Notice of Disposition

Posted Friday, January 5, 2018

http://www.rdno.ca/index.php/news/public-notices/notice-of-disposition 

Pursuant to Section 286(2) of the Local Government Act, Notice is hereby given that the Regional District of North Okanagan intends to dispose of park lands by transferring legal ownership as noted in the Public Notice in exchange for $10.00 and other good and valuable consideration.  This transfer of ownership is part of the restructuring of the Greater Vernon Parks, Recreation and Culture Service whereby local parks will become the responsibility of the local government in whose jurisdiction the park is located. The title transfers are effective January 1, 2018.

For more information or to view a map of the properties being transferred, click on the links below:

• PUBLIC NOTICE - Disposition of Park Lands
• MAP - Paddlewheel Park
• MAP - Marshall Field Park
• MAP - Hurlburt Park
• MAP - Creekside Park

Parks agreement nearing finish line

by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Feb 2, 2014 at 1:00 AM— updated Feb 28, 2014 at 3:41 PM
Greater Vernon officials have authored a new relationship but the seal of approval is still needed. The Ministry of Community Development has still not signed off on new bylaws to restructure how parks and recreational facilities operate. “We’d like to have a meeting with the minister to make sure this is expedited,” said director Jim Garlick. “We want to make sure we meet all of the requirements.” Under the agreements, some parks will remain part of a collective that all jurisdictions fund while the majority will become the responsibility of Coldstream, Vernon and the electoral areas individually. Facilities were taken out of the bylaws because they will now be administered by the City of Vernon, although Coldstream and the electoral areas will continue to provide operational funds. Director Rob Sawatzky believes it’s critical for the ministry to approve the new structure. “The first agreement was signed (by the parties) in November 2012 and they were supposed to take effect in January 2014. We’re well past the ideal time for that,” he said. “There’s lots of other work that needs to go on and this needs to be done.” The goal is to have the matter resolved long before November’s civic elections when a new group of politicians could possibly revisit the matter if there is no ministry approval. “When things are not solidified in a term, problems can arise,” said Garlick.

Council gives nod to tax increase

by Jennifer Smith - Vernon Morning Star posted Jan 31, 2014 at 1:00 AM
Coldstream taxes are expected to rise two per cent for 2014 – which works out to an extra $20/year for the average home (valued at $447,000). The public will have a chance to review Coldstream’s budget at an open house Feb. 18 at the municipal hall from 6 to 9 p.m. The increase in taxes will help cover operational costs (0.3 per cent), future parks capital works (0.7 per cent) and infrastructure reserves - pavement management plan (one per cent). Coldstream’s newly hired financial administrator applauds council’s work to put funds aside for future needs. “As I’ve seen in other communities, it’s very difficult to put money into reserves and I see the efforts this council has made,” said Patricia Higgins. As part of the budget’s 2014 pavement management, the following roads are getting some attention: Cypress Drive, Petworth Road, Husband Road, Springfield Road and Aberdeen Road. Staff will also be investigating the feasibility of including College Way (from Kickwillie Loop to Highway 97) and Kidston Road (near Creekside Park). Any further available funds will be allocated to: Cosens Bay Road, Palfrey Drive West, Wyatt Court, Cunliffe Road and Buchanan Road. The coming year will also see a new parks landscape maintenance company, with the restructuring of parks. The district has awarded the a three-year contract to Royal Landscape Maintenance (Kelowna) for their lowest bid of $573,999. A contract for parks washroom cleaning is still being discussed, as one councillor would like a local submission considered. The Lavington Community Association bid to look after the facilities in Lavington Park, but that did not comply with the requirements of the request for proposals.

