Lumby proposal draws debate

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: November 20, 2010 12:00 PM
Lumby’s attempt to withdraw from some regional services is being challenged.  The village wants to withdraw from St. John Ambulance, Okanagan Symphony and the Okanagan Film Commission so it can issue funds instead of through the North Okanagan Regional District.  “We are just simplifying things,” said Kevin Acton, Lumby director, adding that the process could be less expensive for the village than paying NORD to do it.  “We have staff that could write a cheque to St. John Ambulance. Why have all sorts of paper shuffling back and forth.”  However, opposition comes from Doug Dirk, Coldstream director.  “I don’t have a problem with someone not supporting a function but don’t tell me it’s for financial reasons when there’s no financial substance to that,” he said.  “There’s one-stop shopping for these groups looking for grants (by just going to NORD). If you are getting one cheque or three cheques, where are the efficiencies?”  If Lumby does withdraw, the other participating jurisdictions will have to make up the difference for the grants, or reduce the grants to reflect the village’s contribution being gone. “Lumby pulling out isn’t going to create a change. There won’t be any savings,” said Dirk.  Eugene Foisy, Cherryville director, defends Lumby’s ability to leave functions that may not meet the need of its residents.  “I like bluegrass music and when I go to a band, I pay my own shot. Cherryville is not a symphony town,” he said.  Support also comes from Wayne Lippert, a Vernon director. “I don’t disagree with what they’re trying to do because it makes sense,” he said.