Sold sign goes up on Lavington glass plant

by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Coldstream posted Sep 30, 2016 at 3:00 PM

A major real estate deal could have significant ramifications for the local economy. The sold sign went up in front of the former Lavington glass plant Friday, eight years after it was mothballed by Owens Illinois. “It’s huge for the valley,” said Michael Molnar, chief executive officer of Vernon’s Restoration Lands. Manufacturing will occur there, but specific details won’t be released until a press conference some time this week. “There will be a lot going on there,” said Molnar. “I’ve had a vision for this property for five years. O-I was outstanding to deal with.” The property on Hill Drive covers 91.7 acres and is zoned general industrial on three titles. The building is about 10 acres in size, with the warehouse itself about 6.3 acres with six covered loading bays. Negotiations between Molnar and O-I have been underway for some time. “We got a signed contract Wednesday after eight months of back and forth,” said Bill Hubbard, the local realtor representing Molnar. Don Kassa, a Vernon realtor, has been marketing the property for O-I since the plant closed in 2008. “I am pleased to see someone local is the owner,” said Kassa. “What’s interesting is at the 11th hour, we had numerous interested parties.” The property was listed at $5 million, but details on the purchase price aren’t known. “It was a fair deal for all involved,” said Molnar. Jim Garlick, Coldstream mayor, doesn’t have a lot of details but he welcomes Molnar’s plans. “We’re happy because it means something will happen there,” he said. “If jobs are created, it’s a good thing.”About 300 jobs were lost when O-I shut down the glass plant in 2008.

No Tolko Shutdown Worries Here

Posted on 9/26/2016 7:14 AM by Pete McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM
The MLA for Vernon Monashee doesn't think the Tolko mills in the North Okanagan could suffer a similar fate as the one in Merritt. Tolko will be closing its sawmill in Merritt in December, putting 200 people out of work, which MLA Eric Foster says is a result of a lack of logs due to the pine beetle epidemic. "We are very very fortunate in this area. We had the pine beetle obviously affect us, but it may up such a low percentage of our profile relative to what it certainly did to Merritt and in the Cariboo where it was huge." "A big part of it is due to the fact that we didn't get hit in this area with the pine beetle as bad simply because we didn't have as much pine as a percentage of our profile. It only made up about 28% of the profile here." Foster has been told by Tolko officials the mills in Lavington, Armstrong, and Lumby are secure for the forseable future. What has happened in Merritt is a direct result of the pine beetle, so with not enough logs to supply both mills there, one of them had to shut down. I had a long talk with the Tolko people to get the numbers on it. Some of the wood now will be coming to the Lavington Sawmill, some to Kelowna and some to Kamloops, that already is getting some of that wood."

Tax break to delay closure

The Canadian Press - Sep 7, 2016 / 6:45 pm |
Town officials in The Pas in northern Manitoba are offering Tolko Industries a massive tax break in hopes it will delay the closure of its paper mill. The company announced last month they would close up shop on Dec. 2 and lay off 300 workers because the mill is no longer financially sustainable. Mayor Jim Scott says Tolko leaving would cripple the town’s economy. But he says he's found a temporary solution by offering them a tax break of $840,000 a year for three years. He says the company would not have to pay property tax, business tax or education tax. Scott says it is not a last-ditch effort. “I just see it as checking out every possible opportunity," he says. "We have a very narrow window here. I know it closes on Dec. 2, but we really need to have someone in place in the next two to three weeks as a viable purchaser.” He adds the impact of Tolko leaving is far greater than the town losing out on millions in taxes. “They provide an annual payroll of $37 million. So (the tax exemption) hurts, hurts, hurts, but that’s a pain that you can live with. It’s a lot easier to live with that than losing out on $37 million.”

