Vancouver. Lippert says, "They're re-thinking some of their property decisions. It may still remain as a school, it may not, but that's something they (Ministry) will determine." Lippert says the province is looking at continuing to use the former school for early childhood education.He says as long as it remains a community asset, that's fine with him."They're recognizing the community purchased that through a referendum and it was truly a community asset, so that was good." The school closed down in 2007 due to low enrolment. A daycare has been using part of the building since 2008.The city and regional district have been interested in buying the land and using it for parks.
Flu Clinics Announced
Interior Health has announced its plan for this year's flu clinics in our area.The health agency will hold them in three stages in order to provide the best protection for all age and risk groups. Beginning the week of October 13, seasonal flu shots will be available for those 65 and older and those living in long-term care facilities. Later this year---likely November---the H1N1 vaccine will be available, free to everyone who needs and wants to be vaccinated. Early in the New Year, after the H1N1 campaign is finished, seasonal flu vaccines will be available for all risk groups.
Dr. Paul Hasselback, Medical Health Officer for Interior Health says the elderly are most at risk for serious complications from seasonal flu, so they'll continue to provide the seasonal flu vaccine to those 65 years and older at clinics starting the week of October 13. Since the evidence, so far, shows that those under 65 are more susceptible to the H1N1 flu virus, it'll be made available free to those who want one at clinics that will start later this year.
To find the clinic nearest to you, visit the Flu Locater at www.immunizebc.ca.
Mayor: Teen Funding Looks 'Positive'
Vernon's Teen Junction looks like it won't be losing its provincial funding after all. The group that helps at risk youth was considering closing its doors next month after believing it's BC grant would be cut. However, Mayor Wayne Lippert (pictured) says meetings this week with MLA Eric Foster and government officials at the Union of BC Municipalities conference in Vancouver, indicate a positive outlook for the funding to continue. "He definitely indicated they were high on the list and that it was a good chance they were going to be (funded). There were no dollar figures put on it but it looks like they'll be getting their usual dollars."Lippert says the funding is not guaranteed but looks positive.The city is also looking at giving the group a $30,000 grant which Lippert says will be contingent on what happens with the province.
Government of Canada Helps Protect Canadian Credit Card Users
Ottawa, September 30, 2009 2009-089
Building on the Government's earlier pledge and following public consultations, the Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, today announced that new credit card regulations have been approved and will be published in Part II of the Canada Gazette on September 30, 2009. The majority of the regulations will come into force on January 1, 2010. A few provisions, such as the 21-day grace period, will take effect on September 1, 2010.
"Our Government understands the pressures Canadians face in these tough economic times," said Minister Flaherty. "The last thing they need is a surprise on their credit card statement. By increasing transparency, our Government is taking real action to protect consumers."
The new, landmark credit card regulations will:
- Provide a summary box on credit contracts and application forms that sets out key features, such as interest rates and fees.
- Inform consumers how long it would take to fully repay their balance if they only make a minimum payment every month.
- Mandate an effective minimum 21-day, interest-free grace period on all new credit card purchases when a customer pays the outstanding balance in full.
- Lower interest costs by mandating allocations of payments in favour of the consumer.
- Require express consent for credit limit increases.
- Limit debt collection practices used by financial institutions.
- Prohibit over-the-limit fees solely arising from holds placed by merchants.
- Mandate advance disclosure of interest rate increases prior to their taking effect, even if this information had been included in the credit contract.
Industrial tax revolt against towns could end up in province's lap
By Gordon Hamilton, Vancouver Sun
Municipalities facing a property tax revolt by industry can't count on the B.C. Supreme Court to settle the issue for them, the Union of B.C. Municipalities was told Tuesday.Six B.C. municipalities are being sued by four forest companies over the tax rate they have been levied, but no matter what the courts decide, the standoff between industry and local government is already past the boiling point, said Gerry Armstrong, a former deputy minister of finance.Court challenges have been launched in the municipalities of North Cowichan, Port Alberni, Campbell River, Powell River, Kitimat and Castlegar by Catalyst Paper, West Fraser Timber, Celgar and TimberWest Forest. The companies say they are being charged too high a rate that, in the case of Catalyst, accounts for 30 per cent of the property tax revenue collected by the municipalities where it operates.The court challenges are taking place against a backdrop of "simmering discontent" that Armstrong believes is now reaching the boiling point in municipalities across the province. Catalyst Paper is the lead company in the industrial tax rate challenge and a decision is expected in October
Taxation is a heated issue at this year's UBCM convention. The City of Burnaby, concerned that Catalyst's court challenge could set a precedent if it is successful, is proposing a resolution that the UBCM support the municipalities being sued, condemn Catalyst Paper's actions and lobby the province to support the municipalities. Discontent over property taxes has led to government intervention twice in the last 25 years, Armstrong said.He expects that to happen this time regardless of the outcome of the court cases. "The outcome is less important than the fact that these challenges have been launched," said Armstrong, who is now a consultant to the UBCM.
The companies are singling out municipalities through the court challenges but their target is provincial policies. They will continue to fight for change if they lose, Armstrong said. If they win, municipalities will be after government to bail them out, he said."Whatever the courts decide, this issue will likely end up in the government's lap."
The issue before the courts is the rate of taxation municipalities are charging their major industries compared to the rate charged on residential property. Taxation bylaws set rates for industry. The companies are arguing in court that those rates are unreasonable, unsustainable and illegal. Catalyst Paper, which has mills in four coastal towns, argues that it pays 30 per cent of the tax bill but uses only 10 per cent of the services. However, Armstrong said the companies are using data in a very narrow context. He cited other data, in an equally narrow context, that could be used to argue against lower industrial taxes. A 50-per-cent reduction in taxes would shave only half of one per cent off the cost of production of a tonne of pulp, while increasing the tax rate for residential taxpayers by 250 per cent, he said. He also noted that the entire major industrial tax bill levied by all B.C. municipalities was $160 million this year. By way of comparison, the forest industry expects to reap a $140 million benefit from the Harmonized Sales Tax, almost offsetting their municipal tax bills.
----------------
Don Quixote Note:
As examples of what would happen to these Town's taxes if the Heavy Industry Taxes were cut in 1/2 and this tax shortfall had to come from the residential taxpayers see tables below. These are for 2008 as I can't seem to download the 2009 tax files yet.B.C. Stats Tax burden at http://www.cd.gov.bc.ca/lgd/infra/tax_rates/tax_rates2008.htm
Also note that Kitimate doesn't appear to assess residential taxes and therefore the % increase involves division by zero (o) which is undefined. (Impossible). (I'm Checking on why?)(Might be a BC STATS ERROR on website)
I have also included Burnaby which is leading the legal battle at UBCM to see what effect a 50% heavy Tax reduction would mean to their residential tax payers.
I also have done the calculations for this scenario for VERNON (no effect because it has no major Industries) and Coldstream and 
Spall.
City of Vancouver boss puts bloated administration on treadmill
By Lora Grindlay and Andy Ivens, The Province
Some serious belt-tightening has begun at the City of Vancouver, and according to city manager Penny Ballem — who says 200 jobs will be cut by 2012 — there’s plenty of fat to be trimmed.The aim? A zero-per-cent tax increase next year. The city-wide cost-saving efforts are aimed at dealing with a $61.3-million shortfall in next year’s budget that, if left on the books, would mean a 13-per-cent tax hike for residents and a nine-per-cent hike for businesses. “To cover a $60-million shortfall would require a massive tax hike — and we are simply not going there,” said Mayor Gregor Robertson. Council is aiming for “a zero-per-cent tax increase,” he said.
Ballem said the city will cut costs by streamlining services and consolidating financial services, procurement and warehousing of supplies, information technology and management of city facilities. She acknowledged that city staff are “anxious” about the changes, which include the loss of about 60 jobs by next year.
Four-per-cent wage increases for union staff kick in Jan. 1 and will cost $26 million. CUPE Local 15’s Paul Faoro, which represents 2,500 inside workers, said the city’s seven unions representing more than 8,000 employees have benefited from consultation with Ballem, but they know little about the cuts to come.“We don’t know where those positions lie. They could be all managers,” said Faoro.He said the union is concerned about the impacts, but recognizes the difficulty posed as development revenues dropped by 25 per cent due to the recession. Faoro also argued that the city is overmanaged, with 10 unionized employees for every union-exempt manager.
Ballem said Tuesday that the equivalent of almost 60 full-time jobs will be eliminated next year, some through retirement and attrition, and along with other saving strategies that will cut $10 million off next year’s budget. By 2012, 204 positions will be cut for a saving of $29.3 million. Cuts to the budget made in 2009 intended as “one-time savings” — including a hiring freeze — will continue for a saving of $13.6 million. Asked if he is considering selling off some the city’s sizeable collection of properties, Robertson said he would not.
