By Kamloops This Week - December 15, 2016
Kamloops firefighters will get a 2.5 per cent wage increase each year until 2019 under a new contract ratified with the city. The five-year contract is retroactive to Jan. 1, 2015 and expires on Dec. 31, 2019 and gives firefighters a 12.5 per cent salary increase over the life of the deal. In a release, the city said the increases are based on wage boosts given in Lower Mainland communities, which historically have set rates of pay for firefighters across the province.The contract also includes more training opportunities for Kamloops Fire Rescue, and outlying fire services.Both the city and union praised the deal, with Mayor Peter Milobar saying it will “provide great value to our citizens.” Kris Krutop, president of the International Association of Firefighters Local 913, said the deal will improve service to the community. “We are excited that we now have increased opportunities for growth, particularly in our dispatch and training divisions,” he said.
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2015 Kamloops Sofi Report
Employee Remuneration and Expenses Elected Officials
Showing posts with label kamloops. Show all posts
Showing posts with label kamloops. Show all posts
Saturday, December 17, 2016
Sunday, July 03, 2016
City of Kamloops payroll rises by $6 million in 2015
By: Andrea Klassen in Kamloops This Week- Municipal Government, News July 1, 2016
A pay raise for city council increased Mayor Peter Milobar’s salary by about $11,000 in 2015. The city’s annual statement of financial information shows the mayor made $99,483 last year, compared to $88,534 in 2014, due to a change in how council pay is calculated brought in last term. Under the new rules, Milobar’s pay is calculated by taking the average paid in 14 B.C. communities, including Kelowna, Delta and Prince George, once the highest and lowest salaries are removed. If the mayor’s current pay is less than 90 per cent of that average, his wage is increased by two times the Consumer Price Index for Vancouver. Councillors were paid 35 per cent of Milobar’s wage in 2015, bringing them to just over $30,000 each for the year. That amount will increase to 40 per cent by 2017 — about $39,800 if calculated using 2015’s mayoral wage. Payouts to city staff rose by $6 million last year, to $60.6 million. Of the city’s 1,087 staff, 293 made more than $75,000 in 2015, up from 256 the year before. Of that group, 172 made more than $100,000, up from 82 the year before. Finance director Kathy Humphrey said the rise in employees making more than $75,000 — the point at which individual city salaries become public record — is due to an additional payday in last year’s calendar. Our first payday of the year was January 2 and the last was actually December 31, so people were paid for more than 26 pay periods. It just happened to be 27,” she said. “Their salary didn’t go up, nothing changed. It’s very likely they won’t be on the list next year.” Humphrey said the payday added about four per cent to most employees’ salaries. About 30 city employees made it onto this year’s public salary list for the first time due to the payday, and Humphrey said many of them will likely fall off again in 2016, which has fewer paydays. Twenty-four employees also crested the $100,000 mark due to the calendar quirk. As has been the case in previous years, Kamloops Fire Rescue staff and management had more employees on the list than any other division. Of KFR’s 134 employees, 117 made more than $100,000 and another five made more than $75,000. The number of firefighters making more than $100,000 is up dramatically from last year, when it was 48. Humphrey said the change is due to retroactive payouts for 2012, 2013 and 2014, the contracts for which were settled after the fact. In cases where firefighters worked full-time, Humphrey said retroactive pay increased salaries for the year by up to 20 per cent.
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Details for Council renumeration and Employee Rebunemeration at:
https://kamloops.civicweb.net/document/49964/Report_full_SOFI.pdf?handle=4FCE2516FC7846E2BC90A918D0AF2D6F
A pay raise for city council increased Mayor Peter Milobar’s salary by about $11,000 in 2015. The city’s annual statement of financial information shows the mayor made $99,483 last year, compared to $88,534 in 2014, due to a change in how council pay is calculated brought in last term. Under the new rules, Milobar’s pay is calculated by taking the average paid in 14 B.C. communities, including Kelowna, Delta and Prince George, once the highest and lowest salaries are removed. If the mayor’s current pay is less than 90 per cent of that average, his wage is increased by two times the Consumer Price Index for Vancouver. Councillors were paid 35 per cent of Milobar’s wage in 2015, bringing them to just over $30,000 each for the year. That amount will increase to 40 per cent by 2017 — about $39,800 if calculated using 2015’s mayoral wage. Payouts to city staff rose by $6 million last year, to $60.6 million. Of the city’s 1,087 staff, 293 made more than $75,000 in 2015, up from 256 the year before. Of that group, 172 made more than $100,000, up from 82 the year before. Finance director Kathy Humphrey said the rise in employees making more than $75,000 — the point at which individual city salaries become public record — is due to an additional payday in last year’s calendar. Our first payday of the year was January 2 and the last was actually December 31, so people were paid for more than 26 pay periods. It just happened to be 27,” she said. “Their salary didn’t go up, nothing changed. It’s very likely they won’t be on the list next year.” Humphrey said the payday added about four per cent to most employees’ salaries. About 30 city employees made it onto this year’s public salary list for the first time due to the payday, and Humphrey said many of them will likely fall off again in 2016, which has fewer paydays. Twenty-four employees also crested the $100,000 mark due to the calendar quirk. As has been the case in previous years, Kamloops Fire Rescue staff and management had more employees on the list than any other division. Of KFR’s 134 employees, 117 made more than $100,000 and another five made more than $75,000. The number of firefighters making more than $100,000 is up dramatically from last year, when it was 48. Humphrey said the change is due to retroactive payouts for 2012, 2013 and 2014, the contracts for which were settled after the fact. In cases where firefighters worked full-time, Humphrey said retroactive pay increased salaries for the year by up to 20 per cent.