Rural areas may fund restorative justice

by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Aug 10, 2016 at 1:00 AM— updated Aug 10, 2016 at 5:51 AM
The North Okanagan’s rural communities could ultimately fund an alternative justice program. Electoral Area Advisory Committee members have instructed staff to initiate the process that could create a service that funds the Restorative Justice Society. “I think it’s a worthwhile cause,” said Rick Fairbairn, the director for rural Lumby. “We’re not talking a whole lot of dollars.” If the service is formed, the five electoral areas would likely provide $2,400 a year to the society. Based on $2,500, BX-Swan Lake would contribute $659, while $710 would come from BX-Silver Star, $362 from rural Lumby, $110 from Cherryville and $659 from rural Enderby. Through restorative justice, people who have committed an offence meet with the victim to talk about what happened and what can be done to correct the situation. If possible, it is a way for the offender to remain out of jail and turn their life around. “If we can keep one person from becoming a prolific offender, the money is a good investment,” said Hank Cameron, Cherryville director. Presently, funding for the Restorative Justice Society comes from the City of Vernon ($44,858) and the provincial government. Some grants come from other local jurisdictions on an annual basis. Voter assent will be required in each electoral area for the funding service to be formed.
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Economy considered
The Regional District of North Okanagan could get into the economic development business. There is a discussion about possibly establishing an economic development service. Presently, a new or existing business doesn’t have anyone at RDNO or the smaller municipalities to contact. “The City of Vernon often fields those questions,” said Laura Frank, regional planning projects manager. An RDNO economic development service could possibly run through Community Futures and include all jurisdictions outside of Vernon. However, the function would not operate in isolation from the city. “We want to make sure the function is complimentary to the work already being done,” said Frank of the city’s efforts.

Business is booming

by Kate Bouey - CASTANET Jun 8, 2016 / 10:41 am
North Okanagan politicians were upbeat about business opportunities and expanded services for residents during speeches to the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce Wednesday. In the most expansive presentation, North Okanagan Regional District board chairman Rick Fairbairn said regional planning was underway on an employment lands action plan. “We are working together to support expansion and attract new employment to the region,” said Fairbairn, who praised the partnerships of neighbouring communities to get things done. “No one community has all of the assets required to attract a large employer.” Of key importance is the expansion of the Swan Lake corridor. “I think they're in the experimental stages,” Fairbairn said afterwards. “They're taking a look at how those properties can be expanded.” A memorandum of understanding has been signed by the regional district, the Okanagan Indian Band, the District of Spallumcheen and electoral area B “to further pursue opportunities for the businesses in that area.” Fairbairn also revealed the regional district was considering the establishment of an economic development position to “mirror the hard work of the City of Vernon's (Kevin) Poole and his team.” He also reminded the business audience that agriculture is still big business in the region, bringing in $126 million annual and accounting for five per cent of the labour force in the North Okanagan. “Our priority is to welcome new business and development,” Vernon Mayor Akbal Mund told the group, also praising the “huge strides in regional co-operation.” In terms of growth, Mund said, “There is building going on everywhere (in the city).” He said the next big structure to go up would be the new ice sheet at Kal Tire Place. Council and staff would next start on a “facilities master plan to meet the needs of our residents” that would include looking at possible new cultural facility and a new RCMP building. “We're going strong,” said Mike Reilly, Coldstream's director of development services, referring to building statistics showing growth in Coldstream. “We're well over the slow times of 2008 and back to pre-slump numbers.” Reilly pointed to a new subdivision going in “right at the top” of Middleton mountain, with 29 lots. On June 20, senior district staff and council will start working on a strategic plan for the last half of the term – focusing on increased infrastructure, including expansion of the sewer system and an expanded transportation network, Reilly said. All three politicians at the table agreed attainable housing was an issue. “It has been an issue for the last ten years in just about every community,” said Mund. He said any solution had to be a “four-pronged” collaboration between federal, provincial and muncipal governments as well as developers who “had to buy in” to the concept. Meanwhile, Coldstream is looking into the possible legalization of secondary suites or an area where those suites would be allowed, said deputy mayor Pat Cochrane.

Glass Plant Price Lowered

Posted on 2/2/2016 by Pete McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM

There is news on the former glass plant site in Lavington. Don Kassa of Remax is the real estate agent for the site owner Owens Illinois. "Just today I'm processing a new listing on the glass plant and we've reduced the list price from $9.7 million to $5 million," Kassa tells Kiss FM. Kassa says the 90 acre industrial site on Hill Drive has been off the market for two years, but the company has re-listed it and is dropping the price because it wants to sell it.
"There's over six acres of warehouse with a 25 foot high ceiling, with a railway spur beside it, so (it would be good) for any kind of manufacturing," says Kassa. The glass plant shut down in 2008 for economic reason, putting 300 people out of work.

