Pitches made for rec facilities operation

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: April 14, 2013 1:00 AM It’s unknown how Greater Vernon’s recreation amenities will ultimately be operated. Representatives from Vernon, Coldstream and the electoral areas met Thursday to review management of facilities like Wesbild Centre and the recreation complex. “Hopefully we’re open enough to listen to all options and plan a model that addresses concerns,” said Mike Macnabb, BX-Silver Star director. At this point, two possibilities have surfaced: the Regional District of North Okanagan taking on direct management and operation or the city providing the service under a contract. Currently, RDNO administers the facilities but they are operated by the city under contract. A lack of clarity over responsibilities has led to some conflict. “The status quo is not sustainable,” said Jim Garlick, Coldstream director. Through an inter-municipal agreement, the city would manage all matters with the facilities. “It may be more responsive to the public,” said Garlick. He added that a level of bureaucracy would be removed as there would be a more direct decision-making process. “It would be similar to how emergency services and the fire training centre are handled. There is a board that would provide direction to the manager.” The other option would see RDNO continue with management, but also take over operations on a day-to-day basis. “Will the city go along with the regional district running all of the facilities?” asked Garlick. However, Vernon director Rob Sawatzky says the city is not tied to any particular scenario. “We are trying to keep the options open. That’s the whole point of discussions,” he said. “We want to provide a cost-efficient, effective service. We want the model to be responsive to governance and what the community wants.” Macnabb admits the city’s interests need to be considered because it pays much of the function’s costs. “They are the dominant partner so we need to make sure they are happy,” he said. The goal is to have an agreement on management structure before the summer. “I would like to have it well before June but democracy is not always the quickest,” said Sawatzky. It must also be determined if any agreement will just cover sports and recreation or if cultural facilities will be included.
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EDITORIAL: Greater Vernon on right path
Vernon Morming Star Editorial Published: April 14, 2013 1:00 AM
 It’s a breath of fresh air.  After years of fighting, the positive relationship developing between Vernon, Coldstream and the electoral areas is welcome news for residents of all jurisdictions. The most recent example is the  discussion over how recreational facilities should be managed and operated.  Everything appears to be on the table when it comes to options. Coldstream director Jim Garlick suggests that the best model is for the city to manage facilities under a contract. BX director Mike Macnabb admits Vernon’s interests need to be considered because it pays a majority of the budget.However, there’s openness on the other side as the city says it’s not opposed to considering the regional district being the operator and manager. “We want to provide a cost-efficient, effective service. We want the model to be responsive to governance and what the community wants,” said Rob Sawatzky, Vernon director. All of these comments are a welcome departure from the previous firm stances that were drawn in the sand. While some former officials clung to their turf, the current offering of politicians appear willing to look at the broad interests of Greater Vernon as a whole. The challenge, though, is the next election is only a year-and-a-half away and if there are a significant number of new people around the table then, any of the progressive work that is currently being done, could unravel. Because of that, it is vital that our officials try and hammer out a comprehensive agreement that meets everyone’s interests, even if compromises are required. If the pact is sound, future generations may be reluctant to return  to jurisdictional battles.