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Details for Council renumeration and Employee Rebunemeration at:
https://kamloops.civicweb.net/document/49964/Report_full_SOFI.pdf?handle=4FCE2516FC7846E2BC90A918D0AF2D6F
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
Heavy-industry tax break will hit Kamloops homeowners
By: Andrea Klassen in Municipal Government, News April 12, 2016
Heavy industry in Kamloops will get a $550,000 tax cut in 2016. At a budget meeting on Tuesday morning, city council voted to shift some of the city’s property-tax burden from Domtar, Lafarge and Tolko and onto residential ratepayers. The shift, coupled with other increases this year, will hike the tax bill for the average homeowner by $58 on a house worth $351,000. Heavy industries in the city have complained for years their tax rate is far too high compared to other communities in the province. While the city has frozen the mill rate (the amount of money per $1,000 of assessed property) paid by the three companies for several years, it is still above the provincial average. With Tuesday’s cut, heavy-industrial ratepayers will pay $74 per $1,000 of assessed value. Finance director Kath Humphrey told council the community with the next-highest rate in the province charges industries $53 per $1,000 of assessed value. (more)
Heavy industry in Kamloops will get a $550,000 tax cut in 2016. At a budget meeting on Tuesday morning, city council voted to shift some of the city’s property-tax burden from Domtar, Lafarge and Tolko and onto residential ratepayers. The shift, coupled with other increases this year, will hike the tax bill for the average homeowner by $58 on a house worth $351,000. Heavy industries in the city have complained for years their tax rate is far too high compared to other communities in the province. While the city has frozen the mill rate (the amount of money per $1,000 of assessed property) paid by the three companies for several years, it is still above the provincial average. With Tuesday’s cut, heavy-industrial ratepayers will pay $74 per $1,000 of assessed value. Finance director Kath Humphrey told council the community with the next-highest rate in the province charges industries $53 per $1,000 of assessed value. (more)
Sunday, November 29, 2015
Kamloops council asked to approve recycling contract — at an 84% annual increase in cost
By: Andrea Klassen Kamloops This Week, News November 28, 2015
The company whose drawn-out strike left Kamloops without recycling pickup for months will likely hold onto the contract to process the city’s recyclables. But, it will cost the city almost double what is now being paid — and that increase will be passed on to homeowners, who now pay $33 per year for weekly collection. Council will be be asked Tuesday to approve a new two-year contract with Emterra Environmental, which includes an option to renew for three years. In a report, streets and environmental services manager Glen Farrow said the city will be paying far more for the same services under the new contract, about $845,000 per year compared to the current $460,000 to process 5,000 metric tonnes of recyclable material annually — an increase of 84 per cent. Farrow said covering the cost will likely lead to higher solid-waste fees for Kamloops residents. Exactly how much will be known later this month, when utility rates are set. Farrow said the city had two companies bid for the contract, but when scored on a number of criteria, including pricing and experience, Cascades Recovery Inc. received a lower score than Emterra. Farrow said the contract allows the city to cancel on short notice if it is able to sign onto Multi-Material B.C., a program that is supposed to cover much or all of the cost of curbside recycling services and uses different processing facilities. Ten unionized Emterra workers were on strike for eight weeks this past summer, citing low wages as their chief issue. Most earned $13 or less per hour Workers ratified a four-year deal in August, which will include wage increases of 22.5 per cent over the life of the agreement, giving those $13 an hour workers a wage of about $16 an hour by 2019. In 2008, the city signed a five-year deal with Emterra. In 2013, the contract was extended to the end of December of this year. The renewal brought few changes, other than the inclusion of soft and black plastics into the stream of acceptable recyclables. Under the current contract, Emterra is paid a flat fee for taking the recyclables, just under $80 per metric tonne, and also gets a cut of the sale of the materials, which it brokers on the city’s behalf.
The company whose drawn-out strike left Kamloops without recycling pickup for months will likely hold onto the contract to process the city’s recyclables. But, it will cost the city almost double what is now being paid — and that increase will be passed on to homeowners, who now pay $33 per year for weekly collection. Council will be be asked Tuesday to approve a new two-year contract with Emterra Environmental, which includes an option to renew for three years. In a report, streets and environmental services manager Glen Farrow said the city will be paying far more for the same services under the new contract, about $845,000 per year compared to the current $460,000 to process 5,000 metric tonnes of recyclable material annually — an increase of 84 per cent. Farrow said covering the cost will likely lead to higher solid-waste fees for Kamloops residents. Exactly how much will be known later this month, when utility rates are set. Farrow said the city had two companies bid for the contract, but when scored on a number of criteria, including pricing and experience, Cascades Recovery Inc. received a lower score than Emterra. Farrow said the contract allows the city to cancel on short notice if it is able to sign onto Multi-Material B.C., a program that is supposed to cover much or all of the cost of curbside recycling services and uses different processing facilities. Ten unionized Emterra workers were on strike for eight weeks this past summer, citing low wages as their chief issue. Most earned $13 or less per hour Workers ratified a four-year deal in August, which will include wage increases of 22.5 per cent over the life of the agreement, giving those $13 an hour workers a wage of about $16 an hour by 2019. In 2008, the city signed a five-year deal with Emterra. In 2013, the contract was extended to the end of December of this year. The renewal brought few changes, other than the inclusion of soft and black plastics into the stream of acceptable recyclables. Under the current contract, Emterra is paid a flat fee for taking the recyclables, just under $80 per metric tonne, and also gets a cut of the sale of the materials, which it brokers on the city’s behalf.
Wednesday, July 08, 2015
Gov't funding all wet
by Darren Handschuh CASTANET - Jul 8, 2015 / 8:00 pm
Residents of Kamloops and Black Pines will have better access to water, thanks to money from the federal and provincial governments. To protect Kamloops' municipal water supply from potential impacts of a hazardous-material spill along the CP Rail main line, the Trans-Canada Highway, or failure of the city's water quality centre, Kamloops will add a secondary raw-water intake in the North Thompson River. This will ensure a backup supply of water is available in the event of an emergency, or if water from the South Thompson becomes unsuitable for treatment or human consumption. To allow the Thompson-Nicola Regional District to continue providing Black Pines residents with clean, safe drinking water, a new raw-water intake for its community water system and accompanying treatment plant will also be built on the North Thompson River. The federal and provincial governments are chipping in $3 million each for the $9-million Kamloops water intake project, with the City of Kamloops responsible for the remaining $3 million. For the Black Pines project, the feds and province will team up to provide close to $1 million.
Residents of Kamloops and Black Pines will have better access to water, thanks to money from the federal and provincial governments. To protect Kamloops' municipal water supply from potential impacts of a hazardous-material spill along the CP Rail main line, the Trans-Canada Highway, or failure of the city's water quality centre, Kamloops will add a secondary raw-water intake in the North Thompson River. This will ensure a backup supply of water is available in the event of an emergency, or if water from the South Thompson becomes unsuitable for treatment or human consumption. To allow the Thompson-Nicola Regional District to continue providing Black Pines residents with clean, safe drinking water, a new raw-water intake for its community water system and accompanying treatment plant will also be built on the North Thompson River. The federal and provincial governments are chipping in $3 million each for the $9-million Kamloops water intake project, with the City of Kamloops responsible for the remaining $3 million. For the Black Pines project, the feds and province will team up to provide close to $1 million.
