Summerland Council mulls its options on RCMP issue

SUSAN McIVER The Penticton Herald 06/21/2010
In the wake of the recent failure to obtain approval to borrow funds for a new RCMP facility, council in Summerland is considering its options. A counter-petition blocking the alternative approval process to obtain voter assent to borrow $3.125 million was signed by 1,247 electors, far more than the required 843 signatures. The alternative approval process requires people to sign if they are opposed to the project, but to do nothing if they support it. The rejection surprised council and staff because of the widespread community support for the project shown in surveys.

“Council will decide the best course of action and present a recommendation at the June 28 regular meeting,” said Ken Ostraat, director of finance and deputy chief administrative officer. The options include holding a referendum, initiating negotiations with the RCMP detachments in Penticton or West Kelowna to provide police coverage, and having only a community police office in Summerland. In the latter case, all administrative work would be done either in Penticton or West Kelowna. A somewhat analogous arrangement exists in Lake Country, which does have its own RCMP building, but all administrative work is done in Kelowna. Upgrading the current RCMP facility on Jubilee Road East is not an option, because it would cost more to do so than to build new, according to Ostraat. Mayor Janice Perrino raised the possibility of having an outside contractor build a facility, which the municipality would then rent. The current facility is much too small and falls far short of accepted RCMP standards. For several years the cells have been condemned, which necessitates prisons being transported to Penticton. “We must do something, and the least expensive way in the long run to provide good police coverage is to construct a new building,” Ostraat said.