Infrastructure deficit priority for city

by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Dec 29, 2013 at 1:00 AM
It’s not cheap running a community. Much of the City of Vernon’s focus during 2014 will be on strategic asset management, and specifically ensuring sidewalks, roads, sewer pipes and public buildings are maintained and replaced as required. “Most communities have aging infrastructure,” said Mayor Rob Sawatzky. “We have to finalize a sustainable program to manage them.” It’s believed Vernon’s infrastructure deficit is about $80 million, and while some of that will be paid through taxes, other options are being considered. “We can be more modest in the way we design roads and our sewer infrastructure,” said Sawatzky. “If we bring a road down in size by one-third, that reduces maintenance costs.” The lifespan of all city assets — roads, underground pipes, sidewalks, buildings, etc. — is 47 years and the average remaining life is 51 per cent. The $80 million deficit refers to infrastructure that is past its life expectancy, and if every asset had to be replaced, the price tag is $800 million. About $17 million a year is needed for renewal, including $8.4 million for roads and $4.5 million for the sewer system. Consultant Michael Trickey recently told council there is a need to look at the specific function of a road and to not over-design. “How many lanes do there have to be? How many shoulders? Does there have to be a bike path?” he said, adding that maintenance factors to consider are landscaping, snow storage and street lighting. Besides its own infrastructure, the city will be focused on Greater Vernon’s master water plan. Upgrading the water utility could cost $100 million. Another priority for Vernon council will be trying to bolster the economy. However, Sawatzky isn’t convinced Vernon is destined to become the centre of large manufacturers and it must consider why people come here. “Our strengths are an attractive climate, our lifestyle and arts and culture,” he said. “We have to make ourselves as attractive as we can to people who can live where they want such as independent small businesspeople.” The new year will also see the city become responsible for most parks in Vernon. Previously, they had been under the Regional District of North Okanagan. “There should be a net savings for city taxpayers,” said Sawatzky. “With one less layer of administration, we can be more responsive to (public) needs.” In terms of governance, a citizens’ group has asked the four Greater Vernon jurisdictions to pursue a study looking into the feasibility of amalgamation. Sawatzky won’t speculate on whether his council will support the concept. “Personally, I believe it’s worthwhile asking the provincial government for a study but I am only one voice on council,” he said. “Without information, citizens can’t make an informed vote if it comes to that.” But Sawatzky points out that Vernon cannot go it alone when it comes to amalgamation. “There can only be a study funded by the province if there are willing partners,” he said of Coldstream and Areas B and C. One question that Sawatzky will likely be asked frequently during 2014 is whether he will seek a second term in office during November’s election. “My plan is to discuss it with my family and make a decision as the year moves on,” he said, adding that he will consider a number of factors. “You have to consider age, health and family. It’s a very time consuming position. But it’s very rewarding to see the co-operative effort to build a community and to be part of it.
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EDITORIAL: Roads, sewer can't be ignored posted Dec 29, 2013 at 1:00 AM
The need to pump significant dollars into aging infrastructure is constantly on the radar and it will dominate discussions at Vernon city hall throughout 2014. “We have to finalize a sustainable program to manage them,” said Mayor Rob Sawatzky. In Vernon, the deficit amounts to about $80 million to replace assets that are past their life expectancy, whether it is roads, sidewalks, sewer lines or public buildings. About $17 million a year is needed for renewal. City council took a positive step in 2013 by designating a 1.9 per cent tax increase towards infrastructure only, but that won’t generate enough funds, and residents should expect further tax hikes as the years go by. But addressing the deficit isn’t all about money. The city is currently looking at how roads are designed. “How many lanes do there have to be? How many shoulders? Does there have to be a bike path?” said consultant Michael Trickey, adding that long-term maintenance implications to consider include landscaping and snow storage. The bottom line is that public expectations may have to change. Just because a road was a certain width before or new development always led to sidewalk installation doesn’t mean that may occur in the future to minimize maintenance costs. On top of this, the Interior Health Authority continues to demand upgrades to the regional water system and that could cost a staggering $100 million. Hopefully senior levels of government will step up to the plate with grants for all forms of infrastructure, but the reality is that local taxpayers will be on the hook for the bulk of the cost. It’s the price that must be paid for operating a community.

GVAC Budget Meeting Thursday

Greater Vernon Advisory Committee
Thursday, December 19, 2013 - 9:00 am
Agenda  http://www.rdno.ca/agendas/131219_gvac_agn_spec.pdf

This is the presentation by staff of the proposed GVAC Budget. On Page 29 is the proposed Req. Variances (reductions or Increases for the 4 functions that make up the Parks & Rec. Function.)
This has not been approved yet.