Friday, April 10, 2015
Proposed arts centre at former Kamloops Daily News site pegged at $90 million
By: Andrea Klassen Kamloops this Week, News April 9, 2015
Kamloops’ new performing-arts centre would boast a 1,200-seat theatre, a 350-seat black-box theatre, 350 parking stalls and an $90-million price tag.But, Mayor Peter Milobar and city staff told the public last night at Interior Savings Centre, building the new facility on the former site of the Kamloops Daily News would require only a one per cent tax hike in 2016 and another one per cent increase in 2017.Should it pass in a referendum later this year, construction would begin in 2018, with an opening date in 2020. Milobar said he does expect some sticker shock — as Coun. Donovan Cavers put it to media earlier this week — from the public, but doesn’t think the overall price is insurmountable. “When they see that it’s only one per cent a year for two years and you not only achieve the theatre, you also achieve 350 parking stalls for daytime usage in downtown Kamloops, I think that a lot of people will see that it’s not necessarily a wild and crazy concept,” he said. While the city considered Thompson Rivers University and the soon-to-be-vacant Lake City Casino space at Hotel 540 on Victoria Street as potential sites, Milobar said the city preferred to keep the centre downtown, which ruled out TRU early on. Of the two remaining options, Hotel 540 was slightly larger. But, Milobar said, the L-shape of the vacant property on the hotel site made it difficult to lay out the various components the centre would require. (more)
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READ THE REPORT:
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| http://www.kamloops.ca/arts/pdfs/15-PerformingArtsCentre-Report-Final.pdf |
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READ THE REPORT:
Thursday, December 04, 2014
Cop shooter charged
by Ragnar Haagen Castanet - Dec 4, 2014 / 2:55 pm
The man accused of shooting a Kamloops RCMP officer yesterday made his first court appearance on Thursday afternoon. Kenneth Michael Knutson, 36, has been charged with attempted murder using a firearm, aggravated assault of a peace officer, possession of a firearm while prohibited, and discharging a firearm with intent to wound, maim, disfigure or endanger life. Police have also seized the vehicle used in the traffic stop in which Cpl. Jean Rene Michaud was shot early Wednesday morning. He remains in critical but stable condition in intensive care and is expected to undergo further surgery. Three other females have also been arrested, but police say it’s too early to speculate on what charges they may face – one of the women was arrested on unrelated outstanding warrants. Cops were back again today at the Bachelor Heights area of town, at a residence on Raven Drive where the suspect is known to frequent. According to court records, a man by that name has a long criminal history in BC. In March of 2002, Knutson was arrested and charged with 2nd degree murder in the death of Christopher Corey Lesniak in Port Coquitlam. Knutson also had numerous arrests and convictions resisting arrest and obstructing or assaulting peace officers. The IIO has also released the investigation back to the Kamloops RCMP after determining the probe into the suspect’s injuries aren’t serious to proceed. According to the IIO, Knutson was shot in the arm when police returned fire after Michaud had been shot.
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Also See:
http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Convicted+killer+charged+with+attempted+murder+Kamloops/10440066/story.html
The man accused of shooting a Kamloops RCMP officer yesterday made his first court appearance on Thursday afternoon. Kenneth Michael Knutson, 36, has been charged with attempted murder using a firearm, aggravated assault of a peace officer, possession of a firearm while prohibited, and discharging a firearm with intent to wound, maim, disfigure or endanger life. Police have also seized the vehicle used in the traffic stop in which Cpl. Jean Rene Michaud was shot early Wednesday morning. He remains in critical but stable condition in intensive care and is expected to undergo further surgery. Three other females have also been arrested, but police say it’s too early to speculate on what charges they may face – one of the women was arrested on unrelated outstanding warrants. Cops were back again today at the Bachelor Heights area of town, at a residence on Raven Drive where the suspect is known to frequent. According to court records, a man by that name has a long criminal history in BC. In March of 2002, Knutson was arrested and charged with 2nd degree murder in the death of Christopher Corey Lesniak in Port Coquitlam. Knutson also had numerous arrests and convictions resisting arrest and obstructing or assaulting peace officers. The IIO has also released the investigation back to the Kamloops RCMP after determining the probe into the suspect’s injuries aren’t serious to proceed. According to the IIO, Knutson was shot in the arm when police returned fire after Michaud had been shot.
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Also See:
http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Convicted+killer+charged+with+attempted+murder+Kamloops/10440066/story.html
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Gas-tax rules change gives city another funding option
Kamloops This Week: By: Andrea Klassen in Municipal Government, News April 28, 2014
A change to the rules surrounding the $3-million in gas-tax money the city receives each year will give Kamloops council another place to look for performing-arts centre funding. Previously, municipalities could use the federal funds only for public infrastructure programs, but a new agreement has opened up the field to include arts and sports facilities, airport improvements and a host of other project types. Most of this year’s gas-tax funds are already earmarked in Kamloops for pedestrian improvements on Todd Road in Barnhartvale and for an upgrade of Windbreak Street in Brocklehurst. The city also used gas-tax revenue to create a reserve fund that will fund cycling and pedestrian projects. Mayor Peter Milobar said it is promising the federal government has relaxed the rules around the money but, at this point, he said it’s anyone’s guess whether gas-tax funds will be used to fund a performing-arts centre. “That’s for the council, if and when we get to the numbers stages, to start figuring out,” he said. “It’s an option in the tool box, but it doesn’t mean it will be acted upon for that project. It may be that we may want to use those funds for other projects.” If council did choose to use gas-tax funds to build a centre, it would have the option of setting some or all of the funds aside in a reserve designated to the project. Municipalities can also borrow against the funds. Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo MP Cathy McLeod said the changes will give communities more flexibility while still encouraging them to revitalize their infrastructure. The city will take the next step on the performing-arts centre later this year when it hires a consultant to fine-tune its plans, including the centre’s location and design. Once that work is complete, the city will likely hold a referendum to seek permission to borrow the funds for the project.
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Where Vernon is using its Gas Tax Funding in 2014: (P.59)
29 ST SAN / STM / ROAD RECONSTRUCTION - 41 AVE TO 43 AVE $797,658
PLEASANT VALLEY ROAD REHAB - 41 AVENUE TO BX CREEK $220,174
Total to be used from Gas Tax Community Works Fund Reserve : $1,017,831
A change to the rules surrounding the $3-million in gas-tax money the city receives each year will give Kamloops council another place to look for performing-arts centre funding. Previously, municipalities could use the federal funds only for public infrastructure programs, but a new agreement has opened up the field to include arts and sports facilities, airport improvements and a host of other project types. Most of this year’s gas-tax funds are already earmarked in Kamloops for pedestrian improvements on Todd Road in Barnhartvale and for an upgrade of Windbreak Street in Brocklehurst. The city also used gas-tax revenue to create a reserve fund that will fund cycling and pedestrian projects. Mayor Peter Milobar said it is promising the federal government has relaxed the rules around the money but, at this point, he said it’s anyone’s guess whether gas-tax funds will be used to fund a performing-arts centre. “That’s for the council, if and when we get to the numbers stages, to start figuring out,” he said. “It’s an option in the tool box, but it doesn’t mean it will be acted upon for that project. It may be that we may want to use those funds for other projects.” If council did choose to use gas-tax funds to build a centre, it would have the option of setting some or all of the funds aside in a reserve designated to the project. Municipalities can also borrow against the funds. Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo MP Cathy McLeod said the changes will give communities more flexibility while still encouraging them to revitalize their infrastructure. The city will take the next step on the performing-arts centre later this year when it hires a consultant to fine-tune its plans, including the centre’s location and design. Once that work is complete, the city will likely hold a referendum to seek permission to borrow the funds for the project.
