by Roger Knox - Vernon Morning Star Dec 16, 2016 at 3:00 PM— updated Dec 16, 2016 at 4:08 PM
Corey Paiement is leaving the position of chief administrative officer in Spallumcheen. The Township of Spallumcheen will be asking Santa Claus for a new chief administrator. Corey Paiement has tendered his resignation with the township, accepting a job with the Columbia Shuswap Regional District in Salmon Arm, where he resides with his family. “The opportunity came up, and quality of life was a consideration,” said Paiement, who will become team leader of development services with CSRD, effecting Jan. 11. He’ll be in charge of current planning, building inspection and bylaw enforcement. “The scope of work will be less, less hours and no commuting.” Paiement, a native of Spallumcheen, has lived in Salmon Arm the last 13 years. He took over in February 2014 from Greg Betts, who has stayed with the township in a consulting role. Betts will help the township in a search for Paiement’s successor. “I appreciate the opportunity council gave me to work as CAO,” said Paiement. “Council and staff have initiated many strategic community initiatives, some of which are complete, and some are ongoing.” Paiement played a major role in developing Spallumcheen’s new transportation plan, as well as working on the new Arrmstrong Spallumcheen Fire Hall and fire commission in conjunction with the City of Armstrong. Mayor Janice Brown said the township benefitted from Paiement’s expertise. “He was a great help with the new Great West Equipment building and Pleasant Valley Estates,” said Brown. “Whenever somebody needed a plan, Corey was able to sit down with them.” Brown said she understands Paiement’s desire to be closer to family. “He’s worked very hard, put in a lot of extra hours and he has a young family,” she said. “We support his move to be closer to his home.”
Showing posts with label Spallumcheen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Spallumcheen. Show all posts
Saturday, December 17, 2016
Sunday, November 13, 2016
Township of Spallumcheen takes cash in lieu of land
by Roger Knox - Vernon Morning Star Spallumcheen posted Nov 13, 2016 at 6:00 AM— updated Nov 13, 2016 at 7:13 AM
A subdivision application in the Township of Spallumcheen won’t include parkland. Instead, council voted unanimously on a staff recommendation to receive five per cent cash in lieu of parkland dedication from an application by Frank Poirier to subdivide his Page Road property into five parcels. Councillors Christine Fraser ands Todd York were absent from the meeting. The section of provision of park land in the Local Government Act outlines the requirements related. Generally, a landowner is required prior to subdivision approval to provide, without compensation, park land in a location, and an amount not to exceed five per cent of the land proposed for subdivision. It’s the local government’s choice to accept land or cash in lieu if it has an official community plan that includes park policies. Chief administrative officer Corey Paiement said the township and the applicant both agreed to the five per cent cash in lieu. “The subject property is 6.06 hectares,” said Paiement in a report to council. “The five per cent park land dedication would be 0.303 hectares. “A park land dedication of this size and this location would not provide functional park land.” The township used the 2015 B.C. Land Assessment value for the land, which saved Spallumcheen and the applicant paying for an appraiser. The land is valued at $462,402. Five per cent of that price is $23,120.
A subdivision application in the Township of Spallumcheen won’t include parkland. Instead, council voted unanimously on a staff recommendation to receive five per cent cash in lieu of parkland dedication from an application by Frank Poirier to subdivide his Page Road property into five parcels. Councillors Christine Fraser ands Todd York were absent from the meeting. The section of provision of park land in the Local Government Act outlines the requirements related. Generally, a landowner is required prior to subdivision approval to provide, without compensation, park land in a location, and an amount not to exceed five per cent of the land proposed for subdivision. It’s the local government’s choice to accept land or cash in lieu if it has an official community plan that includes park policies. Chief administrative officer Corey Paiement said the township and the applicant both agreed to the five per cent cash in lieu. “The subject property is 6.06 hectares,” said Paiement in a report to council. “The five per cent park land dedication would be 0.303 hectares. “A park land dedication of this size and this location would not provide functional park land.” The township used the 2015 B.C. Land Assessment value for the land, which saved Spallumcheen and the applicant paying for an appraiser. The land is valued at $462,402. Five per cent of that price is $23,120.
Wednesday, July 13, 2016
$1.25 Million For Salaries in Spall
Posted on 7/13/2016 6:15 AM by Ron Manz 107.5 KISSFM
The Township of Spallumcheen's annual report was tabled last (Monday) night. It showed a total of $104,721 was paid out to the mayor and council for salaries and expenses, but the overall cost for council and all employees was just under $1.25 million. Mayor Janice Brown topped the list with $19,672 in wages and $7,099 in expenses...but that will go up this year after council voted to increase the mayor's wage to $24,000 and councillors to $12,000 earlier this year. "We just needed to be comparible with the communities around us and we every time we talked about it we felt there were more important things to do, and then we found out we were lagging behind, so it was recommended we bring ourselves up to the normal." Brown says tying their raises to the cost of living was leaving them far behind. "We have a hard working council and they spend a lot of time and we felt they should at least be in parity with everybody they were working with and meeting with." Brown topped the list this in wages and expenses, but other councillors pay varied. "We did bring in the policy if you miss more than three meetings you get docked for your meetings. So, if work committments take you out of town, you do not get paid for the meeting if you've been away for more than three meetings in a year." Brown says attendance has substantially increased at meetings since. Joe Van Tienhovan topped the councillors with $15,004 in wages and expenses. Only three employees earned over $75,000..with CAO Cory Paiement topping out at $119,038.
The Township of Spallumcheen's annual report was tabled last (Monday) night. It showed a total of $104,721 was paid out to the mayor and council for salaries and expenses, but the overall cost for council and all employees was just under $1.25 million. Mayor Janice Brown topped the list with $19,672 in wages and $7,099 in expenses...but that will go up this year after council voted to increase the mayor's wage to $24,000 and councillors to $12,000 earlier this year. "We just needed to be comparible with the communities around us and we every time we talked about it we felt there were more important things to do, and then we found out we were lagging behind, so it was recommended we bring ourselves up to the normal." Brown says tying their raises to the cost of living was leaving them far behind. "We have a hard working council and they spend a lot of time and we felt they should at least be in parity with everybody they were working with and meeting with." Brown topped the list this in wages and expenses, but other councillors pay varied. "We did bring in the policy if you miss more than three meetings you get docked for your meetings. So, if work committments take you out of town, you do not get paid for the meeting if you've been away for more than three meetings in a year." Brown says attendance has substantially increased at meetings since. Joe Van Tienhovan topped the councillors with $15,004 in wages and expenses. Only three employees earned over $75,000..with CAO Cory Paiement topping out at $119,038.
