No ban on circus animals

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: September 14, 2010 7:00 PM

The show will continue to go on. A majority of Vernon council ignored a recommendation from staff and lawyers Monday to prohibit exotic animals, including at circuses. “If we ban them in Vernon, they’ll just move to Armstrong. What does that serve?” said Coun. Bob Spiers of circuses. While some residents have urged the city to ban exotic animal acts, Coun. Jack Gilroy doesn’t believe opposition has been overwhelming. “If the public is so upset with elephants, they won’t go to the circus anymore,” he said. “I’m not taking my grandson to Africa to see an elephant.” The lone voice against exotic animal performances came from Coun. Buffy Baumbrough. “Yes it provides an opportunity to see them but there’s not a lot of context. There’s no educational opportunity to this,” she said of circuses. “The animals are living in stressful conditions and used for our entertainment.”

Much of the debate dealt with the fact that the provincial and federal governments have rules in place about exotic animals. “If the regulations regarding exotic species exist, those jurisdictions making the regulations need to do the enforcement,” said Coun. Shawn Lee. “There seems to be enough enforcement to make sure animals are controlled properly,” added Spiers. However, Baumbrough insisted there was a role for the city to play. “In terms of allowing a circus with exotic animals in your community, it’s up to the local jurisdiction,” she said.

Clint Kanester, bylaw enforcement manager, questioned whether senior government can address issues. “If there is a problem, how difficult will it be to get the province involved?” he said. Under the bylaw proposed by staff and lawyers, a number of exotic animals would have been banned, including primates, non-domestic cats and dogs, bears, elephants, all reptiles and amphibians more than two-feet adult size, mongooses, saltwater fish and tarantulas. Coun. Patrick Nicol was absent during the discussion

Okanagan mayors rue policing costs

by Contributed -Jul 23, 2010 / 5:00 pm CASTANET

The four member municipalities of the Intermunicipal Services Advisory Board—Kelowna, West Kelowna, Vernon and Penticton—are calling for a new approach to the way the B.C. Government passes on costs for RCMP policing. Kelowna Mayor Sharon Shepherd, West Kelowna Mayor Doug Findlater, Penticton Mayor Dan Ashton and Vernon Mayor Wayne Lippert will ask their Councils to endorse a resolution, which would go to the Union of B.C. Municipalities Conference in Whistler September 27 to October 1, calling on the Provincial Government to consult with local government prior to adjusting policing costs.

The four mayors agreed policing expenses should not come as a surprise to municipal governments and a more cooperative approach would eliminate sudden charges in future and fit in better with municipalities’ budget planning processes. The mayors discussed one notable example of surprising increases in policing costs, which occurred last fall when the Province told municipalities they would be responsible for additional charges for the RCMP’s recordkeeping system—called Police Records Information Management Environment or PRIME. The cost of PRIME doubled from $500 to $1,000 per member inside of one year and the B.C. Public Safety and Solicitor General’s Ministry passed on those costs to municipalities with little warning or explanation. The increased costs in Kelowna, for example, amounted to an additional $100,000, which is nearly equal to the cost of hiring one new police officer. The UBCM resolution would call on the Province to work with municipalities to implement a consultation process, whereby local government would have input and adequate notice into policing cost adjustments. Mayor Shepherd also committed to continue to address the issue of policing costs through a UBCM focus group she participates in. The group has been established to provide feedback to Federal and Provincial Government representatives who negotiate with RCMP.

Meanwhile, for the first time, the four municipalities have also made a joint purchase as a result of their ongoing cooperation through their Intermunicpal Services Agreement. The municipalities arranged a cash back discount for stationary through Staples/Corporate Express. The discount is calculated based on the amount of office supplies purchased and will therefore vary by municipality. The agreement is for five years, however, the contract can be reviewed annually and each municipality has the option to continue or opt out of the deal. The City of Vernon and the District of West Kelowna were also able to use the Joint Purchasing Agreement to purchase two vehicles this year, one for each municipality.