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Where Vernon is using its Gas Tax Funding in 2014: (P.59)
29 ST SAN / STM / ROAD RECONSTRUCTION - 41 AVE TO 43 AVE $797,658
PLEASANT VALLEY ROAD REHAB - 41 AVENUE TO BX CREEK $220,174
Total to be used from Gas Tax Community Works Fund Reserve : $1,017,831
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Firefighters reach deal
by Wayne Moore |CASTANET- Mar 27, 2014 / 10:43 am
Firefighters and the City of Kamloops have finally come to terms on a new collective bargaining agreement. The four-year agreement, announced Thursday morning, replaces the previous contract which expired in December of 2010. The new deal between the City and IAFF, Local 913, expires at the end of this year. The contract provides for increases of 1.25% (effective Jan 1, 2011), 1.25% (effective July 1, 2011) and 0.5% (effective Jan 1, 2013). Wage increases for 2012, 2013, and 2014 shall be the average of the percentage increase agreed to by the majority of 15 Lower Mainland municipality IAFF Firefighter Agreements. There were a number of operational efficiencies and improvements negotiated in the Collective Agreement that helped to reduce contract costs. These negotiations included no benefit enhancements, an increase in the number of flex firefighters allowing for greater flexibility in job responsibilities and an improved uniform replacement system. The City of Kamloops and IAFF Local 913 were scheduled to proceed to arbitration in April to settle what would have likely been a one- or two-year term, which would have resulted in a Collective Agreement that would have remained two or more years in arrears. “I am very pleased that we were able to reach a settlement with our firefighters," says Kamloops Fire Chief Dale McLean . "This is a direct result of the positive working relationship established between Labour and Management. Everyone within Kamloops Fire Rescue has common goals and objectives in providing the best service possible. The negotiations and Collective Agreement outcomes clearly illustrate this commitment.” Kris Krutop, IAFF Local 913 President, says he was encouraged by the city's willingness to discuss the business objectively. "This agreement is a result of working in a collaborative fashion focusing on efficiencies and operational improvements to our service delivery. It was important to everyone that our service be as efficient as possible. Both parties worked diligently to analyze our business and to carefully consider the people that we proudly serve," says Krutop. “We’re pleased that an agreement has been reached and we look forward to a continued positive relationship providing excellent fire services in our community,” added Mayor Peter Milobar.
Firefighters and the City of Kamloops have finally come to terms on a new collective bargaining agreement. The four-year agreement, announced Thursday morning, replaces the previous contract which expired in December of 2010. The new deal between the City and IAFF, Local 913, expires at the end of this year. The contract provides for increases of 1.25% (effective Jan 1, 2011), 1.25% (effective July 1, 2011) and 0.5% (effective Jan 1, 2013). Wage increases for 2012, 2013, and 2014 shall be the average of the percentage increase agreed to by the majority of 15 Lower Mainland municipality IAFF Firefighter Agreements. There were a number of operational efficiencies and improvements negotiated in the Collective Agreement that helped to reduce contract costs. These negotiations included no benefit enhancements, an increase in the number of flex firefighters allowing for greater flexibility in job responsibilities and an improved uniform replacement system. The City of Kamloops and IAFF Local 913 were scheduled to proceed to arbitration in April to settle what would have likely been a one- or two-year term, which would have resulted in a Collective Agreement that would have remained two or more years in arrears. “I am very pleased that we were able to reach a settlement with our firefighters," says Kamloops Fire Chief Dale McLean . "This is a direct result of the positive working relationship established between Labour and Management. Everyone within Kamloops Fire Rescue has common goals and objectives in providing the best service possible. The negotiations and Collective Agreement outcomes clearly illustrate this commitment.” Kris Krutop, IAFF Local 913 President, says he was encouraged by the city's willingness to discuss the business objectively. "This agreement is a result of working in a collaborative fashion focusing on efficiencies and operational improvements to our service delivery. It was important to everyone that our service be as efficient as possible. Both parties worked diligently to analyze our business and to carefully consider the people that we proudly serve," says Krutop. “We’re pleased that an agreement has been reached and we look forward to a continued positive relationship providing excellent fire services in our community,” added Mayor Peter Milobar.
Friday, March 07, 2014
Government cannot force casino to stay put
By: Cam Fortems in Municipal Government, News, Provincial Politics Kamloops NEWS
The B.C. Liberal government has no intention of forcing Lake City Casinos to remain downtown, said MLA Todd Stone, in whose Kamloops-South Thompson riding the casino operates. Stone said he has come to learn through conversations with Lake City owner Gateway Casinos and Entertainment Ltd. and the B.C. Lottery Corporation (BCLC) that a new casino needs a footprint larger than what is available in downtown Kamloops. While the corporation owns the parking lot downtown behind Hotel 540, development of that site will require underground parking — something Stone said Gateway has deemed too expensive. It has now determined it needs floor space of 40,000 to 50,000 square feet, compared with the 16,000 square feet it has today. Recent news coverage has speculated Gateway intends to develop the former Rona site beside the Trans-Canada Highway in Aberdeen. The company has refused comment. The former Kamloops Daily News building — which the city has purchased for parking use — was ruled out due to development costs, Stone said. “It’s not mine or Terry’s [Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Terry Lake] or BCLC’s — it’s Gateway’s decision.” A Gateway representative could not be reached for comment. Stone said the ultimate authority is the City of Kamloops, which is responsible for zoning and receives $1.3 million a year in revenues from the casino. The city has said it will need to measure the benefits of an expanded casino outside the downtown core versus the potential loss if it were to locate outside city limits. Tk’emlups Indian Band Chief Shane Gottfriedson told KTW last month it would be an “exciting opportunity” if Gateway was to consider TIB land as a new site for its casino.
The B.C. Liberal government has no intention of forcing Lake City Casinos to remain downtown, said MLA Todd Stone, in whose Kamloops-South Thompson riding the casino operates. Stone said he has come to learn through conversations with Lake City owner Gateway Casinos and Entertainment Ltd. and the B.C. Lottery Corporation (BCLC) that a new casino needs a footprint larger than what is available in downtown Kamloops. While the corporation owns the parking lot downtown behind Hotel 540, development of that site will require underground parking — something Stone said Gateway has deemed too expensive. It has now determined it needs floor space of 40,000 to 50,000 square feet, compared with the 16,000 square feet it has today. Recent news coverage has speculated Gateway intends to develop the former Rona site beside the Trans-Canada Highway in Aberdeen. The company has refused comment. The former Kamloops Daily News building — which the city has purchased for parking use — was ruled out due to development costs, Stone said. “It’s not mine or Terry’s [Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Terry Lake] or BCLC’s — it’s Gateway’s decision.” A Gateway representative could not be reached for comment. Stone said the ultimate authority is the City of Kamloops, which is responsible for zoning and receives $1.3 million a year in revenues from the casino. The city has said it will need to measure the benefits of an expanded casino outside the downtown core versus the potential loss if it were to locate outside city limits. Tk’emlups Indian Band Chief Shane Gottfriedson told KTW last month it would be an “exciting opportunity” if Gateway was to consider TIB land as a new site for its casino.
