Written by 107.5 Kiss FM Sunday, 31 August 2014 13:00
Starting today, parents of public school students 12 years old and under can register at http://bcparentinfo.ca/ to receive $40 per student for each day school is not in session due to the ongoing labour disruption in B.C. public schools. The Temporary Education Support for Parents (TESP) program is intended to help parents with the added cost of learning and supervision for the duration of the labour disruption. Parents and primary caregivers are eligible to apply. Primary caregivers can include step-parents, legal guardians, foster parents, host parents for international students, caregivers with temporary custody arrangements, and family members who normally care for the student, such as grandparents. To register parents and primary caregivers will need to provide the name, address, date of birth, school district number and school for each eligible student. Payment will be made by cheque in a single payment mailed to the address provided during registration. Most payments will be processed within 30 days after the month that the labour disruption ends. Payments for students attending kindergarten, and for students who are new to B.C. public schools, will also be made after the labour disruption ends, once enrolment for the current school year can be confirmed. Eligible parents will have four months from the end of the month in which the labour disruption is settled to register for the temporary education support. No new registrations will be accepted after this date. For those without access to a computer, registration by paper form is also available by calling 1 877 387-3332 or 250 387-3332. The payment is not taxable and will not affect provincial and federal tax credits and benefits such as the new BC Early Childhood Tax Benefit, BC Low Income Climate Action Tax Credit, Sales Tax Credit or the federal Canada Child Tax Benefit or GST credit. The payment will not impact other provincial support assistance such as income or disability assistance, child care subsidy, subsidized housing,MSP subsidies, or Fair Pharmacare.
Sunday, August 31, 2014
Saturday, August 30, 2014
RDNO Webpage for Water referendum Vote Online.
Greater Vernon Water (GVW) is proceeding with water system improvements recommended in the Master Water Plan (MWP) to minimize health risks, comply with regulatory requirements, and reduce the impacts of drought on our community.
The Province of BC requires public approval of long-term borrowing for water system upgrades. On November 15, 2014, GVW will conduct a borrowing referendum.
Are you in favour of borrowing up to $70 million to complete MWP Priority (Phase 1 ) Projects?
Compare the consequences of a YES and NO vote below, and follow the links to learn more about our regional water utility and MWP priority projects.
Master Water Plan
- Key Features
- Priority Projects (clickable map)
- Sources of Funding
Water Vote 2014
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| http://vernonblog.blogspot.ca/2014/05/water-referendum-question-finalized.html |
Friday, August 29, 2014
Second meeting over plant
by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Aug 29, 2014 at 1:00 AM— updated Aug 29, 2014 at 6:00 AM
Vernon School District officials will gather more input on a proposed pellet plant, but they admit there is little they can do to stop the Lavington facility. Trustees voted Wednesday to hold another meeting Sept. 2 on the topic after a request came from parents concerned about the potential impact pellet dust would have on the health of Lavington Elementary students. “We want parents to have an opportunity to provide their views. We need to listen to them,” said trustee John Armstrong. However, Armstrong admits the district’s role is limited as the final decision about the plant will be made by the Ministry of Environment. “We don’t have any influence over the process but we can get educated and express our concerns to other jurisdictions,” he said. The Sept. 2 meeting will be at 4 p.m. at the school board office. “Comments will be restricted to safety,” said Bill Turanski, board chairperson. “We have no jurisdiction over whether the District of Coldstream did the right thing or not (with rezoning the property).” On Wednesday, trustees received a presentation from Pinnacle Renewable Energy, which is proposing the pellet plant in conjunction with Tolko Industries. “We don’t see that there’s a lot of risk here,” said Leroy Reitsma, Pinnacle president. Pinnacle says the nearest emission point would be 356 metres from the school, with the average distance of emission being 410 metres. “The proposed emissions are below standards and it’s proven technology,” said Reitsma. Parents in the audience demanded there be a second board meeting so they could speak directly to trustees. “It’s children at the school with a sawmill next door and that requires balance,” said one parent Wednesday. However, Reitsma pointed out that the official input process for the proposal is over and his company is proceeding with its application to the Ministry of Environment, which will review all information before making a decision. “Boards, including yours, are being asked to step in as experts and make opinions and that’s not appropriate,” he told trustees.
Vernon School District officials will gather more input on a proposed pellet plant, but they admit there is little they can do to stop the Lavington facility. Trustees voted Wednesday to hold another meeting Sept. 2 on the topic after a request came from parents concerned about the potential impact pellet dust would have on the health of Lavington Elementary students. “We want parents to have an opportunity to provide their views. We need to listen to them,” said trustee John Armstrong. However, Armstrong admits the district’s role is limited as the final decision about the plant will be made by the Ministry of Environment. “We don’t have any influence over the process but we can get educated and express our concerns to other jurisdictions,” he said. The Sept. 2 meeting will be at 4 p.m. at the school board office. “Comments will be restricted to safety,” said Bill Turanski, board chairperson. “We have no jurisdiction over whether the District of Coldstream did the right thing or not (with rezoning the property).” On Wednesday, trustees received a presentation from Pinnacle Renewable Energy, which is proposing the pellet plant in conjunction with Tolko Industries. “We don’t see that there’s a lot of risk here,” said Leroy Reitsma, Pinnacle president. Pinnacle says the nearest emission point would be 356 metres from the school, with the average distance of emission being 410 metres. “The proposed emissions are below standards and it’s proven technology,” said Reitsma. Parents in the audience demanded there be a second board meeting so they could speak directly to trustees. “It’s children at the school with a sawmill next door and that requires balance,” said one parent Wednesday. However, Reitsma pointed out that the official input process for the proposal is over and his company is proceeding with its application to the Ministry of Environment, which will review all information before making a decision. “Boards, including yours, are being asked to step in as experts and make opinions and that’s not appropriate,” he told trustees.
Cosens Bay Road a hot topic
by Jennifer Smith - Vernon Morning Star posted Aug 29, 2014 at 1:00 AM— updated Aug 29, 2014 at 6:01 AM
Speculation that work on Cosens Bay Road will result in a two-lane highway through Kal Lake Park is just that, speculation, according to government officials. The Ministry of Transportation says it has no such plans for the road. All it wants to do is make the dirt road a bit safer to travel on and save itself some maintenance costs. “We have to maintain the road and we’re hearing from residents and users, and our road maintenance contractors, that it is not safe,” said Erik Lachmuth, area manager of roads for the ministry. Lachmuth repeatedly explained this to some of the dozens of individuals who packed the Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park open house Wednesday at the Prestige Hotel. The open house detailed plans for the proposed boundary adjustment the ministry is seeking from B.C. Parks in order to establish a 30-metre-wide right-of-way where Cosens Bay Road traverses the park. Passion over the issue was evident, as one individual raised his voice against the proposal, causing a response from some cabin owners. Despite speculation, the right-of-way is simply to allow the ministry to work on the more rugged, treed section of the road, says Lachmuth. “This isn’t what will spur development.” The work includes brushing (cutting trees back next to road) to improve sightlines, digging new ditches for proper drainage so the road doesn’t wash out as easily, add gravel to build up the road and install additional road safety signage. “Our annual maintenance costs on that road are really high,” said Lachmuth. “We have to bring in a grader three or four times more often than most other roads.” Although the ministry is mandated to take care of the road, it cannot do such work without the boundary adjustment. Phil McGrew lives eight months out of the year at his cabin at Cosens Bay and is eager to see improvements on the road, before someone is injured. “This isn’t about a 30-metre-wide roadway, it’s about some minor fixes,” said McGrew. “We don’t want 30 metres of paved road either.” Meanwhile, close to 1,500 signatures have been gathered on a Friends of Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park petition opposed to the plans. And there are other groups concerned. “We hike out there a lot and we’re very concerned about the wildlife,” said Robyn Thornton, with the North Okanagan Naturalists Club. Miranda Williams has concerns that this work could pave the way for future upgrades, such as demands for power and sewer to the cabins. “This is just the start,” she said, pointing out that the cabins used to be boat access only. “There shouldn’t even be a road.” Meanwhile, many of the cabin owners say they too respect the park and do not want to upset the delicate natural environment, they just want safe access to their cabins. “We are as much friends of the park as Friends of Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park are,” said Rob Johnston, spokesperson for 51 owners. Consultations will continue through the spring of 2015, after which an environmental impact assessment will be done and final application is submitted to B.C. Parks. It must then be passed in the Legislature.
Speculation that work on Cosens Bay Road will result in a two-lane highway through Kal Lake Park is just that, speculation, according to government officials. The Ministry of Transportation says it has no such plans for the road. All it wants to do is make the dirt road a bit safer to travel on and save itself some maintenance costs. “We have to maintain the road and we’re hearing from residents and users, and our road maintenance contractors, that it is not safe,” said Erik Lachmuth, area manager of roads for the ministry. Lachmuth repeatedly explained this to some of the dozens of individuals who packed the Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park open house Wednesday at the Prestige Hotel. The open house detailed plans for the proposed boundary adjustment the ministry is seeking from B.C. Parks in order to establish a 30-metre-wide right-of-way where Cosens Bay Road traverses the park. Passion over the issue was evident, as one individual raised his voice against the proposal, causing a response from some cabin owners. Despite speculation, the right-of-way is simply to allow the ministry to work on the more rugged, treed section of the road, says Lachmuth. “This isn’t what will spur development.” The work includes brushing (cutting trees back next to road) to improve sightlines, digging new ditches for proper drainage so the road doesn’t wash out as easily, add gravel to build up the road and install additional road safety signage. “Our annual maintenance costs on that road are really high,” said Lachmuth. “We have to bring in a grader three or four times more often than most other roads.” Although the ministry is mandated to take care of the road, it cannot do such work without the boundary adjustment. Phil McGrew lives eight months out of the year at his cabin at Cosens Bay and is eager to see improvements on the road, before someone is injured. “This isn’t about a 30-metre-wide roadway, it’s about some minor fixes,” said McGrew. “We don’t want 30 metres of paved road either.” Meanwhile, close to 1,500 signatures have been gathered on a Friends of Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park petition opposed to the plans. And there are other groups concerned. “We hike out there a lot and we’re very concerned about the wildlife,” said Robyn Thornton, with the North Okanagan Naturalists Club. Miranda Williams has concerns that this work could pave the way for future upgrades, such as demands for power and sewer to the cabins. “This is just the start,” she said, pointing out that the cabins used to be boat access only. “There shouldn’t even be a road.” Meanwhile, many of the cabin owners say they too respect the park and do not want to upset the delicate natural environment, they just want safe access to their cabins. “We are as much friends of the park as Friends of Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park are,” said Rob Johnston, spokesperson for 51 owners. Consultations will continue through the spring of 2015, after which an environmental impact assessment will be done and final application is submitted to B.C. Parks. It must then be passed in the Legislature.
Thursday, August 28, 2014
City of Vernon local election nomination papers available September 2
http://www.vernon.ca/news/docs2014/NominationPapersAvailable_Sept2.pdf
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| Positions open on Team |
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Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Wine train stuck
Posted: Tuesday, August 26, 2014 11:00 pm Ron Seymour Kelowna Daily Courier
Removal of the railway tracks from Kelowna has created anxiety for the operator of an ill-fated tourist train. The 11 cars that made up the Okanagan Valley Wine Train have been parked on a Kelowna rail siding since the venture stopped running in 2002. Former operator Bob Nagel says he’s been trying, so far without success, to get CN to send a locomotive down the siding to remove the cars before all the track is ripped up. “This is turning into one of the weirdest chapters of my life,” Nagel said Tuesday from Edmonton. “I’d like them to come get my cars, and take them up to Kamloops, before they get marooned there in Kelowna.” Railway officials have suggested he should look into taking the rail cars off the line and trucking them elsewhere. But Nagel said it would cost far too much to do that. Another option is simply scrapping the cars, some of which date back to the early 1970s. But Nagel said the cars have too much value, and might still be used elsewhere on a tourist train. Nagel said he hoped to hear soon from CN about its willingness to haul the cars, now stored on a siding in an industrial area, to an active railway line. Portions of the track closer to downtown Kelowna have already been removed by CN. Nagel ran the Wine Train from 1998 to 2002, losing more than $1 million on the venture, despite the scenic appeal of the route from Kelowna to Armstrong. “All those lakes, mountains, and farms, that line was probably the most beautiful railway in all of North America,” Nagel said. “People got the ride of their lives.” Although the cars haven’t been used in more than a decade, Nagel said they are in good shape, and he’s in the process of getting them re-certified for use by Transport Canada. Over the years, he’s had offers to buy some of the cars. “But I always said no, because I’ve wanted to sell them as a complete set, and that’s a tough thing to do,” he said. Freight hauling operations on the Vernon-Kelowna railway ceased last summer, and the line is being formally abandoned by CN. Several local governments plan to present a cash offer to CN by early October to acquire the railway right-of-way for a long-distance recreation corridor. CN has said it wants $50 million.