Tuesday, April 05, 2016
Raises for Spallumcheen Council
Posted on 4/5/2016 3:00 PM by Ron Manz 107.5 KISSFM
The mayor and councillors in Spallumcheen are getting raises. Administration did a review of ten other municipalities in BC of similar size and population including Peachland, Oliver and Osoyoos. They found out the pay scale being followed was below the average from those ten. As a result, the mayor is getting a raise from $19,369 to $24,811, and councillors see their remuneration move from $9,685 to $13,506. Overall the salaries for mayor and council jump from a total of $77,479 last year to $105,847 for 2016. Future council raises are also tied to the BC Consumer Price Index.
The mayor and councillors in Spallumcheen are getting raises. Administration did a review of ten other municipalities in BC of similar size and population including Peachland, Oliver and Osoyoos. They found out the pay scale being followed was below the average from those ten. As a result, the mayor is getting a raise from $19,369 to $24,811, and councillors see their remuneration move from $9,685 to $13,506. Overall the salaries for mayor and council jump from a total of $77,479 last year to $105,847 for 2016. Future council raises are also tied to the BC Consumer Price Index.
Friday, October 16, 2015
Swan Lake Sewer Plan Explored
Posted on 10/15/2015 by Pete McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM
It could be the first step in the Swan Lake area north of Vernon getting its own sewer system. The Regional District's electoral areas B and C along with Spallumcheen and the Okanagan Indian Band will work together to develop a waste water recovery plan. BX-Swan Lake director Bob Fleming says it will look at options for service in the Swan Lake corridor, along with the band land by the lake, and the South Spallumcheen Industrial area. "part of this came from me looking at the Swan Lake corridor and saying, there won't be significant development there unless we have a sewer service. And it's the wrong kind of development that's happening..It's not really what that high profile, high exposure area really deserves," Fleming tells Kiss FM. Fleming says the partnership will also preserve Swan Lake and its surrounding wetlands. "If you are going to develop, you don't want septage or waste going into the lake. Right now, there are few options for people that generate any significant amount of waste. They actually have to go to holding tanks which are just not economically viable." Fleming says the homes and businesses in that area are now all on holding tanks or septic systems. Chief Byron Louis of the Okanagan Indian Band added that the band is in the preliminary stages of designating land for lease and welcomes building relationships with surrounding governments. “It’s great to be working with our neighbours,” says Louis. “More funding opportunities arise when small governments stop competing for provincial and federal grant dollars and start collaborating.” One of the underlying principles of the Partnership is “there is no ‘waste’ water - water is a resource,” and the Plan will focus on water recovery.“Every drop of water that can be recovered will help with drought mitigation,” says Township of Spallumcheen Mayor Janice Brown, “and with our region recently experiencing severe drought conditions, the timing of this project is perfect.” The partnership has hired an engineering consultant to prepare a project work plan.
It could be the first step in the Swan Lake area north of Vernon getting its own sewer system. The Regional District's electoral areas B and C along with Spallumcheen and the Okanagan Indian Band will work together to develop a waste water recovery plan. BX-Swan Lake director Bob Fleming says it will look at options for service in the Swan Lake corridor, along with the band land by the lake, and the South Spallumcheen Industrial area. "part of this came from me looking at the Swan Lake corridor and saying, there won't be significant development there unless we have a sewer service. And it's the wrong kind of development that's happening..It's not really what that high profile, high exposure area really deserves," Fleming tells Kiss FM. Fleming says the partnership will also preserve Swan Lake and its surrounding wetlands. "If you are going to develop, you don't want septage or waste going into the lake. Right now, there are few options for people that generate any significant amount of waste. They actually have to go to holding tanks which are just not economically viable." Fleming says the homes and businesses in that area are now all on holding tanks or septic systems. Chief Byron Louis of the Okanagan Indian Band added that the band is in the preliminary stages of designating land for lease and welcomes building relationships with surrounding governments. “It’s great to be working with our neighbours,” says Louis. “More funding opportunities arise when small governments stop competing for provincial and federal grant dollars and start collaborating.” One of the underlying principles of the Partnership is “there is no ‘waste’ water - water is a resource,” and the Plan will focus on water recovery.“Every drop of water that can be recovered will help with drought mitigation,” says Township of Spallumcheen Mayor Janice Brown, “and with our region recently experiencing severe drought conditions, the timing of this project is perfect.” The partnership has hired an engineering consultant to prepare a project work plan.
Sunday, September 20, 2015
Spallumcheen pans process
by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Sep 20, 2015 at 1:00 AM
The Regional District of North Okanagan is standing its ground despite criticism from a member municipality. Spallumcheen has indicated disappointment that RDNO has linked a request for additional potable water by Great West Equipment to the township contributing millions of dollars to a future reservoir in the area. “We need to look at equity for industrial lands,” said Juliette Cunningham, Greater Vernon Advisory Committee chairperson. “There are unserviced lands being purchased (in Spallumcheen) at a lower cost that would not be available in the Greater Vernon utility area. This is a good opportunity for all three parties to invest in infrastructure so Spallumcheen can attract more commercial development.” Janice Brown, Spallumcheen mayor, says Great West Equipment has already proposed an on-site reservoir for fire flows on L&A Cross Road and a GVAC reservoir is not needed at this time. “This is not a new connection in a new development. This is one of the original Vernon Irrigation District properties that needs a small amount of additional potable water, which is available according to the Greater Vernon Water engineering department,” said Brown. “The township is willing to enter into negotiations for a potential future reservoir for fire flows that will benefit the whole area and future development, for both Spallumcheen and Greater Vernon Water but is not willing to enter into an agreement without knowing all of the details, making sure it is a benefit for our residents and knowing all the financial implications.” Spallumcheen has requested that GVAC increase the maximum flow of water provided to the Great West site by 3.43 litres per second or an equivalent of 4.40 hectares of allocation. RDNO officials insist there is a need to negotiate current and long-term water needs, particularly given potential development. “It requires all parties to come to the table. The long-term funding of public infrastructure is important,” said David Sewell, chief administrative officer.
The Regional District of North Okanagan is standing its ground despite criticism from a member municipality. Spallumcheen has indicated disappointment that RDNO has linked a request for additional potable water by Great West Equipment to the township contributing millions of dollars to a future reservoir in the area. “We need to look at equity for industrial lands,” said Juliette Cunningham, Greater Vernon Advisory Committee chairperson. “There are unserviced lands being purchased (in Spallumcheen) at a lower cost that would not be available in the Greater Vernon utility area. This is a good opportunity for all three parties to invest in infrastructure so Spallumcheen can attract more commercial development.” Janice Brown, Spallumcheen mayor, says Great West Equipment has already proposed an on-site reservoir for fire flows on L&A Cross Road and a GVAC reservoir is not needed at this time. “This is not a new connection in a new development. This is one of the original Vernon Irrigation District properties that needs a small amount of additional potable water, which is available according to the Greater Vernon Water engineering department,” said Brown. “The township is willing to enter into negotiations for a potential future reservoir for fire flows that will benefit the whole area and future development, for both Spallumcheen and Greater Vernon Water but is not willing to enter into an agreement without knowing all of the details, making sure it is a benefit for our residents and knowing all the financial implications.” Spallumcheen has requested that GVAC increase the maximum flow of water provided to the Great West site by 3.43 litres per second or an equivalent of 4.40 hectares of allocation. RDNO officials insist there is a need to negotiate current and long-term water needs, particularly given potential development. “It requires all parties to come to the table. The long-term funding of public infrastructure is important,” said David Sewell, chief administrative officer.