The Intermunicipal Services Advisory Board also discussed a variety of other issues including:

The possibility of an Intermunicipal Emergency Planning Agreement

Valley-wide transit initiatives

Future improvements to Highway 97

Landfill management and tipping fees

Control measures for Canada Geese

Climate change

Liquor control policies

Concerns related to the potential removal of rail lines
The Intermunicipal Services Advisory Board was created September 16, 2008 and is made up of the Mayors and Chief Administrative Officers of each municipality, who meet regularly to work cooperatively on a variety of issues of mutual concern.

City investigates stability of Caetani House

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: May 11, 2010 7:00 PM

The City of Vernon wants assurances that a heritage site is worth fixing up. Staff will inspect the integrity of the Caetani House before council considers a $52,342 grant request from the Caetani Cultural Centre Society to replace the roof, furnace, boiler and galvanized piping. “We keep throwing money into heritage buildings,” said Coun. Jack Gilroy. “Before we do that, we should check the foundation and make sure it’s viable.”Coun. Bob Spiers believes a full inspection is necessary to ensure tax dollars are being spent wisely. “It’s a precautionary step to make sure the building is worth putting a roof and furnace into,” he said.

The Pleasant Valley Road house was built in 1896 by Samuel Sommerville, a tax collector and city councillor. Several additions increased the size of the house including a new wing which was added in 1903. In 1913, the property was sold to H.G. Mueller, a hotel owner, and then in 1921, it was acquired by Italian immigrant Leone Caetani. It remained with that family until artist Sveva Caetani died in 1994. The house was given to the city so it could be used by the community for artistic activities.

Gilroy is reluctant to speculate on what the city will do if staff determines the building’s stability is questionable. “Then we’ll have to make a decision on whether we use taxpayers’ dollars to replace the foundation, which will be expensive,” he said. “I want to preserve heritage buildings but they only go so far.” Spiers also doesn’t want to consider the city’s options if the inspection doesn’t come back positive. “Putting more money into a building in that condition is not something I’d want to do. But it (review) is not likely to come back that way,” he said.

Caetani House is operated by the non-profit Caetani Cultural Centre Society.

Municipalities working together

Mar 21, 2010 CASTANET:
The four member municipalities of the Intermunicipal Services Advisory Board - Kelowna, West Kelowna, Vernon and Penticton - are working together this year on common municipal issues including Transit, Bylaw Adjudication, Joint Purchasing and joint support for the bid to host the 2015 Canada Winter Games. The Mayors of the four municipalities met recently and discussed the directions to take for 2010. Already in the works is a Joint Purchasing initiative by the municipalities which will see cost savings on the purchase of common materials including stationary. The group has also set its sights on improving transit services in the Okanagan Valley and is discussing other transportation possibilities. Bylaw Adjudication is being pursued by the four municipalities, joined in this initiative by the District of Peachland and the District of Lake Country. The six local governments are establishing and implementing a Bylaw Dispute Adjudication System which will enable bylaw ticket disputes to be handled by a provincially-appointed mediator instead of in the expensive BC Provincial Court system. Each municipality contributes to the cost of administration of this system by the City of Kelowna. The four member municipalities are also looking at providing joint support for a bid to host of the 2015 Canada Winter Games.

Adopted in September 2008, the ground-breaking Intermunicipal Services Agreement was signed by the municipalities of Kelowna, West Kelowna, Vernon and Penticton. These agreements, named Intermunicipal Services Schemes, are authorized under the Community Charter, and the Okanagan Councils are endeavouring to use them to work on regional concerns, tearing down jurisdictional constraints. The Intermunicipal Services Advisory Board is made up of the four municipal mayors and chief administrative officers. In 2009, the four municipalities employed the Intermunicipal Services Agreement to adopt common Safe Premises bylaws to handle properties found to be cultivating illegal drugs and pursued other common issues including affordable housing and feral rabbits.