Removal of the railway tracks from Kelowna has created anxiety for the operator of an ill-fated tourist train. The 11 cars that made up the Okanagan Valley Wine Train have been parked on a Kelowna rail siding since the venture stopped running in 2002. Former operator Bob Nagel says he’s been trying, so far without success, to get CN to send a locomotive down the siding to remove the cars before all the track is ripped up. “This is turning into one of the weirdest chapters of my life,” Nagel said Tuesday from Edmonton. “I’d like them to come get my cars, and take them up to Kamloops, before they get marooned there in Kelowna.” Railway officials have suggested he should look into taking the rail cars off the line and trucking them elsewhere. But Nagel said it would cost far too much to do that. Another option is simply scrapping the cars, some of which date back to the early 1970s. But Nagel said the cars have too much value, and might still be used elsewhere on a tourist train. Nagel said he hoped to hear soon from CN about its willingness to haul the cars, now stored on a siding in an industrial area, to an active railway line. Portions of the track closer to downtown Kelowna have already been removed by CN. Nagel ran the Wine Train from 1998 to 2002, losing more than $1 million on the venture, despite the scenic appeal of the route from Kelowna to Armstrong. “All those lakes, mountains, and farms, that line was probably the most beautiful railway in all of North America,” Nagel said. “People got the ride of their lives.” Although the cars haven’t been used in more than a decade, Nagel said they are in good shape, and he’s in the process of getting them re-certified for use by Transport Canada. Over the years, he’s had offers to buy some of the cars. “But I always said no, because I’ve wanted to sell them as a complete set, and that’s a tough thing to do,” he said. Freight hauling operations on the Vernon-Kelowna railway ceased last summer, and the line is being formally abandoned by CN. Several local governments plan to present a cash offer to CN by early October to acquire the railway right-of-way for a long-distance recreation corridor. CN has said it wants $50 million.
Historic Ormsby property sold
by Jennifer Smith - Vernon Morning Star posted Aug 27, 2014 at 1:00 AM
A prime piece of lakefront property, with strong historic roots, has been sold and not preserved for community use. The District of Coldstream had hoped to purchase historian Margaret Ormsby’s home and property on Coldstream Creek Road. Not only would the property extend existing public waterfront from the Mackie and Sovereign properties, but Ormsby’s will noted that the district should have first opportunity to buy the property. Coldstream’s offer was refused, and the property was listed on the open market for $5.9 million. It has sold and is now in private hands. “Council is disappointed that the district was unable to come to some agreement to purchase the property at a reasonable price for a park,” said Mayor Jim Garlick. “I imagine Margaret Ormsby would also be disappointed at the outcome.” Listing agent Craig Broderick, Re/Max Commercial Solutions, says the property generated a substantial amount of interest from various parties. “It speaks to the unique, estate-like characteristics of the property having over 420 feet of frontage on Kalamalka Lake and 2.4 acres offering quite a bit of privacy. The high level of interest also highlights the desirability of the North Okanagan, especially with respect to premium properties.” The property is listed in the Okanagan top 100 valued residential properties for 2014, at No. 90 with a taxable value of $3.5 million. Coldstream has several properties on the list, including one on Kalavista Road ranked No. 10 with a taxable value of $5.586 million. There’s a Ravine Drive property ranked at No. 24 and another Kalavista Drive property at No. 81. The list is comprised of Kelowna and West Kelowna properties with some in Lake Country and Penticton but none in Vernon.
A prime piece of lakefront property, with strong historic roots, has been sold and not preserved for community use. The District of Coldstream had hoped to purchase historian Margaret Ormsby’s home and property on Coldstream Creek Road. Not only would the property extend existing public waterfront from the Mackie and Sovereign properties, but Ormsby’s will noted that the district should have first opportunity to buy the property. Coldstream’s offer was refused, and the property was listed on the open market for $5.9 million. It has sold and is now in private hands. “Council is disappointed that the district was unable to come to some agreement to purchase the property at a reasonable price for a park,” said Mayor Jim Garlick. “I imagine Margaret Ormsby would also be disappointed at the outcome.” Listing agent Craig Broderick, Re/Max Commercial Solutions, says the property generated a substantial amount of interest from various parties. “It speaks to the unique, estate-like characteristics of the property having over 420 feet of frontage on Kalamalka Lake and 2.4 acres offering quite a bit of privacy. The high level of interest also highlights the desirability of the North Okanagan, especially with respect to premium properties.” The property is listed in the Okanagan top 100 valued residential properties for 2014, at No. 90 with a taxable value of $3.5 million. Coldstream has several properties on the list, including one on Kalavista Road ranked No. 10 with a taxable value of $5.586 million. There’s a Ravine Drive property ranked at No. 24 and another Kalavista Drive property at No. 81. The list is comprised of Kelowna and West Kelowna properties with some in Lake Country and Penticton but none in Vernon.
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Pellet Plant Gets Council's Approval
Written by Glen Morrison 107.5 KISSFM Tuesday, 26 August 2014 13:10
The Lavington wood pellet plant has it's final approval from Coldstream council. Mayor Jim Garlick says they gave the rezoning final reading last night, in a 4-3 vote, but notes the Ministry of Environment has the final say. "Coldstream council and district staff, we don't have experts in air quality and meteorology, all the things that need to be done to give air assessment on the concerns," says Garlick. Garlick says if there's an environmental permit issued, then Tolko and Pinnacle will need development and building permits from the district for the 39 million dollar plant. The mayor says the environmental permit will make the process fair for residents and the plant. "If Pinnacle is allowed to move forward, there's also the potential with lowering those numbers, that you're going to have to involve the existing mill and improve fugitive pollutants from that mill," adds Garlick.
The facility is opposed by hundreds of residents due to health concerns from the emissions, although the companies in charge say the technology used will eliminate any health hazards. The Vernon School Board will hold a special meeting Wednesday night at their board office (6 pm) to talk with the proponents about the safety concerns for nearby Lavington Elementary. The special meeting will also discuss the teachers strike.
The Lavington wood pellet plant has it's final approval from Coldstream council. Mayor Jim Garlick says they gave the rezoning final reading last night, in a 4-3 vote, but notes the Ministry of Environment has the final say. "Coldstream council and district staff, we don't have experts in air quality and meteorology, all the things that need to be done to give air assessment on the concerns," says Garlick. Garlick says if there's an environmental permit issued, then Tolko and Pinnacle will need development and building permits from the district for the 39 million dollar plant. The mayor says the environmental permit will make the process fair for residents and the plant. "If Pinnacle is allowed to move forward, there's also the potential with lowering those numbers, that you're going to have to involve the existing mill and improve fugitive pollutants from that mill," adds Garlick.
The facility is opposed by hundreds of residents due to health concerns from the emissions, although the companies in charge say the technology used will eliminate any health hazards. The Vernon School Board will hold a special meeting Wednesday night at their board office (6 pm) to talk with the proponents about the safety concerns for nearby Lavington Elementary. The special meeting will also discuss the teachers strike.
POTENT Exam Answers
Every potential Councillor and Mayor in the upcoming Municipal Election must pass the Political Opportunity To Entertain New Taxpayers (POTENT) Competency Exam. Answers from last exam have been provided to help the passing rate of the next group of would-be Councillors and Mayors!
New $100 gold coin
by The Canadian Press CASTANET - Aug 26, 2014 / 6:38 am
The Royal Canadian Mint will unveil a new $100 gold coin in Charlottetown today that celebrates two key moments in Canada's development. The coin marks the 150th anniversary of the Charlottetown and Quebec conferences which laid the foundation for Canadian nationhood. In 1864, officials from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, P.E.I. and the Province of Canada (Ontario and Quebec) met in Charlottetown to discuss a maritime union. It was at that September meeting where Sir John A. Macdonald proposed the idea of uniting all colonies from east to west. A second meeting a month later in Quebec City produced a framework for the British North America Act, which ultimately led to Confederation in 1867. The top half of the coin features the Charlottetown Colonial Building, now called Province House, as it appeared in 1864. The lower half depicts the Quebec Parliament Buildings where the Chateau Frontenac now stands. The mint‘s website shows the coin will retail for $599.95.
School district calls special meeting on proposed pellet plant
By Charlotte Helston Info-Tel Multimedia August 26, 2014 - 5:00 AM
VERNON - The Vernon School District wants assurances a proposed pellet plant won’t be harmful to student health. Superintendent Joe Rogers says the school board will hear from Pinnacle Renewable Energy and Tolko Wednesday night at a special meeting. The companies want to build the pellet plant near Lavington Elementary, next to Tolko’s existing mill off School Road. “This (meeting) is really about understanding what Pinnacle is doing and what assurances we have around air quality,” Rogers says. Residents and parents were vocal at a District of Coldstream public hearing on the matter, expressing concern about potential effects on air quality due to the plant's emissions. Some parents indicated they would remove their students from Lavington Elementary if the plant goes ahead. The District of Coldstream recently supported a rezoning application from Pinnacle and Tolko, giving them the ability to construct the plant at its intended site. The project still requires permission from the Ministry of Environment in order to proceed. Rogers admits the board has no say on whether the plant is given the green light, adding the meeting is for information only. “We want to ensure staff and students are safe going to school there,” Rogers says. The meeting will be held at the board office on 15 Street at 6 p.m. and is open to the public. The board will be available for questions following Pinnacle and Tolko’s presentation.
VERNON - The Vernon School District wants assurances a proposed pellet plant won’t be harmful to student health. Superintendent Joe Rogers says the school board will hear from Pinnacle Renewable Energy and Tolko Wednesday night at a special meeting. The companies want to build the pellet plant near Lavington Elementary, next to Tolko’s existing mill off School Road. “This (meeting) is really about understanding what Pinnacle is doing and what assurances we have around air quality,” Rogers says. Residents and parents were vocal at a District of Coldstream public hearing on the matter, expressing concern about potential effects on air quality due to the plant's emissions. Some parents indicated they would remove their students from Lavington Elementary if the plant goes ahead. The District of Coldstream recently supported a rezoning application from Pinnacle and Tolko, giving them the ability to construct the plant at its intended site. The project still requires permission from the Ministry of Environment in order to proceed. Rogers admits the board has no say on whether the plant is given the green light, adding the meeting is for information only. “We want to ensure staff and students are safe going to school there,” Rogers says. The meeting will be held at the board office on 15 Street at 6 p.m. and is open to the public. The board will be available for questions following Pinnacle and Tolko’s presentation.
Monday, August 25, 2014
Water Referendum
Don Quixote Note: As part of the run up to the November Referendum of Borrowing $70 m for 6 priority projects the RDNO will be publishing ads explaining these projects. The Coldstreamer (Gyula Kiss) has published his comments on this priority project at the link below. His call for an independent Peer Review was a review that I supported but was rejected at the GVAC and RDNO tables. Consequently the master water plan (Phase 1) will be going to referendum in November.