Thursday, September 17, 2015
Business Turned Down For Extra Water
Posted on 9/17/2015 by Ron Manz 107.5 KISSFM
It appears Great West Equipment will not be getting extra water from Greater Vernon for its new head office in Spallumcheen. The Greater Vernon Advisory Committee says a request for more potable water has to be tied to Spallumcheen agreeing to contribute to construction of a major water reservoir in the area for the future, according to Regional District of North Okanagan Chief Administrative Officer David Sewell. "In negotiations, there are some deficiencies in the public infrastructure to allow development in that area, and we're attempting to work on a joint financing plan to allow for that public infrastructure in a manner that will support development," Sewell tells Kiss FM. Spallumcheen Mayor Janice Brown says that position is disappointing, since a proposed site and overall costing formula for a reservoir has not been determined. "We don't even have a borrowing bylaw, so we would never.....I would never do that to our citizens. We need to make sure we know all the facts to make an informed decision and make sure we're sure we're getting what we pay for," says Brown. Brown says Great West already has fire flow and sewer. "All they are looking for is potable water for the office, and once they get that, they can apply for their building permit so they know they can get water somewhere else." The result means Great West will have to explore other avenues to access adequate water in order to get their permit. The heavy equipment company is currently in Vernon, but wants to expand to a larger site on L and A Cross Road in Spallumcheen. About 50 people work at the office now, with that possibly growing to 90 in future years. Sewell says Great West is the first of what is likely a larger expansion in the region needing water. "It's really a matter of how fast do we develop it, who pays, and how much do people pay, but really the intent is how do we make sure we can support the fire flow and potable water delivery to facilitate development in that area," adds Sewell. Brown hopes the decision doesn't stall Great West's plan. "And it doesn't mean that down the road we won't continue to negotiate with (Greater) Vernon about future development and new water. We understand that has to happen. It just doesn't have to happen now."
It appears Great West Equipment will not be getting extra water from Greater Vernon for its new head office in Spallumcheen. The Greater Vernon Advisory Committee says a request for more potable water has to be tied to Spallumcheen agreeing to contribute to construction of a major water reservoir in the area for the future, according to Regional District of North Okanagan Chief Administrative Officer David Sewell. "In negotiations, there are some deficiencies in the public infrastructure to allow development in that area, and we're attempting to work on a joint financing plan to allow for that public infrastructure in a manner that will support development," Sewell tells Kiss FM. Spallumcheen Mayor Janice Brown says that position is disappointing, since a proposed site and overall costing formula for a reservoir has not been determined. "We don't even have a borrowing bylaw, so we would never.....I would never do that to our citizens. We need to make sure we know all the facts to make an informed decision and make sure we're sure we're getting what we pay for," says Brown. Brown says Great West already has fire flow and sewer. "All they are looking for is potable water for the office, and once they get that, they can apply for their building permit so they know they can get water somewhere else." The result means Great West will have to explore other avenues to access adequate water in order to get their permit. The heavy equipment company is currently in Vernon, but wants to expand to a larger site on L and A Cross Road in Spallumcheen. About 50 people work at the office now, with that possibly growing to 90 in future years. Sewell says Great West is the first of what is likely a larger expansion in the region needing water. "It's really a matter of how fast do we develop it, who pays, and how much do people pay, but really the intent is how do we make sure we can support the fire flow and potable water delivery to facilitate development in that area," adds Sewell. Brown hopes the decision doesn't stall Great West's plan. "And it doesn't mean that down the road we won't continue to negotiate with (Greater) Vernon about future development and new water. We understand that has to happen. It just doesn't have to happen now."
Sunday, September 13, 2015
New development approved
by Roger Knox - Vernon Morning Star posted Sep 13, 2015 at 1:00 AM
Spallumcheen is welcoming a new business. Council unanimously agreed to staff recommendations to support an application for a development permit with variances that would allow Great West Equipment to construct its head office on L&A Cross Road (Coun. Todd York was absent from the meeting). “It’s nice to see new business come into the area, it’s good for the whole region,” said Coun. Christine Fraser. The variances are for increasing the size of a sign from six metres to 7.8 metres, and waiving the requirement to provide a landscape screen on the west, north and south side of the outdoor storage area on the property. “The applicant will be putting in fencing and other soft landscaping,” said township deputy planning manager Greg Routley. Great West Equipment is constructing a new building on two lots, with work on the project already underway. The building, when finished, will be 2,000 square meters in size with 4,000 square meters of flooring space. It will house service bays for heavy equipment, sales and associated other office spaces. Currently Great West Equipment staff work out of three different locations. “This will be housing our head office,” said Rob Rintoul, the company’s chief financial officer. “Three buildings consolidating into one is more efficient and will have lots of room for expansion down the road. “We’re looking to get everyone under one roof.” Support for the project came from L&A Cross Road resident John Toporchak. “It’s a good place, it will clean up the property and the municipality needs it,” said Toporchak, though he did express concerns about truck traffic on a road he calls a “goat trail.” Great West Equipment’s proposal includes a reservoir near the northeast corner of the property which is intended to accommodate fire suppressants and sprinklers for the building itself. An onsite septic disposal field area is planned for the northwest corner, and the southeast corner proposes to have onsite storm detention ponds. Township council has asked the Greater Vernon Water Utility to expand the water allocation for the Stepping Stones area so Great West Equipment can construct its new office. The two sides remain in discussions on the matter. “We’re trying hard to make it happen,” said Fraser.
Spallumcheen is welcoming a new business. Council unanimously agreed to staff recommendations to support an application for a development permit with variances that would allow Great West Equipment to construct its head office on L&A Cross Road (Coun. Todd York was absent from the meeting). “It’s nice to see new business come into the area, it’s good for the whole region,” said Coun. Christine Fraser. The variances are for increasing the size of a sign from six metres to 7.8 metres, and waiving the requirement to provide a landscape screen on the west, north and south side of the outdoor storage area on the property. “The applicant will be putting in fencing and other soft landscaping,” said township deputy planning manager Greg Routley. Great West Equipment is constructing a new building on two lots, with work on the project already underway. The building, when finished, will be 2,000 square meters in size with 4,000 square meters of flooring space. It will house service bays for heavy equipment, sales and associated other office spaces. Currently Great West Equipment staff work out of three different locations. “This will be housing our head office,” said Rob Rintoul, the company’s chief financial officer. “Three buildings consolidating into one is more efficient and will have lots of room for expansion down the road. “We’re looking to get everyone under one roof.” Support for the project came from L&A Cross Road resident John Toporchak. “It’s a good place, it will clean up the property and the municipality needs it,” said Toporchak, though he did express concerns about truck traffic on a road he calls a “goat trail.” Great West Equipment’s proposal includes a reservoir near the northeast corner of the property which is intended to accommodate fire suppressants and sprinklers for the building itself. An onsite septic disposal field area is planned for the northwest corner, and the southeast corner proposes to have onsite storm detention ponds. Township council has asked the Greater Vernon Water Utility to expand the water allocation for the Stepping Stones area so Great West Equipment can construct its new office. The two sides remain in discussions on the matter. “We’re trying hard to make it happen,” said Fraser.