Notice of Proposed Land Disposition - Coldstream to RDNO.

http://www.districtofcoldstream.ca/notices/131216-parkland-disposition.pdf

Notice of Land Disposition - RDNO to City of Vernon

http://www.rdno.ca/press-releases/131204_AD_Notice_of_Land_Disposition_and_Provision_of_Assistance_CoV.pdf

Councillor Says Parks Deal Is 'Flawed'

Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM Wednesday, 11 December 2013 10:17
Vernon council is backing Greater Vernon's new parks and trails agreement, but one councillor calls it flawed. On Monday, council authorized the mayor and corporate officer to sign the Greater Vernon sub-regional Parks and Trails Service Agreement, with one councillor opposed. Bob Spiers says city taxpayers will have to pay for more capital upgrades to some parks, costs that used to be shared. "Polson Park is an example. The original plan was about 8 to 10 million dollars worth of improvements there. We had some chance of that getting by the regional partners to share the cost. Now it's going to be 100 percent ours," Spiers tells Kiss FM. The deal turns some former regional parks into local ones, giving care and control to the jurisdiction where they're located.
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Don Quixote Note:
The Vernon sub-regional Parks and Trails Service Agreement can be found at P.57t0 83  of http://www.vernon.ca/images/uploads/council/agendas/packages/131209_1.pdf

The Polson Park  Conceptual Redevelopment Park Link and Costs ($10,055,156) can be found at http://vernonblog.blogspot.ca/2013/12/polson-park-plan-proceeds.html
This Plan was never adopted or endorsed but it gives you an idea of possible future costs.

Among the 'flaws' in the Parks agreement that made me oppose it were:

• Distribution of the DCC's on a assessment allocation basis rather then how they were collected. (Vernon shortchanged by $253,695)
• Polson Park being classified as a Local Park (with subregional interests) All maintenance and capital costs will be borne by Vernon Taxpayers 100% of total assessment instead of the 68% on improvements only.
• Transfer of title (Ownership) to RDNO for all sub-regional Parks. (Kin Beach, Marshall Fields, Kal Beach) instead of utilizing a licence of occupancy method as was provided for in the initial draft agreement.
• The referendum funds (7.5 million) will remain with RDNO to be utilized 'Funds in the Statutory Reserve will remain with the RDNO to be used for the purposes for which it was collected.'  This seems to mean that the funds can be used only for 'sub-regional parks purposes' and no money can ever be used for purchases of local parks. The Ballot Question that I voted for in 2005 was 'for the purpose of acquiring various types of parkland '
• The structure of this agreement adds costs to Parkland Maintenance for Vernon Local Parks etc and hopefully a corresponding decrease on our RDNO tax requisition.  However taxes charged by RDNO for Parks is levied on the basis of improvements only while taxes at the City for Parks must be levied on both Land and Improvements.  There will be change in tax $'s required but the individual levy to a property owner will change. There will be winners (Will pay less than before) and losers (Will pay more than before.)  The same relative effect will be seen as when the Fire Tax was changed from Improvements only to land & Improvements in 2009

These are some of the reasons I could not support this agreement and join the other 15 elected officials who did. Perhaps my calculations as to the costs to the Vernon taxpayers in the long run are mistaken but only time will tell. There is always the possibility that our valley neighbours will approve amalgamation and render my concerns moot.

Dist. of Coldstream Parks Landscape Maintenance - 2014 RFQ

http://www.districtofcoldstream.ca/tenders/index.php
Parks Landscape Maintenance
RFQ #2013-03
Closing date: 2:00 p.m. local time, January 16, 2014
Download PDF - 80Kb

http://www.bcbid.gov.bc.ca/open.dll/showDisplayDocument?sessionID=32976327&disID=26137882&docType=Tender&dis_version_nos=0&doc_search_by=Tend&docTypeQual=TN

PART 5 ATTACHMENT D – Service Levels and Maintenance Schedules

1. Cenotaph Park
2. Coldstream Park
3. Coldstream Valley Estates Park
4. Greystone Park
5. Jeffers Park
6. Kalavista Beach Access #1
7. Kalavista Beach Access #2
8. Kalavista Boat Launch
9. Kalavista Log Cabin
10. Kalavista Park/Boat Trailer Parking
11. Kalview Park
12. Kalamalka Secondary School Tennis Courts
13. Kinloch Boat Launch
14. Kirkland Beach
15. Lavington Park
16. Lisheen Beach Access
17. Lochhaven Park
18. Long Lake Beach
19. Long Lake Estate Drive Park
20. Jesteff Park/Middleton Mountain
21. Pumphouse Beach
22. Sovereign Park
23. Stenquist Park
24. Westkal Boat Launch