“We’re not looking into tapping into our capital funds to deal with an operating deficit,” he said.“We do have billions of dollars of assets at the city and we have to be careful in how we manage them.” The city’s annual operating budget is about $900 million. The final budget will be presented to council on Dec. 15.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Capital Work Projects
-
25th Ave Road Reconstruction - 23rd Street to 22nd Street
Start Date: Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Completion Date: Friday, October 30, 2009 (Estimated) - Capital Work Projects
A completely new environment
Public Eye Online: Sept 29:
When last we reported on children and family development chief operating officer Donna Knox, she was leaving the ministry after just eight months on the job. At the time, Ms. Knox - a respected senior bureaucrat - said she felt, "my experience and skill may be better utilized in a completely new environment" somewhere in the civil service. But that was two years ago. So why then does public accounts state Ms. Knox received payments totaling $145,426 in fiscal 2008/09 as the ministry's chief operating officer. Well, our understanding is those monies are for unused leave and 11 months worth of severance pay. Yes, that's right - severance pay.
When last we reported on children and family development chief operating officer Donna Knox, she was leaving the ministry after just eight months on the job. At the time, Ms. Knox - a respected senior bureaucrat - said she felt, "my experience and skill may be better utilized in a completely new environment" somewhere in the civil service. But that was two years ago. So why then does public accounts state Ms. Knox received payments totaling $145,426 in fiscal 2008/09 as the ministry's chief operating officer. Well, our understanding is those monies are for unused leave and 11 months worth of severance pay. Yes, that's right - severance pay.
Vancouver to cut 60 jobs to meet budget shortfall
The City of Vancouver has confirmed it will eliminate 60 full-time jobs in order to deal with a $61 million budget shortfall this year. City manager Penny Ballem announced Tuesday morning the city will cut the jobs and streamline services to cut duplication and waste rather than hike municipal taxes."That would equate to about a 13 per cent tax increase for residents versus about a nine per cent tax increase for business…. There is no way that council is going to go there," she said.Ballem blamed the economy, the harmonized sales tax, and federal and provincial budget cuts for the shortfall.Mayor Gregor Robertson was expected to make a statement about the cuts on Tuesday afternoon.
Ont. launches $50B tobacco lawsuit
Ontario says it is going to sue the big tobacco companies — for $50 billion.The province said in a news release it is seeking damages "for past and ongoing health-care costs linked to tobacco-related illness.""Ontario is taking the next step towards recovering taxpayer dollars spent fighting tobacco-related illnesses. We are joining British Columbia and New Brunswick in initiating a lawsuit to recover health care costs from tobacco companies," said Attorney General Chris Bentley.The $50 billion figure represents the cost the province says it has footed for providing health care to smokers since 1955.Ontario set the framework for the lawsuit through legislation passed this year. The Tobacco Damages and Health care Costs Recovery Act allows the province to sue for recovery of past, present and ongoing tobacco-related damages.It also creates a method to determine the costs associated with tobacco-related illnesses and allocates liability by market share.
The tobacco companies have not responded. None of the allegations contained in the lawsuit has been proven in court. The first lawsuit against tobacco companies was pursued by four U.S. states in the mid-1990s, and led to the 50-state agreement in 1999 in which the industry agreed to pay $246 billion over a 25-year period for health-care costs that resulted from the use of its products.
Dropping sacks full of cash hardly an option for Campbell at UBCM
During the years of budgetary surpluses, the provincial ministry of finance would always have to set aside some cash to cover the promises made during the premier's annual speech to the Union of B.C. Municipalities.Himself a former UBCM president, Gordon Campbell liked to wow the annual gathering of mayors and councillors with a display of provincial-taxpayer-financed generosity. Nor did the B.C. Liberal leader have modest aspirations in terms of what constituted walking around money at those events. His UBCM speeches usually ended up tapping the provincial treasury for millions of dollars.
The first of those goodie-laden addresses was delivered five years ago in Kelowna. With the
Liberals moving beyond the deficits of their first few years in office, Campbell presented the UBCM with $25 million to promote tourism marketing and another $10 million to top up the promise of returning all revenues from traffic fines to municipal coffers.
A year later, he addressed the convention in Vancouver with a $27-million boost in unconditional provincial grants for smaller communities and regional districts, $7 million to help fight the scourge of crystal meth, and $1 million for a leadership academy.Plus the government donated a prime lot in the provincial capital for construction of a new municipal house. The site was located behind the legislature buildings, providing local leaders with a convenient base from which to lobby for provincial money the year round.
The next year, the UBCM convened in the capital. The premier came packing $80 million for a trio of gimmicky programs -- Local Motion (funding for bike paths, walkways and greenways), Towns for Tomorrow (small-town infrastructure) and Spirit Squares (outdoor public meeting spaces). He also committed the province to paying one-third of the cost of sewage treatment for the capital region. No precise dollar figure for that one, although the as-yet-unbuilt project has been priced as high as $1.2 billion.
The convention was back in Vancouver in 2007 and Campbell was in the first year of his ambitious plan to fight climate change. His speech promised $50 million to expand green transit at the local level, another $100 million to bolster flood protection around the province.
Last year, with the convention in Penticton, the election approaching, and Campbell needing a popularity boost, the speech was top-heavy with expensive good news.A $10-million down payment on a new $400-million transmission line for the Northwest. Another $50 million for Towns for Tomorrow. A $10-million payback to local governments to offset the cost of the carbon tax.Plus he capped the hour-long address with a surprise. The B.C. Liberals were eliminating the tolls on the Coquihalla, at a loss of $57 million annually to the treasury. (More than one Liberal has lately remarked that those missing dollars would come in handy today.)Five speeches, more than $400 million in promises, even if you count only the ones that were fully costed in the government press releases.
But as Campbell prepares to take to the stage at the UBCM convention in Vancouver at the end of this week, he's scarcely in a position to do a repeat of those golden years."The fiscal cupboard is bare and currently hangs on a wall of deficit spending," in the clumsy characterization of the recent speech from the throne.True, the province last week committed to its share of $700 million worth of infrastructure projects in partnership with local government and the federal government.But that was a matter of keeping a promise made before the election to ensure that "not one dollar" of federal stimulus financing would be left on the table owing to a provincial unwillingness to provide matching funds.The UBCM had drawn attention to Liberal government foot-dragging on the stimulus money on Sept. 14."The ball is squarely in the province's court," said UBCM president Robert Hobson. "It's been eight months since the federal funding for jump starting the Canadian economy was announced. Municipalities, shovels at the ready, still don't know how much B.C. is prepared to match." The strongly worded protest served its purpose. The Liberals signed up for their share of the dollars within 10 days.
But it was hard to think of a similar public breach between the two levels of government during Campbell's time as premier.Nor is that the end of the points of contention. The harmonized sales tax is likely to take a beating at the convention, with many local government leaders critical of the timing of the HST as well as the shift in the tax bite from business to consumers.Where difficulties have cropped up in the past, the premier was always able to smooth things over by hauling out the provincial government chequebook during his convention speech.Not an option this year, unless the Liberals are still not playing straight about the financial situation. With no money in the treasury, Campbell will have nothing to fall back on but his reserves of charm -- such as they are.
In no time, they'll be hooked - again
RUSSELL WANGERSKY The Telegram (Newfoundland)
Provincial governments love to keep up with the Joneses - and nowhere is that clearer than when revenue is at stake. As soon as video lottery terminals started cropping up in different provinces, everybody seemed to need some of their own. The public rationale was weak at best: evil, organized-crime syndicates were putting illegal, "greymarket" machines in bars - the machines only toted up points, but some nefarious bar owners were given cash for points. So governments across the country had to step in, make things right, and snarfle up a billion-dollar business in the process. Never mind that the machines are tailor-made to hit all the buttons that make problem gamblers tick. Never mind that you now hear the words "VLT addiction" in court as regularly as you hear "drug addiction." There was a dreaded grey market to be dealt with, and heaven forbid you would actually deal with it by arresting and charging the people who were, I don't know, breaking the law.
Next step Get ready: we're about to hear the same argument again. At least one of the country's government lottery agencies is moving quickly into Internet gambling, and you can be sure that the same old argument - "Others are running their own unregulated Internet operations, and we have to get in there and save the consumer!" - is only hours away from being made by every government lottery in the land. And at B.C.'s lottery, it's big, big money. Right now, you have to be a B.C. resident - and your computer has to physically be in B.C. - to have completely unrestricted play with a spending limit of, wait for it, $9,999 a week. That is, by the way, a spending limit of $519,948 a year. And there are lots of ways to spend it.
You can play a new game of Pacific hold 'em every 10 minutes - and you can buy up to five tickets a game, meaning you have the ability to risk $60 an hour, from the first hand at 11:06 a.m. to the last hand at 2:06 a.m. That means $900 a day. Some crack cocaine habits are cheaper, and you can play from the privacy of your kitchen computer, or if you're brave and driven enough, from the office computer, too. But heck: you can play Keno every five minutes, too, at as much as $10 a draw (signing up for as many as 99 draws) - or double the cost with Keno Bonus. You can sign up to have the money withdrawn from your bank account by Interac. Scarier still, you can draw the money down on your credit card. Anyone see where this is headed? Do you know many people who can afford to gamble away half a million dollars a year? Didn't think so.