Friday, September 04, 2015
GVAC denies water request turned down for development
by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Sep 4, 2015 at 11:00 AM— updated Sep 4, 2015 at 12:46 PM
A possible water connection to a Spallumcheen development hasn’t been denied. While some media have reported that the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee has turned down providing more water to Great West Equipment on L&A Cross Road, GVAC says the process remains ongoing. “We haven’t resolved the issue,” said Juliette Cunningham, chairperson. GVAC directors have directed staff to enter into negotiations with the Township of Spallumcheen and Great West, which wants to construct a new office and shop facility. “These negotiations are to ensure the development of public infrastructure necessary to provide adequate water service both within the Greater Vernon service area boundaries and to enable the sale of water to neighbouring jurisdictions such as Spallumcheen,” said David Sewell, Regional District of North Okanagan chief administrative officer, in a release. “A decision to refuse the sale of water allocation for the development of this property has not been made at this time.” Spallumcheen has requested that GVAC increase the maximum flow of water provided to the Great West site by 3.43 litres per second or an equivalent of 4.40 hectares of allocation. Great West has three locations in Vernon and it wants to consolidate all operations in Spallumcheen. Rob Rintoul, Great West’s chief financial officer, says additional potable water from GVAC is needed to meet the needs of the staff in the corporate office. “Non-potable water will be run off a well.” The company has about 55 staff, including 40 in the office, and the new office could hold 90 people.
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See also http://www.1075kiss.com/top-news/2015/09/04/water-permit-for-great-west-flushed
A possible water connection to a Spallumcheen development hasn’t been denied. While some media have reported that the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee has turned down providing more water to Great West Equipment on L&A Cross Road, GVAC says the process remains ongoing. “We haven’t resolved the issue,” said Juliette Cunningham, chairperson. GVAC directors have directed staff to enter into negotiations with the Township of Spallumcheen and Great West, which wants to construct a new office and shop facility. “These negotiations are to ensure the development of public infrastructure necessary to provide adequate water service both within the Greater Vernon service area boundaries and to enable the sale of water to neighbouring jurisdictions such as Spallumcheen,” said David Sewell, Regional District of North Okanagan chief administrative officer, in a release. “A decision to refuse the sale of water allocation for the development of this property has not been made at this time.” Spallumcheen has requested that GVAC increase the maximum flow of water provided to the Great West site by 3.43 litres per second or an equivalent of 4.40 hectares of allocation. Great West has three locations in Vernon and it wants to consolidate all operations in Spallumcheen. Rob Rintoul, Great West’s chief financial officer, says additional potable water from GVAC is needed to meet the needs of the staff in the corporate office. “Non-potable water will be run off a well.” The company has about 55 staff, including 40 in the office, and the new office could hold 90 people.
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See also http://www.1075kiss.com/top-news/2015/09/04/water-permit-for-great-west-flushed
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Water sought for new office
by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Aug 26, 2015 at 1:00 AM
The taps could flow for a development in Spallumcheen. On Monday, council voted to ask the Greater Vernon Water Utility to expand the water allocation for the Stepping Stones area so Great West Equipment can construct a new office and shop facility on L&A Cross Road. “This kind of development is consistent with the township,” said Corey Paiement, the township’s chief administrative officer. Currently, GVW provides water to the Stepping Stones area under agreement and any additional water requires an amendment to the contract. Great West Equipment requires potable water for the administration office and it’s requesting that the water allocation to the property be increased from 0.32 litres per second to 3.75 litres per second. “The request for additional water doesn’t take away from existing allocations in Stepping Stones,” said Paiement. “This is GVW providing additional water.” However, the increased water allocation for Great West Equipment could ultimately reduce the total water available for other future land uses in the Stepping Stones area. Despite that possibility, Paiement recommended that council approve an expanded water allocation. “The proposed development supports the township’s goal to increase development in the south Spallumcheen industrial and commercial area to diversify the township’s tax base,” he said in a report. Great West Equipment presently has staff at three different sites in Vernon. “Three locations in Vernon are unsustainable. This (Spallumcheen project) consolidates everyone,” said Rob Rintoul, Great West’s chief financial officer. The company has about 65 staff, including 40 in the office, and the new office could hold 90 people. The request for additional water allocation must still be approved by Greater Vernon Water and the Regional District of North Okanagan. Great West Equipment will be before Spallumcheen council Sept. 8 for a development permit.
The taps could flow for a development in Spallumcheen. On Monday, council voted to ask the Greater Vernon Water Utility to expand the water allocation for the Stepping Stones area so Great West Equipment can construct a new office and shop facility on L&A Cross Road. “This kind of development is consistent with the township,” said Corey Paiement, the township’s chief administrative officer. Currently, GVW provides water to the Stepping Stones area under agreement and any additional water requires an amendment to the contract. Great West Equipment requires potable water for the administration office and it’s requesting that the water allocation to the property be increased from 0.32 litres per second to 3.75 litres per second. “The request for additional water doesn’t take away from existing allocations in Stepping Stones,” said Paiement. “This is GVW providing additional water.” However, the increased water allocation for Great West Equipment could ultimately reduce the total water available for other future land uses in the Stepping Stones area. Despite that possibility, Paiement recommended that council approve an expanded water allocation. “The proposed development supports the township’s goal to increase development in the south Spallumcheen industrial and commercial area to diversify the township’s tax base,” he said in a report. Great West Equipment presently has staff at three different sites in Vernon. “Three locations in Vernon are unsustainable. This (Spallumcheen project) consolidates everyone,” said Rob Rintoul, Great West’s chief financial officer. The company has about 65 staff, including 40 in the office, and the new office could hold 90 people. The request for additional water allocation must still be approved by Greater Vernon Water and the Regional District of North Okanagan. Great West Equipment will be before Spallumcheen council Sept. 8 for a development permit.