Spallumcheen rejects parkland program

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: November 22, 2013 1:00 AM
Another potential partner has dropped out of plans for a regional parks program. Following Enderby’s lead, Spallumcheen council decided Monday not to participate in the Regional District of North Okanagan’s parkland legacy fund. “Why do we need another level of bureaucracy?” said Coun. Joe Van Tienhoven, pointing out that the township already has a process in place to buy parkland. RDNO has investigated the system used by the Regional District of Central Okanagan in which member communities provide funds to purchase and maintain lands of regional significance. Presently, the six municipalities within RDNO are being asked if they are interested in the concept. Coun. Christine Fraser believes the initiative may benefit residents of more urban communities but parkland isn’t as critical an issue for those in rural areas. “We have a lot of backcountry and Crown land people can use for recreation,” she said.

Wednesday RDNO Agenda Items 4 PM Nov. 20

http://www.rdno.ca/agendas/131120_bod_agn.pdf 

Effect of Recommendation 3 is that Creekside Park is being moved from local to subregional schedule of the Parks MOU. This will mean that the maintenance will be a RDNO responsibility and Coldstream will give up title to RDNO on Jan1, 2013.
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Lakeview Pool and Lavington Pool will be removed from the Parks MOU and transferred to the Facilities MOU and will be maintained by the City of Vernon under contract to the RDNO.
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Effect of Recommendation 4 is that the RDNO owned properties of the Kin Race Track will be transferred under the Parks MOU to Vernon Local Parks and will be transferred by title to the City of Vernon.  The City of Vernon will pick up the full maintenance costs as this will now be considered a local Park.
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Effect of Recommendation 25 is that all unspent funds from the 2013 capital Parks budget will be forwarded to the responsible jurisdictions. This will mean that $220,000 budgeted for the Lakeshore lots and unused in 2013 will be given to Vernon to use for their upgrade when need in 2014 or thereafter.

City To Take Reins On Kin Race Track

Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM Friday, 08 November 2013 15:15
The city of Vernon will take over as the sole owner and operator of Kin Race Track under the new regional restructuring plan for recreational facilities. The 9.4 hectare site used for horse racing and softball is currently co-owned by the regional district, but will be changed to a local Vernon park with sub regional interest as of January. Vernon Mayor Rob Sawatzky says the transfer makes sense with the city also taking over the area's main arena. "The lands attached to Kal Tire Place are probably best administered by who is administering Kal Tire Place," says Sawatzky. Greater Vernon Advisory Committee directors approved the change, subject to RDNO approval. Sawatzky says the change will result in relatively minor budget impacts, and will simplify an ongoing lawsuit over use of the site involving the Okanagan Equestrian Society. "We already have a lawyer working simultaneously with RDNO, so it probably makes more sense just to simplify the whole jurisdiction," comments Sawatzky. The long term plan for the site is for new sports facilities, but that's on hold while the Equestrian Society fights for use of the park, legal action that's on hold for the moment.

Civic Arena To Be Assessed

Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM Thursday, 07 November 2013 15:00

Vernon's aging Civic Arena is about to get a check-up. An engineering firm will provide the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee with a report on the 76 year old structure to see if can still safely serve its users. GVAC Vernon director Rob Sawatzky says the $30,000 study, which should be done by next March, will show if the facility's days may be numbered. "Most of us expect the assessment will say,'This place could collapse catastrophically at any time.' We know the floor has shifted multiple times over the years, but we really need this assessment to be sure," Sawatzky tells Kiss FM. GVAC chair Mike Macnabb says if the arena needs to be closed down, options for adding another ice sheet, would be considered. "The facility is over 75 years old and it does have some issues with it. Could it be retro-fitted? Perhaps, or is it cheaper to add another sheet of ice at Kal Tire Place? So I think it (study) gives us a better understanding of what we're facing," says Macnabb. The review is part of Vernon taking over the Civic and other recreation facilities in a regional restructuring. Area B director Bob Fleming told the committee the Civic is the main rink for minor hockey. "Without that, a lot of people would not be playing hockey," he says.

