The future of Greater Vernon parks, recreation and culture services may be more clear Tuesday. Vernon and Coldstream councils, as well as the two electoral area directors, will hold a joint meeting to discuss an ongoing review of the regional function. “I’d like to see a final resolution from everyone,” said Wayne Lippert, Vernon mayor. Under the proposed restructuring model, some facilities would remain regional assets, including 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. Vernon and Coldstream have previously indicated that the current model doesn’t allow for local input over maintenance or planning.
Lippert doesn’t believe there is a need to move ahead with a major restructuring. “The service has worked well and the concerns raised can all be looked after,” he said. “Service levels can be adjusted through a contract. At the end of the day, leave things as they are.” Mike Macnabb, BX-Silver Star director, hopes to bring the process back on track. “I’m not sure there’s anything wrong with the parks system,” he said. “The main reason we were looking at it was governance. Coldstream was wanting more say on how many times the lawn is mowed, and it rolled into this massive review.” Macnabb admits, though, that he has looked at possibly withdrawing from some aspects of the parks and recreation function because of the financial implications if changes occur to the water utility. “If water goes the way it was heading, the rates go up,” he said.
The special meeting, which is open to the public to observe, starts at 4:30 p.m. at the Vernon Recreation Complex Tuesday.
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- Agenda Package
• Draft Terms of Agreement – for reference (P. 13) - Notice (Proposed Agenda for Parks Review Tuesday, November 9, 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm Vernon Recreation Centre )
2 comments:
Coldstream wanted to gain control of the boat trailer parking lot . This is the main reason they started this whole debacle.
The Parks and Rec bill to Coldstream is out of control. Local parks could be more efficiently run locally and bring some tax relief to Coldstream taxpayers. The constant bickering over poor service to Lavington Park was the start of the issue; someone driving out from Vernon to cut tree limbs, or open the swimming pool is simply crazy. The boat parking situation should obviously be controlled by Coldstream, but it isn't what spawned the request to have control.
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