Tuesday, March 03, 2015
Spallumcheen Sources Water Options
Written by Glen Morrison 107.5 KISSFM Tuesday, 03 March 2015 17:32
Spallumcheen is taking a look at its options for water services in its southern area, north of Swan Lake. Mayor Janice Brown says they've hired Urban Systems to do a full feasibility analysis. "With the Greater Vernon Water master plan being in limbo, we don't know if it's going to be possible for them to provide a source or supply of water to the south of Spallumcheen," says Brown. Brown says they're trying to see if there's another source of water in the township, possibly ground water, so there could be a reserve coupled to a distribution network. The analysis will be covered from gas tax revenues. Brown says their own system could be well water based, or individual properties could have separate wells.
Spallumcheen is taking a look at its options for water services in its southern area, north of Swan Lake. Mayor Janice Brown says they've hired Urban Systems to do a full feasibility analysis. "With the Greater Vernon Water master plan being in limbo, we don't know if it's going to be possible for them to provide a source or supply of water to the south of Spallumcheen," says Brown. Brown says they're trying to see if there's another source of water in the township, possibly ground water, so there could be a reserve coupled to a distribution network. The analysis will be covered from gas tax revenues. Brown says their own system could be well water based, or individual properties could have separate wells.
Sunday, January 25, 2015
Enderby water meters make waves
by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Jan 25, 2015 at 1:00 AM
Installation of water meters in a small rural Enderby neighbourhood has one official boiling. Janice Brown, Spallumcheen director, panned a decision by the Regional District of North Okanagan board to spend $4,500 to install water meters in the 11 properties in the Gunter Ellison area, which receives its water from the City of Enderby. “The City of Enderby rates are causing a lot of discomfort. It’s a very hot topic everywhere I go,” she said. However, RDNO officials defended installing the meters in Gunter Ellison homes because the City of Enderby mandates meters for its residents. “The intent is to run the system as if it’s part of the city,” said David Sewell, RDNO chief administrative officer. “The decision in terms of meters is consistent with Enderby.” Juliette Cunningham, a Vernon director, insists the meters are an issue of equity. “There are some times when you pay your fair share and it’s more than you’d like to pay but it’s still your fair share,” she said. Greg McCune, Enderby director, says Gunter Ellison is not being treated any different than other areas connected to the city’s water utility. “There are places across the bridge on the reserve that are metered. We are trying to be consistent,” he said. For a single family home, there is a $78 flat fee charged each period. For the January to April and the September to December period, if a home uses more than 45 cubic metres, a consumption rate of $1.30 would apply to any usage above 45 cubic metres. For the May to August period, the $1.30 consumption rate applies to usage above 90 cubic metres. McCune says metered rates are generally only high in cases where there is high water use and that is often a result of a faulty meter or a leak in the home. “We will look at those situations. We are making an effort to sort it out,” he said.
Installation of water meters in a small rural Enderby neighbourhood has one official boiling. Janice Brown, Spallumcheen director, panned a decision by the Regional District of North Okanagan board to spend $4,500 to install water meters in the 11 properties in the Gunter Ellison area, which receives its water from the City of Enderby. “The City of Enderby rates are causing a lot of discomfort. It’s a very hot topic everywhere I go,” she said. However, RDNO officials defended installing the meters in Gunter Ellison homes because the City of Enderby mandates meters for its residents. “The intent is to run the system as if it’s part of the city,” said David Sewell, RDNO chief administrative officer. “The decision in terms of meters is consistent with Enderby.” Juliette Cunningham, a Vernon director, insists the meters are an issue of equity. “There are some times when you pay your fair share and it’s more than you’d like to pay but it’s still your fair share,” she said. Greg McCune, Enderby director, says Gunter Ellison is not being treated any different than other areas connected to the city’s water utility. “There are places across the bridge on the reserve that are metered. We are trying to be consistent,” he said. For a single family home, there is a $78 flat fee charged each period. For the January to April and the September to December period, if a home uses more than 45 cubic metres, a consumption rate of $1.30 would apply to any usage above 45 cubic metres. For the May to August period, the $1.30 consumption rate applies to usage above 90 cubic metres. McCune says metered rates are generally only high in cases where there is high water use and that is often a result of a faulty meter or a leak in the home. “We will look at those situations. We are making an effort to sort it out,” he said.
Saturday, October 18, 2014
Mayor's Race Drops A Candidate
Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM Friday, 17 October 2014 16:49
One of the mayoralty candidates in Spallumcheen has pulled out of the race. Dave Brew says he wants to spend more time with his family.He also ran for mayor in 2011, and before that was a three term councillor. "I've enjoyed it very, very much in the past, (but) different things gnaw at you. I've got great grandchildren, so I'm just going to make more time for myself," Brew tells Kiss FM. Brew says he made his decision to withdraw his name 15 minutes before the 4 pm deadline. It's now a two way race between incumbent Janice Brown and former five term mayor Will Hansma. Today was the final day for civic election candidates to withdraw. Six term Armstrong councillor John Trainor also withdrew his name. "Basically it's just a re-prioritizing of life, and I've decided after 18 years, I've sat in enough council and committee meetings, and I really don't have a whole lot more I can add to it," says Trainor. There were no changes to the candidate lists in Vernon and Coldstream.
One of the mayoralty candidates in Spallumcheen has pulled out of the race. Dave Brew says he wants to spend more time with his family.He also ran for mayor in 2011, and before that was a three term councillor. "I've enjoyed it very, very much in the past, (but) different things gnaw at you. I've got great grandchildren, so I'm just going to make more time for myself," Brew tells Kiss FM. Brew says he made his decision to withdraw his name 15 minutes before the 4 pm deadline. It's now a two way race between incumbent Janice Brown and former five term mayor Will Hansma. Today was the final day for civic election candidates to withdraw. Six term Armstrong councillor John Trainor also withdrew his name. "Basically it's just a re-prioritizing of life, and I've decided after 18 years, I've sat in enough council and committee meetings, and I really don't have a whole lot more I can add to it," says Trainor. There were no changes to the candidate lists in Vernon and Coldstream.
Wednesday, October 08, 2014
Spallumcheen reviews farm taxes
by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Oct 8, 2014 at 1:00 AM
A contentious tax policy could be changed in Spallumcheen. Council will consider lowering the 2015 farm tax rate to the amount affected by the impact of Bill 8 based on discussions with the provincial government. “We’ve been working on this the whole time,” said Coun. Christine Fraser of concerns that agricultural taxes had skyrocketed. The township raised the class nine tax rate by more than double in 2014 to 11.179 from 5.1531 to counteract the effects of the provincial government’s Bill 8 which provided farmers with $120,000 of tax relief in 2013. Prior to Bill 8, if a resident had farm and out buildings in the operation of class nine land, farmers were given an assessment exemption to a maximum of $50,000. Bill 8 removed the flat rate of $50,000, going instead to a rate that was either going to be the greater number of up to $50,000 or 87.5 per cent of the exemption. The provincial decision cost Spallumcheen about $120,000 in farm tax revenue. “It impacted our community so much more than anyone else,” said Fraser of the fact that Spallumcheen has large tracts of farm land and no commercial area for a tax base. As a result of the lost revenue, taxes for class nine properties were increased. “We don’t know how to recover this kind of money,” said Coun. Todd York. Township officials confronted Community Services Minister Coralee Oakes with the implications of Bill 8 at the Union of B.C. Municipalities convention in Whistler. “We’re very confident that now that they’re aware of what they did to us, and only us, they will rectify the situation,” said York.