Yes, there are shady, dangerous sites on the Internet. Yes, there are gambling sites on the Internet where hundreds of people in this province play and where they also lose healthy amounts of money, and where gambling addictions are served up plenty of options every single day of every single year. But that doesn't mean we need our governments to be gambling pimps. Think about it: would a provincial government launch its own Internet porn business to combat Internet porn? That's the kind of "improvement" we just don't need. The government may well say it's not looking at Internet gambling right now, and that the B.C. Lottery experiment is one they are watching, not emulating.
Provincial governments love to keep up with the Joneses - and nowhere is that clearer than when revenue is at stake. As soon as video lottery terminals started cropping up in different provinces, everybody seemed to need some of their own. The public rationale was weak at best: evil, organized-crime syndicates were putting illegal, "greymarket" machines in bars - the machines only toted up points, but some nefarious bar owners were given cash for points. So governments across the country had to step in, make things right, and snarfle up a billion-dollar business in the process. Never mind that the machines are tailor-made to hit all the buttons that make problem gamblers tick. Never mind that you now hear the words "VLT addiction" in court as regularly as you hear "drug addiction." There was a dreaded grey market to be dealt with, and heaven forbid you would actually deal with it by arresting and charging the people who were, I don't know, breaking the law.
Next step Get ready: we're about to hear the same argument again. At least one of the country's government lottery agencies is moving quickly into Internet gambling, and you can be sure that the same old argument - "Others are running their own unregulated Internet operations, and we have to get in there and save the consumer!" - is only hours away from being made by every government lottery in the land. And at B.C.'s lottery, it's big, big money. Right now, you have to be a B.C. resident - and your computer has to physically be in B.C. - to have completely unrestricted play with a spending limit of, wait for it, $9,999 a week. That is, by the way, a spending limit of $519,948 a year. And there are lots of ways to spend it.
You can play a new game of Pacific hold 'em every 10 minutes - and you can buy up to five tickets a game, meaning you have the ability to risk $60 an hour, from the first hand at 11:06 a.m. to the last hand at 2:06 a.m. That means $900 a day. Some crack cocaine habits are cheaper, and you can play from the privacy of your kitchen computer, or if you're brave and driven enough, from the office computer, too. But heck: you can play Keno every five minutes, too, at as much as $10 a draw (signing up for as many as 99 draws) - or double the cost with Keno Bonus. You can sign up to have the money withdrawn from your bank account by Interac. Scarier still, you can draw the money down on your credit card. Anyone see where this is headed? Do you know many people who can afford to gamble away half a million dollars a year? Didn't think so.
Yes, there are shady, dangerous sites on the Internet. Yes, there are gambling sites on the Internet where hundreds of people in this province play and where they also lose healthy amounts of money, and where gambling addictions are served up plenty of options every single day of every single year. But that doesn't mean we need our governments to be gambling pimps. Think about it: would a provincial government launch its own Internet porn business to combat Internet porn? That's the kind of "improvement" we just don't need. The government may well say it's not looking at Internet gambling right now, and that the B.C. Lottery experiment is one they are watching, not emulating.
Penticton to argue for firefighting funds
JOHN MOORHOUSE 2009-09-29 Kelowna Daily Courier:
Penticton city council wants a piece of the provincial government‘s pie when it comes to taxes on fire insurance premiums. A Penticton-sponsored resolution to be debated at this week‘s Union of B.C. Municipalities convention in Vancouver calls on the province to release insurance premium taxes to local governments to defray the cost of fire protection. Mayor Dan Ashton said Monday since quick action by firefighters minimizes property damage, insurance companies tend to be one of the prime beneficiaries through lower damage claims. “The province collects a 4.4 per cent tax levy on insurance premiums paid in B.C.,” he said. “It‘s the thought of some (on council) that these taxes should be directed to the municipalities that are actually providing that benefit for the insurance companies.”
Penticton council approved the hiring of four additional firefighters earlier this year, plus a second deputy chief. The move added $195,200 to this year‘s budget for roughly half a year and will cost the city $425,000 in 2010. “Fire department costs keep rising because the public expects a higher level of service,” Ashton said. “Our costs continually go up for protective services.” The mayor noted although property owners living within a fire protection area do receive lower insurance premiums, that difference isn‘t huge.
Penticton city council wants a piece of the provincial government‘s pie when it comes to taxes on fire insurance premiums. A Penticton-sponsored resolution to be debated at this week‘s Union of B.C. Municipalities convention in Vancouver calls on the province to release insurance premium taxes to local governments to defray the cost of fire protection. Mayor Dan Ashton said Monday since quick action by firefighters minimizes property damage, insurance companies tend to be one of the prime beneficiaries through lower damage claims. “The province collects a 4.4 per cent tax levy on insurance premiums paid in B.C.,” he said. “It‘s the thought of some (on council) that these taxes should be directed to the municipalities that are actually providing that benefit for the insurance companies.”
Penticton council approved the hiring of four additional firefighters earlier this year, plus a second deputy chief. The move added $195,200 to this year‘s budget for roughly half a year and will cost the city $425,000 in 2010. “Fire department costs keep rising because the public expects a higher level of service,” Ashton said. “Our costs continually go up for protective services.” The mayor noted although property owners living within a fire protection area do receive lower insurance premiums, that difference isn‘t huge.
Monday, September 28, 2009
City of Vancouver must cut tens of millions from budget
By Cheryl Chan, The Province
The City of Vancouver is facing a $60-million shortfall in 2010 due to plunging revenues and a weak economy.The projected budget gap did not come as a surprise, said Coun. Raymond Louie, chair of the city's finance committee. “We knew that the economic downturn would have a detrimental impact on our budget,” said Louie. “We anticipated that if things were to continue the way they are, that we would have a $60-million shortfall.” City manager Penny Ballem said the shortfall is due to historically-low city revenues, continuing weakness in the economy, federal and provincial government cuts, the implementation of the new harmonized sales tax, new city facilities set to open, and wage hikes put in place in 2007.
A sizable chunk of the revenue drop comes from a drastic decrease in development permit fees - expected to be halved from $25-million in 2008 to $12-million this year, said Louie. Revenue from permit fees ranging from tree-pruning to renovation permits has also been down due to the general slowdown in the economy. In anticipation of the shortfall, the city - which is not allowed to run a deficit - initiated an organization-wide service review in February to find ways to save money.
The Vancouver Services Review has already made four cost-cutting recommendations, including implementing shared services in areas such as finance, IT and supply chain management; improving processes in payroll, capital planning and budgeting; and consolidating services to avoid duplication. These measures are expected to save the city $10-million for 2010 and about $29-million in 2012, said Louie. Ballem said there will be impacts on city staffing levels over the next three years, but said they’ll be mitigated by attrition and retirement. The city’s current hiring freeze and reduction in the use of consultants, travel and training will be maintained in 2010, said Louie.
Where the remaining $50-million needed to close the gap will come from, however, still needs to be addressed. “We’re still working on those details at the present time,” said Louie. “But it was important to put out the figures so people understand the gravity of the situation.
City of Vancouver budget $61 million short
Mon Sep. 28 2009 18:11:12 ctvbc.ca
Cuts may soon be on the way at Vancouver City Hall, where officials have announced a staggering budget shortfall. City Manager Penny Ballem says the budget will be $61 million short next year. "We are faced with city revenues at historically low levels," she wrote in a statement Monday.Ballem blames a weak economy and federal and provincial funding cuts for the predicted deficit.
Also, the new city manager says the implementation of the new harmonized sales tax (HST) will hit the city hard in the pocketbook, as well as wage increases promised during 2007 job contracts. Ballem says the city is taking steps to address the shortfall, including consolidating duplicate services in hopes the city can deliver them in a more streamlined and efficient way. "We have already identified areas where we can achieve significant savings with minimal impacts on citizens," she said. Ballem says the measures will not completely cover the money, so the city will work with the city council to "find more savings." A press conference is scheduled Tuesday morning to outline the cost-cutting measures.
White outed
Public Eye Online: September 28, 2009
Former Conservative parliamentarian Randy White has joined in the provincial Conservatives. In a letter addressed to the party's membership, Mr. White announced he intends to "put considerable energy assisting the BC Conservative Party in finding a quality leader, organize constituencies and form the next BC Government."
Complete copy of that message.
Former Conservative parliamentarian Randy White has joined in the provincial Conservatives. In a letter addressed to the party's membership, Mr. White announced he intends to "put considerable energy assisting the BC Conservative Party in finding a quality leader, organize constituencies and form the next BC Government."
Complete copy of that message.