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Kamloops, CUPE agree on new contract
by Wayne Moore - CASTANET Jan 16, 2014 / 12:19 pm
The City of Kamloops and CUPE Local 900 have reached an agreement on a new five-year contract, with staff ratifying the new agreement with 74% support on Wednesday. Council approved the agreement in December. The new agreement, effective Jan. 1 of this year, will expire Dec. 31, 2018. It includes wage increases of 1.00 percent in the first year, 1.50 percent in the second year, 2.00 percent in the third year, 1.00 percent in the fourth year, and 2.00 percent in the last year of the contract. Contract language was also clarified and updated. The parties commenced bargaining in early October, with numerous meetings in the last several months. As with the previous contract, the negotiating teams were able to reach an agreement prior to the current contract's expiry on December 31, 2013.(more)
The City of Kamloops and CUPE Local 900 have reached an agreement on a new five-year contract, with staff ratifying the new agreement with 74% support on Wednesday. Council approved the agreement in December. The new agreement, effective Jan. 1 of this year, will expire Dec. 31, 2018. It includes wage increases of 1.00 percent in the first year, 1.50 percent in the second year, 2.00 percent in the third year, 1.00 percent in the fourth year, and 2.00 percent in the last year of the contract. Contract language was also clarified and updated. The parties commenced bargaining in early October, with numerous meetings in the last several months. As with the previous contract, the negotiating teams were able to reach an agreement prior to the current contract's expiry on December 31, 2013.(more)
Saturday, January 11, 2014
City, union have tentative agreement
By: Andrea Klassen in Municipal Government News Kamloops This Week January 10, 2014
Unionized workers at the City of Kamloops could have a new contract by Wednesday, Jan. 15. City CAO David Trawin said members of CUPE 900 will meet on Monday, Jan. 13, to review the terms of the new deal, with a ratification vote set for Wednesday. City council has already ratified the terms.The city’s previous contract with the union expired on Dec. 31, 2013. Trawin said the new deal was tentatively reached just before Christmas. While he wouldn’t get in to specifics, Trawin said the deal won’t require major revisions to the city’s budget as deliberations begin in earnest at city hall. “I don’t think it makes much change to the budget. We knew there were negotiations,” he said. “We’re always diligent putting numbers in and there’s enough changes in the budget with things going up and down that it’ll kind of balance out, anyway.” Trawin called negotiations between the two sides respectful, noting both the city and the union moved from their initial positions to come to an agreement. “I guess I’m satisfied and I’m not satisfied, and I know the union’s satisfied and not satisfied, which probably means we’ve got a pretty reasonable settlement,” Trawin said. Kamloops is working on getting a new contract signed just as Prince George reached an agreement with its unionized empoyees. Prince George council ratified the agreement that saw union members vote 88 per cent in favour of the deal. The term of the agreement on Prince George is from Jan. 1, 2013, through to December 31, 2016, with a 0.5 per cent lump-sum payment for 2013; a 0.75 per cent wage increase for 2014; a two per cent wage increase for 2015 and a two per cent increase for 2016. If CUPE agrees to the contract in Kamloops, the city will have a short break before it returns to the bargaining table. Arbitration with the city’s firefighters is scheduled to being in mid-April. The firefighters have been without a contract since Dec. 31, 2010.
Unionized workers at the City of Kamloops could have a new contract by Wednesday, Jan. 15. City CAO David Trawin said members of CUPE 900 will meet on Monday, Jan. 13, to review the terms of the new deal, with a ratification vote set for Wednesday. City council has already ratified the terms.The city’s previous contract with the union expired on Dec. 31, 2013. Trawin said the new deal was tentatively reached just before Christmas. While he wouldn’t get in to specifics, Trawin said the deal won’t require major revisions to the city’s budget as deliberations begin in earnest at city hall. “I don’t think it makes much change to the budget. We knew there were negotiations,” he said. “We’re always diligent putting numbers in and there’s enough changes in the budget with things going up and down that it’ll kind of balance out, anyway.” Trawin called negotiations between the two sides respectful, noting both the city and the union moved from their initial positions to come to an agreement. “I guess I’m satisfied and I’m not satisfied, and I know the union’s satisfied and not satisfied, which probably means we’ve got a pretty reasonable settlement,” Trawin said. Kamloops is working on getting a new contract signed just as Prince George reached an agreement with its unionized empoyees. Prince George council ratified the agreement that saw union members vote 88 per cent in favour of the deal. The term of the agreement on Prince George is from Jan. 1, 2013, through to December 31, 2016, with a 0.5 per cent lump-sum payment for 2013; a 0.75 per cent wage increase for 2014; a two per cent wage increase for 2015 and a two per cent increase for 2016. If CUPE agrees to the contract in Kamloops, the city will have a short break before it returns to the bargaining table. Arbitration with the city’s firefighters is scheduled to being in mid-April. The firefighters have been without a contract since Dec. 31, 2010.
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Kamloops council reaffirms pay raise as of 2015
By: Andrea Klassen Kamloops this week
A second vote didn’t convince Kamloops city councillors to ditch a plan to raise councillor pay by about $10,000 by the end of the next term. Council’s new pay and benefits package, passed in late October, was back on the table at city hall this week as Mayor Peter Milobar used one of his more obscure mayoral powers to call for a second vote on the issue. Under section 131 of B.C.’s Community Charter, the mayor can ask council to reconsider its decision on an issue within 30 days of a vote. With only a few days left before time ran out, Milobar asked council to take another look at the pay plan, which will increase the salary of Kamloops’ next mayor from $74,000 to $86,000 and increase councillor pay from $25,000 to about $30,000 at the start of the next term and $34,000 by its end. “It’s not something I’m relishing doing because it’s not something I think the mayor should do very often,” Milobar said. However, because three members of council — including the mayor — were absent from the meeting during which the pay package was passed, Milobar said many in the community don’t feel there was a clear consensus on the issue, which passed with a vote of 4-2. All three absentees had been critical of the raises. This time around, the new pay package passed by a vote of 5-4, with Milobar and councillors Marg Spina, Pat Wallace and Ken Christian opposed. No debate preceded the new vote, although Coun. Tina Lane told council she would be supporting the pay increase. Lange voted against the increase in October because she felt phasing in councillors’ raises over three years was unnecessary. “Today I will vote in favour of that stepped one so it is very clear I am in favour of the recommendations brought forward by the community group,” Lange said.
A second vote didn’t convince Kamloops city councillors to ditch a plan to raise councillor pay by about $10,000 by the end of the next term. Council’s new pay and benefits package, passed in late October, was back on the table at city hall this week as Mayor Peter Milobar used one of his more obscure mayoral powers to call for a second vote on the issue. Under section 131 of B.C.’s Community Charter, the mayor can ask council to reconsider its decision on an issue within 30 days of a vote. With only a few days left before time ran out, Milobar asked council to take another look at the pay plan, which will increase the salary of Kamloops’ next mayor from $74,000 to $86,000 and increase councillor pay from $25,000 to about $30,000 at the start of the next term and $34,000 by its end. “It’s not something I’m relishing doing because it’s not something I think the mayor should do very often,” Milobar said. However, because three members of council — including the mayor — were absent from the meeting during which the pay package was passed, Milobar said many in the community don’t feel there was a clear consensus on the issue, which passed with a vote of 4-2. All three absentees had been critical of the raises. This time around, the new pay package passed by a vote of 5-4, with Milobar and councillors Marg Spina, Pat Wallace and Ken Christian opposed. No debate preceded the new vote, although Coun. Tina Lane told council she would be supporting the pay increase. Lange voted against the increase in October because she felt phasing in councillors’ raises over three years was unnecessary. “Today I will vote in favour of that stepped one so it is very clear I am in favour of the recommendations brought forward by the community group,” Lange said.