Park operations deal proceeds

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: October 25, 2013 1:00 AM
Final details are being hammered out on Greater Vernon’s new parks structure. Representatives from Coldstream, Vernon and the electoral areas have general consensus on operating sub-regional parks, or those which have broad use and all jurisdictions contribute towards. “The partners are trying to make the process work from a financial standpoint,” said Richard Enns, a Coldstream councillor. “People want to see a continued level of service.” Under the draft agreement, the City of Vernon will maintain the sub-regional parks in Vernon and Coldstream. “There would be a contract with Vernon that provides stability of costing and they have the (labour/equipment) resources,” said Enns. Areas B and C would determine how their sub-regional parks are maintained. “This allows us to go to the open market or to tap into volunteers,” said Mike Macnabb, BX-Silver Star director. “We will save $300,000 a year for our residents in Areas B and C.” All jurisdictions will be responsible for maintenance of what are classified as local parks. The number of sub-regional assets has grown with the inclusion of Creekside Park in Coldstream and the swimming pools at Lakeview and Lavington parks. Rob Sawatzky, Vernon mayor, says the city is looking forward to continuing with maintenance of sub-regional parks in the city and Coldstream. “We will deliver the service at the 2013 cost with a cost of living change,” he said, adding that the operations agreement benefits all jurisdictions. “There is more control of parks, a certainty that there will be no increase in costs and it (maintenance) will be more responsive.”

Parks and rec review clarified

By Jennifer Smith - Vernon Morning Star Published: October 20, 2013 1:00 AM
Coldstream’s role in the service reviews for parks and recreation is being clarified. The review, which was a lengthy process, resulted in the restructuring of the Regional District of North Okanagan parks and recreation function. While Coldstream had concerns about the previous structure of parks and recreation, Mayor Jim Garlick points out that Coldstream did not initiate the reviews. “We have taken part but not had a chance to start any of them,” said Garlick, noting that the first set of 19 reviews on value for money were initiated by the City of Vernon. The parks and rec review was dropped by Vernon only to be restarted by Areas B and C, Garlick explains. When the three-year time limit ran out on that review, Area C renewed the review process. “This entire review has taken far longer and more effort than first thought,” said Garlick of frustrations that include financial information being provided in bits and pieces over the past year. But as more information becomes available, it is clarifying the function for the member areas. “We are getting a better picture of the costs and levels of service written and actual,” said Garlick. “If nothing else it is getting information better organized for the service to be better managed in the future, no matter the structure.”

City Backs New Recreation Deal

Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM Friday, 18 October 2013 12:30
The new plan for running publicly-owned recreational facilities in Greater Vernon has got the official support from Vernon council. The city's elected reps have unanimously endorsed a memorandum of understanding for Greater Vernon rec facilities and programming. The pact will make the city the owner and operator of the Rec Complex, Civic Arena, Kal Tire Place, and Kin Race Track on January 1, taking over from the region. City councillor Mary Jo O'Keefe doesn't think residents will notice any change in service. "In fact because we have an MOU and we can proceed to address some of the concerns that could come up in the future, we can address those immediately and effectively, without the delay of getting other people to agree to it," says O'Keefe who moved the motion for council to ratify the deal. The MOU also calls for existing reserves ($5.4M) to be transferred to the city, and obligates the city to commit $1 million of reserves for replacement of Civic Arena should a referendum, tentatively set for next November, be supported. Coldstream and Electoral Areas B and C will pay the city an annual fee to use the facilities, which last year amounted to around one million dollars ($999,494).

Zoning ensures beach status

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: October 18, 2013 1:00 AM
A popular park is one step away from becoming officially designated as park. Coldstream council has given two readings to a bylaw that would change the zoning for Kal Beach from residential to parks and open space. “We have been asking for this for some time,” said Mayor Jim Garlick. While the property is in Coldstream, the beach is currently owned by the City of Vernon and previous city administrations opposed a zoning change. However, the current city council has agreed to turn over ownership of Kal Beach to the Regional District of North Okanagan as part of parks restructuring, and that led to Vernon wanting the zoning to evolve. “There was a concern from the city that if they turned over the beach to the regional district, what may happen,” said Garlick of possible development under the residential zone. The parks and open space designation will only permit current recreational activities. Coldstream council must still give the rezoning bylaw third reading and final adoption.