No guarantee made for new gallery

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: February 23, 2010 7:00 PM

No firm commitment for a new public art gallery is being made by Vernon’s elected officials. Part of city council recently met with the Vernon Public Art Gallery board to discuss the organization’s ongoing request for an expanded facility. “They gave us their vision on where they want to head and to see where we’re at,” said Mayor Wayne Lippert. “We will continue to work with that group but we asked them to get the community behind them.” The gallery occupies 6,200-square-feet in the parkade, where it has been located for 14 years. But gallery officials have indicated that a 16,000-square-foot building is required. Many federal policies demand 16-foot-high ceilings and climate control for large travelling exhibits. The need for a large space has also been promoted because the gallery will host the Okanagan Print Triennial in 2015. A similar event in Trois Rivieres, Que. attracted 10,000 people and 350 pieces of art, and gallery officials state the Vernon facility doesn’t have such a capacity.

Coun. Jack Gilroy says he fully supports the gallery, but he isn’t willing to guarantee a new building at this time, partly because of the costs involved. “The city will work with them to find a site,” he said. “They need a different area but it will have to be driven by the gallery and not the city. They have to get out there and sell it to the public.” Gilroy also believes the North Okanagan Regional District must be involved in the process because it is responsible for cultural amenities in Greater Vernon.

Alexis Park Tribute

The Coldstreamer:

malediction n. The calling down of a curse.

Vae victis (IPA /wai wiktiːs/) is Latin for "Woe to the vanquished (ones)" or also "Woe to the conquered (ones)"

malfeasance: the performance by a public official of an act that is legally unjustified, harmful, or contrary to law;

Regional Biosolids Composting Facility – Upgrades and Improvements MEETING TONIGHT

The Regional Biosolids Composting Facility has been undergoing a series of operational and equipment improvements over the last few months. Staff from the facility have been working diligently to make improvements that will optimize processes and improve efficiencies and odour generation. These efforts have been closely monitored over the last few months by independent labs specializing in odour evaluation.

After several months of data collection, results have now been received. The City of Vernon and the City of Kelowna would like to take this opportunity to discuss the operational changes that have been made to date and to share the results of the odour evaluation with the residents that have been impacted by this facility.

An Open House will be held:
Location: Council Chambers, Vernon City Hall
When: Wednesday August 5th Time 6:30 pm

A presentation will be made by our consultant, Mr. David Gibson from the MMM Group. Mr. Gibson will provide an update on the operational changes and the results of the odour evaluation and characterization study. Representatives from the City of Kelowna and the City of Vernon will also be available to discuss any concerns from the residents and to receive input as to the impact of the operational changes. Options for future improvements will also be discussed.

If you have any questions regarding the Open House, please contact Mr. Gordon Light at (250) 469-8795. We look forward to seeing you there.

-----------------
Don Quixote Note: This letter was sent out to some residents by the City of Vernon and City of Kelowna. A notice of meeting should also be posted on the City of Vernon's website. This is an Open House.

Subdivision slated for Landing site

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: July 30, 2009 6:00 PM

Resort plans for a contentious Okanagan Landing property have been replaced by blueprints for a subdivision. Vernon council gave two readings Monday to a bylaw that would rezone 9650 Eastside Road from tourist commercial to hillside residential. If rezoning occurs, 120 single and two-family units will be built on the 25 acres. “What we will build is attainable houses people can afford,” said developer Craig Stowe. This isn’t the first time that Stowe has been before council.

In 2007, he attempted to have the former Paraiso Point campground rezoned from tourist commercial to resort residential to allow for a 100-unit project. However, considerable debate surfaced in the community and the council-of-the-day decided to delay a decision on that rezoning application until the official community plan review was done.Stowe never pursued the resort plans after that, and has now decided to construct a subdivision known as Edgepoint.“The OCP has communicated what the community wants,” he said. “The community wants small footprint houses and greenspace.”There would also be a trail system and a recreational facility with a pool and children’s play area.