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Penticton tops in B.C. for small business -Communities in Boom: Canada’s Top Entrepreneurial Cities 2013
By Steve Kidd - Penticton Western News Updated: October 22, 2013 4:01 PM
Penticton just scored some more bragging rights, business-wise, to add to the recent Open for Business award the city received last month.The city has made some significant gains in ranking in the latest Communities in Boom report from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, which was released Monday. “Penticton has broken the top 25 communities in Canada,” said Mayor Garry Litke. “We are now one of the top 25 entrepreneurial cities in Canada, and we have been ranked No. 1 in B.C. for small business. “That’s a huge jump over last year. Last year we were just behind Kelowna, 42nd in the country.” Penticton 2012 scores in the Communities in Boom report placed the city third in the province, behind Kelowna and Prince George. But the huge jump in the 2013 score not only bumped Penticton to the top of the B.C. list, it pushed the city 17 rungs up the ladder to #25 in Canada. “We increased our scores in small business presence, perspective and policies and we are now ahead of larger centres like greater Vancouver,” said Litke, adding that the CFIB noted the reduction in red tape, improved access to city services, generally improved customer service as factors in the better score. Penticton scored 59.6 out of a possible 100 points, and strong scores in all three major categories, presence, perspective and policy. The top entrepreneurial city in Canada earned 67 points. Penticton also finished ahead of larger centres like Greater Vancouver, 41; and Calgary, 48; in addition to outperforming other cities from the B.C. Interior, including Kelowna, which ranked 28 this year, Vernon, 47; and Kamloops, 84. (more)
By Emma Crawford Mon Oct 21, 2013 8:48am PST
Kelowna is British Columbia's most entrepreneurial city and eighth in Canada overall, while Vancouver does not break the country's top 10, according to the results of a Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) study released October 21.The study compared cities across Canada and ranked them based on 14 criteria, which included business establishments per capita, the percentage of total employment that was self-employment, expected future business performance, local government regulations and taxes.
Vernon in 2012 was rated 79th in Canada with a 50.4 score.
Vernon in 2013 was rated 47th in Canada with a 55.1 score.
Penticton just scored some more bragging rights, business-wise, to add to the recent Open for Business award the city received last month.The city has made some significant gains in ranking in the latest Communities in Boom report from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, which was released Monday. “Penticton has broken the top 25 communities in Canada,” said Mayor Garry Litke. “We are now one of the top 25 entrepreneurial cities in Canada, and we have been ranked No. 1 in B.C. for small business. “That’s a huge jump over last year. Last year we were just behind Kelowna, 42nd in the country.” Penticton 2012 scores in the Communities in Boom report placed the city third in the province, behind Kelowna and Prince George. But the huge jump in the 2013 score not only bumped Penticton to the top of the B.C. list, it pushed the city 17 rungs up the ladder to #25 in Canada. “We increased our scores in small business presence, perspective and policies and we are now ahead of larger centres like greater Vancouver,” said Litke, adding that the CFIB noted the reduction in red tape, improved access to city services, generally improved customer service as factors in the better score. Penticton scored 59.6 out of a possible 100 points, and strong scores in all three major categories, presence, perspective and policy. The top entrepreneurial city in Canada earned 67 points. Penticton also finished ahead of larger centres like Greater Vancouver, 41; and Calgary, 48; in addition to outperforming other cities from the B.C. Interior, including Kelowna, which ranked 28 this year, Vernon, 47; and Kamloops, 84. (more)
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| http://www.cfib-fcei.ca/english/article/5543-communities-in-boom-canada-s-top-entrepreneurial-cities-2013.html |
By Emma Crawford Mon Oct 21, 2013 8:48am PST
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| 2013 |
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| 2012 |
Vernon in 2012 was rated 79th in Canada with a 50.4 score.
Vernon in 2013 was rated 47th in Canada with a 55.1 score.
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| 5 Year Trend from CFIB Studies |
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Report recommends city council pay raises
By Andrea Klassen - Kamloops This Week Updated: October 18, 2013 4:38 PM
A citizen task force wants Kamloops council to give itself a raise. Recommendations from the Council Remuneration Task Force are headed to city council for debate on Tuesday, Oct. 22, with the seven-member committee encouraging councillors and the mayor to up their salaries by about $9,500 and $11,000, respectively. The goal is to have the mayor receive a paycheque equivalent to 90 per cent of the average compensation paid to mayors in 14 communities of similar size, including Kamloops. Councillors will make 40 per cent of the mayor's salary. That would move the mayor's salary to almost $86,000 from about $74,000. Councillor pay would increase to $34,000 from $25,000. Because the changes wouldn't take effect until 2015, when the next council is sworn in, exact changes to mayor and council salaries are only estimates. Other cities used in the wage calculation could shift their own compensation plans in the meantime.
Besides the salary changes, the committee is recommending councillors get cellphones and tablets from the city, rather than a $75-per-month communication allowance. Under the recommendations, councillors could also opt into the city's benefits plan. Councillors would pay 50 per cent of premium costs. Should all councillors opt in, the added benefits would cost the city about $10,000 a year.
In June, Bepple attempted to get a motion passed that would raise pay to $31,000 per councillor in 2015, but couldn't get the needed support. An eventual compromise motion after a half-dozen failed votes led to the pay committee being struck and councillors giving themselves a raise of just over $1,000, effective in 2014.(more)
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| http://www.kamloops.ca/council/remunerationtaskforce.shtml |
Besides the salary changes, the committee is recommending councillors get cellphones and tablets from the city, rather than a $75-per-month communication allowance. Under the recommendations, councillors could also opt into the city's benefits plan. Councillors would pay 50 per cent of premium costs. Should all councillors opt in, the added benefits would cost the city about $10,000 a year.
In June, Bepple attempted to get a motion passed that would raise pay to $31,000 per councillor in 2015, but couldn't get the needed support. An eventual compromise motion after a half-dozen failed votes led to the pay committee being struck and councillors giving themselves a raise of just over $1,000, effective in 2014.(more)
Tuesday, October 01, 2013
City looks for $855K to fix problem at TCC
By Andrea Klassen - Kamloops This Week Published: September 30, 2013 4:00 PM
The City of Kamloops wants the architect and contractor who built the Tournament Capital Centre fieldhouse pay an estimated $855,000 to deal with seasonal condensation problems on the building’s west side. Jeff Putnam, the city’s parks and civic facilities manager, said flaws in the original design and construction of the building left the fieldhouse’s vapour barrier compromised, causing condensation to form inside the building’s walls when temperatures fluctuate. The water drips into the building’s western concourse and upper hallway, usually in the spring and fall. Putnam said the city plans to put a repair project to tender in the next four to six weeks, with construction to start in December. “The good news is it’s not going to affect the day-to-day of the operation in any way because all the work is being done on the exterior,” he said. “They’re just going to have to peel back the outer metal cladding, take out the insulation, identify the air gaps where air is getting in, seal it up, put the new insulation in and put the walls back on.” The whole process will take about four or five months, he said. Putnam said the city is in talks with fieldhouse architect Stantec Architecture Ltd. and contractor D and T Developments Ltd. about its responsibility for the project. “The expectation of the city is that we will recover our costs fully,” Putnam said. “Right now, we’ve had an initial conversation and, so far, it’s looking positive.” In an emailed statement, Stantec’s managing principal in Kamloops said the company is working with the city. “The Tournament Capital Centre is an integral part of making Kamloops a destination for athletic excellence,” Brian Christianson said, “and, as dedicated members of the community, we are committed to helping the City find solutions.”
