The provincial government will not force marriages between Greater Vernon’s communities. That was the word from MLA Eric Foster
during a meeting with Vernon council. “This government will not force amalgamation but it’s open to what ever residents want to do,” he said. Mayor Wayne Lippert questions Foster’s comments and says Premier Gordon Campbell touched on governance during a session with North Okanagan elected officials. “He put everyone on notice that they were looking at changes,” said Lippert, adding that provincial legislation can be rewritten. Observing Foster’s meeting with council was BX-Silver Star director Mike Macnabb and he is opposed to forced amalgamations. “It should be left up to the people. It shouldn’t be imposed on people,” he said. Council also expressed concern to Foster that the city pays more for policing than neighbouring jurisdictions. “We’re funding 51 officers and the electoral areas fund 10,” said Lippert. “Coldstream has seven police officers and two support staff and we have 30 support staff. We’re looking to make it more equitable for everybody.” Coun. Shawn Lee told Foster that frustration over funding may drive the push for amalgamation from some people. “If you address the inequities with items like policing, boundaries may not be such a big issue,” said Lee. Macnabb questions the city’s figures when it comes to the electoral areas and insists his residents are paying their share of policing costs. “Areas B and C pay for four people (officers) and the majority of the crime is in Vernon,” he said.
Foster was also asked about the process Sun Peaks Resort, near Kamloops, followed prior to its recent decision to incorporate. The Silver Star Property Owners Association has indicated that it may be interested in considering municipal status for the resort.
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