But some concerns are already being raised about the proposal. “It’s like an alley and now we’re going to have more development there,” said Coun. Shawn Lee of Eastside Road. “It’s a very narrow road out there. I’m all for development on that slope but we need to look at infrastructure.” Stowe, though, says a traffic study has been done.“There is enough capacity on the road for this development,” he said.

The rezoning application will be the focus of a public hearing Sept. 14. “I want to hear what people out there feel about it,” said Coun. Bob Spiers. Coun. Jack Gilroy is quick to point out that no final decision has been made on the development and first and second reading of the bylaw is procedural. “It doesn’t mean we accept the development. It means it will go to public hearing,” said Gilroy.

Questions About New Landing Housing

Written by Peter McIntyre Wednesday, 29 July 2009 10:04 107.5 KISSFM

A Vernon city councillor is concerned about plans for dozens more homes in Okanagan Landing. A company (Ekistics Town Planning) is proposing 120 single and two family housing units at 9650 hundred block of Eastside Road, which has Shawn Lee asking some questions. Lee tells KISS FM, "The future is development on that slope and of course there's going to be more but I'm concerned as a city and planning that we have in place what we're going to do on Eastside Road. It's a wonderful road but historically that was just a little track. It's not meant to take the traffic load that it's even got now."Lee expects to hear if residents also have concerns when a public hearing is held September 14.

Council considers fire plan

Published: May 23, 2009 12:00 PM Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star

All eyes will be on Vernon council as it finally takes a stand on a divisive and emotional concept. Staff’s proposed fire service plan will be on the agenda during Monday’s council meeting and it’s anticipated that its seven members will make a final decision. “The plan is there and in council’s hands to provide direction to staff,” said Mayor Wayne Lippert. The plan contains recommendations on a variety of fire rescue services, but the most contentious clause is removing autonomy from the Okanagan Landing volunteer fire hall and stationing two paid firefighters there. Council has been inundated with letters and e-mails over amalgamating administration of Vernon’s two fire halls, and a recent public meeting was extremely vocal. Each side has contested the information provided by the other, including response times and how much more unionized firefighters will cost.

Lippert will not reveal how he may vote Monday. “I have had discussions with all of the parties involved and I want them all to work together as firefighters in an environment that enhances public safety,” he said. “What ever council decides, both halls have done a very good job and that needs to be recognized.”

In making recommendations to council, Vernon fire chief Jeff Carlisle has emphasized what he sees as a need for consistent service across the community. “I hope council will approve the performance standards and we can then proceed with implementation of council’s direction,” he said, adding that the plan calls for volunteers to remain involved. That is also the view of Brent Bond, Vernon Professional Firefighters Association president. “The fire service is about safety and if council doesn’t proceed with this plan, the only loser will be the citizens of Vernon,” he said.“When you take the emotion out of it, this is all about safety.”

But Ed Forslund, Landing fire chief, opposes the plan, saying that his volunteer crew has served the needs of residents for years. “I hope council has looked at all of the details of the plan and that it’s an expensive plan,” he said. “I don’t feel that the call volume warrants full-time people being here.”

City opposes new hours for club

Published: April 28, 2009 7:00 PM Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star

Opposition exists to a night club expanding its hours, but it may not be enough to prevent it from occurring. The City of Vernon will not support a bid from On The Roxx Show Lounge to change its start-time from 7 to 4 p.m. but council actually has very little say over the situation. The application is made to the provincial Liquor Control and Licensing Branch. “The liquor board does want input from the city but the final decision is with the liquor inspector,” said Dale Rintoul, city planner. As part of the process, the city surveyed adjacent businesses and property owners about the proposal. “All of the businesses in the area that responded don’t support the change in hours,” said Rintoul. Among the concerns from nearby businesses are noise, traffic and potentially intoxicated patrons.