The Velocity of Money

So glad to finally see an economic stimulus package that works…
It's a cold day in the small Saskatchewan town of Pumphandle and the streets are deserted. Times are tough, everybody is in debt, and everybody is living on credit.
A Traveler comes to town and lays a $100 bill on the hotel desk saying he wants to inspect the rooms upstairs to pick one for the night.
As soon as he walks upstairs, the hotel owner grabs the bill and runs next door to pay his debt to the butcher.
The butcher takes the $100 and runs down the street to retire his debt to the pig farmer.
The pig farmer takes the $100 and heads off to pay his bill to his supplier, the Co-op.
The guy at the Co-op takes the $100 and runs to pay his debt to the local prostitute, who has also been facing hard times and has had to offer her "services" on credit.
The hooker rushes to the hotel and pays off her room bill with the hotel owner.
The hotel proprietor then places the $100 back on the counter so the traveler will not suspect anything.
At that moment the traveler comes down the stairs, states that the rooms are not satisfactory, picks up the $100 bill and leaves.

No one produced anything. No one earned anything...
However, the whole town is now out of debt and now looks to the future with a lot more optimism. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how a "economic stimulus package" works.
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1. The velocity of money is the frequency at which one unit of currency is used to purchase domestically- produced goods and services within a given time period. In other words, it is the number of times one dollar is spent to buy goods and services per unit of time.

Study reveals vacancy 'snapshot'

by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Dec 20, 2015 at 1:00 AM
A study refutes the perception that downtown Vernon is overwhelmed by vacant storefronts. A survey conducted by the City of Vernon and the Downtown Vernon Association shows a vacancy rate of 7.9 per cent for street-level units in the central core Nov. 2 to 6. “It’s a good snapshot,” said Kevin Poole, the city’s economic development manager. “Council had a goal in its strategic plan of a vacancy rate of 10 per cent or less downtown. Overall, I don’t think it’s too bad at all.” The survey shows a six per cent vacancy rate on 30th Avenue and 13.1 per cent for those streets immediately off of 30th Avenue. For the rest of downtown, the vacancy rate is 7.9 per cent. The report also highlights commercial vacancies more than 5,000-square-feet in size. They include the former Liquidation World, the old legion building and the former Canadian Mental Health building. “They aren’t easy sites to resolve, especially with such large square footage,” said Poole. “Prospective businesses also look at parking.” But while some challenges exist with large properties, Poole believes there are opportunities for new tenants overall downtown. “We have to make people aware of what is available.” Among the initiatives being launched by the city is an online portal with maps. “The map will highlight capital projects, new and proposed developments, along with vacant commercial space and redevelopment opportunities in the downtown,” said Poole.

We're No. 22!

Kate Bouey - CASTANET Dec 18, 2015 / 7:18 pm
Vernon and Salmon Arm have made it on the list of the 36 best cities for work in the province. BC Business magazine looked at six economic indicators the magazine felt reflected the health of a city’s job market. These included five-year average household income change, average household income, average household income under 35, five-year populatio change, unemployment rate and percentage of households with university degrees. Vernon came in 22nd on the list with a score of 52.7, far behind Kelowna which was 11th. Salmon Arm was 30th choice with a score of 48.5 cent, one below Penticton. Only cities with more than 10,000 permanent residents were considered in the rankings.
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http://www.bcbusiness.ca/hot-lists/best-cities-for-work-in-2016-the-ranking

