Coldstream shoots down amalgamation study

by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Jan 13, 2014 at 8:00 PM
The push to investigate governance options in Greater Vernon has sustained a significant blow. Coldstream council voted unanimously Monday not to ask the provincial government to fund a study into the pros and cons of merging the municipality with Vernon and the two electoral areas. "It's not in the best interest of Coldstream to proceed with this," said Coun. Pat Cochrane, who made the motion to turn down the request from the Greater Vernon Governance Society. Councillors stated that amalgamation would dilute Coldstream residents' say over major issues and likely lead to increased taxes, while a study would consume financial resources and staff time. "They didn't present any rational reason for going to a study and referendum," said Coun. Peter McClean of the society. The society recently collected 3,160 names, including 816 from Coldstream, asking for a study on governance in Greater Vernon. Vernon council will make a decision on the society request Jan. 27 while the electoral area directors are also considering the possibility of a study. Look for more in Wednesday's Morning Star.
----------------
Coldstream Council has taken a stand on amalgamation study.
Courtesy of the COLDSTREAMER http://coldstreamernews.blogspot.ca/2014/01/coldstream-council-has-taken-stand-on.html

Coldstream Council chambers were filled with residents to hear the presentation by Mr Peter Moore and Mr Bruce Shepard of the Greater Vernon Governance Association. They promoted a study to investigate the pros and cons of "unification" of Vernon, Coldstream and Electoral Areas B and C. Council members have taken turns in questioning the presenters about their reasons for promoting such study again. In 2008 the same group was promoting another potential governance model which eventually died on its own. Both Directors of the above Electoral Areas attended the meeting and spoke against such study. Several residents elected to speak on the issue and except for two of them they all spoke against such study. Many of them passionately defended Coldstream residents right for self governance. Following the presentations Council debated the issue and unanimously supported a motion of non-participation in the proposed study. Based on the stance the Directors of Electoral Areas B and C have taken it is unlikely that the study will proceed pending the results of the next Municipal election.