In a letter to the city, On The Roxx owner Carman Zieman says he has made additions to the business, including a kitchen. “The reason for introducing the food service program to the business is to drive our intended full-line sports programming agenda,” he said. “We are committed to providing a safe and entertaining social venue, as our business record indicates with both the local police and liquor inspector.” Zieman says only televised sports events would be shown until 5:30 p.m. “Our intent is that neighbouring businesses would not be affected by the noise during their daily business hours while fulfilling our desire to attract an untapped area of our business,” he said. Despite Zieman’s assurances, Coun. Mary-Jo O’Keefe insists the concerns of the adjacent businesses must be taken into account particularly when many merchants are struggling during the recession. “A 4 p.m. opening would have a lot of effect on businesses,” she said.

Vernon & Districts Taxpayers' Association MEDIA RELEASE : Okanagan Landing Fire Protection

MARCH 20, 2009

The residents of Okanagan Landing are again the losers. This time many Okanagan Landing residents will see an immediate rise in property taxes for 2009. In the recent past, Okanagan Landing residents have had to bear the financial burden of a sewer system of pumps and grinders. Reminders to previous Council of the City's promise to provide sewer on the same basis as other residents of the City have fallen on deaf ears. Now, functioning fire protection provided at low cost to the taxpayers is in line for a tax grab through what the City calls a 'Full Integration Tax 2009'.

1. What you should know about the 2009 Budget:

The 2008 taxes were calculated with the fire tax levy separate as it was only charged on improvements while the 2009 taxes are charged on a full integrated tax that is assessed on both Land AND improvements. In 2009 fire taxes are no longer separated, but are fully integrated into a single figure.

This means that the Okanagan Landing will see increases in their taxes immediately of 5.41% for the average property valued at $418,676 with improvements (buildings) and up to 23.22% for bare land with the same $418,678 value with no improvements. Not the $19.75 quoted by Shawn Lee! More like $51.82 to $190.26 for Okanagan Landing residents .

The 2008 budget for fire protection for The City of Vernon was approximately $4 million while the budget for the Okanagan Landing Fire Department was $213,000 with an additional equipment budget. The system of separation works--there is no need for change.

2. What you should know about the Integration of the Okanagan Landing Fire Hall:

Vernon Council is reviewing a business plan that calls for the Okanagan Landing fire hall to come under the administration of the Vernon hall. The plan calls for two unionized firefighters stationed at the Landing hall, with volunteers still actively involved in fighting blazes.

There are two issues relating to Okanagan Landing. The cost. Considering that the 2009 budget for fire protection for the City of Vernon has increased 25% from 2008, what will the increase be in 2010? Furthermore, unionised firefighters cannot give 24 hr service ..more like 6! What has changed since 1993 when the initial contract was made for fire protection in the Landing?

There are voices on both sides of the issue. There are those who say integration will improve response time and there are those who say 'it ain't broke, so don't fix it'. All must be heard except for Councillor Gilroy.

Councillor Gilroy, as former deputy fire chief with a son and a nephew in the firefighters union in Vernon, must recuse himself from any debate or discussion on the issue of integration.

Contact: Alan Hill, former Director, Electoral Area A. NORD • 545-1648 • alanhill@shaw.ca

City to help Citizens Remove Snow !

Reprint of 11/30/06 Article.

CLICK ON CARTOON TO ENLARGE! (Wink, wink, Nudge, Nudge !)
















MINUTES OF A REGULAR OPEN MEETING OF COUNCIL
HELD MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2006

Moved by Councillor Cochrane, seconded by Councillor Beardsell:

THAT Council supports the City of Vernon continuing to be responsible for clearing snow from sidewalks adjacent to City owned property and major routes including 27 Street, Highway 97 and Highway 6 as designated in Section A of the Snow and Ice Control Policy;

AND FURTHER, that homeowners continue to be responsible for clearing snow from sidewalks adjacent to their property within 24 hours of the accumulation of snow as regulated by Section 5.7 in the Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 4980;

AND FURTHER, that Council amends 5(e) of the staff recommendations in the report dated November 14, 2006 from 50mm of snow to 150mm of snow as follows:

5.(e) Not withstanding the above, the City of Vernon will begin assisting with sidewalk clearing operations on residential sidewalks for major storms exceeding 150mm of snow, within 24 hours of the storm event, subject to available manpower.