This is the 2nd in the series of comments by Coldstreamer. (First can be found at http://vernonblog.blogspot.ca/2014/08/water-referendum.html ) ($19.5m)
http://coldstreamernews.blogspot.ca/2014/08/okanagan-lake-pump-station-for.html
This was one of the more controversial proposals by the Consultants during the preparation of the Master Water Plan (MWP). This was presented in the eleventh hour of the discussions. According to the theory it would be cheaper to fill Goose Lake with Okanagan Lake water than using the current method of filling it with Duteau Creek water.
Goose Lake supplies water to about 11% of the total agricultural land of Greater Vernon (about 400 hectares). We could assume that it will also provide about 11% of the total irrigation water which would amount to less than 1,000 ML/y.
Building the pump station for $2.6 million (cost for 20 years is about $182,000 annually with the additional estimated $100,000-160,000 annual pumping costs) would make the project more expensive than using Duteau Creek. It seems ludicrous to spend $2.6 million for a pump station plus $160,000 pumping costs annually to irrigate 400 hectares of agricultural land when the existing system can provide the needed water.
However, the irony is that they are worried about an insignificant cost difference instead of considering the fact that the irrigation water should not be treated at all. If we used the Duteau system for irrigation only with untreated water this expense would disappear (about $6.5 million over 20 years).
They should worry instead about the huge waste in having constructed a giant treatment plant (162 ML/day capacity) of which only 110 ML/d would be needed for the current proposal (at least $10-12 million waste of taxpayers money). Expenditures of water projects should only be used for the domestic water system.
Agriculture should be able to look after their own costs and domestic customers should only cover domestic water costs. Almost all of the proposed $70 million expenditure is planned for agricultural modifications instead of total separation of the systems. It will destabilize the agriculture system and make the whole project very complicated.
How simple would it be to have the old VID system continue supplying untreated irrigation water and the redesigned and expanded domestic system from Kalamalka (or Okanagan) Lake provide the same or even better quality water than the current huge plant is producing mostly for irrigation use at a great expense? Of course, that system would be too simple and everyone could visualize the plans.
There is a need for a new paradigm and not just having staff appointed consultants dictate what direction the plan should go. Trust is important and having spent nearly 14 years on planning the trust, at least for me, is evaporated. We need an independent review!
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This is the 2nd in the series of comments by Coldstreamer. (First can be found at http://vernonblog.blogspot.ca/2014/08/water-referendum.html ) ($19.5m)
 |
| From Morning Star Sunday Aug 24 Edition $2.6 M |
http://coldstreamernews.blogspot.ca/2014/08/okanagan-lake-pump-station-for.html
This was one of the more controversial proposals by the Consultants during the preparation of the Master Water Plan (MWP). This was presented in the eleventh hour of the discussions. According to the theory it would be cheaper to fill Goose Lake with Okanagan Lake water than using the current method of filling it with Duteau Creek water.
Goose Lake supplies water to about 11% of the total agricultural land of Greater Vernon (about 400 hectares). We could assume that it will also provide about 11% of the total irrigation water which would amount to less than 1,000 ML/y.
Building the pump station for $2.6 million (cost for 20 years is about $182,000 annually with the additional estimated $100,000-160,000 annual pumping costs) would make the project more expensive than using Duteau Creek. It seems ludicrous to spend $2.6 million for a pump station plus $160,000 pumping costs annually to irrigate 400 hectares of agricultural land when the existing system can provide the needed water.
However, the irony is that they are worried about an insignificant cost difference instead of considering the fact that the irrigation water should not be treated at all. If we used the Duteau system for irrigation only with untreated water this expense would disappear (about $6.5 million over 20 years).
They should worry instead about the huge waste in having constructed a giant treatment plant (162 ML/day capacity) of which only 110 ML/d would be needed for the current proposal (at least $10-12 million waste of taxpayers money). Expenditures of water projects should only be used for the domestic water system.
Agriculture should be able to look after their own costs and domestic customers should only cover domestic water costs. Almost all of the proposed $70 million expenditure is planned for agricultural modifications instead of total separation of the systems. It will destabilize the agriculture system and make the whole project very complicated.
How simple would it be to have the old VID system continue supplying untreated irrigation water and the redesigned and expanded domestic system from Kalamalka (or Okanagan) Lake provide the same or even better quality water than the current huge plant is producing mostly for irrigation use at a great expense? Of course, that system would be too simple and everyone could visualize the plans.
There is a need for a new paradigm and not just having staff appointed consultants dictate what direction the plan should go. Trust is important and having spent nearly 14 years on planning the trust, at least for me, is evaporated. We need an independent review!
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| http://vernonblog.blogspot.ca/2014/05/water-referendum-question-finalized.html |
NDP Chose Federal Candidate
Written by Glen Morrison 107.5 KISSFM Monday, 25 August 2014 07:21
The first federal party in Okanagan Shuswap has chosen it's candidate for the 2015 vote. The New Democrats chose Cathy Gingras at their Armstrong convention on the weekend. The resident of the Falkland area and a professor at Ontarios Ryerson University beat out Richard Smiley for the nod. Gingras says her focus over the next six months will be to meet people in the riding and develop a better sense of their priorities and concerns. The Conservatives are in the midst of setting up their nomination.
Sunday, August 24, 2014
107.5 KISSFM POLL: Results Final.
 Should north and central Okanagan municipalities pay $50-million dollars to buy the CN Rail line between Vernon and Kelowna? | ||
|---|---|---|
| no | ||
| 44 | 69.8% | |
| yes | ||
| 19 | 30.2% | |
| Number of Voters | : 63 |
Saturday, August 23, 2014
Water Referendum
Friday, August 22, 2014
July inflation rates for Canadian provinces, territories
by The Canadian Press CASTANET - Aug 22, 2014 / 6:00 am
OTTAWA - Canada's national inflation rate was 2.1 per cent in July, Statistics Canada says. Here's what happened in the provinces and territories. (Previous month in brackets):
_ Newfoundland and Labrador 2.2 (2.5)
_ Prince Edward Island 1.8 (2.0)
_ Nova Scotia 2.0 (2.2)
_ New Brunswick 1.8 (2.0)
_ Quebec 1.6 (1.7)
_ Ontario 2.5 (3.0)
_ Manitoba 1.5 (1.9)
_ Saskatchewan 2.5 (2.2)
_ Alberta 2.5 (1.9)
_ British Columbia 1.4 (1.9)
_ Whitehorse, Yukon 1.0 (1.0)
_ Yellowknife, N.W.T., 1.7 (1.8)
_ Iqaluit, Nunavut 1.2 (1.0)
OTTAWA - Canada's national inflation rate was 2.1 per cent in July, Statistics Canada says. Here's what happened in the provinces and territories. (Previous month in brackets):
_ Newfoundland and Labrador 2.2 (2.5)
_ Prince Edward Island 1.8 (2.0)
_ Nova Scotia 2.0 (2.2)
_ New Brunswick 1.8 (2.0)
_ Quebec 1.6 (1.7)
_ Ontario 2.5 (3.0)
_ Manitoba 1.5 (1.9)
_ Saskatchewan 2.5 (2.2)
_ Alberta 2.5 (1.9)
_ British Columbia 1.4 (1.9)
_ Whitehorse, Yukon 1.0 (1.0)
_ Yellowknife, N.W.T., 1.7 (1.8)
_ Iqaluit, Nunavut 1.2 (1.0)
Thursday, August 21, 2014
Gravel Pit Fails To Get Support
Written by Glen Morrison 107.5 KISSFM Thursday, 21 August 2014 15:23
There's still no support for Klayton Mertion's bid for a gravel pit in the BX area of Greater Vernon. He asked again for the regional district board to forward his request for a non farm use on Brentwood Road to the agricultural land commission. RDNO vice chair Rick Fairbairn says it was a specific request. "He wanted the removal of about 52,000 cubic metres of gravel on his property," says Fairbairn. For a second time, he was denied. In the meantime the board has given first reading to two bylaws that would govern mineral extraction and soil removal within the region.
There's still no support for Klayton Mertion's bid for a gravel pit in the BX area of Greater Vernon. He asked again for the regional district board to forward his request for a non farm use on Brentwood Road to the agricultural land commission. RDNO vice chair Rick Fairbairn says it was a specific request. "He wanted the removal of about 52,000 cubic metres of gravel on his property," says Fairbairn. For a second time, he was denied. In the meantime the board has given first reading to two bylaws that would govern mineral extraction and soil removal within the region.
Gold unearthed at Lavington claim
August 21, 2014 - 2:44 PM By Charlotte Helston Info-Tel Multimedia
VERNON - Land in the North Okanagan town of Lavington, B.C. is being explored for gold by a Toronto mining company. The property is made up of four mineral claims covering 1,156 hectares about 10 km east of Vernon. Historically, the property has been explored by other companies, including BP in the 1980s. Asher Resources president and CEO Richard Buzbuzian says a recent drilling program revealed encouraging results, including many meters of gold mineralization at various depths. “From a technical point of view, there’s a lot of gold,” Buzbuzian says. The drilling also indicates previously undiscovered veins are present elsewhere on the property. But mining the site is still a long ways away and pending the results of more testing, Buzbuzian says. “The goal is to continue to explore the project to see what we have there,” Buzbuzian says. Asher’s geologist, Leo Lindinger of Kamloops, says the vast system remains largely under-explored. “There’s at least two other major targets on the property that haven’t even been looked at,” Lindinger says. He says there are some past producing gold mines in the area, as well as several other prospects being looked at on and off. Within southern B.C. in general, he says approximately 20-30 companies are actively exploring sites. The Lavington site is one of two properties owned by Asher Resources. The other is located in Nevada, southeast of Reno.
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http://www.asher-resources.com/s/Home.asp
VERNON - Land in the North Okanagan town of Lavington, B.C. is being explored for gold by a Toronto mining company. The property is made up of four mineral claims covering 1,156 hectares about 10 km east of Vernon. Historically, the property has been explored by other companies, including BP in the 1980s. Asher Resources president and CEO Richard Buzbuzian says a recent drilling program revealed encouraging results, including many meters of gold mineralization at various depths. “From a technical point of view, there’s a lot of gold,” Buzbuzian says. The drilling also indicates previously undiscovered veins are present elsewhere on the property. But mining the site is still a long ways away and pending the results of more testing, Buzbuzian says. “The goal is to continue to explore the project to see what we have there,” Buzbuzian says. Asher’s geologist, Leo Lindinger of Kamloops, says the vast system remains largely under-explored. “There’s at least two other major targets on the property that haven’t even been looked at,” Lindinger says. He says there are some past producing gold mines in the area, as well as several other prospects being looked at on and off. Within southern B.C. in general, he says approximately 20-30 companies are actively exploring sites. The Lavington site is one of two properties owned by Asher Resources. The other is located in Nevada, southeast of Reno.
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http://www.asher-resources.com/s/Home.asp
$50M for rail corridor
by Wayne Moore CASTANET- Aug 21, 2014 / 1:38 pm
CN Rail is asking for a little more than $50M for the 49km rail corridor stretching between Kelowna and the North Okanagan. The rail line was used to haul freight until the operator, Kelowna Pacific Railway, went bankrupt a year ago. It has been the subject of a long, drawn out sales process ever since. Private interests and senior levels of government have shown little or no interest in purchasing the 335 acre right of way meaning local municipalities now have the opportunity to negotiate a purchase. Kelowna Corporate and Real Estate Director, Dough Gilchrist, says there is definitely interest within affected local governments to purchase and protect the right of way. Kelowna, Lake Country, Coldstream and the Regional District of North Okanagan are all on board says Gilchrist, as are the City of Vernon and Regional District of Central Okanagan, even though the corridor doesn't go through their boundaries. At the moment the local Transit Authority has the right to bid, and, if that does not happen, Gilchrist says municipalities would be given a one month window in which to make a bid beginning Sept 6. Discussions between municipalities are still in their early stages. A funding formula as to who would pay what and who would own what are yet to be determined. Suffice it to say, provincial and federal government support is paramount. "We have had discussions with the provincial and federal MLAs and ministers and we are hoping for a partnership on an acquisition. Those discussions are on-going," says Gilchrist. "I think everyone sees this as a positive and exciting opportunity, but we all have our priorities in different levels of government. Whether this is a high enough priority and one that each agency can find funding to participate in has yet to be seen." Gilchrist says municipalities are hopeful because it would be extremely difficult to foot the bill alone. While CN has its asking price, Gilchrist says municipalities have done some preliminary studies concerning the worth of the land. He wouldn't divulge what that amount is and where the negotiation price may start."You know better than to ask that," says Gilchrist.