A contentious tax policy could be changed in Spallumcheen. Council will consider lowering the 2015 farm tax rate to the amount affected by the impact of Bill 8 based on discussions with the provincial government. “We’ve been working on this the whole time,” said Coun. Christine Fraser of concerns that agricultural taxes had skyrocketed. The township raised the class nine tax rate by more than double in 2014 to 11.179 from 5.1531 to counteract the effects of the provincial government’s Bill 8 which provided farmers with $120,000 of tax relief in 2013. Prior to Bill 8, if a resident had farm and out buildings in the operation of class nine land, farmers were given an assessment exemption to a maximum of $50,000. Bill 8 removed the flat rate of $50,000, going instead to a rate that was either going to be the greater number of up to $50,000 or 87.5 per cent of the exemption. The provincial decision cost Spallumcheen about $120,000 in farm tax revenue. “It impacted our community so much more than anyone else,” said Fraser of the fact that Spallumcheen has large tracts of farm land and no commercial area for a tax base. As a result of the lost revenue, taxes for class nine properties were increased. “We don’t know how to recover this kind of money,” said Coun. Todd York. Township officials confronted Community Services Minister Coralee Oakes with the implications of Bill 8 at the Union of B.C. Municipalities convention in Whistler. “We’re very confident that now that they’re aware of what they did to us, and only us, they will rectify the situation,” said York.
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Brown wants to continue as Spallumcheen mayor
by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Sep 10, 2014 at 1:00 AM
Janice Brown insists she has her dream job — serving as the mayor of Spallumcheen. Brown has announced she will seek a second term as mayor of the township Nov. 15. “We’ve had a great council and we have accomplished a lot,” said the 62-year-old freelance designer who also served 12 years as a councillor. “It’s great when you can keep plowing ahead. I get great feedback from people and they know that I am working for them.” Brown says there are still some major issues she wants to see resolved. “We’re really focusing on the tax impact of Bill 8,” she said. The township says it had to increase the rate on the farm class to counteract the effects of provincial legislation in which farmers enjoyed $120,000 of tax relief in 2013 that everybody else paid for. “We are meeting with ministers Norm Letnick and Coralee Oakes at the Union of B.C. Municipalities conference and we are working with B.C. Assessment on this,” said Brown. “We don’t want to tax our farmers who are our bread and butter in Spallumcheen.” Other issues Brown wants to see proceed include development of the southeast sector, and working with the Ministry of Transportation on four-laning of Highway 97A at the McLeod subdivision. “We want to make sure there are good intersections there,” she said. Brown believes open communications are critical for anyone wanting to be mayor. “I’ve tried to include all of council is all decisions and they work hard to make things happen,” she said. “We have made many tough decisions, but always with the whole community in mind.” Brown is the township’s representative to the Regional District of North Okanagan board. Besides Brown, the other competitor for mayor is Dave Brew. Brew served three terms as a township councillor and lost the 2011 mayoral election to Brown.
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Councils welcome taxation policy
by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Jun 29, 2014 at 1:00 AM
North Okanagan communities could harvest tax revenue from medical marijuana facilities. The provincial government is excluding federally licensed medical marijuana production from the list of agricultural uses that qualify for farm classification for assessment and property tax purposes. “It’s about time,” said Kevin Acton, Lumby mayor, who had been concerned that the possibility of a medical marijuana facility on agricultural or industrial zoned land would pay the lower farm rate and not help cover the cost of municipal services. “It’s not an agricultural crop and it’s not something we’re producing for food.” The provincial policy is also welcome news in Spallumcheen. “We did not want the possibility for facilities to be on industrial land and taxed at the farm rate or be on agricultural land and taxed at the farm rate,” said Greg Betts, the township’s chief administrative officer. One medical marijuana facility has been approved by the federal government in Spallumcheen, and Betts insists such operations will place pressure on municipal services. “There’s fire and police,” he said, adding that tax revenue from such a facility will ease the burden on the rest of taxpayers. “The expectation of people for services is going up and the desire to pay for them is going down.” For Lumby, the possibility of a medical marijuana facility could be substantial as there is little industrial activity and most of the tax base is residential. “It could make a big difference if we get a few facilities we can tax,” said Acton. There are currently five facilities in B.C. licensed by the federal government. “B.C.’s position (on taxation) takes into consideration the nature of the highly regulated and secure facilities and is consistent with the approach being taken in neighbouring Alberta,” states a release from the Ministry of Community Development.
North Okanagan communities could harvest tax revenue from medical marijuana facilities. The provincial government is excluding federally licensed medical marijuana production from the list of agricultural uses that qualify for farm classification for assessment and property tax purposes. “It’s about time,” said Kevin Acton, Lumby mayor, who had been concerned that the possibility of a medical marijuana facility on agricultural or industrial zoned land would pay the lower farm rate and not help cover the cost of municipal services. “It’s not an agricultural crop and it’s not something we’re producing for food.” The provincial policy is also welcome news in Spallumcheen. “We did not want the possibility for facilities to be on industrial land and taxed at the farm rate or be on agricultural land and taxed at the farm rate,” said Greg Betts, the township’s chief administrative officer. One medical marijuana facility has been approved by the federal government in Spallumcheen, and Betts insists such operations will place pressure on municipal services. “There’s fire and police,” he said, adding that tax revenue from such a facility will ease the burden on the rest of taxpayers. “The expectation of people for services is going up and the desire to pay for them is going down.” For Lumby, the possibility of a medical marijuana facility could be substantial as there is little industrial activity and most of the tax base is residential. “It could make a big difference if we get a few facilities we can tax,” said Acton. There are currently five facilities in B.C. licensed by the federal government. “B.C.’s position (on taxation) takes into consideration the nature of the highly regulated and secure facilities and is consistent with the approach being taken in neighbouring Alberta,” states a release from the Ministry of Community Development.
