There will be another attempt to hammer out peace among Greater Vernon’s jurisdictions. The Regional District of North Okanagan board has
approved staff re-establishing discussions between Vernon, Coldstream
and the electoral areas over parks and recreation. “We will bring it back as one more attempt for a negotiated settlement,” said administrator Trafford Hall. “We’re not hiring consultants or mediators. This will be done within ourselves.” Previous attempts to resolve the governance and operation of the parks and recreation function have failed. Future discussions will involve new participants because of the civic election.
Project Costs Questioned
One politician is questioning the accuracy of projected costs for upgrades to Greater Vernon’s water utility. Director Mike Gavinchuk voted against early budget approval of $5.8 million for the west Swan Lake separation project. “We really don’t know what the cost will be,” said Gavinchuk, adding that figures could change based on tenders received. However, Regional District of North Okanagan staff say a pre-design study led to the estimates. “We need a budget to go to tender and if it goes
over tender, we’d have to come back (to the board),” said Zee Marcolin,
acting general manager of engineering. The project will see agricultural water users
separated from 358 homes, which will get water from Duteau Creek instead
of the current Goose Lake. Besides providing higher quality water to
residents, the project will ensure the poorer quality water is available
for agricultural activities during peak periods.
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