The City of Kamloops wants the architect and contractor who built the Tournament Capital Centre fieldhouse pay an estimated $855,000 to deal with seasonal condensation problems on the building’s west side. Jeff Putnam, the city’s parks and civic facilities manager, said flaws in the original design and construction of the building left the fieldhouse’s vapour barrier compromised, causing condensation to form inside the building’s walls when temperatures fluctuate. The water drips into the building’s western concourse and upper hallway, usually in the spring and fall. Putnam said the city plans to put a repair project to tender in the next four to six weeks, with construction to start in December. “The good news is it’s not going to affect the day-to-day of the operation in any way because all the work is being done on the exterior,” he said. “They’re just going to have to peel back the outer metal cladding, take out the insulation, identify the air gaps where air is getting in, seal it up, put the new insulation in and put the walls back on.” The whole process will take about four or five months, he said. Putnam said the city is in talks with fieldhouse architect Stantec Architecture Ltd. and contractor D and T Developments Ltd. about its responsibility for the project. “The expectation of the city is that we will recover our costs fully,” Putnam said. “Right now, we’ve had an initial conversation and, so far, it’s looking positive.” In an emailed statement, Stantec’s managing principal in Kamloops said the company is working with the city. “The Tournament Capital Centre is an integral part of making Kamloops a destination for athletic excellence,” Brian Christianson said, “and, as dedicated members of the community, we are committed to helping the City find solutions.”
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Pot public hearing at city hall
By Andrea Klassen - Kamloops This Week Published: September 24, 2013 10:00 AM
It’s a public hearing nearly a year in the making.On Tuesday, Sept. 24, Kamloops city council will decide whether to adopt new regulations around medical marijuana grow-ops that would restrict them to city industrial lands.The changes were first proposed last fall, but the city spent much of the year waiting for the federal government to make its own major changes to the way it runs Canada’s medical-marijuana program.When the city first looked at changing its bylaw, Health Canada was issuing medical-marijuana growing licences to individual users, which led many people to grow at home.Now, the government is moving to a series of big, commercial grows, from where pot will be mailed to registered users. Under the city’s new regulations, grow-ops must also be at least 150 metres from residential areas, day cares, schools, parks and other locales “catering to individuals under the age of 18.”The public hearing begins at 7 p.m. at Kamloops City Hall, 7 Victoria St. W.
It’s a public hearing nearly a year in the making.On Tuesday, Sept. 24, Kamloops city council will decide whether to adopt new regulations around medical marijuana grow-ops that would restrict them to city industrial lands.The changes were first proposed last fall, but the city spent much of the year waiting for the federal government to make its own major changes to the way it runs Canada’s medical-marijuana program.When the city first looked at changing its bylaw, Health Canada was issuing medical-marijuana growing licences to individual users, which led many people to grow at home.Now, the government is moving to a series of big, commercial grows, from where pot will be mailed to registered users. Under the city’s new regulations, grow-ops must also be at least 150 metres from residential areas, day cares, schools, parks and other locales “catering to individuals under the age of 18.”The public hearing begins at 7 p.m. at Kamloops City Hall, 7 Victoria St. W.
Saturday, August 24, 2013
Telus construction crew shell-shocked
By Dale Bass - Kamloops This Week Published: August 23, 2013 1:00 PM
Ground-penetrating radar is being used on Friday, Aug. 23, at the Telus data-centre construction site in Kamloops after an unexploded ordinance was discovered. Telus spokesman Shawn Hall said workers uncovered the device on Thursday, Aug. 22, and stopped digging. Authorities were called, the area was evacuated and the device, an old shell, was blown up later that day. The site off McGill Road, near the city's public-works yard, that will house the Telus data centre was once home to the military, who used bunkers in the area to store many materials. Hall said Telus was aware there was some likelihood the ground would reveal military weapons and other items when it identified it for the $75-million site. "But any site has previous history in the land," Hall said. "The site was well-screened for devices before construction and we are re-screening the area." Hall noted no one was ever at risk, the safety plan worked well, authorities responded quickly "and everything worked out the way it should." The centre is part of a $100-million investment by Telus in Kamloops to bring what it calls the fastest wireless technology in the world to life and expand its Optik TV footprint. It has created about 200 construction jobs and, once in operation, will add 75 permanent information-technology jobs.
Ground-penetrating radar is being used on Friday, Aug. 23, at the Telus data-centre construction site in Kamloops after an unexploded ordinance was discovered. Telus spokesman Shawn Hall said workers uncovered the device on Thursday, Aug. 22, and stopped digging. Authorities were called, the area was evacuated and the device, an old shell, was blown up later that day. The site off McGill Road, near the city's public-works yard, that will house the Telus data centre was once home to the military, who used bunkers in the area to store many materials. Hall said Telus was aware there was some likelihood the ground would reveal military weapons and other items when it identified it for the $75-million site. "But any site has previous history in the land," Hall said. "The site was well-screened for devices before construction and we are re-screening the area." Hall noted no one was ever at risk, the safety plan worked well, authorities responded quickly "and everything worked out the way it should." The centre is part of a $100-million investment by Telus in Kamloops to bring what it calls the fastest wireless technology in the world to life and expand its Optik TV footprint. It has created about 200 construction jobs and, once in operation, will add 75 permanent information-technology jobs.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Railway closure drives economic uncertainty
By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: July 10, 2013 1:00 AM
There are concerns that a failed rail venture could throw economic development off the tracks. Kelowna Pacific Railway has filed for bankruptcy and that means train travel between Vernon and Kamloops and Vernon to Lumby has ceased. Lumby Mayor Kevin Acton said the move is another setback in trying to attract new business to the village. “Any industry that’s been looked at wants viable rail access,” said Acton. Also considering the potential impact is Kevin Poole, Vernon’s economic development manager. “We are well aware of the situation and are discussing it with industry,” he said. Canadian National Railway, which owns most of the track, isn’t speculating on whether another company may take over or if rail service will end permanently. “We are working with the receiver on the process going on,” said Emily Hemer, CN’s regional manager of public affairs. Hemer added that Kelowna Pacific still has a lease to the track. Vancouver-based Boale, Wood and Company, which is overseeing bankruptcy, also wouldn’t say if rail cargo will resume. “We hope to come up with a game plan in a week or so,” said John McEown, a trustee with Boale, Wood. A number of businesses are being impacted by the lack of rail service including Tolko Industries. “We have a contingency plan for transportation interruption,” said Janice Lockyer, Tolko’s communications advisor. All product from the mills in Lumby, Lavington and Spallumcheen is now being transported by truck. “We are reaching out to our customers and informing them on how we will get their shipments to them on time,” said Lockyer. KPR had been operating the short-line since 2000 and it had between 40 and 50 employees mostly based in Vernon. “We are very concerned about the situation with Kelowna Pacific Railway. They are a vital part of the transportation infrastructure in the region and the cessation of service is having an immediate impact on the shipment of goods to export markets,” said George Duffy, Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce general manager. “We have contacted both the B.C. and Canadian chambers of commerce to seek assistance in finding solutions as quickly as possible.”