A Vernon based group, Okanagan Rail Trails, headed by Brad Clements, is hopeful the affected municipalities can purchase the corridor in order to construct a trail linking the North Okanagan and Kelowna. He says his organization is willing to raise the necessary funds, between $4M and $7M for a trail. "We've talked to various businesses and individuals and there are federal programs we could apply for," says Clements. "Everyone is confident that if we can get the land the public will step forward and help turn it into a trail." Gilchrist says the goal, first and foremost, is to acquire the corridor from CN. "What it gets used for in the future I think is something we have to be flexible on," says Gilchrist. "A trail is an interesting idea. Rapid bus...who knows what forms of transportation it might include in the future. Many, many years down the road I know people have raised the idea of some form of rapid transit (light rail). I wouldn't exclude that from the potentials." If an acceptable bid is presented, then negotiations with CN would begin. If the early October deadline passes without an acceptable offer, CN could then open the process to anyone and everyone. "The property was purchased by CN in the 20s and 30s lot by lot so, if you look at the property line, it is already sub-divided so they can technically then sell it lot by lot," claims Clements. "We are confident that day it's for (open) sale, some of those lots will be bought. - then it's gone forever."
CN Rail is asking for a little more than $50M for the 49km rail corridor stretching between Kelowna and the North Okanagan. The rail line was used to haul freight until the operator, Kelowna Pacific Railway, went bankrupt a year ago. It has been the subject of a long, drawn out sales process ever since. Private interests and senior levels of government have shown little or no interest in purchasing the 335 acre right of way meaning local municipalities now have the opportunity to negotiate a purchase. Kelowna Corporate and Real Estate Director, Dough Gilchrist, says there is definitely interest within affected local governments to purchase and protect the right of way. Kelowna, Lake Country, Coldstream and the Regional District of North Okanagan are all on board says Gilchrist, as are the City of Vernon and Regional District of Central Okanagan, even though the corridor doesn't go through their boundaries. At the moment the local Transit Authority has the right to bid, and, if that does not happen, Gilchrist says municipalities would be given a one month window in which to make a bid beginning Sept 6. Discussions between municipalities are still in their early stages. A funding formula as to who would pay what and who would own what are yet to be determined. Suffice it to say, provincial and federal government support is paramount. "We have had discussions with the provincial and federal MLAs and ministers and we are hoping for a partnership on an acquisition. Those discussions are on-going," says Gilchrist. "I think everyone sees this as a positive and exciting opportunity, but we all have our priorities in different levels of government. Whether this is a high enough priority and one that each agency can find funding to participate in has yet to be seen." Gilchrist says municipalities are hopeful because it would be extremely difficult to foot the bill alone. While CN has its asking price, Gilchrist says municipalities have done some preliminary studies concerning the worth of the land. He wouldn't divulge what that amount is and where the negotiation price may start."You know better than to ask that," says Gilchrist.
A Vernon based group, Okanagan Rail Trails, headed by Brad Clements, is hopeful the affected municipalities can purchase the corridor in order to construct a trail linking the North Okanagan and Kelowna. He says his organization is willing to raise the necessary funds, between $4M and $7M for a trail. "We've talked to various businesses and individuals and there are federal programs we could apply for," says Clements. "Everyone is confident that if we can get the land the public will step forward and help turn it into a trail." Gilchrist says the goal, first and foremost, is to acquire the corridor from CN. "What it gets used for in the future I think is something we have to be flexible on," says Gilchrist. "A trail is an interesting idea. Rapid bus...who knows what forms of transportation it might include in the future. Many, many years down the road I know people have raised the idea of some form of rapid transit (light rail). I wouldn't exclude that from the potentials." If an acceptable bid is presented, then negotiations with CN would begin. If the early October deadline passes without an acceptable offer, CN could then open the process to anyone and everyone. "The property was purchased by CN in the 20s and 30s lot by lot so, if you look at the property line, it is already sub-divided so they can technically then sell it lot by lot," claims Clements. "We are confident that day it's for (open) sale, some of those lots will be bought. - then it's gone forever."
Rail Sale Possibly Local Deal
Written by Glen Morrison 107.5 KISSFM Thursday, 21 August 2014 06:11
A local effort to buy most of the abandoned rail line from Vernon to Kelowna is being set up. Kelowna's community planning and real estate director, Doug Gilchrist, has told the Courier it's a co operative effort involving Kelowna, Lake Country, Coldstream and RDNO. A land claim on 2.5 kilometers of the track has been filed by the Okanagan Indian Band, Gilchrist says what they'd be after is the rest. He says CN's put a 50 million dollar price tag on the line as a whole. No trains have rolled on the line since last summer and CN has already ripped up some track in Kelowna. Gilchrist says they're hoping to have a bid in by October 5th.
A local effort to buy most of the abandoned rail line from Vernon to Kelowna is being set up. Kelowna's community planning and real estate director, Doug Gilchrist, has told the Courier it's a co operative effort involving Kelowna, Lake Country, Coldstream and RDNO. A land claim on 2.5 kilometers of the track has been filed by the Okanagan Indian Band, Gilchrist says what they'd be after is the rest. He says CN's put a 50 million dollar price tag on the line as a whole. No trains have rolled on the line since last summer and CN has already ripped up some track in Kelowna. Gilchrist says they're hoping to have a bid in by October 5th.
Annual Report - Public Questions & Staff Responses
2013 Annual Report
Response to AGM July 14, 2014 - 282 Kb
Don Quixote Note: 1 member of the public (in writing) and 1 other verbally submitted questions re the 2103 ANNUAL REPORT. The staff responses have been posted at the above link.
Response to AGM July 14, 2014 - 282 Kb
Don Quixote Note: 1 member of the public (in writing) and 1 other verbally submitted questions re the 2103 ANNUAL REPORT. The staff responses have been posted at the above link.
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
BC RCMP Facing Cuts Of $4.2M
Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM Wednesday, 20 August 2014 17:11
RCMP in BC have confirmed media reports about funding cuts. Deputy Commissioner Craig Callens says they are facing a 4.2 million dollar reduction to their provincial budget the next year. He says 2.8 million dollars will be chopped from the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit which targets organized crime, and 1.4 million less --13 investigators-- for the Major Crime program which looks into unsolved homicides and missing person cases. "We remain committed to delivering quality police services to British Columbians. However, policing costs money and we have less to work with. There will be fewer police officers available in these specialized areas tomorrow than there were yesterday," says Callens. NDP Safety critic Mike Farnworth calls the Liberal cuts reckless saying they will hinder police in gang enforcement, and leave more murders and missing persons cases unsolved. "The Liberal government claims to be concerned about gang violence and missing persons, but the truth is they are trying to walk away from both issues by removing funding," says Farnworth.
RCMP in BC have confirmed media reports about funding cuts. Deputy Commissioner Craig Callens says they are facing a 4.2 million dollar reduction to their provincial budget the next year. He says 2.8 million dollars will be chopped from the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit which targets organized crime, and 1.4 million less --13 investigators-- for the Major Crime program which looks into unsolved homicides and missing person cases. "We remain committed to delivering quality police services to British Columbians. However, policing costs money and we have less to work with. There will be fewer police officers available in these specialized areas tomorrow than there were yesterday," says Callens. NDP Safety critic Mike Farnworth calls the Liberal cuts reckless saying they will hinder police in gang enforcement, and leave more murders and missing persons cases unsolved. "The Liberal government claims to be concerned about gang violence and missing persons, but the truth is they are trying to walk away from both issues by removing funding," says Farnworth.
Mayor's field already crowded
by Wayne Moore | CASTANET - Aug 20, 2014 / 5:00 am
If early numbers are any indication, Kelowna's mayoralty race is going to be a very crowded affair. Without an incumbent in the field it appears anyone and everyone is willing to take a shot at the open mayor's chair. Since the window for picking up nomination papers opened just two-and-a-half days ago, seven people have stopped into City Hall to pick mayoralty papers. Of those, six have allowed their names to go public. Only one, current councillor Colin Basran, has any political experience, and he has just one term under his belt. Andrew Uitvlugt is taking a third stab after failed attempts in 2002 (1,937 votes/12.06%) and 2005 (73 votes/0.28%). He also finished last in a record field of 40 seeking a council seat in 2011. Also tossing down the gauntlet are Kelly Row, Samuel Condy, James Murphy and Dale Myrdal. Another 11 prospective candidates have picked up councillor nomination forms. These include current councillor, Luke Stack and former councillor Carol Gran. James Murphy is taking a third stab at a council seat after failing in the 2009 by-election and 2011 general election while Cal Condy, unsuccessful in his mayoralty bid in 2011 is back looking for a council seat. Also picking up packages were Rawlie James, Margaret-Ann Gfeller, David Boyko, Patrick Doyle and Geoff Turton. Three others asked that their names not be released. One nomination package was picked up for a school trustee. While 19 nomination packages have been picked up, the date for officially filing papers does not open until 9 a.m. Tuesday, Sept 30. It will be then that the three races will take shape. In 2011, a record 40 people ran for council with another five seeking the mayor's chair.
If early numbers are any indication, Kelowna's mayoralty race is going to be a very crowded affair. Without an incumbent in the field it appears anyone and everyone is willing to take a shot at the open mayor's chair. Since the window for picking up nomination papers opened just two-and-a-half days ago, seven people have stopped into City Hall to pick mayoralty papers. Of those, six have allowed their names to go public. Only one, current councillor Colin Basran, has any political experience, and he has just one term under his belt. Andrew Uitvlugt is taking a third stab after failed attempts in 2002 (1,937 votes/12.06%) and 2005 (73 votes/0.28%). He also finished last in a record field of 40 seeking a council seat in 2011. Also tossing down the gauntlet are Kelly Row, Samuel Condy, James Murphy and Dale Myrdal. Another 11 prospective candidates have picked up councillor nomination forms. These include current councillor, Luke Stack and former councillor Carol Gran. James Murphy is taking a third stab at a council seat after failing in the 2009 by-election and 2011 general election while Cal Condy, unsuccessful in his mayoralty bid in 2011 is back looking for a council seat. Also picking up packages were Rawlie James, Margaret-Ann Gfeller, David Boyko, Patrick Doyle and Geoff Turton. Three others asked that their names not be released. One nomination package was picked up for a school trustee. While 19 nomination packages have been picked up, the date for officially filing papers does not open until 9 a.m. Tuesday, Sept 30. It will be then that the three races will take shape. In 2011, a record 40 people ran for council with another five seeking the mayor's chair.