Sunday, June 22, 2014
Farmers protest over taxation
by Roger Knox - Vernon Morning Star posted Jun 22, 2014 at 1:00 AM
Spallumcheen farmers are digging in against council over a rise in the township’s farm class rate. The township raised the Class 9 rate by more than double in 2014 to 11.179 from 5.1531 to counteract the effects of 2013’s Bill 8 where farmers enjoyed $120,000 of tax relief. Class 9 is land only and if a resident has Class 9 land and has buildings that are being used on the farm, B.C. Assessment would classify the buildings as Class 1 residential. Prior to Bill 8, if a resident had farm and out buildings in the operation of Class 9 land, farmers were given an assessment exemption to a maximum of $50,000. Bill 8 removed the flat rate of $50,000, going instead to a rate that was either going to be the greater number of up to $50,000 or 87.5 per cent of the exemption. Bill 8 cost the township more than $120,000 in farm tax revenue. “We and many farmers have farm buildings with assessment under $50,000 so we were exempt from tax on them for years,” wrote farmer Ronald Bily in a letter to council. “However, now as a result of Spallumcheen trying to recover revenue lost to them by Bill 8, our tax has risen to almost double.” Bily called Spall’s move “unfair taxation.” “It does nothing to help the average farmer in Spallumcheen,” he wrote. Council said earlier this year the township’s agricultural advisory committee recommended the hike as opposed to recovering the revenue through development cost charges. “If Spallumcheen is unable to make up the shortfall by other means, they must make cutbacks in road construction,” said Bily in his letter. “Failing this, farmers may have to rise up and withhold taxes.” The township will be meeting with the Ministry of Agriculture to discuss options for Bill 8.
Spallumcheen farmers are digging in against council over a rise in the township’s farm class rate. The township raised the Class 9 rate by more than double in 2014 to 11.179 from 5.1531 to counteract the effects of 2013’s Bill 8 where farmers enjoyed $120,000 of tax relief. Class 9 is land only and if a resident has Class 9 land and has buildings that are being used on the farm, B.C. Assessment would classify the buildings as Class 1 residential. Prior to Bill 8, if a resident had farm and out buildings in the operation of Class 9 land, farmers were given an assessment exemption to a maximum of $50,000. Bill 8 removed the flat rate of $50,000, going instead to a rate that was either going to be the greater number of up to $50,000 or 87.5 per cent of the exemption. Bill 8 cost the township more than $120,000 in farm tax revenue. “We and many farmers have farm buildings with assessment under $50,000 so we were exempt from tax on them for years,” wrote farmer Ronald Bily in a letter to council. “However, now as a result of Spallumcheen trying to recover revenue lost to them by Bill 8, our tax has risen to almost double.” Bily called Spall’s move “unfair taxation.” “It does nothing to help the average farmer in Spallumcheen,” he wrote. Council said earlier this year the township’s agricultural advisory committee recommended the hike as opposed to recovering the revenue through development cost charges. “If Spallumcheen is unable to make up the shortfall by other means, they must make cutbacks in road construction,” said Bily in his letter. “Failing this, farmers may have to rise up and withhold taxes.” The township will be meeting with the Ministry of Agriculture to discuss options for Bill 8.
Sunday, May 11, 2014
Farm tax rate under fire
by Roger Knox - Vernon Morning Star posted May 11, 2014 at 1:00 AM
Spallumcheen’s former mayor is concerned the township’s farmers are being treated unfairly. Will Hansma questioned the current council at the end of its regular meeting Monday, a meeting that saw council approve its tax rate bylaw for 2014. The bylaw includes seeing the farm class rate (Class 9) jump from 5.1531, based on per $1,000 of assessment, in 2013 to 11.179 in 2014. “Technically, that’s more than double the assessment,” said Hansma. “If farming truly does come first (township motto), that is a significant increase to farmers. I’m hoping it’s properly explained.” Hansma had been hoping for an amendment to the bylaw, or perhaps the number was actually a typo. Chief financial officer Brian Freeman-Marsh confirmed the rate was accurate and explained the increase in the rate on farm class was to counteract the effects of provincial Bill 8, introduced in 2013, in which farmers enjoyed $120,000 of tax relief in 2013 that everybody else paid for. Class 9 is land only and if a resident has Class 9 land and has buildings that are being used on the farm, B.C. Assessment would classify the buildings as Class 1 residential. Prior to Bill 8, if a resident had farm and out buildings in the operation of Class 9 land, farmers were given an assessment exemption to a maximum of $50,000. Bill 8 did away with the flat rate of $50,000, going, instead, to a rate that was either going to be the greater number of up to $50,000 or 87.5 per cent of the exemption. Bill 8 cost the township more than $120,000 in farm tax revenue. “The effects of Bill 8 on Spallumcheen impacted us by five per cent while some municipalities were only impacted by .5 per cent,” said Coun. Christine Fraser. “It was a huge amount on the big farms that we lost in revenue. The increase was the only way to make things remotely fair.” Fraser agreed with Hansma that the tax rate increase will affect smaller farms in the township, but said council has had discussions with the farmers. “When I personally asked if the tax rate was going to make an impact, they said it wasn’t going to break the bank,” said Fraser. “They said, ‘if we can’t make it at $350 (former assessment), we can’t make it at $550 (after 2014 hike). It was by far the fairest way that we could fix the problem without having a big impact.” Coun. Todd York added that the township’s agricultural advisory committee recommended the hike as opposed to recovering the revenue through development cost charges. Hansma told Spallumcheen council the tax rate increase “will have more of an impact than you think.”
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Note the the different Farm Tax rates in the 3 jurisdictions for 2012 and 2013
Spall changed their tax ratio for farms in 2013 from 1.00 to 1.50.
Coldstream maintained a 4.50 farm tax ratio
Vernon's tax ratio for farms decreased from .26 to .24 !!
Spallumcheen’s former mayor is concerned the township’s farmers are being treated unfairly. Will Hansma questioned the current council at the end of its regular meeting Monday, a meeting that saw council approve its tax rate bylaw for 2014. The bylaw includes seeing the farm class rate (Class 9) jump from 5.1531, based on per $1,000 of assessment, in 2013 to 11.179 in 2014. “Technically, that’s more than double the assessment,” said Hansma. “If farming truly does come first (township motto), that is a significant increase to farmers. I’m hoping it’s properly explained.” Hansma had been hoping for an amendment to the bylaw, or perhaps the number was actually a typo. Chief financial officer Brian Freeman-Marsh confirmed the rate was accurate and explained the increase in the rate on farm class was to counteract the effects of provincial Bill 8, introduced in 2013, in which farmers enjoyed $120,000 of tax relief in 2013 that everybody else paid for. Class 9 is land only and if a resident has Class 9 land and has buildings that are being used on the farm, B.C. Assessment would classify the buildings as Class 1 residential. Prior to Bill 8, if a resident had farm and out buildings in the operation of Class 9 land, farmers were given an assessment exemption to a maximum of $50,000. Bill 8 did away with the flat rate of $50,000, going, instead, to a rate that was either going to be the greater number of up to $50,000 or 87.5 per cent of the exemption. Bill 8 cost the township more than $120,000 in farm tax revenue. “The effects of Bill 8 on Spallumcheen impacted us by five per cent while some municipalities were only impacted by .5 per cent,” said Coun. Christine Fraser. “It was a huge amount on the big farms that we lost in revenue. The increase was the only way to make things remotely fair.” Fraser agreed with Hansma that the tax rate increase will affect smaller farms in the township, but said council has had discussions with the farmers. “When I personally asked if the tax rate was going to make an impact, they said it wasn’t going to break the bank,” said Fraser. “They said, ‘if we can’t make it at $350 (former assessment), we can’t make it at $550 (after 2014 hike). It was by far the fairest way that we could fix the problem without having a big impact.” Coun. Todd York added that the township’s agricultural advisory committee recommended the hike as opposed to recovering the revenue through development cost charges. Hansma told Spallumcheen council the tax rate increase “will have more of an impact than you think.”