AND FURTHER, that the 2007 Budget includes provision for the purchase of two pre-owned snow clearing machines estimated at a total cost of $60,000 and that the Snow and Ice Control Budget be increased by $20,000 in 2007 to account for the admanpower required to provide the higher service level; AND FURTHER, that the Operations Manager bring forward a request to Council for early budget approval for implementation as of January 1, 2007.

CARRIED, with Councillor Nicol, opposed.

Vernon council ready for business

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: December 02, 2008

The celebrations are over and Vernon’s new council is getting down to work. Mayor Wayne Lippert and six councillors were officially sworn into office Monday, and with the new term underway, the primary task is to hammer out a 2009 budget for the city. “There are global economic times that are tough and we need to recognize that,” said Lippert, adding that there will be a need for the city to be fiscally responsible. Lippert also wants council to work with local businesses in an attempt to keep them here, to implement the new official community plan and to be accountable to the public. “Open and honest communications are not options. They are a requirement,” he said. But because three of the council members are completely new to local government, Lippert has a warning for both city staff and Vernonites. “Be patient with us as we start this three-year journey. It will take time (to move ahead) but not a long time,” he said. “Business carries on and we have to continue on with what was started by the previous council.”

On Monday, Lippert appointed himself and other members of council to various committees and boards. “It’s always a struggle because you try to use everyone’s interests and skills,” said Lippert. Patrick Nicol will serve on the biosolids advisory committee, the North Okanagan Regional District and the finance committee. Buffy Baumbrough will be at the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee and the environmental and affordable housing advisory committees. Jack Gilroy has been appointed to NORD, the Spirit of B.C. committee and the athletic commission. Lippert will be a city representative to NORD, as well as sitting at the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee, the finance committee, the economic development committee and the O’Keefe Ranch task force.

There will also be plenty to do for the three new faces on council.Shawn Lee will serve on the affordable housing advisory committee, Okanagan Regional Library and the Vernon land advisory committee. “In some areas I will have to learn some things, and in some areas, it will be a natural fit,” said Lee.“Being new to city government will be a challenge but I’m a quick study.” Mary-Jo O’Keefe will sit at the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee and be the city’s representative to the Downtown Vernon Association and the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce. O’Keefe has previous involvement with both the DVA and the chamber, but she admits that other aspects of serving on council will be a challenge. “I have lots to learn. I want to make sure I’m well informed,” she said of the learning curve of being newly elected. Spiers has been named to the finance committee, the tax exemption working group and the biosolids advisory committee. “It’s everything I expected,” he said of his appointments, adding that a major task will be trying to address odour concerns at the biosolids plant which produces Ogogrow fertilizer.

O’Keefe’s RV park a priority

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: November 27, 2008

The City of Vernon hopes to step up the pressure in an attempt to save O’Keefe Ranch. On Monday, council instructed the society that operates the historical site to apply to the Agricultural Land Commission for a 100-unit RV park, not 50 units as was proposed by the society. “It’s not tenable with 50 spaces,” said Coun. Juliette Cunningham of the hope that an RV park would generate revenue for the cash-strapped ranch. “We need more than that. We need to look at it as not only a tourism piece, but as heritage preservation.” The ALC recently indicated it disagrees with a 100-unit RV park and the proposed location. which the provincial commission has deemed ideal for growing hay crops. The city is proposing that the proposed site remain in the Agricultural Land Reserve and the RV park be considered a non-farm use.

