Vernon’s mayor denies he’s pushing for amalgamation with neighbouring jurisdictions. Wayne Lippert says a single Greater Vernon municipality was not a priority while talking to Premier Gordon Campbell and other cabinet ministers at the Union of B.C. Municipalities conference in Whistler. “I’ve beat that drum before and they know how I feel about it,” he said. “I wasn’t down there to beat up on anyone.”
But Lippert says he did discuss what he sees as the difficulties municipalities face when dealing with regional district electoral areas. “I believe in regional districts, but I don’t like the structure,” he said, adding that the regulations governing municipalities and rural electoral areas differ. “Municipalities work under the Community Charter and regional districts are under the Local Government Act. We need to put them all on an equal footing.” He also points out that regional districts can tax on land, building improvements or both but municipalities can’t. “Incorporate electoral areas (as separate municipalities) or amalgamate them (into existing cities). The structure doesn’t work.” While some people may suggest that a single municipal structure may resolve some Greater Vernon disputes, Lippert insists any demands for change must come from residents of all of the jurisdictions. “Enough people are understanding the issues and it will happen on its own. I don’t need to push it,” he said.
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