Dilbert Humour
Dogbert proposes a pay raise
http://traffic.libsyn.com/dilbert/d099.m4v
Staff presenting Complicated Issues to Politicians.
http://traffic.libsyn.com/dilbert/d203.m4v
http://traffic.libsyn.com/dilbert/d099.m4v
Staff presenting Complicated Issues to Politicians.
http://traffic.libsyn.com/dilbert/d203.m4v
Traffic stop results in drug bust
Vernon RCMP got more than they bargained for from a routine traffic stop near the Predator Ridge turnoff Sunday afternoon. Police were conducting a traffic enforcement on that stretch of Highway 97 when a vehicle was stopped for travelling at an excessive rate of speed. RCMP spokesman Gord Molendyk says when the officer approached the vehicle he detected an odour of marijuana coming from the vehicle. Molendyk says a subsequent search of the vehicle turned up 55 grams of cocaine, 17 grams of marijuana bud and more than $2,000 in cash. A 28-year-old man is expected to answer to charges of possession for the purpose of trafficking Monday. A 25-year-old female was arrested but released to appear at a later date.
Only high-risk in B.C. get seasonal flu shot for now
B.C. has followed five other provinces and will limit the seasonal flu vaccine to those at highest risk of getting seasonal flu - those over 65 years.The seasonal flu vaccine will be available to those over 65 and those in long-term care homes beginning Oct. 13. A pneumococcal vaccine will be available at the same time for the high-risk people to prevent influenza-related pneumonia.
In November the H1N1 flu vaccine will be made available for anyone who wants it and needs it. Over six million doses have been ordered by the B.C. government.
By early 2010 the seasonal flu vaccine will be made available again for those under 65.
Government officials said the decision to stagger vaccinations in this way was based on research that suggested a potential association between prior seasonal flu shots and the risk of getting H1N1, the strains of flu that are currently circulating, the timing of the H1N1 vaccine becoming available and the possibility of an early fall wave of H1N1 flu.The Canadian research report that was considered is still under peer review and hasn’t been published, but preliminary findings suggested that those who get the seasonal flu shot are twice as likely to get H1N1.
Also suspending seasonal flu shots for those under 65 are Quebec, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario and Nova Scotia.
UBCM Convention
The HST is expected to be a major topic of debate at this week's Union of BC Municipalities convention in Vancouver. Vernon mayor Wayne Lippert says the city wants to find out more about how the new tax could affect the tourism industry, and city plans for a hotel tax. Lippert says the city will also be using the convention to find out why the province is holding off on selling the former West Vernon school site. Local government wants to buy the site and use it for a park.
---------------
2009 UBCM Convention
Program & Documents
Click on the following link to download the UBCM Convention Pocket Program.
Pocket Program [PDF] (UBCM Thanks The British Columbia Lottery Corporation for sponsoring The pocket program)
Click on the following link to download the full 29-page UBCM Convention Program.
UBCM Convention Program [PDF, 4.8 MB]
Click on the following links to download policy papers to be considered at the 2009 UBCM Convention.
Police Services in British Columbia: Affordability & Accountability - Policy Paper 1 [PDF]
Regional District Task Force: Progress Report - Background Paper #2 [PDF]
B.C. Liberals spend $138,000 on "work-free zone" for bureaucrats, with Nintendo Wii and easy chairs
By Michael Smyth, The Province
VICTORIA — It’s 11 a.m. and the pedestrians bustling by the Environment Ministry building in a high-rent commercial district of Victoria would be forgiven for thinking busy civil servants are hunkered
The cost of this romper room for desk jockeys? A cool $45,000 to renovate the space and install the games, plus $85,000 a year in rent, about $5,000 a year for utilities and maintenance and $3,100 a year for leased equipment in an adjoining yoga studio. That’s more than $138,000 this year alone — and all while the government cancels surgeries and cuts community grants to save money in tough times.
What’s wrong with this picture? Environment Minister Barry Penner admits the expense looks bad. “I understand the optics, but the choice was to have the space used or not used,” he said.Penner explained that the space had been rented to use as offices, but it was later determined that local zoning prevented the government from using it for that reason — and, by then, the ministry couldn’t break the lease. “I am asking my staff to look to see if there’s something else it can be used for,” he added, insisting that he didn’t know about the “work-free zone” before it was approved and that he would have insisted on less-restrictive lease terms if he’d known. I suspect the explanation will be cold comfort for the thousands of patients who’ll have surgeries cancelled this year, or the parents of disabled kids who’ve had programs cut, or the hundreds of sports and cultural groups that have seen their grants slashed. Maddeningly, in the middle of all the cutting, it’s not difficult to find examples of wasteful government spending.
The $138,000 play room for civil servants is just one.(MORE)
-------------- B.C. Rail has a second $268,000-a-year president in charge of real-estate holdings (the government still owns the tracks, railbed and a 40-kilometre spur line) and two other senior managers bagging each more than $200,000. All told, taxpayers are paying a quartet of executives $1.2 million a year to run a money-losing, 40-kilometre railroad with 24 employees and no trains.
Olympic splurging - Most British Columbians support the Olympics, but why should the government buy $1.4 million worth of 2010 tickets on their dime? That’s how much three Crown corporations — B.C. Hydro, ICBC and B.C. Lotteries — are spending on Olympic tickets for their executives, staff, clients and contest-winners. Luckily, VANOC is setting up a website for people to sell their unwanted tickets, so the government could easily unload them.
Meanwhile, taxpayers will also cough up millions to pay civil servants seconded to work on the Olympics for up to six months. But if the government can do without their services for that long, are they really necessary employees? Or simply part of a bloated bureaucracy?
But the biggest news of all is how this collective of spin-doctors has grown in size and cost: $28 million this year and a staff of 197 — the largest communications apparatus in B.C. history. The Liberals did lay off eight people in this office last month — a good start for a branch of government ripe for downsizing.
Owners cry foul after liens slapped on new homes
Owners in a new Maple Ridge, B.C., housing complex are considering a class action lawsuit after contractors put liens on their properties to try and recover money the developer owes them.Homeowners at "The Village at Kanaka" paid Omni Pacific when they moved in last summer. But the developer hadn't paid all his bills. Many homeowners found out trades' people who built the community put the liens on individual properties.Homeowner Lynn Keller broke into tears as she read a letter one of the contractors sent her."Where the work is completed we will provide you, the homeowners, with a copy of the invoice and upon payment will remove the lien," she said. "After we spent $500,000 on a home they want us to pay it. We shouldn't have to pay to have these liens removed as homeowners." Homeowners can't sell their homes with a lien on them.(more)
BC CONSERVATIVE PARTY AGM EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 28, 2009
Chilliwack – The BC Conservative Party Annual General Meeting exceeded the Party’s most optimistic expectations at what was, by any measure, a hugely successful convention held in Chilliwack this past Saturday. The Convention was attended by over 120 delegates from around BC, who converged on the City of Chilliwack to hear from a number of guest speakers, including Member of Parliament from Delta- Richmond East, John Cummins. Mr. Cummins gave a rousing speech that encouraged the members to build their party into a free enterprise alternative to the leftwing NDP and the left-drifting BC Liberals, who continue to free fall in recent polls. “You must build a party that maintains its principles while developing policies that speak to the average person. A party that captures the natural spirit and optimism of British Columbians, and which can replace the failed approach of the Liberals and the discredited approach of the NDP,” said Cummins. Mr. Cummins told the delegation that the people of BC are done with the BC Liberals, and need a credible alternative to turn to. “Not only can the BC Conservative Party be that alternative, with the right policies and the right leader, it can become the government in the next election,” Mr. Cummins asserted to thunderous applause and cheering.Deputy Leaders Chris Delaney and Mark Thompson, also invigorated the delegates with speeches laying out a vision for the future of the party and a plan to achieve it.
Delegates then spent the rest of the morning and part of the afternoon debating a number of by-law amendments, culminating with the adoption of a new Constitution and By-Laws that will enable the party to move forward efficiently and productively. Past disagreements were set aside, as delegates voted unanimously to approve the new Constitution. “This was a major turning point for the party. The members voted to put the past behind them, and to build for the future. They sensed that history was being made, and that the party has a real chance to build itself into an alternative for all of BC. The optimism in the room was palpable, as people talked of not just winning seats in the next election, but of winning government. So many people are telling us they want this alternative, and now we are able to give it to them,” commented McGrath.
The party also unanimously passed a resolution to hold an SGM (Special General Meeting) in the spring of 2010 to conduct a Policy Development Convention, and to officially kick off the start of a Leadership Race that will culminate in a convention in the fall of 2010 with the selection of a new leader who will take the party into the next election.
The Convention ended with the election of a new provincial Board of Directors, including: Wayne McGrath, Vernon, re-elected as President; Mischa Popov, Osoyoos, 1st Vice President; Jeff Bridge, Langley, 2nd Vice President; Peter Neville, Kelowna, Treasurer; Alex Desautels, Chilliwack, Secretary; Benjamin Besler, Chilliwack, Director at Large; Blake McKenzie, Victoria, Director at Large; Dean Skoreyko, Coldstream, Director at Large; Eddie Petrossian, North Vancouver, Director at Large; and Art Robatzek, Vernon, Director at Large. Shirley Abraham, Gibson, remains Immediate Past President.
