Quick timeline for parks review

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: April 27, 2012 1:00 AM

A fast-tracked process could bring years of wrangling to an end in Greater Vernon. Politicians committed Wednesday to try and hammer out a memorandum of understanding by May 31 in the hopes of resolving the dispute over parks and recreation services. “I think you’re so close to a deal,” Trafford Hall,  Regional District of North Okanagan administrator, told the Coldstream, Vernon and electoral area directors. “I think this gang is going to do it.” To move things ahead, one meeting a week could be held over three weeks. “We need to give it an intense try. We have an opportunity we haven’t had in a long time,” said Hall. All participants at the table Wednesday agreed that they want to continue with a joint service although the scope of operations may evolve. “It makes sense to me to have it as a co-operative function among everyone,” said Bob Fleming, BX-Swan Lake director, pointing to costs and the fact that residents from all jurisdictions use the facilities. The participants also stated they are willing to be flexible in terms of earlier positions. “If it just leads to fighting, we’re willing to bend,” said Jim Garlick, Coldstream director. Specifically, while Coldstream had previously suggested it wanted some parks turned over to its control, it now says the parks can remain part of the collective as long as the municipality can conduct maintenance. “It wouldn’t be much different than the city does right now. We would have a contract with the regional district,” said Garlick. There will also be a need to keep members of Vernon and Coldstream councils informed so the negotiation process doesn’t go off course. “We have to commit to help each other to push this through,” said Hall. Rob Sawatzky, a Vernon director, was pleased with the tone of Wednesday’s session. “We’ve made the first couple of steps and we’re heading in the right direction,” he said.