Debate soars over Vernon airport extension possibly being scrapped

by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Dec 14, 2015 at 11:00 AM— updated Dec 14, 2015 at 12:18 PM
There’s some high-flying debate over the future of Vernon Regional Airport. Some city council members expressed concern Monday with a staff recommendation not to extend the airport runway from 3,500 to 4,000 feet. “It would be one way to attract corporate offices to Vernon,” said Coun. Scott Anderson on some company’s being reliant on aircraft. “We have one now, Kal Tire, and even if we had three, it would make a substantial difference.” Mayor Akbal Mund also questions if maintaining a shorter runway will hamper the community’s economic development opportunities. “How will that affect the corporate sector? Does the additional 500 feet bring corporate jets to safety standards.” The extension would cost about $5.2 million. “Based on the economic impact analysis for various development scenarios, the runway extension offers only a marginal increase in economic activity and would have a detrimental impact on surrounding neighbourhoods, particularly with regard to noise and development potential,” said Roy Nuriel, long ranger planner, in a report. “The current runway length also meets the needs of about 97 per cent of aircraft movements at the airport.” Transport Canada has dictated that any runway extension must occur by September 2017. “If we don’t extend the runway now, that’s it forever. But the benefit doesn’t rationalize the cost,” said Coun. Catherine Lord. However, Mund also points to the growing number of planes of all sizes using the airport. “The extension could be important,” he said. In 2014, there were about 15,485 takeoffs and landings. On Monday, Nuriel presented a draft of the airport master plan. It proposes upgrades to the airport and development of land to the north for industrial uses. Through city and private dollars, the price tag could be $5.8 million. Presently, 97 people work at businesses at the airport, generating $6.5 million in wages and benefits and an economic impact of $11.1 million. Nuriel is calling on the city to abandon a previous strategy for housing units inside hangars. “Many of the stakeholders say they’d rather live somewhere nicer than the airport,” he said. The city is consulting with the Okanagan Indian Band about the master airport plan and the document will be before council Jan. 25 for discussion.

Hemp products help dogs by Darren Handschuh CASTANET - Sep 29, 2015 / 6:11 pm

by Darren Handschuh CASTANET - Sep 29, 2015 / 6:11 pm

Dogs are eating up a new product from a North Okanagan company – literally. True Leaf of Vernon, is marketing a line of hemp-based doggie chews that, the company says, offers a variety of benefits to the family dog. Called True Love, True Spirit and True Calm chews, the company says the treats supply dogs with natural antioxidants and address joint pain and anxiety. The product attracted significant interest from collectives, pet stores and dog lovers at two recent trade shows and appears ready to fill a niche in the fast-growing “functional chew” category. The local brand will be for sale in stores by late October. The products were developed by True Leaf Medicine International Ltd. of Vernon and officially launched on Sept. 20 at the Pijac Canada show in Toronto, Canada’s largest annual pet industry trade show. The products have secured nationwide distribution and initial orders already represent 10 per cent of the revenue goal for year one.
Earlier in September at the International Cannabis Business Exhibition in Los Angeles, True Leaf gave the U.S. market a sneak peek at the products. More more than 85 people signed up for future orders of the company’s range of products, including several medical marijuana collectives, dispensary owners and a grocery chain, all anticipating a huge demand from customers with pets, according to Darcy Bomford, True Leaf CEO. “The last two weeks have been a whirlwind as we introduced the product line to the North American marketplace. We’re blown away by the response. When you see people so excited about what we are doing, it’s obvious all of our hard work is starting to pay off,” said Bomford. Bomford stressed the next few months will be a turning point for True Leaf as it starts shipping product and generating revenue.

Host cities chosen for 55+ BC Games

The Province of B.C. has announced the three communities chosen to host the 55+ BC Games in 2017 through to 2019. These cities were successful in their bids following a process conducted by the BC Senior Games Society that determined the winners from a total of six submissions.

-The City of Vernon will host the 2017 Games, supported by Greater Vernon and the City of Armstrong and the township of Spallumcheen.
-The cities of Cranbrook and Kimberley will host in 2018.
-The City of Kelowna will round out the decade in 2019.
-Vernon will host the 30th Games – formerly known as the BC Senior Games – and they were also the hosts during the inaugural gathering in 1988.