Regional Directors for the Party, who will also sit as voting members of the Board, will be elected in 14 different regions throughout BC within 90 days following the AGM, to complete the provincial board.
For more information contact:
Wayne McGrath
President
(250) 542-7744
Chilliwack – The BC Conservative Party Annual General Meeting exceeded the Party’s most optimistic expectations at what was, by any measure, a hugely successful convention held in Chilliwack this past Saturday. The Convention was attended by over 120 delegates from around BC, who converged on the City of Chilliwack to hear from a number of guest speakers, including Member of Parliament from Delta- Richmond East, John Cummins. Mr. Cummins gave a rousing speech that encouraged the members to build their party into a free enterprise alternative to the leftwing NDP and the left-drifting BC Liberals, who continue to free fall in recent polls. “You must build a party that maintains its principles while developing policies that speak to the average person. A party that captures the natural spirit and optimism of British Columbians, and which can replace the failed approach of the Liberals and the discredited approach of the NDP,” said Cummins. Mr. Cummins told the delegation that the people of BC are done with the BC Liberals, and need a credible alternative to turn to. “Not only can the BC Conservative Party be that alternative, with the right policies and the right leader, it can become the government in the next election,” Mr. Cummins asserted to thunderous applause and cheering.Deputy Leaders Chris Delaney and Mark Thompson, also invigorated the delegates with speeches laying out a vision for the future of the party and a plan to achieve it.
Delegates then spent the rest of the morning and part of the afternoon debating a number of by-law amendments, culminating with the adoption of a new Constitution and By-Laws that will enable the party to move forward efficiently and productively. Past disagreements were set aside, as delegates voted unanimously to approve the new Constitution. “This was a major turning point for the party. The members voted to put the past behind them, and to build for the future. They sensed that history was being made, and that the party has a real chance to build itself into an alternative for all of BC. The optimism in the room was palpable, as people talked of not just winning seats in the next election, but of winning government. So many people are telling us they want this alternative, and now we are able to give it to them,” commented McGrath.
The party also unanimously passed a resolution to hold an SGM (Special General Meeting) in the spring of 2010 to conduct a Policy Development Convention, and to officially kick off the start of a Leadership Race that will culminate in a convention in the fall of 2010 with the selection of a new leader who will take the party into the next election.
The Convention ended with the election of a new provincial Board of Directors, including: Wayne McGrath, Vernon, re-elected as President; Mischa Popov, Osoyoos, 1st Vice President; Jeff Bridge, Langley, 2nd Vice President; Peter Neville, Kelowna, Treasurer; Alex Desautels, Chilliwack, Secretary; Benjamin Besler, Chilliwack, Director at Large; Blake McKenzie, Victoria, Director at Large; Dean Skoreyko, Coldstream, Director at Large; Eddie Petrossian, North Vancouver, Director at Large; and Art Robatzek, Vernon, Director at Large. Shirley Abraham, Gibson, remains Immediate Past President.
Regional Directors for the Party, who will also sit as voting members of the Board, will be elected in 14 different regions throughout BC within 90 days following the AGM, to complete the provincial board.
For more information contact:
Wayne McGrath
President
(250) 542-7744
Sunday, September 27, 2009
CORD looking at local biosolids Plant ?
Published: August 14, 2009 11:00 PM By Jason Luciw - Kelowna Capital News
Meanwhile, the regional board has agreed to investigate the logistics of opening its own Ogogrow facility. Ogogrow is a soil enhancement product, made from human biowaste, currently produced at a facility in Vernon.Vernon council voted this week to reject the Central Okanagan Regional District as a partner in the upgrade of the Ogogrow facility, saying CORD would have to pay tipping fees for its biomass disposal.
The regional district has asked staff to report back on the viability of opening a local facility in the greater Kelowna area.
'The mob offered better odds' than PlayNow
By Michael Smyth, The Province
The B.C. government's aggressive move into online gambling is meant to lure players away from offshore websites like Party Poker and virtual casinos, where people bet
big bucks at the click of a mouse.But online gamblers who try out the B.C. Lottery Corp.'s newly expanded PlayNow website better be ready for a shocking kick in their credit cards: The government's games have an enormous house edge, unfair rules and winning payouts that are substantially worse than the offshore casinos and poker rooms they purport to replace.That's the conclusion of professional mathematician Charles Mousseau, a former computer analyst with the Calgary police who now runs a gambling consulting business. His speciality: analyzing the odds and probabilities of casino games, while offering marketing and technical advice to the $125-billion global gambling industry.
Mousseau analyzed the odds, probabilities and rules of the games offered on the PlayNow website and found they were "grossly unfair" to the player. "The mob offered better odds when they were running the old numbers rackets," Mousseau said, while scoffing at the government's claim that PlayNow is more "safe and secure" than offshore gambling sites."The price you pay for that 'legitimacy' is a horribly higher house edge. It's not worth the cost to the player, in my opinion," said Mousseau, owner of Future Sight Gaming in Winnipeg.
"House edge" refers to how much the government scoops out of every dollar bet on the PlayNow site, compared with how much is returned to winning bettors.Consider Pacific Hold 'Em Poker, the government's new online poker game. The cut taken by big offshore sites like Party Poker hovers around four per cent of the betting pool, with 96 per cent returned to the players.The B.C. government's poker house edge: Thirty-nine per cent. "That's absolutely oppressive to the player," Mousseau concludes.
He also criticizes the "deceptive" rules of the game. Players, for example, are allowed to "raise" their bet up to five times their original stake after seeing their first two cards. Players who are dealt two aces, for example, might be tempted to crank up their bet to the maximum amount.But the cards are not dealt at random in the poker game, which has a predetermined outcome like a scratch-and-win ticket. "The 'raise' option gives an illusion of skill that doesn't exist in the game," he said.
Mousseau said another misleading game on the site is called Dogs Playing Poker, in which players are "dealt" seven cards and win a prize if they make at least one pair."Someone with even modest poker experience might think, 'Seven cards to make one pair? That's not hard at all!' And that's exactly what they want you to think."But it's only when you follow a website link to the small-print rules that you find the warning: "This is not a real poker game. Wins and losses are predetermined at the time of purchase."
Asked for a response to Mousseau's findings, the B.C. Lottery Corp. issued a statement insisting that PlayNow games are fair."Before games are launched, the games, the odds and game conditions are third-party tested and certified for technical integrity," the statement said. The corporation has promised to launch new "casino-style" games on the site next year, including "peer-to-peer poker" that will presumably be a better deal for the player.
We shall see. In the meantime, Mousseau has two words of advice to gamblers about PlayNow games: "Stay away."
Problem-gambling funding cut by $2.4 million
The B.C. government has slashed $2.4 million from a program that deters and treats problem gamblers, even as the province oversees a massive increas
e in Internet betting -- one of the most addictive forms of gambling. The Liberals have cut the budget for the Responsible Gambling Strategy and the Problem Gambling Program by 34 per cent this year, from $7 million to $4.6 Housing Minister Rich Coleman, who is responsible for gambling, was unavailable for comment. But in an e-mail to the Times Colonist, his ministry stated that it will maintain "core services," including a 24-hour help line, clinical counsellors and responsible gambling officers in casinos.
"We remain committed to reducing problem gambling and the impacts of excessive gambling," the statement said. The cut, however, comes at the same time that the government is allowing people to wager more money over the Internet -- something the government's own research The B.C. Lottery Corporation announced last month that gamblers can now bet $9,999 a week on its PlayNow Internet site -- more than 80 times the previous limit of $120.The corporation expects to turn a nearly $50-million profit on Internet gambling alone over the next three years, documents show.
NDP critic Shane Simpson condemned the government yesterday for cutting supports to problem gamblers at a time when they're likely creating more of them."It's irresponsible, if not immoral, for our government to be looking to expand gambling in such a risky area when they know -- they have to know -- this is going to hurt some of our most vulnerable people," he said. "While the government may be desperate for revenue, you don't go and find that revenue on the backs of your most vulnerable citizens and in this case it's problem gamblers."
The province's Problem Gambling Prevalence Study, released last year, showed that more than one in four Internet gamblers have a problem. It also found that the number of British Columbians with a severe gambling addiction had more than doubled in five years.The study estimated that 31,000 British Columbians have a severe problem, and another 128,000 have a moderate one -- the third-highest rate of problem gambling among Canada's provinces.
The B.C. Liberals' pursuit of gambling revenue runs contrary to their 2001 election promise to stop the expansion of gambling, which has "increased gambling addiction and put new strains on families."When he was still in Opposition, Premier Gordon Campbell said: "I want to build an economy based on winners, not losers, and gambling is always based on losers. The only way government makes money on gambling is because you lose it."