Municipal Election Forums Announced
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| http://www.ticketseller.ca/896 |
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| http://www.ticketseller.ca/897 |
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http://www.vernon.ca/election2014/index.html
Persons interested in being nominated to run in the 2014 General Local Elections can pick up a nomination package, at City Hall, commencing Tuesday, September 2, 2014, from the Chief or Deputy Elections Officer. The Nomination package requires a $100.00 deposit, which is refunded upon a candidate filing their Campaign Financing documents. The Nomination Period in which the Chief Elections Officer can receive nomination papers is from 9:00 am Tuesday, September 30 until 4:00 pm Friday, October 10, 2014.
http://www.districtofcoldstream.ca/election/
September 2, 2014 Nomination packages available for pickup
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Proposed Lavington pellet plant moves forward
August 19, 2014 - 1:20 PM By Charlotte Helston Info-Tel Multimedia
COLDSTREAM - A controversial pellet plant has overcome a significant hurdle. Pinnacle Renewable Energy and Tolko Industries have the go ahead to rezone the land intended for the plant though it wasn’t an easy, or unanimous decision for Coldstream council. Third reading of the rezoning bylaw scraped through deliberations with four councillors voting in favour of it and three against. The bylaw, which would allow the construction of a pellet plant next to the existing Tolko mill off School Road in Lavington, will go through final adoption in the coming weeks. “It was after many hours of deliberations and many presentations from industry experts, from the proponents and from the people that live in Lavington and from the general population,” Coun. Maria Besso, who supported the application, says. “It was done with a lot of consideration.” Council’s approval comes with several recommendations to the Ministry of Environment, should it allow the plant to go ahead. “We’ve said don’t issue a permit unless (Pinnacle) meets the provincial air quality guidelines,” Besso says. Council also asked for two ambient air quality monitoring stations — one at nearby Lavington Elementary and another at the factory’s greatest anticipated point of particulate discharge — if the plant is approved. Additionally, council wants stack testing monitors to measure the plant’s emissions. Local residents have expressed fierce opposition to the plant, saying it would have negative effects on peoples’ health and on the environment. Council reopened a public hearing on the matter earlier this summer to give residents another opportunity to give input. “I can very much relate with their concerns, I have those concerns for the entire valley,” Besso says. “Rezoning 7.1 acres to put a pellet plant on is just the tip of the iceberg. This has brought attention to the fact that our background air quality is very bad. Because of the shape of the valley and the inversions, pollutants tend to stay.” That’s why Coldstream is looking into the idea of creating an air quality committee at the regional district level. While a large portion of deliberations were focused on health and safety, another important part of the conversation was economic development. “As politicians we have to consider the health and welfare of citizens first, but part of the health and welfare of the community has got to be jobs and the economy,” Besso says. “This pellet plant would create 18-20 jobs but it also helps anchor the financial viability of the existing Tolko planer mill and the financial viability of the railroad.”
COLDSTREAM - A controversial pellet plant has overcome a significant hurdle. Pinnacle Renewable Energy and Tolko Industries have the go ahead to rezone the land intended for the plant though it wasn’t an easy, or unanimous decision for Coldstream council. Third reading of the rezoning bylaw scraped through deliberations with four councillors voting in favour of it and three against. The bylaw, which would allow the construction of a pellet plant next to the existing Tolko mill off School Road in Lavington, will go through final adoption in the coming weeks. “It was after many hours of deliberations and many presentations from industry experts, from the proponents and from the people that live in Lavington and from the general population,” Coun. Maria Besso, who supported the application, says. “It was done with a lot of consideration.” Council’s approval comes with several recommendations to the Ministry of Environment, should it allow the plant to go ahead. “We’ve said don’t issue a permit unless (Pinnacle) meets the provincial air quality guidelines,” Besso says. Council also asked for two ambient air quality monitoring stations — one at nearby Lavington Elementary and another at the factory’s greatest anticipated point of particulate discharge — if the plant is approved. Additionally, council wants stack testing monitors to measure the plant’s emissions. Local residents have expressed fierce opposition to the plant, saying it would have negative effects on peoples’ health and on the environment. Council reopened a public hearing on the matter earlier this summer to give residents another opportunity to give input. “I can very much relate with their concerns, I have those concerns for the entire valley,” Besso says. “Rezoning 7.1 acres to put a pellet plant on is just the tip of the iceberg. This has brought attention to the fact that our background air quality is very bad. Because of the shape of the valley and the inversions, pollutants tend to stay.” That’s why Coldstream is looking into the idea of creating an air quality committee at the regional district level. While a large portion of deliberations were focused on health and safety, another important part of the conversation was economic development. “As politicians we have to consider the health and welfare of citizens first, but part of the health and welfare of the community has got to be jobs and the economy,” Besso says. “This pellet plant would create 18-20 jobs but it also helps anchor the financial viability of the existing Tolko planer mill and the financial viability of the railroad.”
Coldstream gives green light to pellet plant
by Jennifer Smith - Vernon Morning Star posted Aug 18, 2014 at 1:00 AM— updated Aug 19, 2014 at 12:12 AM
Despite a strong opposition from neighbours, who fought with sweat and tears, Coldstream council is giving the green light for a pellet plant in Lavington. Local politicians heard virtually every comment, concern and fact about pellet plants during Monday night's public hearing, which went on for nearly six hours, and was ontop of a four-hour hearing last week. In the end it was one vote that earned Pinnacle Renewable Energy and Tolko Industries third reading of a zoning change which will permit construction of a pellet plant. Councillors Doug Dirk, Richard Enns and Gyula Kiss opposed the decision. Pinnacle still needs approval from the Ministry of Environment and further permits from the District of Coldstream before it can proceed with construction of plant, which is proposed off School Road adjacent to the existing planer mill, which is near Lavington Elementary. Check back for further details and see Wednesday's edition of The Morning Star.
Despite a strong opposition from neighbours, who fought with sweat and tears, Coldstream council is giving the green light for a pellet plant in Lavington. Local politicians heard virtually every comment, concern and fact about pellet plants during Monday night's public hearing, which went on for nearly six hours, and was ontop of a four-hour hearing last week. In the end it was one vote that earned Pinnacle Renewable Energy and Tolko Industries third reading of a zoning change which will permit construction of a pellet plant. Councillors Doug Dirk, Richard Enns and Gyula Kiss opposed the decision. Pinnacle still needs approval from the Ministry of Environment and further permits from the District of Coldstream before it can proceed with construction of plant, which is proposed off School Road adjacent to the existing planer mill, which is near Lavington Elementary. Check back for further details and see Wednesday's edition of The Morning Star.
Monday, August 18, 2014
Performing Arts Centre Gets $324,000 Upgrade
Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM Monday, 18 August 2014 16:00
An upgrade is now complete at the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre. It includes a new sound system, along with new HD TV's in the lobby, dressing rooms and green room. "The Centre's new sound system was installed over 2013-2014 and consists of a new stereo curvilinear Myer line array, a Turbosound onstage monitor system and a Digico SD9 sound console," says Brian van Wensem, Audience Development, at the PAC. Van Wensem says patrons and performers will enjoy the new HD TVs. "Broadcasting to these TVs is a new HD Closed-Circuit Camera portraying a clear picture of the stage to audience members watching from the lobby and performers watching for cues backstage," he says. Staff say new ticket scanners will be faster and more reliable, while patron safety will be further enhanced by new handrails and two new Automatic External Defibrillators, one in the lobby and another backstage. Some of the funds from the 324-thousand dollar upgrade have came from grants from all three levels of government including the Department of Canadian Heritage, and the Regional District of North Okanagan.
Richard Smiley Enters Federal NDP Race
For Immediate Release August 17, 2014
Richard Smiley is officially a candidate for nomination as the NDP candidate in the next federal election. Smiley, who has been campaigning since the spring at community events in the North Okanagan-Shuswap riding, recently received notification that federal office has approved his candidacy. "It's a bit of a relief, but I've acted all along as if it would be accepted", said Smiley who went to school in Salmon Arm. He has a degree in Political Science from UBC, a teaching certificate, and BA in Agriculture - subtropical horticulture - from Hebrew University, Israel."All my life, I and my family have been involved in social and environmental battles and this one (Northern Gateway pipeline) has to be the biggest of all: We have a planet to save, and precious little time to do it in." In 2013 Smiley was elected to the provincial NDP's Standing Committee on Agriculture and has worked locally to promote the apple cider and nut tree industries.
Two candidates, Smiley and Gingras, will be on the ballot when the NDP membership meets on Saturday, August 23rd in Armstrong to elect their representative in the next federal election.
Nick Hodge, President North Okanagan-Shuswap NDP 250 309-7393. http://okshuswapndp.blogspot.ca/
Richard Smiley is officially a candidate for nomination as the NDP candidate in the next federal election. Smiley, who has been campaigning since the spring at community events in the North Okanagan-Shuswap riding, recently received notification that federal office has approved his candidacy. "It's a bit of a relief, but I've acted all along as if it would be accepted", said Smiley who went to school in Salmon Arm. He has a degree in Political Science from UBC, a teaching certificate, and BA in Agriculture - subtropical horticulture - from Hebrew University, Israel."All my life, I and my family have been involved in social and environmental battles and this one (Northern Gateway pipeline) has to be the biggest of all: We have a planet to save, and precious little time to do it in." In 2013 Smiley was elected to the provincial NDP's Standing Committee on Agriculture and has worked locally to promote the apple cider and nut tree industries.
Two candidates, Smiley and Gingras, will be on the ballot when the NDP membership meets on Saturday, August 23rd in Armstrong to elect their representative in the next federal election.
Nick Hodge, President North Okanagan-Shuswap NDP 250 309-7393. http://okshuswapndp.blogspot.ca/
Sunday, August 17, 2014
Signs point way to rarely used lots
by Roger Knox - Vernon Morning Star posted Aug 17, 2014 at 1:00 AM
Three under-utilized parking areas in Vernon are getting directional signage. City council voted in favour of a staff request to spend $30,000 of unexpended funds from the 2013 budget for the design and installation of vehicle directional signs to the Bennett lot on 29th Avenue, the Vernon block on 31st Avenue and the parkade. “We understand a longstanding issue for council, committees, residents, etc. has been proper signage of our under-utilized parking areas in our city centre,” said Cleo Corbett, long range planner for the city. “The (Downtown Vernon Association) DVA is also trying to encourage people to park in these areas to alleviate pressure from metered, on-street parking locations.” Coun. Bob Spiers questioned spending $30,000 “to direct people to three parking lots.” When he asked if the price tag included a consultant, Corbett answered yes. “We do need a transportation engineer to analyze things,” she said. “Every parking lot has to be signed from all different areas to that location and direct people back. Our in-house staff has indicated they don’t have time to finish this.” Coun. Mary-Jo O’Keefe voted in favour of the request, saying the issue has been “talked about forever.” “We’ve gone over the parking issue so often and every single time people talk about there is no appropriate signage to let people know where parking is,” said O’Keefe. “The $30,000 is not a lot of money. We’ve done nothing but complain about lack of signage to those lots forever.” Spiers motioned to spend only $15,000 on the signage but with no seconder, the motion died. Council voted in favour of spending up to $30,000 this year for the signage though Spiers was against it, and councillors Catherine Lord and Brian Quiring were absent from the meeting. Staff also asked council to consider the development of what it calls a wayfinding strategy in 2015. “This can provide a multitude of benefits for residents, visitors and businesses,” said Corbett. “Signage can be used for all types of travellers and can be provided at different scales for vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians.” A visitor and wayfinding sign system was developed in 2006 but the signs have become outdated and do not include the new branding of the city and DVA. A budget for such a strategy in 2015 has yet to be finalized.