The most recent 55+ BC Games successfully wrapped up in North Vancouver last month. The BC Senior Games Society anticipates each of these communities will benefit from a local economic impact of more than $2 million from the thousands of participants expected to take part in the Games.
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Greater Vernon Lands 2017 BC 55-Plus Games
Posted on 9/26/2015 by Pete McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM

Jim Hamilton of Okanagan College, Bill Tarr representing user groups, MLA Eric Foster, 

RDNO Chair Rick Fairbairn, Coldstream Mayor Jim Garlick, RDNO director Bob Fleming, 

Vernon Mayor Akbal Mund and RDNO director Mike Macnabb 

help cut the ribbon on the new Greater Vernon Athletics Park Saturday

Kiss FM/Pete McIntyre photo

The Greater Vernon Athletics Park has been officially opened -- and has also helped land the area a big sporting event. Hundreds of people have taken in the opening day event at the facility next to Okanagan College. Vernon Monashee MLA Eric Foster used the occasion to make a special announcement. "The announcement is from the BC 55-Plus Games, that they are going to hold their 2017 event here. it was great to be able to make the announcement at th opening of this fabulous facility," Foster tells Kiss FM. Armstrong and Spallumcheen will also host some of the events along with Greater Vernon. The Games feature about 35-hundred participants 55 and older, taking part in about 25 sports. Kelowna was awarded the same event in 2019, while Kimberly and Cranbrook will host it in 2018. The 2017 event will be the 30th anniversary of the Games, the first one which was held in Vernon back in 1988, when it was called the BC Seniors Games.

New Pellet Plant Ready to Open

Posted on 9/23/2015 by Pete McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM

The new wood pellet plant in Lavington is nearing an end of construction, and will next undergo testing. Pinnacle Renewable Energy President Leroy Reitsma says it could take 12 months before the facility next to Tolko is up to full capacity. He says they are able to go ahead, despite an appeal of their operating permit, by some residents. "Anybody can file an appeal. It doesn't stop you from proceeding it's just that you, there's basically a review of the issuance of the permit to you." Reitsma is confident their state of the art emission system will negate air quality concerns. "As we commence operation, I think people are going to realize that everything that we talked about in terms of state of the art emission control is there and we are going to have a very low signature of operation." The plant will employ 25 full time staff, many of whom are currently in training. "For the most part we are fully crewed up. We've been training for actually the last six weeks to two months." He says an appeal of their operating permit by some residents. may be heard in the new year.

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."

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.

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

Monashees Closing Next Week

Posted on 9/1/2015 by Pete McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM

A tough market is the reason cited for the pending closure of a Vernon restaurant and pub at a high profile downtown site. Monashees Bar and Grill at 30th Avenue and 30th Street will close Monday, with that space turned into an expanded 30th Street Liquor Store and larger parking lot. Owner Steve Pauls says after 11 years in business, Monashees is no longer viable. "There are 108 restaurants in Vernon, there's also the world food prices. I mean beef prices have gone up 30%, vegetables have gone up 20%. It's just a really tough business," Pauls tells Kiss FM. Pauls expects to retain 60% of his staff, some working at the Kal Wine and Spirits and Kal Sports Bar, across the street, businesses he also owns. He says they will keep Monashees Pizza open. "Our pizza delivery isn't going anywhere."Pauls says expanding the liquor store makes economic sense. "Liquor stores are generally doing well. The trend is to go home and watch your own 70 inch TV, not go to the pub and pay six bucks a drink and watch my 70 inch TV," adds Pauls, who says a restaurant like Monashees would do better in a market like Kelowna, Calgary or Vancouver. "Vernon does not support these types of places." Pauls says Vernon has a declining population, with people leaving to find work. "The only thing growing is the number of restaurants. It's gone from 70 to 103, while the population has decreased."