Cunningham insists the ranch is of historic significance to not only the North Okanagan, but the entire province, and action must be taken to keep it open. It was recently suggested by Coun. Barry Beardsell that if another revenue source isn’t found, the city may have to set aside a minimum of $175,000 in the 2009 budget for the ranch. “The taxpayers of Vernon can’t continue to subsidize the ranch to the level they have,” said Cunningham, adding that assistance from the provincial and federal governments is needed. On Monday, council voted to ask Okanagan Vernon MLA Tom Christensen to provide support and assistance for the city in its attempt to get a 100-unit RV park at the ranch. City staff will also ensure that the North Okanagan Regional District is fully acquainted with the status of the RV park application to the ALC. Mayor Wayne Lippert says the city will lobby hard on behalf of O’Keefe Ranch, but that’s something that’s already been happening. “We do have the support of our MLA here and (Agriculture) Minister Hagen is also in support of it,” said Lippert.

Ranch funding debated

105.7 Kiss FM Pete McIntyre:

Future funding for the O'Keefe Ranch is expected to remain a topic of debate for local politicians. The ranch, which is owned by the city of Vernon, is looking to get approval for an R-V Park from the Agricultural Land Commission, but has already been turned down once. Outgoing Vernon councillor Juliette Cunningham feels more funding has to come from senior levels of government. "The taxpayers of Vernon just can't continue to subsidize the ranch to the level that they've had to, and the thing is, it's deteriorating all the time, we need to maintain it so I think we need strong support from our MLA and the other ministers involved, and even perhaps federal money in terms of the heritage preservation of the ranch."

Mayor Wayne Lippert says the Ranch's society has two applications into the Land Commission, one for 50 R-V sites and the other for 100. He feels the one for 50 may be the better bet because it uses less farm land.

Vernon's Spirit Square Project Unveiled

The City of Vernon's Spirit Square, a new community gathering place on the grounds of City Hall, is to be built with the help of a $250,000 grant from the B.C. Spirit Squares program. "Vernon's Spirit Square will be an accessible, beautiful community space to celebrate important events in the city" says Okanagan-Vernon MLA Tom Christensen. "This square will honour our collective history with artwork celebrating local First Nations, orchard and ranching pioneers in a relaxing setting for all community members to enjoy." Vernon's Spirit Square project will include a revitalized area for relaxation, ceremonies and entertainment on the grounds of City Hall. Some of the features of the new Spirit Square will be a large performance area, removable seating, increased wheelchair accessibility, new landscaping, lighting enhancements and power upgrades for audio.

"We're excited about the development of this new meeting space and the transformation it will bring to the downtown area of our city," says Vernon Mayor Wayne Lippert. "As we continue to attract national and international events, I know that Vernon will be proud to showcase the tremendous creativity and resourcefulness of its people within the new Spirit Square."

The $20 million B.C. Spirit Squares program is helping to create or improve outdoor public meeting/celebration spaces based on 50/50 cost sharing with local governments, to a maximum provincial contribution of $500,000. B.C. Spirit Squares is one of four programs announced by Premier Gordon Campbell at the 2006 Union of BC Municipalities convention, aimed at making B.C. communities greener and healthier places to live, with reduced greenhouse gases, improved air quality and increased energy conservation. The other programs are LocalMotion, Towns for Tomorrow, and the Green City Awards. For more information about B.C. Spirit Squares, and for links to these other programs, please visit http://www.spiritsquares.gov.bc.ca. To learn more about BC150 please visit http://www.bc150.ca and http://www.tomchristensenmla.bc.ca

• News Release Document - 22Kb PDF

OKIB Votes

Starlee Speers - Vernon 105.7 SUN FM

Okanagan Indian Band members will vote Wednesday night on whether property taxation should be imposed on non-band members. Currently the Regional districts, Kelowna and Vernon are collecting taxes from five developments on band land with registered leases. Federal Minister of Indian Affairs Chuck Strahl says he doesn't want to interfere with individual band issues but adds being able to leverage your own land is key for economic opportunity. It's estimated over a million dollars in property taxes is collected each year by NORD, CORD, Vernon and Kelowna from the non- Okanagan Indian band members.