There are concerns that a failed rail venture could throw economic development off the tracks. Kelowna Pacific Railway has filed for bankruptcy and that means train travel between Vernon and Kamloops and Vernon to Lumby has ceased. Lumby Mayor Kevin Acton said the move is another setback in trying to attract new business to the village. “Any industry that’s been looked at wants viable rail access,” said Acton. Also considering the potential impact is Kevin Poole, Vernon’s economic development manager. “We are well aware of the situation and are discussing it with industry,” he said. Canadian National Railway, which owns most of the track, isn’t speculating on whether another company may take over or if rail service will end permanently. “We are working with the receiver on the process going on,” said Emily Hemer, CN’s regional manager of public affairs. Hemer added that Kelowna Pacific still has a lease to the track. Vancouver-based Boale, Wood and Company, which is overseeing bankruptcy, also wouldn’t say if rail cargo will resume. “We hope to come up with a game plan in a week or so,” said John McEown, a trustee with Boale, Wood. A number of businesses are being impacted by the lack of rail service including Tolko Industries. “We have a contingency plan for transportation interruption,” said Janice Lockyer, Tolko’s communications advisor. All product from the mills in Lumby, Lavington and Spallumcheen is now being transported by truck. “We are reaching out to our customers and informing them on how we will get their shipments to them on time,” said Lockyer. KPR had been operating the short-line since 2000 and it had between 40 and 50 employees mostly based in Vernon. “We are very concerned about the situation with Kelowna Pacific Railway. They are a vital part of the transportation infrastructure in the region and the cessation of service is having an immediate impact on the shipment of goods to export markets,” said George Duffy, Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce general manager. “We have contacted both the B.C. and Canadian chambers of commerce to seek assistance in finding solutions as quickly as possible.”
Monday, July 08, 2013
KPR Receivership
Written by Glen Morrison 107.5 KISSM Monday, 08 July 2013 05:06
Rail tracks in the Okanagan are quiet after Kelowna Pacific Railway went into receivership Friday. KPR has operated what's known as a "short Line" between Kelowna and the CN yards in Kamloops since 2000, as well as on 41 kilometers of CP line from Lumby to Vernon and Vernon to Armstrong. The impact is wide ranging and while a boon for tuckers, it means operations like the three Tolko mills in the area, Sun-Rype, Superior Propane and many more will be facing increased costs. The company has 40 to 50 employees most based in Vernon.
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Okanagan rail connection severed
Sunday, 07 July 2013 18:00 J.P. SQUIRE Kelowna Daily Courier:
Kelowna Pacific Railway went into receivership on Friday, leaving numerous businesses and industries in the Okanagan, Shuswap and Thompson scrambling over the weekend. Since 2000, KPR has operated what is called a short-line railroad between Kelowna and CN's Kamloops railyard. Owned by Knighthawk Rail, KPR reportedly leases 168 kilometres of CN mainline track and has running rights on 41 kilometres of Canadian Pacific Railway between Vernon and Armstrong-Lumby. KPR offices were closed on the weekend and no one responded to voice mail messages. The company is believed to have between 40 and 50 employees, most of them based in Vernon. According to one online source, KPR transports more than 16,000 carloads annually. Most of those are wood products from Tolko Industries' operations in Kelowna, Lake Country, Armstrong, Lavington and Lumby. But it also includes juice for Sun-Rype Products, cement for OK Builders Supplies, scrap metal for Action Metals and Knox Mountain Metals, and propane for Superior Propane, all in Kelowna. No one from the latter companies responded to weekend messages. Customers also reportedly include Coldstream Lumber, Ashland Canada in Lake Country (industrial chemicals), Rogers Flour in Armstrong (grain), Unifeed in Armstrong (grain) and Armstrong Pellets. Tolko Industries received a heads-up on the termination of KPR rail service at mid-day Friday and dusted off its transportation contingency plan. Senior management staff immediately began discussing the impact on Tolko operations and reviewing options. Initial conversations were held with CN to determine how the stoppage could be resolved. There was no indication from "very preliminary" discussions that CN would step in and temporarily provide rail service. "We know that rail is important to our customers so that hopefully, we can identify a solution quickly. While implementing that contingency plan, we're also reaching out to our customers who are going to be affected by the interruption. The main thing for us is to maintain top customer service," said a company source. "We do a considerable amount by truck now so our reliance on rail is not as heavy as it once was. It will definitely have an impact but it's probably not as devastating as it would have been at one point."
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Rail tracks in the Okanagan are quiet after Kelowna Pacific Railway went into receivership Friday. KPR has operated what's known as a "short Line" between Kelowna and the CN yards in Kamloops since 2000, as well as on 41 kilometers of CP line from Lumby to Vernon and Vernon to Armstrong. The impact is wide ranging and while a boon for tuckers, it means operations like the three Tolko mills in the area, Sun-Rype, Superior Propane and many more will be facing increased costs. The company has 40 to 50 employees most based in Vernon.
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Okanagan rail connection severed
Sunday, 07 July 2013 18:00 J.P. SQUIRE Kelowna Daily Courier:
Kelowna Pacific Railway went into receivership on Friday, leaving numerous businesses and industries in the Okanagan, Shuswap and Thompson scrambling over the weekend. Since 2000, KPR has operated what is called a short-line railroad between Kelowna and CN's Kamloops railyard. Owned by Knighthawk Rail, KPR reportedly leases 168 kilometres of CN mainline track and has running rights on 41 kilometres of Canadian Pacific Railway between Vernon and Armstrong-Lumby. KPR offices were closed on the weekend and no one responded to voice mail messages. The company is believed to have between 40 and 50 employees, most of them based in Vernon. According to one online source, KPR transports more than 16,000 carloads annually. Most of those are wood products from Tolko Industries' operations in Kelowna, Lake Country, Armstrong, Lavington and Lumby. But it also includes juice for Sun-Rype Products, cement for OK Builders Supplies, scrap metal for Action Metals and Knox Mountain Metals, and propane for Superior Propane, all in Kelowna. No one from the latter companies responded to weekend messages. Customers also reportedly include Coldstream Lumber, Ashland Canada in Lake Country (industrial chemicals), Rogers Flour in Armstrong (grain), Unifeed in Armstrong (grain) and Armstrong Pellets. Tolko Industries received a heads-up on the termination of KPR rail service at mid-day Friday and dusted off its transportation contingency plan. Senior management staff immediately began discussing the impact on Tolko operations and reviewing options. Initial conversations were held with CN to determine how the stoppage could be resolved. There was no indication from "very preliminary" discussions that CN would step in and temporarily provide rail service. "We know that rail is important to our customers so that hopefully, we can identify a solution quickly. While implementing that contingency plan, we're also reaching out to our customers who are going to be affected by the interruption. The main thing for us is to maintain top customer service," said a company source. "We do a considerable amount by truck now so our reliance on rail is not as heavy as it once was. It will definitely have an impact but it's probably not as devastating as it would have been at one point."
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A map of the KPR short-line railroad.
Image Credit: SOURCE/trainweb.org
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