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Beairsto turns 100
Cara Brady - Vernon Morning Star Published: September 26, 2009 12:00 PM
Beairsto Elementary is having a party and everyone is invited.“We hope all former students and staff and anyone who would like to see what the school looks like will come and join us to celebrate 100 years in the community,” said vice-principal Brendan Robertson.The party Wednesday also brings back the fall fair which was popular in the school for many years and includes tours of the school, a photo display, memorabilia (did that old strap really belong to Mr. Beairsto?) and a chance for people to write down their memories to be included in the school history. Long-serving principals Clarence Fulton, the first principal, Harold Beairsto, Ed Goss, Bert Hunter and Marilyn Merler will be honoured. Merler and James Beairsto of Kelowna, a nephew of Harold Beairsto, will attend.
There will be lots of fun with family games and a barbecue, as the school raises funds for a school in Africa.“We have had 100 years of excellent education here and we would like to be able to provide a school for other children to have 100 years of excellent education,” said Robertson.The school hopes to raise $8,000 which will build a school and pay the starting salary for a teacher in a village in Africa.The celebration takes place at the school from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, with speeches and birthday cake at 6 p.m.The 100th anniversary celebration is sponsored by the Vernon School District and the City of Vernon.
Poole collects top award
Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: September 26, 2009 12:00 PM
Vernon’s economic development officer has garnered some top honours.Kevin Poole has been elected president of the Economic Development Association of B.C. and named economic developer of the year in the province.“It’s a real honour to be recognized that way,” said Poole of the award.The award is a result of his six years as economic development officer in Mission.While there, he was involved in visitor guides, map production, Communities in Bloom assistance and filming of Fish’n Canada and 100 Mile Diet.He also built relationships with developers who purchased property in Mission.“To leave Mission and have them nominate you is great,” said Poole, who has been with the City of Vernon since May.
Poole will also now take a leadership role as the president of the Economic Development Association.And he believes that will have direct benefits for economic development in Vernon and the North Okanagan.“It connects us with a bigger scale outside of our area,” he said.“I will be able to meet with ministers at the provincial level as I represent the association.”Poole says he is presently discussing potential investment opportunities with businesses interested in the North Okanagan.Poole has been on the provincial association’s board of directors since 1997 and was elected vice-president in 2007.
City considering grants
Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: September 26, 2009 12:00 PM
Vernon taxpayers could be pumping significant dollars into some community projects. The city’s finance committee is recommending that council provide about $87,300 to four organizations that have made formal funding requests. “We’ve used the money wisely to support the community during a time of great need,” said Coun. Patrick Nicol.The largest chunk of money is $30,000 for the Teen Junction Youth Centre and the Junction Literacy Centre, which has seen provincial funding disappear. Without assistance, there was the possibility that the centre would shut down Oct. 31.“You can’t not be moved by what they’ve done,” said Nicol of the group’s youth-based programs.The centre had asked the city for $40,000.
The finance committee is also recommending $15,000 for the Kalamalka Highlanders Band, which has seen provincial grants cease.“They are very youth oriented and they have never come to us before,” said Nicol, adding that the band participates in a number of special city events.
A total of $20,000 is also planned for Vernon Winter Carnival and its 50th anniversary.“A portion of that will go to the snow sculptures competition at Silver Star and some of it to fireworks,” said Nicol.
The committee is also recommending $22,300 for the community gardens initiative.
RCMP training: Cadets learn through use of high-tech gadgets
REGINA — Clearly agitated at having his pick-up truck stopped by what he scornfully calls the "big bad police," the scowling, middle-aged man swaggers towards the lone officer."All ya' wanna do is arrest me. You know I've got rights. What is it this time?" he drawls before turning his back on the officer."Sir, what are doing?" asks RCMP Cpl. Curtis Parker. The man leans inside the cab of the pick-up and reaches behind the backseat. "Sir, what are you doing in the back?" Parker has reached for his pistol.The man turns with a shotgun pointed at the officer.Parker fires, and the man slumps down by the truck.
In another scenario, the man gets back up on his feet at that point — and often catches the officer unaware. But that's not the scene played out for Parker on this day as he demonstrates an electronic simulator used to teach cadets about use of force. The man and his truck are on a video screen. Parker is equipped with a baton, revolver and pepper spray canister that shoot lasers instead of the real thing.However, this particular scenario is all too realistic. It re-enacts an incident that occurred on a U.S. highway — as captured in the video camera in the officer's cruiser — that ended with the death of the police officer.
At a time when RCMP training has come under increased public scrutiny — from the death of Robert Dziekanski at the hands of officers who fired Tasers at the Polish visitor, a number of fatal shootings by Saskatchewan Mounties in recent years, and RCMP officer deaths at Spiritwood and Mayerthorpe — the force recently gave the media a close-up look at the facilities that churn out Mounties.
In the last three years, the RCMP Training Academy, nicknamed "The Cradle of the Force," has put through a record number of cadets, almost 1,800 last fiscal year — a thousand more than usual. Some will replace the number of baby boomer Mounties retiring, while others will go to newly created positions. It's a far cry from a decade ago when budget cutbacks temporarily shut down training at the Academy. But there are already signs that the current recession will also have an impact. About 1,300 cadets, average age 27, will train this fiscal year as supply catches up to demand, and demand for Mounties decreases in some areas struggling financially."We are still focusing on a very aggressive recruiting campaign," says Assistant Commissioner Roger Brown, the Academy's commanding officer.
Cadet training is a blend of high-tech gadgets, including simulators that will put them in a car, on a shooting range and on the frontlines; the standards like a live-fire shooting ranging, classrooms, the gym, and driving track; and classic para-military lessons with marching drills, middle-of-the night dorm inspections, and exacting standards for everything from making beds to polishing boots. Military training to build teamwork and discipline; simulators and mock scenarios to foster critical, independent thinking and problem-solving skills — it seems like a contradiction. But Brown maintains both are needed in the field."It's trying to have that equal balance," he says. "We have to ensure that cadets have the overall capability to make those decisions and then they have the tools and skill sets to react accordingly," he adds.
When Brown went through training almost three decades ago, it was primarily "rules-based," instructor-led lectures. Today's training incorporates hundreds of scenarios to teach problem-solving. Even some classroom time will include role playing, bringing in actors to teach about such topics as anger management and domestic violence. Cadets are taught to think short-term — solving crimes and staying safe — but also long-term, to involve themselves in the community to hopefully head off crime."We can't and should not attempt to do all this alone. The more we work within the community to work together, the better we are as an organization," says Brown.
In 24 weeks of Depot training, there's a lot to pack into a day that often starts at 5 a.m. and ends at 11 p.m. About 10 per cent of a 32-cadet troop won't make the grade. For those that do reach graduation, their first posting will include six months of on-the-job training with senior officers."I believe wholeheartedly that the cadets that leave here today are much better trained," says Brown. "Policing in the north, and Newfoundland and B.C. are totally different. The cadets have to be able to adjust policing to their environment they're going to. I think they're much better prepared, and that's the feedback I get from the field.(more)
Okanagan cities strive to foster prosperity
Steve MacNaull 2009-09-26 Kelowna Daily Courier:
It‘s a city‘s job to set the stage for business, then get out of the way to let it happen. “The city‘s primary role is infrastructure – the roads, water, commercial and industrial land, environment, culture and recreation that is all part of the quality of life and economic package that keeps and attracts business here,” said City of Kelowna manager Ron Mattiussi. “In that respect, economic development is tied into everything the city does.” Mattiussi was at the city‘s Economic Prosperity Framework breakfast on Friday at the Coast Capri Hotel. It was a gathering of 50 business and civic leaders to brainstorm what prosperity framework should be included in the city‘s official community plan. “This is the first time we‘ve done this format for inclusion in the official community plan,” said Kelowna Mayor Sharon Shepherd. “Although there‘s always been recognition that a strong economy is part of Kelowna, just as quality of life and the environment is.” While the mayor is all for a vibrant economy, she pointed out an important criteria for the framework exercise: We will not negatively impact our quality of life through the pursuit of economic growth.
The most progressive and livable cities know how quality of life and economy make the perfect marriage. Okanagan cities seem to have figured that out. While the economy has suffered the past year amid the global financial meltdown, the Okanagan has remained well-positioned. As a lifestyle destination with great weather and scenery, business has followed to create a strong and diversified economy that retains its agricultural roots, naturally contains tourism and has expanded into manufacturing, high technology and the knowledge economy.
“Quality of life attracts talent, business, culture, art and education,” said Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission manager Robert Fine. “The city has set that great backdrop. This event recognizes that, but is also being held knowing that things can always be done better.” For example, Fine said the city‘s website will soon have a link to the commission‘s investkelowna.com website for anyone interested in moving or doing business in the Central Okanagan. While Kelowna is formalizing prosperity into its official community plan, so are Penticton and Vernon.
“Penticton is effectively repositioning and rebranding itself,” said economic development officer David Arsenault. “We‘ll build on our quality of life and community to create a city that business wants to be a part of.” Penticton has outlined its plans for manufacturing attraction, tourism promotion and Okanagan College expansion in a new website, imaginepenticton.ca.