City waives rules for advertising

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: November 25, 2008

The City of Vernon is bending its rules against third-party advertising because of a direct benefit to taxpayers. On Monday, a majority of council shot down a recommendation from staff to deny a request from the North Okanagan Regional District for third-party advertising on the electronic reader board sign at Wesbild Centre. Staff insisted that such advertising infringes on current bylaws, but Coun. Pat Cochrane believes this was a direct example of where the city should be flexible with the rules. “It generates funds for the public benefit,” he said of the revenue that will be generated by NORD selling advertising on the sign. The revenue will go towards operations of Wesbild Centre, which is owned by NORD but funded by the taxpayers of Vernon, Coldstream and Areas B and C.

Under city bylaw, third-party advertising is a sign which promotes a business or service which is not conducted within the property the sign is located on. “There would be an opportunity for a proliferation of third-party signs,” planner Dale Rintoul told council. However, Cochrane questioned the policy, pointing to advertising on bus shelters and benches. “There are other examples of third-party signs in the community,” he said. The electronic sign was installed in 2006, and NORD’s intent was always to sell advertising on it as a way of reducing operating costs at Wesbild Centre. Concerns over the advertising came from Coun. Barry Beardsell, who wanted more details on how much revenue could be raised.“Surely that has a bearing on the issue,” he said. “Signs in the city are our jurisdiction and if there is a fair bit of revenue coming in, should the city get part of it? All of the details were lacking.”

It’s believed the advertising could raise about $37,000 a year. While the development variance permit for the third-party sign was approved Monday, the city has asked the regional district for the relevant financial information.

Retiring politicians offer advice for council

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: November 25, 2008

Two Vernon politicians didn’t end their careers quietly. Monday was the last council meeting for Barry Beardsell, Pat Cochrane and Juliette Cunningham, and Beardsell and Cunningham used it as an opportunity to send some advice to the incoming council. “I hope more attention is spent on the financial wellbeing of the city in the new year,” said Beardsell, who is retiring after 12 years. With the global financial crisis continuing, Beardsell called for “belt tightening” in the 2009 budget. “There should be a definite attempt to keep property taxes at a zero decrease or lower,” he said, adding that reserves could be used to fund infrastructure projects that would help keep people employed during difficult times. “To just stop spending further hurts the economy.”A draft 2009 budget was supposed to be before council in late October, but that didn’t occur and Beardsell is convinced some politicians aren’t taking the matter seriously. “Two of them didn’t have the time for an extra meeting this week to delve into the budget,” he said, suggesting that current council should have provided the new council with some clear direction.

Cunningham also had some parting words for those council members who were re-elected Nov. 15 and those who will be at the table for the first time. “I hope you move forward with the official community plan and continue to support affordable housing,” said Cunningham, who was a councillor for three years and unsuccessfully ran for mayor. “A lot of people feel they don’t have a voice and I hope you will continue to support social planning.” Cunningham also made a pitch for an aggressive economic development plan. “This economic downturn we are seeing globally is like nothing we’ve seen before. A lot of people are hurting.”

Cochrane, who is moving over to the District of Coldstream after 12 years in Vernon, wasn’t willing to provide any advice to the new city council. “They are a good group of people and they will make good decisions,” he said. Instead, Cochrane focused on the relationships he has formed with not only councillors, but city staff. “You are like a second family to me and I will miss you,” he said.

There was considerable praise for Beardsell, Cochrane and Cunningham as the meeting wrapped up. “They’ve been three outstanding councillors that have contributed enormously,” said Coun. Patrick Nicol. Mayor Wayne Lippert gave Beardsell, Cochrane and Cunningham credit for serving the community., “We’ve worked pretty well together. We had our times but we tackled a lot of issues. We’ve accomplished a lot,” he said of the outgoing council.

Lippert is well aware of Beardsell’s concerns about the budget. “Council has done a good job of keeping taxes in line and it’s something we’ll have to look at. Times are tough and we all need to tighten our belts,” he said.