Parks process draws criticism

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: October 12, 2010 7:00 PM 
Restructuring Greater Vernon’s parks and recreation function is getting a rough reception. Vernon council discussed a draft agreement to change how parks, recreation and culture services are provided Tuesday. While no decision was made, some officials are reluctant to split operation of parks and facilities between the member jurisdictions.  “I’m very uncomfortable with this,” said Coun. Mary-Jo O’Keefe.  “We’re all citizens of the North Okanagan and with parks, they go across lines quickly. To divvy things up shows no vision.”  If restructuring proceeds, some parks and facilities will be identified as regional in scope while others will be considered local.  Regional assets will be the Vernon Performing Arts Centre, Wesbild Centre, Swan Lake Park and the Grey Canal Trail. All other parks and facilities would be considered local and be the sole responsibility of their host jurisdiction, including Polson Park, Kal Beach and Kin Beach.

O’Keefe wonders how the list of facilities was divided. “Why isn’t the recreation complex considered regional? It’s the only indoor pool,” she said.  While the agreement calls for the city to make all decisions on the Vernon Recreation Complex, the financial contribution from Coldstream and Areas B and C towards operations would be reduced by half because they would not have a vote on matters. “Control will come at a cost to our taxpayers. I’d be happy if it stays as it is,” said Coun. Bob Spiers, referring to the current situation where all of the participants pay fully towards operational and capital costs.

Coun. Shawn Lee is also questioning the process.  “I like the idea of regional parks. It’s worked well for a long time,” he said.  However, city staff indicated that the regional process has complicated the ability to plan for parks and facilities, and that would be simplified if the city was in control of those issues in Vernon. “With local parks, we’d get more done,” said Mayor Wayne Lippert. “The regional district does not have a vision of local parks.” Lippert is concerned how the other jurisdictions will respond if Vernon does not ratify the agreement to restructure parks and recreation. “We could look at withdrawal by Coldstream or Areas B or C and that could change the structure,” he said, adding that if they completely leave the function, they will provide no funding to any services.“This way (agreement), they are showing some ability to participate.”

Vernon council will discuss the agreement further at its Oct. 25 meeting. Coldstream council discussed the draft agreement after The Morning Star’s deadline Tuesday.
----------------
  Editorial Morning Star Published: October 12, 2010 7:00 PM  Parks debate going sideways
Politicians within Vernon and Coldstream appear split on proposed restructuring of the parks, recreation and culture function. Some are suggesting that the system which has been in place for almost 40 years should remain in place instead of splitting up control of parks and facilities between the participants.
And such discussion is welcome but where were these same politicians when the entire debate began months ago? Why weren’t they speaking up then?  If restructuring proceeds, most assets will be split up. This goes completely against the fact that we all use these facilities and have all paid towards operations and capital over the years.  The financial implications from restructuring could be significant. Vernon will be virtually on the hook for the recreation complex as Coldstream and the electoral areas will not have a vote on activities there. As a result, they will only contribute half of what they do towards operations. On the other hand, Coldstream taxpayers could be liable for any upgrades needed to the wharf and structures at Kal Beach. Long-term upgrades for Polson Park wouldn’t get one nickel from Coldstream or the electoral areas.  Some have suggested that restructuring is needed so local communities can have more say over park maintenance, or planning for new parks and facilities. But there must be a way of addressing these concerns within the current formula while not throwing the baby out with the bath water.  In the end, there is little indication that the public’s best interest is being served, particularly when the politicians wait until the 11th hour to express doubts about the process.
------------
Don Quixote: I introduced a motion to keep the status quo (i.e no change to the existing Parks and Rec. Function ) but failed to get a seconder. I will not accept that Control is more important than Regional Cooperation and Cost sharing. The tax burden that we would be placing on the Vernon Residential and business taxpayers is unacceptable.