Three under-utilized parking areas in Vernon are getting directional signage. City council voted in favour of a staff request to spend $30,000 of unexpended funds from the 2013 budget for the design and installation of vehicle directional signs to the Bennett lot on 29th Avenue, the Vernon block on 31st Avenue and the parkade. “We understand a longstanding issue for council, committees, residents, etc. has been proper signage of our under-utilized parking areas in our city centre,” said Cleo Corbett, long range planner for the city. “The (Downtown Vernon Association) DVA is also trying to encourage people to park in these areas to alleviate pressure from metered, on-street parking locations.” Coun. Bob Spiers questioned spending $30,000 “to direct people to three parking lots.” When he asked if the price tag included a consultant, Corbett answered yes. “We do need a transportation engineer to analyze things,” she said. “Every parking lot has to be signed from all different areas to that location and direct people back. Our in-house staff has indicated they don’t have time to finish this.” Coun. Mary-Jo O’Keefe voted in favour of the request, saying the issue has been “talked about forever.” “We’ve gone over the parking issue so often and every single time people talk about there is no appropriate signage to let people know where parking is,” said O’Keefe. “The $30,000 is not a lot of money. We’ve done nothing but complain about lack of signage to those lots forever.” Spiers motioned to spend only $15,000 on the signage but with no seconder, the motion died. Council voted in favour of spending up to $30,000 this year for the signage though Spiers was against it, and councillors Catherine Lord and Brian Quiring were absent from the meeting. Staff also asked council to consider the development of what it calls a wayfinding strategy in 2015. “This can provide a multitude of benefits for residents, visitors and businesses,” said Corbett. “Signage can be used for all types of travellers and can be provided at different scales for vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians.” A visitor and wayfinding sign system was developed in 2006 but the signs have become outdated and do not include the new branding of the city and DVA. A budget for such a strategy in 2015 has yet to be finalized.
So glad to finally see a stimulus package that works…
- It's a cold day in the small Saskatchewan town of Pumphandle and the streets are deserted. Times are tough, everybody is in debt, and everybody is living on credit.
- A Traveler comes to town and lays a $100 bill on the hotel desk saying he wants to inspect the rooms upstairs to pick one for the night.
- As soon as he walks upstairs, the hotel owner grabs the bill and runs next door to pay his debt to the butcher.
- The butcher takes the $100 and runs down the street to retire his debt to the pig farmer.
- The pig farmer takes the $100 and heads off to pay his bill to his supplier, the Co-op.
- The guy at the Co-op takes the $100 and runs to pay his debt to the local prostitute, who has also been facing hard times and has had to offer her "services" on credit.
- The hooker rushes to the hotel and pays off her room bill with the hotel owner.
- The hotel proprietor then places the $100 back on the counter so the traveler will not suspect anything.
- At that moment the traveler comes down the stairs, states that the rooms are not satisfactory, picks up the $100 bill and leaves.
No one produced anything. No one earned anything...
However, the whole town is now out of debt and now looks to the future with a lot more optimism. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how a "stimulus package" works.
Saturday, August 16, 2014
Friday, August 15, 2014
Intersection to get advance arrows
by Roger Knox - Vernon Morning Star posted Aug 15, 2014 at 1:00 AM
Left-turn advanced arrows have been approved at a contentious Vernon intersection. The city confirmed Tuesday it has an agreement with the transportation ministry to incorporate left-turn arrows north and southbound at 39th Avenue and 32nd Street. The addition of the left-turn arrows is hoped to significantly assist traffic flow towards the Visitor Information Centre, along with the Vernon Recreation Centre and Vernon Performing Arts Centre. “It is great news,” said City of Vernon transportation engineer Amanda Watson. “We put the request in, their traffic engineer did the analysis and now they’re working on the design.” Unfortunately, no time frame has been given as to when the signal will be improved with the addition of the left-turn arrows. Discussions between the city and province continue as to costs involved and who will pay. The city hopes a cost-sharing deal can be worked out.
Left-turn advanced arrows have been approved at a contentious Vernon intersection. The city confirmed Tuesday it has an agreement with the transportation ministry to incorporate left-turn arrows north and southbound at 39th Avenue and 32nd Street. The addition of the left-turn arrows is hoped to significantly assist traffic flow towards the Visitor Information Centre, along with the Vernon Recreation Centre and Vernon Performing Arts Centre. “It is great news,” said City of Vernon transportation engineer Amanda Watson. “We put the request in, their traffic engineer did the analysis and now they’re working on the design.” Unfortunately, no time frame has been given as to when the signal will be improved with the addition of the left-turn arrows. Discussions between the city and province continue as to costs involved and who will pay. The city hopes a cost-sharing deal can be worked out.
CP Rail bulldozes gardens
by The Canadian Press |CASTANET - Aug 14, 2014 / 8:36 pm
Community gardeners scrambled to harvest their vegetables and flowers ahead of bulldozer that mowed down years of devotion and hard work along a stretch of abandoned rail line running through Vancouver. The appearance of the bulldozer and accompanying dump truck was the culmination of a growing dispute between Canadian Pacific (TSX:CP) and the City of Vancouver over the value of the land known as the Arbutus Corridor. The once-abandoned 11-kilometre-long rail line has been used for many years by local residents as a greenway to grow their gardens, but in May, CP warned that it would be taking over the land and assessing the current track condition for the possibility of running trains along the route. The company gave residents until July 31 to remove personal items, sheds, storage containers and gardens. Deanna Rexe, who lives in a housing co-op beside the track, said the deadline came and went. But on Thursday, the heavy equipment and CP police officers appeared. Before long, the remains of people's fencing and gardens were being carted out in the dump truck, she said. Rexe and others who have gardens along the line were told by police that they had 20 minutes to clear out. "That's why we're working in a hurry to harvest, and to save the flowers so we can move them elsewhere in the property," she said as she uprooted plants in her garden. Sarah Myambo has been growing vegetables for 25 years on her garden plot and watched as the heavy equipment rolled into the area. "I can't even cry. I have no tears," she said. "I just cannot believe it." CP told residents in a recent letter that contractors will be making their way along the corridor, identifying needed track improvements and removing items throughout August and September. "CP is doing what it said it would do; complete the necessary work, which includes the safe removal of vegetation and obstructions, to begin to get the track and infrastructure in the area up to federal operating standards," spokeswoman Breanne Feigel said in an email. "We approached the work today carefully and were respectful to our neighbours along this corridor. CP Police and other officials were on the property today to ensure public safety as machinery was being used." The company also said on its website that for many years, it has been involved in conversations to convert the Arbutus Corridor for a number of combined public uses, such as "a greenway, public transportation, community gardens and eco-density development." "Despite our efforts, the company and other parties have been unable to achieve a plan for the disposition of this valuable asset," it said. "As such, we are moving forward with upgrading this rail line to ensure it meets the regulated safety requirements for our operations." Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson wasn't available for an interview, but said in an emailed statement, "It's very disappointing, given there is no business case for reactivating cargo trains. We've asked CP to respect the wishes of the local neighbourhood, and to continue to work with the city towards a long-term solution." In late July, Robertson sent a letter to Canadian Pacific CEO Hunter Harrison, noting the city disagrees with the company on a fair market value for the land. He also asked the company to not remove community gardens along the rail line. "In fairness to the residents along the corridor, over the last 14 years there have been no trains, minimal upkeep and little to no interest in this greenway from CP," the letter said. "No one disputes CP’s legal rights; however, the very short notice given for removal of any and all encroaching uses has created a huge amount of anxiety, especially given the many years these uses have been allowed and not objected to by CP."
Community gardeners scrambled to harvest their vegetables and flowers ahead of bulldozer that mowed down years of devotion and hard work along a stretch of abandoned rail line running through Vancouver. The appearance of the bulldozer and accompanying dump truck was the culmination of a growing dispute between Canadian Pacific (TSX:CP) and the City of Vancouver over the value of the land known as the Arbutus Corridor. The once-abandoned 11-kilometre-long rail line has been used for many years by local residents as a greenway to grow their gardens, but in May, CP warned that it would be taking over the land and assessing the current track condition for the possibility of running trains along the route. The company gave residents until July 31 to remove personal items, sheds, storage containers and gardens. Deanna Rexe, who lives in a housing co-op beside the track, said the deadline came and went. But on Thursday, the heavy equipment and CP police officers appeared. Before long, the remains of people's fencing and gardens were being carted out in the dump truck, she said. Rexe and others who have gardens along the line were told by police that they had 20 minutes to clear out. "That's why we're working in a hurry to harvest, and to save the flowers so we can move them elsewhere in the property," she said as she uprooted plants in her garden. Sarah Myambo has been growing vegetables for 25 years on her garden plot and watched as the heavy equipment rolled into the area. "I can't even cry. I have no tears," she said. "I just cannot believe it." CP told residents in a recent letter that contractors will be making their way along the corridor, identifying needed track improvements and removing items throughout August and September. "CP is doing what it said it would do; complete the necessary work, which includes the safe removal of vegetation and obstructions, to begin to get the track and infrastructure in the area up to federal operating standards," spokeswoman Breanne Feigel said in an email. "We approached the work today carefully and were respectful to our neighbours along this corridor. CP Police and other officials were on the property today to ensure public safety as machinery was being used." The company also said on its website that for many years, it has been involved in conversations to convert the Arbutus Corridor for a number of combined public uses, such as "a greenway, public transportation, community gardens and eco-density development." "Despite our efforts, the company and other parties have been unable to achieve a plan for the disposition of this valuable asset," it said. "As such, we are moving forward with upgrading this rail line to ensure it meets the regulated safety requirements for our operations." Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson wasn't available for an interview, but said in an emailed statement, "It's very disappointing, given there is no business case for reactivating cargo trains. We've asked CP to respect the wishes of the local neighbourhood, and to continue to work with the city towards a long-term solution." In late July, Robertson sent a letter to Canadian Pacific CEO Hunter Harrison, noting the city disagrees with the company on a fair market value for the land. He also asked the company to not remove community gardens along the rail line. "In fairness to the residents along the corridor, over the last 14 years there have been no trains, minimal upkeep and little to no interest in this greenway from CP," the letter said. "No one disputes CP’s legal rights; however, the very short notice given for removal of any and all encroaching uses has created a huge amount of anxiety, especially given the many years these uses have been allowed and not objected to by CP."
Thursday, August 14, 2014
Cause of Coldstream Lumber fire uncovered
by Jennifer Smith - Vernon Morning Star posted Aug 14, 2014 at 12:00 PM
The cause of a major fire that broke out at Coldstream Lumber Tuesday has been uncovered. Investigations into the fire revealed that there was a catastrophic failure of fuse boxes which led to electrical arcing. “We’ve had it confirmed through lab tests,” said Coldstream Fire Chief Shane Code. Now that the investigation has wrapped up, the mill is just waiting for BC Hydro to replace the transformer which blew and get power back into the site. Some employees have already been back since the fire, cleaning up the mess. The blaze, which broke out Tuesday morning, completely destroyed the two kilns and melted the front of the planer shed. Damage is estimated at "hundreds of thousands of dollars," said Code.
The cause of a major fire that broke out at Coldstream Lumber Tuesday has been uncovered. Investigations into the fire revealed that there was a catastrophic failure of fuse boxes which led to electrical arcing. “We’ve had it confirmed through lab tests,” said Coldstream Fire Chief Shane Code. Now that the investigation has wrapped up, the mill is just waiting for BC Hydro to replace the transformer which blew and get power back into the site. Some employees have already been back since the fire, cleaning up the mess. The blaze, which broke out Tuesday morning, completely destroyed the two kilns and melted the front of the planer shed. Damage is estimated at "hundreds of thousands of dollars," said Code.