Hydro Underway With $29M Project

Posted on 7/31/2015 by Pete McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM

Construction continues on new regional head office for BC Hydro on Kalamalka Rd. The Crown Corporation is investing 29 million dollars into a new regional head office and industrial building on Kalamalka Road. Hydro spokesperson Mary Anne Coules says work started in June, and they expect it to be done before the end of 2017. She says their current head office will be demolished, and replaced with a new building. "The new building is going up behind where the building is now, and then this building will be the parking lot," says Coules. The existing office -- which houses 220 employees -- dates back to 1973. "The old building doesn't conform to current building codes, and there's a number of issues, so it's definitely time for an upgrade," Coules tells Kiss FM. Another 20 employees work from an office in downtown Vernon and will move into the new building when it's done.
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To Get monthly Building Reports with $ Value:
http://www.vernon.ca/services/pde/building_reports.html

To get Building Permits Issued:
https://ecommerce.vernon.ca/TempestLive/webinquiry/reports/permitissueentry.cfm?functionname=PERMITISSU

Marijuana dispensary regulations approved in Vancouver

City becomes 1st in Canada to license and regulate pot shops, permitting about 100 retailers to open  By Lisa Johnson, CBC News Posted: Jun 24, 2015 11:33 AM PT
Vancouver city council has voted to regulate and license the roughly 100 medical marijuana retailers in the city, making it the first city in Canada to do so. The bylaw was supported by Mayor Gregor Robertson, the dominant Vision Vancouver councillors, and Green Party Coun. Adriane Carr. Opposed were the city's three Non-Partisan Association councillors. Coun. Kerry Jang called the controversial bylaw "a common-sense approach to dealing with the explosion of medical marijuana shops in our city." The bylaw will charge retail dealers a $30,000 licence fee — the city's highest permit cost — and prevent shops from operating within 300 metres of community centres, schools and other pot shops. The city held four nights of public hearings on the proposed bylaws, with dozens of speakers for and against the new regulations. "We're not regulating the product, we're simply regulating the business itself," said Jang. The bylaw does not allow the sale of edible products like pot brownies, with the exception of edible oils, which would include tinctures and capsules. (more)

Vernon Gets New Brand

Posted on 6/22/2015 by Pete McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM

'Make It Yours' is out, and 'Activate Life' is in, as the City of Vernon's new community brand. City council has approved that slogan for marketing campaigns after it was developed by the economic development advisory committee which got input from residents, visitors and stakeholders. Committee spokesman Glenn Benischek says they had 1,018 respondents to a survey at the Visitor Info Centre and online. "It was a robust process. and the outcome will prove itself, " Benischek told city council. Councillor Catherine Lord says the brand "kind of grows on you." "From some of the examples I've seen , where it says 'Activate Your Menu' or 'Activiate Your Golf Game,' you can use that with almost anything, so I think our commercial people and our business community is going to embrace it," Lord tells Kiss FM. Mayor Akbal Mund says the committee did a good job gathering input and coming up with the brand. "I think they've done their research well, and they talked to not only the residents here but residents who don't live here, and both think of Vernon as an active place." Councillor Bob Spiers isn't sure the time and money spent on developing the past or present slogans is really worth it. "I'm as happy with this one as I was with the last one. I don't know what it achieves," says Spiers. Economic development manager Kevin Poole says the city has spent about 15-thousand dollars so far on developing the brand, which staff will next attempt to have trademarked. "We will embrace it in all our tourism and marketing campaigns,"says Poole.
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From agenda Package  June 22 P.52
The costs associated with this project to date has been $14,247.25. Of this, $9,896.25 was for the services of Tambellini Design to develop the graphic design, brand promise and facilitate the Branding Task Force meetings. An additional $4,351 from the Web Advisors was utilized for surveying non-residents and compiling the results. The funds were spent in 2014 and were taken from the Economic Development Projects Budget.
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Canada Trademark Registry Search

http://vernonblog.blogspot.ca/2010/01/city-of-vernon-unveils-new-logo.html
(Above Posting when last slogan was introduced in 2010)
The logo design project was funded entirely through a Union of BC Municipalities Community Tourism grant. Just under 13-thousand dollars was spent on the new logo which was drawn up by a local firm, Stephanie Tambellini Design.
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KISSFM POOL Results as at 6:30 PM

Do you like the City of Vernon's new brand "Activate Life" which will be used in marketing campaigns?

Yes	11.4%
No	34.3%
Don't Understand It	25.7%
Don't Care	28.6%

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Morning Star Poll Results at 6:30 PM

Question of the Day

Do you like the new Activate Life brand developed for City of Vernon marketing?