Coldstream Agenda Tuesday .

Regular Council Meeting Agenda for October 15, 2013
https://coldstream.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=10669

https://coldstream.civicweb.net/FileStorage/361F585AC5634CD3B521CB80913EBB6B-Rezoning%20Application%20No.%2013-013-ZON.pdf

Proposed Rezoning Kal Beach Properties

https://coldstream.civicweb.net/FileStorage/A34704FF3CC64353A0FA044E571E7A64-Staff%20Report%20&%20Bylaw%201635%20(FIRST,%20SECOND%20&%20THIRD%20R.pdf

2014 Permissive Tax exemptions Coldstream

Assessment of $13,369,500 (Kal Beach property including Parking Lot) 

‘Unification’ push gathering steam

By Roger Knox - Vernon Morning Star Published: October 13, 2013 1:00 AM
Unification is perhaps a better word than amalgamation. Those are the findings, so far, of the Society for the Future Governance of Greater Vernon, whose public and online campaign is entering the home stretch. The society launched in September with a goal to foster discussions among the citizens of Vernon, Coldstream and regional district Electoral Areas B and C with the intent to improve the governance of these areas. “We’re getting a fair amount of feedback, all positive, interestingly enough no negative comments at all, and what we’re getting from a lot of citizens is, the amalgamation word, everybody is interpreting that to mean Coldstream or B and C amalgamates into Vernon,” said Bruce Shepherd, a financial planner who helped found the society. “What they are really saying, is it’s better described as a unification under one new municipality structure.” “That’s what KPMG recommended when you read their recommendation: amalgamation of an area to create a new municipality. There’s a basic distinction there that’s important.” KPMG was commissioned by the City of Vernon to do a core services review, and the society has been using the review to point out it called for “Amalgamation of the city, the District of Coldstream, and electoral areas B and C to create a new municipality with exclusive responsibility for all of these service areas would be the most effective approach, allowing reduction of senior management positions, alignment of operations and consistent policy direction.” “We should be unified under one government,” said Shepherd. “We don’t want to be saddled with Vernon or Coldstream’s baggage. We want one government.” One example the society is using for a need for one governance is the recent parks restructuring. Quoting from a memorandum written by the City of Vernon’s public works manager in December 2012, which was only publicly released in August 2013, “the total estimated cost to provide the parks function in 2014 following restructuring is $2,999,000, an increase of $470,000 or 19 per cent.” The increase to the City of Vernon is $159,000, or nine per cent, and the increases to Coldstream and Areas B and C is $310,000 or 37 per cent. “The lovely picture they’re painting (about parks restructuring) is costing us 20 per cent more,” said Shepherd. “This is crazy what’s going on here.” Under a unified area, said Shepherd, if you go from three administrative structures down to one, it’s reasonable to assume there would be a 20 per cent cost-saving of payroll costs and expenses The society’s petition campaign, which calls for a review by local and provincial authorities, and to unify Vernon, Coldstream and Areas B and C, aims to have the provincial government step in to help if they get enough petition signatures. While nobody suggested a target number, said Shepherd, the society is hoping for 4,000 signatures. “That comes from the most recent referendum for borrowing, the $7.5 million for the track (at Okanagan College),” said Shepherd. “That’s how many people voted yes. The ministry has said if we get enough signatures, they’ll push it forward so citizens of Greater Vernon can have a say in what a new structure would look like.” The society hopes to have its petition question on the ballots for next November’s general election. “We’ve got so many petitions, from what we know we could be over (4,000 signatures),” said Shepherd. “We’ve got them in offices, we’ve been going door-to-door.” The society will be out Saturday, Oct. 19, at three or four different shopping centres where people can sign the petition or have questions about their campaign answered. The campaign is slated to run until the end of October. More information, and a chance to sign the petition, can be found at greatervernongovernance.ca.

http://www.rdno.ca/agendas/130930_gvprc_sr_agn.pdf