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Plant open for public input
by Jennifer Smith - Vernon Morning Star posted Aug 13, 2014 at 1:00 AM
Coldstream politicians sat quietly for four hours Monday as more than 70 people took turns sharing their thoughts on the proposed pellet plant in Lavington. And they will have their listening ears on again this Monday. The mass turnout is due to the Pinnacle Renewable Energy plant, a partnership with Tolko, which is proposed for Lavington, off School Road. Even though a large number of people spoke up at the public hearing, Coldstream wants to ensure all voices are heard before it decides whether or not to grant the necessary zoning change which would accommodate the pellet plant. “I would really like to hear from new people or new information,” said Mayor Jim Garlick. “I don’t want to re-hash any of this.” Coldstream is also sending a notice to Pinnacle and the Ministry of Environment regarding the emissions approval. “It is stated that we not support the permit if they could not meet the air quality of the objectives of the province,” said Garlick, as there are concerns about the particulate matter, particularly PM 2.5 (on top of fire, traffic and noise). Coldstream is also requesting that if the plant is approved, that there be a monitoring station at Lavington Elementary School and in the area of dispersion. That information must also be made available to the public on an ongoing basis. “There is no safe level of emissions,” said young Jaden Scott, one of many Lavington residents who spoke out at Monday’s public meeting. The PM and fugitive dust are major concerns for Hill Drive resident Crystal Bergman, who said if the plant goes through, she will be pulling her children out of Lavington Elementary. “It’s going to cover the school, school grounds, and park where our children play and exercise, homes, cars, yards and gardens, it’s going to get into the school ventilation systems and those of our homes.” The fugitive dust, which many are concerned about, and already exists from the planer mill and traffic, is going to be eliminated with this new plant, said Ken Thorlakson, co-products manager. “We’re not here to hurt anybody’s children.” His words were echoed by Al Thorlakson, retired president, who says they didn’t invest in pellet plants earlier because they had the same questions the public has. But now: “If we thought this project was a health hazard we wouldn’t proceed.” Al even confirmed that they would pave the exit road from the mill to Hill Drive to further reduce dust. Using a natural product, with no glues or additives, the plant is like those in Poland where you cannot even see the emissions, says Leroy Reitsma, Pinnacles President and CEO. The plant is also aimed at dealing with an excess supply of fibre following the closure of the residual plant in Kamloops. But there remains concerns, including fire hazards, and objections to the plant. And there was one resounding message from those opposed, which was echoed by Rose Brietkrietz. “To represent me, council must reject Pinnacles application.” Coldstream will continue to accept letters until Monday, including comments at the public hearing at 6 p.m. before a decision is possibly made.
Coldstream politicians sat quietly for four hours Monday as more than 70 people took turns sharing their thoughts on the proposed pellet plant in Lavington. And they will have their listening ears on again this Monday. The mass turnout is due to the Pinnacle Renewable Energy plant, a partnership with Tolko, which is proposed for Lavington, off School Road. Even though a large number of people spoke up at the public hearing, Coldstream wants to ensure all voices are heard before it decides whether or not to grant the necessary zoning change which would accommodate the pellet plant. “I would really like to hear from new people or new information,” said Mayor Jim Garlick. “I don’t want to re-hash any of this.” Coldstream is also sending a notice to Pinnacle and the Ministry of Environment regarding the emissions approval. “It is stated that we not support the permit if they could not meet the air quality of the objectives of the province,” said Garlick, as there are concerns about the particulate matter, particularly PM 2.5 (on top of fire, traffic and noise). Coldstream is also requesting that if the plant is approved, that there be a monitoring station at Lavington Elementary School and in the area of dispersion. That information must also be made available to the public on an ongoing basis. “There is no safe level of emissions,” said young Jaden Scott, one of many Lavington residents who spoke out at Monday’s public meeting. The PM and fugitive dust are major concerns for Hill Drive resident Crystal Bergman, who said if the plant goes through, she will be pulling her children out of Lavington Elementary. “It’s going to cover the school, school grounds, and park where our children play and exercise, homes, cars, yards and gardens, it’s going to get into the school ventilation systems and those of our homes.” The fugitive dust, which many are concerned about, and already exists from the planer mill and traffic, is going to be eliminated with this new plant, said Ken Thorlakson, co-products manager. “We’re not here to hurt anybody’s children.” His words were echoed by Al Thorlakson, retired president, who says they didn’t invest in pellet plants earlier because they had the same questions the public has. But now: “If we thought this project was a health hazard we wouldn’t proceed.” Al even confirmed that they would pave the exit road from the mill to Hill Drive to further reduce dust. Using a natural product, with no glues or additives, the plant is like those in Poland where you cannot even see the emissions, says Leroy Reitsma, Pinnacles President and CEO. The plant is also aimed at dealing with an excess supply of fibre following the closure of the residual plant in Kamloops. But there remains concerns, including fire hazards, and objections to the plant. And there was one resounding message from those opposed, which was echoed by Rose Brietkrietz. “To represent me, council must reject Pinnacles application.” Coldstream will continue to accept letters until Monday, including comments at the public hearing at 6 p.m. before a decision is possibly made.
City of Vernon proposes block extensions
by Roger Knox - Vernon Morning Star posted Aug 13, 2014 at 1:00 AM
The City of Vernon believes it has come up with a solution that will allow select residents to join the city’s road and sanitary infrastructure without ruffling Regional District of North Okanagan feathers. The city is proposing a block boundary extension of all properties adjacent to the city’s road and sewer infrastructure. “When septic systems fail, historically we have been asked to rescue it,” said Vernon Mayor Rob Sawatzky. “It’s a very uncomfortable position for us because we want to work with (electoral areas) B and C representatives. “This is an attempt to bring clarity, and bring an end to an ongoing, endless trickle of people asking to join or annex with us.” The city’s current policy regarding boundary extensions is to accept applications from property owners where the property meets certain criteria.This process, however, has shown to be lengthy, contentious and take up a great deal of staff time and resources. In a comprehensive report to council, Kim Flick – the city’s director of community development – proposed that all properties immediately adjacent to a city road and sewer line be offered a one-time opportunity to participate in a block boundary extension process. That would replace a property-by-property approach. Flick said there are 77 RDNO properties adjacent to both the city’s road and sanitary sewer infrastructure, with most of the properties involved located along Silver Star Road, and are part of the rural protection area in the regional growth strategy. The block annexation is proposed to only include these 77 properties. “There are several properties that are adjacent to a sanitary main or have a sewer connection but are not adjacent to a city road,” wrote Flick. “In these cases, the city would have to take on increased costs related to road maintenance and life cycle replacement.” Flick said the block extension process would involve input from all impacted property owners and adjacent residents, including those in the RDNO areas. If the properties ultimately become part of the city, affected property owners would be made aware of any changes in their costs including taxation and utilities. Vernon council will now forward the proposal to RDNO. “We’ll wait and see what they think of our attempt,” said Sawatzky. The motion to send the proposal to RDNO was unanimously supported, though councillors Brian Quiring and Catherine Lord were absent from Monday’s regular meeting.
The City of Vernon believes it has come up with a solution that will allow select residents to join the city’s road and sanitary infrastructure without ruffling Regional District of North Okanagan feathers. The city is proposing a block boundary extension of all properties adjacent to the city’s road and sewer infrastructure. “When septic systems fail, historically we have been asked to rescue it,” said Vernon Mayor Rob Sawatzky. “It’s a very uncomfortable position for us because we want to work with (electoral areas) B and C representatives. “This is an attempt to bring clarity, and bring an end to an ongoing, endless trickle of people asking to join or annex with us.” The city’s current policy regarding boundary extensions is to accept applications from property owners where the property meets certain criteria.This process, however, has shown to be lengthy, contentious and take up a great deal of staff time and resources. In a comprehensive report to council, Kim Flick – the city’s director of community development – proposed that all properties immediately adjacent to a city road and sewer line be offered a one-time opportunity to participate in a block boundary extension process. That would replace a property-by-property approach. Flick said there are 77 RDNO properties adjacent to both the city’s road and sanitary sewer infrastructure, with most of the properties involved located along Silver Star Road, and are part of the rural protection area in the regional growth strategy. The block annexation is proposed to only include these 77 properties. “There are several properties that are adjacent to a sanitary main or have a sewer connection but are not adjacent to a city road,” wrote Flick. “In these cases, the city would have to take on increased costs related to road maintenance and life cycle replacement.” Flick said the block extension process would involve input from all impacted property owners and adjacent residents, including those in the RDNO areas. If the properties ultimately become part of the city, affected property owners would be made aware of any changes in their costs including taxation and utilities. Vernon council will now forward the proposal to RDNO. “We’ll wait and see what they think of our attempt,” said Sawatzky. The motion to send the proposal to RDNO was unanimously supported, though councillors Brian Quiring and Catherine Lord were absent from Monday’s regular meeting.
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Another Public Hearing
Written by Glen Morrison 107.5 KISSFM Tuesday, 12 August 2014 16:45
Round three for the public process on the proposed Pinnacle-Tolko pellet plant will be next Monday night. The public hearing was recessed after 4 hours Monday night and Mayor Jim Garlic says it'll also give both sides more time for questions and answers. He notes residents concerns included increased truck and train traffic, noise and the risk of fire at the plant. Garlick says council has had to get their comments in to the environment ministry already as there's a Friday deadline on the permit process. "We support the proposal if they can meet their requirements within the permitting process of the air quality objective. The other thing we would like is the Ministry of Environment to ask for air qualilty monitoring." That monitoring would be in the area of the Lavington school as well as anywhere particulate might flow.
Round three for the public process on the proposed Pinnacle-Tolko pellet plant will be next Monday night. The public hearing was recessed after 4 hours Monday night and Mayor Jim Garlic says it'll also give both sides more time for questions and answers. He notes residents concerns included increased truck and train traffic, noise and the risk of fire at the plant. Garlick says council has had to get their comments in to the environment ministry already as there's a Friday deadline on the permit process. "We support the proposal if they can meet their requirements within the permitting process of the air quality objective. The other thing we would like is the Ministry of Environment to ask for air qualilty monitoring." That monitoring would be in the area of the Lavington school as well as anywhere particulate might flow.
Coldstream Lumber mop-op
by Ragnar Haagen CASTANET - Aug 12, 2014 / 4:50 pm
A coordinated effort between six fire departments and up to 40 firefighters assisted in dousing a blaze at Coldstream Lumber. "Coldstream is really appreciative of its neighbouring fire departments. They arrived today and provided some well needed support," says Coldstream fire chief, Shane Code acknowledging the help of crews from Lavington, Lumby, Vernon, BX and Armstrong fire halls. He says the fire is now in the overhaul phase as remaining crews are now pulling smoking rubble apart. "We basically have to stay and make sure it's cold and extinguished. There will be a fire watch for at least the next 16 hours." Code also acknowledged the assistance of Coldstream Lumber who assisted with forklifts and heavy equipment. While the cause of the fire is still under investigation, Code says damage is in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. He says a company official estimated they lost about 10 per cent of $1M plus in product at the mill on top of two buildings and two kilns. Despite the product and property loss, Code says no one was hurt. "It's mid August, we have an interface all around us with grass lands...we've got all this product in the yard. We have two adjacent structures, limited access, a train coming down the track someone had to manually stop. Natural gas feed and electrical wires overhead. I'm happy. No one was hurt. It's a good day." (more)
Greater Vernon Water Annual Report online 19,554 ML
http://www.rdno.ca/docs/2012_GVW__Annual_Rpt.pdf
http://www.rdno.ca/docs/2013_GVW__Annual_Rpt.pdf
Answering a question of mine re 'lost water" are 2 excerpts from the 2012 and 2013 annual Water reports. You can see that the total outflow has decreased from 18,811ML in 2012 to 16,217 in 2013. (-2,594 ML).
Total Metered Water has increased from 11,705 ML in 2012 to 12,858ML in 2013 leaving a Total unmetered amount of 3,359 in 2013 compared to am unmetered amount of 7,106 ML in 2012.
http://www.rdno.ca/docs/2013_GVW__Annual_Rpt.pdf
Answering a question of mine re 'lost water" are 2 excerpts from the 2012 and 2013 annual Water reports. You can see that the total outflow has decreased from 18,811ML in 2012 to 16,217 in 2013. (-2,594 ML).
Total Metered Water has increased from 11,705 ML in 2012 to 12,858ML in 2013 leaving a Total unmetered amount of 3,359 in 2013 compared to am unmetered amount of 7,106 ML in 2012.
 |
| 2013 |
 |
| 2012 |
Monday, August 11, 2014
Election Races To Heat Up Soon
Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM Monday, 11 August 2014 06:01
The races for civic elections should start to heat up next month. Several people are said to be considering runs for Vernon mayor, but so far, Klaus Tribes is the only one to declare. The former city councillor says he's had nothing but positive comments since he made his announcement back in April. "I go shopping and people come up to me and say, 'I hope you're going to be our next mayor,' and I don't even know them," says Tribes, who is also a former business owner and police officer. Tribes wasn't surprised current mayor Rob Sawatzky decided not to seek a second term, saying he had assumed that would be the case. "I've been putting together my team and we're working on a number of things, and come September, we'll go full blast," Tribes tells Kiss FM. The official nomination period for municipal candidates is from September 30 to October 10. Election day is November 15.