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Note the the different Farm Tax rates in the 3 jurisdictions for 2012 and 2013
Spall changed their tax ratio for farms in 2013 from 1.00 to 1.50.
Coldstream maintained a 4.50 farm tax ratio
Vernon's tax ratio for farms decreased from .26 to .24 !!
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| Spall Tax Revenue Changes 2013 vs 2012 |
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| COLDSTREAM Tax Revenue Changes 2013 vs 2012 |
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| Vernon Tax Revenue Changes 2013 vs 2012 |
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Marijuana rules evolve
by Jennifer Smith - Vernon Morning Star posted Apr 13, 2014 at 1:00 AM
Spallumcheen is looking at re-planting regulations for medical marijuana production. The township had originally planned on permitting marijuana production facilities on industrial lands. But due to tax implications, Spallumcheen is now looking at permitting use on agricultural land. “We don’t want to use up our prime industrial land,” said Mayor Janice Brown. “So we’re going back to the drawing board and we will include A2 agricultural land.” The township wants to assist the existing operations, but must also consider the impact on area residents. “In each community, you probably only have a few (medical marijuana production facilities),” said Brown. “We’re trying to make it away from residential.” But adding agricultural zones to the bylaw could ignite more public concern. “Just about every property in Spallumcheen has a farm next to it or is a farm.” One local grower says neighbours have never raised concern with the Spallumcheen operation, which ships less than 500 pounds of product annually. “We have been operating a legal facility for more than a year without our neighbours being aware of its existence,” the grower (whose name is withheld for privacy) wrote in a letter to the township. “Concerns about smells, traffic and security are misplaced as are many of the other reasons used by those that are opposed.” Spallumcheen also received comments from other licensed growers, as well as local agencies. One major reason for Spallumcheen’s decision to include agricultural land is the Agricultural Land Commission’s stance. “If a land owner is lawfully sanctioned to produce marijuana for medical purposes, the farming of said plant in the Agricultural Land Reserve is allowed and would be interpreted by the ALC as being consistent with the definition of ‘farm use’ under the ALC Act.” BC Assessment has also confirmed that the portions of a property used for medical marijuana production meeting farm classification requirements will be granted farm class. Spallumcheen is also weighing input from other agencies. Interior Health has stated: “wherever possible medical marijuana operations be located away from residential areas (e.g. in industrial or agricultural zoned areas) to avoid creating a potential nuisance.” The RCMP has stated: “Regardless of the new (medical marijuana production) regulations, I believe there are still added health and security risks associated to marijuana production facilities which may pose a greater risk to neighbours if approved on small ALR properties.” The bylaw changes mean there will be another public hearing. Final approval will also have to come from provincial ministry levels.
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List of Authorised Licensed Producers under the Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulations
https://mapsengine.google.com/map/edit?mid=zS6UaXhlzv4k.k89XBpiQOvbc
Spallumcheen is looking at re-planting regulations for medical marijuana production. The township had originally planned on permitting marijuana production facilities on industrial lands. But due to tax implications, Spallumcheen is now looking at permitting use on agricultural land. “We don’t want to use up our prime industrial land,” said Mayor Janice Brown. “So we’re going back to the drawing board and we will include A2 agricultural land.” The township wants to assist the existing operations, but must also consider the impact on area residents. “In each community, you probably only have a few (medical marijuana production facilities),” said Brown. “We’re trying to make it away from residential.” But adding agricultural zones to the bylaw could ignite more public concern. “Just about every property in Spallumcheen has a farm next to it or is a farm.” One local grower says neighbours have never raised concern with the Spallumcheen operation, which ships less than 500 pounds of product annually. “We have been operating a legal facility for more than a year without our neighbours being aware of its existence,” the grower (whose name is withheld for privacy) wrote in a letter to the township. “Concerns about smells, traffic and security are misplaced as are many of the other reasons used by those that are opposed.” Spallumcheen also received comments from other licensed growers, as well as local agencies. One major reason for Spallumcheen’s decision to include agricultural land is the Agricultural Land Commission’s stance. “If a land owner is lawfully sanctioned to produce marijuana for medical purposes, the farming of said plant in the Agricultural Land Reserve is allowed and would be interpreted by the ALC as being consistent with the definition of ‘farm use’ under the ALC Act.” BC Assessment has also confirmed that the portions of a property used for medical marijuana production meeting farm classification requirements will be granted farm class. Spallumcheen is also weighing input from other agencies. Interior Health has stated: “wherever possible medical marijuana operations be located away from residential areas (e.g. in industrial or agricultural zoned areas) to avoid creating a potential nuisance.” The RCMP has stated: “Regardless of the new (medical marijuana production) regulations, I believe there are still added health and security risks associated to marijuana production facilities which may pose a greater risk to neighbours if approved on small ALR properties.” The bylaw changes mean there will be another public hearing. Final approval will also have to come from provincial ministry levels.
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List of Authorised Licensed Producers under the Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulations
https://mapsengine.google.com/map/edit?mid=zS6UaXhlzv4k.k89XBpiQOvbc
Wednesday, April 09, 2014
Marihuana Rules Debated
Written by Glen Morrison 107.5 KISSFM Wednesday, 09 April 2014 06:01
Lumby and Spallumcheen have gone in opposite directions on the medical marihuana issue. Lumby mayor Kevin Acton says they'll restrict the commercial grows to their large industrial zone despite the tax rate being agricultural. He says "We don't have a lot of farm land, I think we have one farm land status piece of property in Lumby, so we can set the farm rates at whatever the municipality decides to set the farm rates at." For her part Spall mayor Janice Brown says they've chosen to start over and require the operations on agricultural rather than industrial land thus saving the tax revenue from the higher rated industrial properties.
Lumby and Spallumcheen have gone in opposite directions on the medical marihuana issue. Lumby mayor Kevin Acton says they'll restrict the commercial grows to their large industrial zone despite the tax rate being agricultural. He says "We don't have a lot of farm land, I think we have one farm land status piece of property in Lumby, so we can set the farm rates at whatever the municipality decides to set the farm rates at." For her part Spall mayor Janice Brown says they've chosen to start over and require the operations on agricultural rather than industrial land thus saving the tax revenue from the higher rated industrial properties.
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