Vernon‘s 2010-15 community strategy recognizes that during the boom of 2002-08, the city saw tremendous housing and retail growth. “Now there‘s the need to strengthen our industrial and commercial base,” said Kevin Poole, Vernon‘s economic development officer. “We need to balance lifestyle with good business and industry so there are jobs for our kids and a balance in taxation (between residential and industry).”
There was a lot of discussion about youth at the Kelowna session. As the huge baby boom generation retires, the smaller pool of youth are the precious labour, brains and community resources of the future. “Kelowna‘s lifestyle and knowledge economy is perfect for retaining and attracting youth who can be based here and work globally via technology,” said Downtown Kelowna Association manager John Perrott. “While we still have agriculture and manufacturing, the production of ideas rather than hard goods is the future. That includes everything from architects and accountants to high-tech workers and consultants.” Mattiussi pointed to UBC Okanagan and Okanagan College as institutions that are turning out youth – either from the Valley or elsewhere in the world – who likely want to stay, work and contribute to the economy and the community. “It‘s a cycle that means the industry that wants youth will grow here,” he said. “That will only make our knowledge economy bigger.”
It‘s a city‘s job to set the stage for business, then get out of the way to let it happen. “The city‘s primary role is infrastructure – the roads, water, commercial and industrial land, environment, culture and recreation that is all part of the quality of life and economic package that keeps and attracts business here,” said City of Kelowna manager Ron Mattiussi. “In that respect, economic development is tied into everything the city does.” Mattiussi was at the city‘s Economic Prosperity Framework breakfast on Friday at the Coast Capri Hotel. It was a gathering of 50 business and civic leaders to brainstorm what prosperity framework should be included in the city‘s official community plan. “This is the first time we‘ve done this format for inclusion in the official community plan,” said Kelowna Mayor Sharon Shepherd. “Although there‘s always been recognition that a strong economy is part of Kelowna, just as quality of life and the environment is.” While the mayor is all for a vibrant economy, she pointed out an important criteria for the framework exercise: We will not negatively impact our quality of life through the pursuit of economic growth.
The most progressive and livable cities know how quality of life and economy make the perfect marriage. Okanagan cities seem to have figured that out. While the economy has suffered the past year amid the global financial meltdown, the Okanagan has remained well-positioned. As a lifestyle destination with great weather and scenery, business has followed to create a strong and diversified economy that retains its agricultural roots, naturally contains tourism and has expanded into manufacturing, high technology and the knowledge economy.
“Quality of life attracts talent, business, culture, art and education,” said Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission manager Robert Fine. “The city has set that great backdrop. This event recognizes that, but is also being held knowing that things can always be done better.” For example, Fine said the city‘s website will soon have a link to the commission‘s investkelowna.com website for anyone interested in moving or doing business in the Central Okanagan. While Kelowna is formalizing prosperity into its official community plan, so are Penticton and Vernon.
“Penticton is effectively repositioning and rebranding itself,” said economic development officer David Arsenault. “We‘ll build on our quality of life and community to create a city that business wants to be a part of.” Penticton has outlined its plans for manufacturing attraction, tourism promotion and Okanagan College expansion in a new website, imaginepenticton.ca.
Vernon‘s 2010-15 community strategy recognizes that during the boom of 2002-08, the city saw tremendous housing and retail growth. “Now there‘s the need to strengthen our industrial and commercial base,” said Kevin Poole, Vernon‘s economic development officer. “We need to balance lifestyle with good business and industry so there are jobs for our kids and a balance in taxation (between residential and industry).”
There was a lot of discussion about youth at the Kelowna session. As the huge baby boom generation retires, the smaller pool of youth are the precious labour, brains and community resources of the future. “Kelowna‘s lifestyle and knowledge economy is perfect for retaining and attracting youth who can be based here and work globally via technology,” said Downtown Kelowna Association manager John Perrott. “While we still have agriculture and manufacturing, the production of ideas rather than hard goods is the future. That includes everything from architects and accountants to high-tech workers and consultants.” Mattiussi pointed to UBC Okanagan and Okanagan College as institutions that are turning out youth – either from the Valley or elsewhere in the world – who likely want to stay, work and contribute to the economy and the community. “It‘s a cycle that means the industry that wants youth will grow here,” he said. “That will only make our knowledge economy bigger.”
Friday, September 25, 2009
Company creates underwear for lefties
A new range of underwear has been created especially for left-handed men. The company behind the product, Hom, says the underwear will "save left-handed men up to three, often vital, seconds" when visiting the bathroom.One store planning on purchasing the underwear says, 
"we see no reason why an accident of birth should dictate the type of underpants you can wear for the rest of your life. "Hom says while boxer shorts have a central opening most other types of underwear traditionally have a right-handed opening making it a potential problem for left-handed people when visiting the urinal.So the new underwear has an opening slit horizontally underneath the waistband and the company says, "switching the opening from vertical to horizontal may sound like a small step, but it's the major breakthrough that many have been waiting for.
The undercrackers, which have a horizontal fly at the top of the pants, will 'save left handed men up to three, often vital, seconds when visiting the loo', according to Hom.Priced at £22, The Hom H1 Original Maxi Trunk is on the market now,
‘Heels on Fire’ for Teen Junction
Cara Brady - Vernon Morning Star Published: September 24, 2009 6:00 PM
If the shoe fits, make a donation to the Teen Junction Youth Centre and receive a pair free.The Heels on Fire fundraiser was sparked when Caroline Radics of Rea Financial Services bought 405 pairs of red hot and steamy black patent sandals online with the idea of doing some kind of local fundraiser. Then her daughter, Holly Thibault, had to do a community-centred project for her Global Education class at Fulton school and Radics heard that the Teen Junction Literacy Centre might have to close due to lack of funding. They agreed that this was the project they were looking for.“I had a vision that women would like to buy red shoes from firemen,” said Radics.
And that’s what is going to happen Oct. 3 at the Village Green Hotel parking lot when volunteer firefighters help women try on the shoes that are gifts with a suggested donation of $25 to Teen Junction. Heels on Fire is getting a lot of support from the community with Wendy’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers providing free refreshments and Brenda Ellis of Okanagan Real Estate Hub Century 21 taking a free photo of each woman with her new shoes and a firefighter.
The Vernon Chamber of Commerce is supporting the event.“We want to see the youth centre continue in the community to help keep kids occupied and focused,” said Val Trevis of the chamber.Debbie Schiller, executive director of the Junction Youth Centre, is grateful for the enthusiasm for the centre, which was in danger of having to close as early as October because of funding cuts. The fundraiser will be a big help and there is more good news. “The City of Vernon finance committee has approved our application for a discretionary grant and this will be presented to council Oct. 13. The staff at the provincial gaming office has told us that our Direct Access application has been received and we will know their decision by the end of October,” said Schiller.
“When I got the call from Caroline about Heels on Fire, I was delighted with this unique fundraiser. It should be a lot of fun and, if we get other funding as well, will allow us to keep the drop-in centre open for another year while we look at core funding options.”The Junction Youth Centre is open to youth ages 14 to 18 with a safe, caring environment providing two free, hot meals per week and teaching cooking and other life skills, as well as volunteer opportunities and workshops. For more information see www.junctionyouth.ca.
Heels on Fire takes place Oct. 3 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. or for as long as the shoes last. Shoes (sizes 6-10) can be pre-ordered or come in to the Junction Youth Centre at 3104-37th Ave. from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday. For more information contact 250-275-3117 or email info@junctionyouth.ca.
Tax hike of 2.6% for pool upgrades
by Kevin Berar - Giant FM - Sep 25, 2009 / 2:00 pm CASTANET:
The Penticton Community Centre Pool is getting a $23 million dollar upgrade. Two-thirds of the $23 million project will come from the federal and provincial governments while the City of Penticton will have to borrow the other third. The project means Penticton taxpayers will see their property taxes increase by roughly 2.6 per cent starting in 2010. MLA Bill Barisoff runs down what the money will go towards. "23,600 square foot including renovations, 13,000 square foot aquatic, fitness, sports and recreational facilities. Retrofitted 10-lane 25-metre lap pool, new multi-purpose pool, new change rooms, steam and sauna, new therapeutic whirlpool, new multi-use recreation room, renovations of fitness, weights and cardiovascular, and other improvements," says Barisoff.
Other provincial funding was also announced for the South Okanagan including $2.1 million for work along Highway 97 from Skaha Lake Bridge to Fairway Avenue, $4.5 million for improvements to Prairie Valley and Rosedale roads in Summerland, $9.3 million for the Sewer Treatment Plant in Okanagan Falls and nearly $600,000 for reconstruction of 87th Street in Osoyoos. This is part of $75 million worth of projects scheduled to go ahead in the Okanagan.
