Spiers fears process costly

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: October 26, 2010 7:00 PM
A Vernon politician warns that restructuring of the parks and recreation function could be costly. Coun. Bob Spiers told his colleagues Monday that moving from a Greater Vernon model to one in which the city is responsible for most facilities will have financial implications.  “Every one of these functions we take over, the taxpayers of Vernon will be responsible for the capital,” he said. “When we have Polson Park out there with about $10 million over 10 years, it could be horrendous.” Under restructuring, Greater Vernon assets would be the 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. It hasn’t been decided if the Vernon Recreation Complex would be regional or local in terms of funding and control.  Restructuring could lead to parks and recreation taxes being applied to both improvements and property (including vacant lots) in the city.  “One of the banks could get an 11 per cent decrease but one of my neighbours will have an increase,” said Spiers, adding that the city will still be responsible for paying for some activities at the North Okanagan Regional District.  “What are we getting out of this — our control of the recreation complex? It doesn’t add up. Our residents use Coldstream facilities and vice versa. It’s one of those functions that works.”

Spiers is supported by Coun. Patrick Nicol. “What we have has so much merit,” he said of the regional function. The city is the contractor for parks and recreation services, and some council members insist that has led to communication problems with NORD and some issues not being addressed.  “The dysfunction of the system is costing taxpayers a significant amount of money,” said Coun. Mary-Jo O’Keefe.  “Staff are running in circles trying to figure out what’s NORD’s and what’s the city’s.”Coun. Buffy Baumbrough believes the current structure has prevented the city from proceeding with plans for neighbourhood parks and tot lots.  “If you talk to our planning staff, there’s a level of frustration because we’re not able to move ahead with planning to a level we would like,” she said.  Vernon and Coldstream councils, as well as the Areas B and C electoral directors, will meet Nov. 9 at 4:30 p.m. to discuss the future of parks and recreation restructuring.