Case made for dismantling function

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: February 13, 2010 12:00 PM

One of Greater Vernon’s most costly public services could be dismantled. A consultant has recommended that the existing parks and recreation function be scrapped and re-built in a different way because it’s dysfunctional. “It doesn’t mean the function has to be thrown out entirely but it will look a lot different,” said Allan Neilson-Welch, who was hired to lead a service review. In a report to the member jurisdictions, Neilson-Welch says there are a number of reasons as to why the current structure is not working. “This isn’t news to anybody but the function operates in an atmosphere of a lack of trust,” he said, adding that has been partly influenced by a dispute in the water utility. Among the other challenges are participants having different views on parks and recreation service levels, a belief that the structure doesn’t allow for local parks or local input, the electoral areas not feeling they are respected and the City of Vernon being both a member and the contract provider for services.

“All of the issues are important and legitimate,” said Neilson-Welch. But he says the most pressing issue is Vernon, which pays 67 per cent of the total tax requisition, wanting more say in the function. “In practical terms, greater authority for Vernon would mean the ability to decide most matters.” If the function is to be restructured, Neilson-Welch says all of the various issues must be addressed and it must be determined which parks and facilities would remain part of a regional service. “The answers to these questions will result in a relatively small set of parks, facilities and activities that could form the basis of a new, tighter definition for Greater Vernon parks, recreation and culture on which all jurisdictions can agree.” Wayne Lippert, GVAC chairman and Vernon director, supports reviewing the scope of the function, which was formed in 1978. “The public’s demands have changed and new people have come in,” he said. “We need to change the service for the better for the needs of our citizens.”

Jim Garlick, Coldstream director, believes regional planning for parks has been done in isolation from municipal planning and the need for local greenspace. “More complex developments and parks have to be taken into consideration,” he said. Lippert also says large parks, which require people to drive to them, have become a priority at the expense of smaller parks. “I believe in communities and neighbourhoods.” However, BX-Silver Star director Mike Macnabb doesn’t want any rash decisions made, saying there are benefits to regional partnerships, particularly when it comes to purchasing large tracts of land. “If we leave it up to individual municipalities and the regional district to identify small pockets for parks, we’ll have chopped up park space,” he said. Greater Vernon politicians will meet with Neilson-Welch March 25.

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Morning Star Editorial: Public should come first February 13, 2010 12:00 PM

It’s unfathomable that Greater Vernon politicians are considering ripping apart a critical public service. Yes the parks and recreation function isn’t perfect and challenges with a large enterprise are to be expected. But given the fact it’s existed since 1978 and numerous parks, trails, Wesbild Centre and the Performing Arts Centre have been added since then, there are strong indications that the multi-jurisdictional partnership has been successful. To start carving up assets as local or regional in scope is a step backwards and completely flies in the face of a co-operative effort. If Coldstream or Vernon deem a park to be local, does that mean someone from the other community can’t use it? It should also be pointed out that many properties have been purchased under the present system and are owned by the regional district, not the city or Vernon. How will those investments be handled if the function falls apart? If there are concerns about how the function operates or if it needs to be updated, fix them from within. Throwing the baby out with the bath water will accomplish nothing but waste precious financial resources, create confusion among the public and create divisions among jurisdictions. One must remember that another attempt at restructuring — the former Greater Vernon Services Commission — promised to solve problems, it ultimately turned into a fiasco. If you listen to politicians on all sides of the issue, self-interest and control are the driving force behind changes to parks and recreation, and not an actual desire to serve the public’s needs. It’s time our elected officials remember who they work for.

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From a posting on Colstreamernews.

The facilitator's first report can be accessed here.