The Penticton Community Centre Pool is getting a $23 million dollar upgrade. Two-thirds of the $23 million project will come from the federal and provincial governments while the City of Penticton will have to borrow the other third. The project means Penticton taxpayers will see their property taxes increase by roughly 2.6 per cent starting in 2010. MLA Bill Barisoff runs down what the money will go towards. "23,600 square foot including renovations, 13,000 square foot aquatic, fitness, sports and recreational facilities. Retrofitted 10-lane 25-metre lap pool, new multi-purpose pool, new change rooms, steam and sauna, new therapeutic whirlpool, new multi-use recreation room, renovations of fitness, weights and cardiovascular, and other improvements," says Barisoff.
Other provincial funding was also announced for the South Okanagan including $2.1 million for work along Highway 97 from Skaha Lake Bridge to Fairway Avenue, $4.5 million for improvements to Prairie Valley and Rosedale roads in Summerland, $9.3 million for the Sewer Treatment Plant in Okanagan Falls and nearly $600,000 for reconstruction of 87th Street in Osoyoos. This is part of $75 million worth of projects scheduled to go ahead in the Okanagan.
Irish lead the party as Guinness celebrates 250th birthday
DUBLIN — Guiness, Ireland's unofficial national drink, celebrated its 250th birthday Thursday with Prime Minister Brian Cowen hailing the anniversary as "an excuse for having a great party."A scion of the Guinness brewing dynasty was also on hand to lead toasts to the "black stuff." The brand is a huge commercial success around the world. Rory Guinness, a great-great-great-great-great-grandson of Arthur Guinness, who brewed the first pint of the dark ale in 1759, said it was a great day for the family and the company."One of the keys to Guinness is the fact that it comes from Ireland, because the country is what supplies the wonderful barley, the water, all the magic ingredients to go into making such a delicious pint.
Regional library struggles with provincial funding cuts
JOHN MOORHOUSE Monday, September 21, 2009 Penticton Herald:
The loss of almost $200,000 in provincial funding has the Okanagan Regional Library board considering layoffs and the possible closure of smaller branches as it struggles with its 2010 budget. However, Lesley Dieno, the regional library‘s executive director and Don Nettleton, its financial manager, told Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen directors that such service cutbacks would be considered the library board‘s last resort. “They‘re going to do their best to make sure that doesn‘t happen, but that‘s one option they have to consider,” said Dieno. The Okanagan Regional Library operates 29 branches from Revelstoke to Princeton. It does not include the Penticton Library which is operated by the city.
Nettleton noted the $200,000 cut represents a 22 per cent reduction in provincial funding Ð roughly equal to two per cent of the library‘s $14.5-million budget. The budget has now been referred to the library‘s finance committee to look for cost savings without reducing services. The budget is scheduled to be adopted in November. Dieno said layoffs and closures don‘t make sense when considering an overall strategic plan. “You tend to find in the long-term that‘s not effective. It‘s a short-term fix, but in the long-term you pay for that,” she said. The idea of branch closures in particular, didn‘t sit well with many RDOS directors. Naramata director Tom Chapman said he‘d hate to see any contraction of the library, especially in tough economic times, noting libraries tend to offset a lot of social dysfunction. Nettleton said while the library board will have to look at all 29 of its branches, he believes it‘s unlikely the board will opt to close one of the smaller branches. Bill Schwarz, who represents the RDOS on the library board, said he‘s confident the budget will include measures the regional district is “comfortable with.”
Meanwhile, the Okanagan Regional Library has made another move towards the construction of a new larger branch in Summerland. Nettleton said the board has agreed to sign a contract with the developer of the Wharton Street redevelopment project. However, exactly when construction will begin remains up in the air. Nettleton said it‘s hoped work will begin in the spring of 2010, but that‘s contingent on economic conditions allowing the project to proceed.
The new 8,000-square-foot branch, to be located on the ground floor of the seven-storey commercial-residential complex, would replace the existing 4,500-square foot facility.
Summerland Mayor Janice Perrino said it‘s now mainly a matter of waiting for the economy to turn around. “The deal is a good one. It‘s just hoping that the market is sufficient so they can get the Wharton Street building starting,” Perrino said
The loss of almost $200,000 in provincial funding has the Okanagan Regional Library board considering layoffs and the possible closure of smaller branches as it struggles with its 2010 budget. However, Lesley Dieno, the regional library‘s executive director and Don Nettleton, its financial manager, told Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen directors that such service cutbacks would be considered the library board‘s last resort. “They‘re going to do their best to make sure that doesn‘t happen, but that‘s one option they have to consider,” said Dieno. The Okanagan Regional Library operates 29 branches from Revelstoke to Princeton. It does not include the Penticton Library which is operated by the city.
Nettleton noted the $200,000 cut represents a 22 per cent reduction in provincial funding Ð roughly equal to two per cent of the library‘s $14.5-million budget. The budget has now been referred to the library‘s finance committee to look for cost savings without reducing services. The budget is scheduled to be adopted in November. Dieno said layoffs and closures don‘t make sense when considering an overall strategic plan. “You tend to find in the long-term that‘s not effective. It‘s a short-term fix, but in the long-term you pay for that,” she said. The idea of branch closures in particular, didn‘t sit well with many RDOS directors. Naramata director Tom Chapman said he‘d hate to see any contraction of the library, especially in tough economic times, noting libraries tend to offset a lot of social dysfunction. Nettleton said while the library board will have to look at all 29 of its branches, he believes it‘s unlikely the board will opt to close one of the smaller branches. Bill Schwarz, who represents the RDOS on the library board, said he‘s confident the budget will include measures the regional district is “comfortable with.”
Meanwhile, the Okanagan Regional Library has made another move towards the construction of a new larger branch in Summerland. Nettleton said the board has agreed to sign a contract with the developer of the Wharton Street redevelopment project. However, exactly when construction will begin remains up in the air. Nettleton said it‘s hoped work will begin in the spring of 2010, but that‘s contingent on economic conditions allowing the project to proceed.
The new 8,000-square-foot branch, to be located on the ground floor of the seven-storey commercial-residential complex, would replace the existing 4,500-square foot facility.
Summerland Mayor Janice Perrino said it‘s now mainly a matter of waiting for the economy to turn around. “The deal is a good one. It‘s just hoping that the market is sufficient so they can get the Wharton Street building starting,” Perrino said
Thursday, September 24, 2009
GOVERNMENTS PARTNER TO CREATE JOBS, STIMULATE ECONOMY
Name of Applicant / Project Title | Total Eligible Costs | Federal Share | Provincial Share | Local Share |
Vernon, City | 34 Street Improvements | $3,146,745 | $1,048,915 | $1,048,915 | $1,048,915 |
Coldstream, District | Grid Road Connection to Highway 97 | $6,921,418 | $2,307,139 | $2,307,139 | $2,307,140 |
Lumby - Water Supply - Stage 3 | $600,848 | $200,283 | $200,283 | $200,283 |
GOVERNMENTS PARTNER TO CREATE JOBS, STIMULATE ECONOMY
174 B.C. infrastructure projects to be funded
VANCOUVER – Premier Gordon Campbell and Jay Hill, Member of Parliament for Prince George – Peace River and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, today announced 174 new infrastructure projects valued at over $719 million to help communities throughout British Columbia meet their pressing infrastructure needs, help stimulate the economy, create jobs and support continued economic growth.“We are leveraging every dollar available to create literally thousands of jobs throughout every region of the province and building our communities so they are strong and competitive as we emerge from this economic downturn,” said Premier Campbell. “The investments we’ve made since launching the Economic Action Plan have already created an estimated 21,600 jobs. Today’s announcement will create about 4,600 more jobs and is the next step in our ongoing, three-year job creation strategy to build confidence and keep British Columbians working.”
------------
Coldstream Grid Road Gets Funding
Written by Peter McIntyre Thursday, 24 September 2009 15:07 107.5 KISSFM:
Written by Peter McIntyre Thursday, 24 September 2009 15:07 107.5 KISSFM:
It took seven months, but B-C and Ottawa have finally signed a deal that will see more than 700 million dollars in stimulus spending on public works projects in the province.Eleven million dollars worth of North Okanagan infrastructure projects have got the green light to proceed.
Vernon Monashee MLA Eric Foster made the announcements today.The biggest project is a new $6.9 million grid road in Coldstream. Coldstream's administrator Mike Stamhughes says the project has been on the books for about 20 years and will connect Kalamalka Road near Husband Road with the highway."It would go up through the area of Crown land on the east side of the seed orchard and then in between the seed orchard and the Sage Point subdivison, connecting to College Drive where the hairpin turn is, just before it goes into Kickwillie Loop. In effect it provides a much improved connection between 90 percent of Coldstream and Highway 97." Stamhughes says as part of the grant, the project has to be finished by March 2011 with designs currently underway. He says the District has been "squirreling" away funds for years and has its share of the project in place. Stamhughes says a big part of the cost is for a bridge over Vernon Creek and an underpass for the railway tracks.
A separate bike and pedestrian pathway alongside will cost another $1.7.
Foster says the other projects include three million dollars worth of improvements to 34th Street in Vernon and more than $680,000 for stage three water supply in Lumby.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)