Sunday, August 10, 2014
Greater Vernon water rates scrutinized
by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Aug 10, 2014 at 1:00 AM
Greater Vernon officials will take a look at the future cost of water. The Greater Vernon Advisory Committee has directed staff to prepare a report so elected officials can discuss the various potential sources of revenue, including taxation, to meet the water utility’s future needs. “We want more information so we can make a decision on rates,” said Coldstream director Jim Garlick. BX-Silver Star director Mike Macnabb wants the capacity of the water system considered as part of the discussions. “Are there other opportunities to sell water beyond what’s been identified? Right now we’re just looking at what we have,” he said.
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Actual Resolution Passed:
That it be recommended to the Board of Directors, staff be directed to prepare a report to facilitate the discussion of future Greater Vernon Water Utility rates. The purpose of the report is to allow the politicians to discuss the various potential sources of revenue, including taxation, to satisfy the future anticipated needs of the water utility. The report should include detailed statistics on the present distribution of revenue (2013), including but not limited to:
a) number of connections of each type, (breaking out Agricultural, Residential, Industrial, Commercial, Institutional, and other)
b) present rates charged, and total income received, for each type of customer & service (including fire hydrants).
c) detailed maps outlining and differentiating the areas that are and are not presently serviced by the utility, but are geographically within the Greater Vernon taxation area
------------------------
Don Quixote Note: On my list to be included in this report is a reconciliation of the 'lost water'. An analysis of the difference between total water produced by system and water used (Including billed water and unbilled water. Also, most important is the distribution and billing of the agricultural water usage between the class 9 B.C. Assessed farm properties and the other properties who get Ag. Rates but do not qualify for BCAA Farm Status.
Greater Vernon officials will take a look at the future cost of water. The Greater Vernon Advisory Committee has directed staff to prepare a report so elected officials can discuss the various potential sources of revenue, including taxation, to meet the water utility’s future needs. “We want more information so we can make a decision on rates,” said Coldstream director Jim Garlick. BX-Silver Star director Mike Macnabb wants the capacity of the water system considered as part of the discussions. “Are there other opportunities to sell water beyond what’s been identified? Right now we’re just looking at what we have,” he said.
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Actual Resolution Passed:
That it be recommended to the Board of Directors, staff be directed to prepare a report to facilitate the discussion of future Greater Vernon Water Utility rates. The purpose of the report is to allow the politicians to discuss the various potential sources of revenue, including taxation, to satisfy the future anticipated needs of the water utility. The report should include detailed statistics on the present distribution of revenue (2013), including but not limited to:
a) number of connections of each type, (breaking out Agricultural, Residential, Industrial, Commercial, Institutional, and other)
b) present rates charged, and total income received, for each type of customer & service (including fire hydrants).
c) detailed maps outlining and differentiating the areas that are and are not presently serviced by the utility, but are geographically within the Greater Vernon taxation area
------------------------
Don Quixote Note: On my list to be included in this report is a reconciliation of the 'lost water'. An analysis of the difference between total water produced by system and water used (Including billed water and unbilled water. Also, most important is the distribution and billing of the agricultural water usage between the class 9 B.C. Assessed farm properties and the other properties who get Ag. Rates but do not qualify for BCAA Farm Status.
Saturday, August 09, 2014
City Hall holds the key to booze at farmers markets
By Charlotte HelstonAugust 09, 2014 - 6:37 AM Info-Tel Multimedia
VERNON - You’ll be able to pick up your artisanal cheese, baking—and booze—with a one-stop shop to the local farmers market, as long as Vernon city council okays it. The Vernon Farmers Market at Kal Tire Place and the Avenue Market on 30 Avenue are asking the City of Vernon to amend its policies to allow the sale, and sampling, of liquor. Vernon Farmers Market manager Ingrid Baron says she’s been approached by breweries, distilleries, meaderies and wineries wanting to showcase their wares. “It’s going to be another unique product and will be good to pair with the whole foodie experience,” Baron says. The Liquor Control and Licensing Branch already allows it thanks to recent changes, but farmers markets need to check with their municipalities to ensure they aren’t breaking any bylaws. Vernon council will be asked next Monday, August 11, to adopt a new policy on liquor sampling and sales at farmers markets and to amend its parks and public spaces bylaw to accommodate the proposal. “Our only issue, and probably with the other markets as well, is going to be space. We’re already a pretty happening market,” Baron says. “Many days we are at capacity so whether we’ll have room for them or not is hard to say. We’ll fit them in if we can.” The Vernon Farmers Market is held Mondays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the Avenue Market from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. The City of Penticton recently gave its support for the sale of liquor at farmers markets.
VERNON - You’ll be able to pick up your artisanal cheese, baking—and booze—with a one-stop shop to the local farmers market, as long as Vernon city council okays it. The Vernon Farmers Market at Kal Tire Place and the Avenue Market on 30 Avenue are asking the City of Vernon to amend its policies to allow the sale, and sampling, of liquor. Vernon Farmers Market manager Ingrid Baron says she’s been approached by breweries, distilleries, meaderies and wineries wanting to showcase their wares. “It’s going to be another unique product and will be good to pair with the whole foodie experience,” Baron says. The Liquor Control and Licensing Branch already allows it thanks to recent changes, but farmers markets need to check with their municipalities to ensure they aren’t breaking any bylaws. Vernon council will be asked next Monday, August 11, to adopt a new policy on liquor sampling and sales at farmers markets and to amend its parks and public spaces bylaw to accommodate the proposal. “Our only issue, and probably with the other markets as well, is going to be space. We’re already a pretty happening market,” Baron says. “Many days we are at capacity so whether we’ll have room for them or not is hard to say. We’ll fit them in if we can.” The Vernon Farmers Market is held Mondays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the Avenue Market from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. The City of Penticton recently gave its support for the sale of liquor at farmers markets.
City of Penticton hands over disputed hotel room tax funds
Kelowna Daily CourierPosted: Friday, August 8, 2014 6:02 pm
The Penticton Hospitality Association has received a cheque for $310,657 from the City of Penticton for unspent hotel room tax money. The cheque arrived by courier at the law offices of Pushor Mitchell in Kelowna late Thursday afternoon. Penticton Hospitality Association spokesman Tim Hodgkinson said the association’s legal fees, most of which must be paid by the city, are still being tabulated. Last week, it was announced that the association won a lengthy legal battle with the City of Penticton over the hotel room tax. A judge ruled the city was unable to prove its case against the Penticton Hospitality Association and must now pay the expenses for the winning side. The city claims its legal expenses to date have been around $42,000, although it’s believed other bills from the case are forthcoming. The Penticton Herald has filed a Freedom of Information request for all legal expenses, direct and indirect, related to this case. Hodgkinson had hoped to have a press conference earlier this week, but he postponed it until after the Penticton Peach Festival, which wraps up Sunday, in order to not distract from the festival.
The Penticton Hospitality Association has received a cheque for $310,657 from the City of Penticton for unspent hotel room tax money. The cheque arrived by courier at the law offices of Pushor Mitchell in Kelowna late Thursday afternoon. Penticton Hospitality Association spokesman Tim Hodgkinson said the association’s legal fees, most of which must be paid by the city, are still being tabulated. Last week, it was announced that the association won a lengthy legal battle with the City of Penticton over the hotel room tax. A judge ruled the city was unable to prove its case against the Penticton Hospitality Association and must now pay the expenses for the winning side. The city claims its legal expenses to date have been around $42,000, although it’s believed other bills from the case are forthcoming. The Penticton Herald has filed a Freedom of Information request for all legal expenses, direct and indirect, related to this case. Hodgkinson had hoped to have a press conference earlier this week, but he postponed it until after the Penticton Peach Festival, which wraps up Sunday, in order to not distract from the festival.
Friday, August 08, 2014
Pellet plant proposal sparks debate
by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Aug 8, 2014 at 1:00 AM
Divisions are developing among Coldstream politicians over a proposed pellet plant. During a committee of the whole meeting Tuesday, it was recommended council not support Pinnacle Renewable Energy’s application to the Ministry of Environment to discharge pollutants into the air unless provincial standards are met by the company. However, opposition came from Councillors Maria Besso and Gyula Kiss. “It’s already clear it doesn’t meet provincial standards,” said Kiss. Coun. Doug Dirk, though, defended the recommendation, which will go before council Monday for consideration. “The Ministry of Environment will determine what it will permit and that’s what we’re speaking to,” he said. “If Pinnacle can’t meet the standards, they will make a decision (to proceed or not).” During the committee meeting, Pinnacle officials defended their proposal for a pellet plant next to the Tolko Industries mill in Lavington. “I recognize our application has initiated a passionate discussion,” said president Leroy Reitsma of the protest coming from some Lavington residents. “We are gathering your concerns and will answer them through the process.” The primary concern is over emissions and the potential impact on public health, particularly near Lavington Elementary School. “There has been a lot of care and attention given to the technology,” said Reitsma.“There are 3,500 operating systems in Europe. I have seen them operate in valleys similar to Lavington.” Reitsma believes the facility would create a number of benefits. “We can provide a lot of stability for the community — jobs, the mill and the rail line,” he said. However, most of the capacity crowd at the committee meeting expressed reservations about Pinnacle’s plans. “Whatever is in the air gets into people’s lungs,” said resident Stephanie Hoffman, who has called into question the company’s emissions report. “The community deserves accurate information to base decisions on.” That concern also came from Dr. Yann Brierley, a pathologist who lives in Lavington. “Having a plant next to a school is fool hardy, if not irresponsible,” he said of possible respiratory issues. “Parents won’t have their kids attend that school. If that (reduced enrolment) happens, it’s the death of the community.”
Divisions are developing among Coldstream politicians over a proposed pellet plant. During a committee of the whole meeting Tuesday, it was recommended council not support Pinnacle Renewable Energy’s application to the Ministry of Environment to discharge pollutants into the air unless provincial standards are met by the company. However, opposition came from Councillors Maria Besso and Gyula Kiss. “It’s already clear it doesn’t meet provincial standards,” said Kiss. Coun. Doug Dirk, though, defended the recommendation, which will go before council Monday for consideration. “The Ministry of Environment will determine what it will permit and that’s what we’re speaking to,” he said. “If Pinnacle can’t meet the standards, they will make a decision (to proceed or not).” During the committee meeting, Pinnacle officials defended their proposal for a pellet plant next to the Tolko Industries mill in Lavington. “I recognize our application has initiated a passionate discussion,” said president Leroy Reitsma of the protest coming from some Lavington residents. “We are gathering your concerns and will answer them through the process.” The primary concern is over emissions and the potential impact on public health, particularly near Lavington Elementary School. “There has been a lot of care and attention given to the technology,” said Reitsma.“There are 3,500 operating systems in Europe. I have seen them operate in valleys similar to Lavington.” Reitsma believes the facility would create a number of benefits. “We can provide a lot of stability for the community — jobs, the mill and the rail line,” he said. However, most of the capacity crowd at the committee meeting expressed reservations about Pinnacle’s plans. “Whatever is in the air gets into people’s lungs,” said resident Stephanie Hoffman, who has called into question the company’s emissions report. “The community deserves accurate information to base decisions on.” That concern also came from Dr. Yann Brierley, a pathologist who lives in Lavington. “Having a plant next to a school is fool hardy, if not irresponsible,” he said of possible respiratory issues. “Parents won’t have their kids attend that school. If that (reduced enrolment) happens, it’s the death of the community.”
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