KISS FM NEWSHORTS

$12 Million Sought For Water System CLICK ON CARTOON TO ENLARGE!

Greater Vernon's application for water grants will soon be in the mail. The G-V-S-C will be seeking senior government funding for up to two-thirds of the 19 million dollar cost, for the Duteau Creek Treatment Plant. Chairman Gary Corner says they'll find out in June if the application is successful , which is when work on the project could start."Duteau Creek, once its up and running, definately will clear any of the concerns around the discoloration of the water. And more importantly, it will take the particles out of the water that makes it so hard to treat." As for the chances of getting up to 12 million dollars from the federal-provincial infrastructure program, Corner says, "Two-thirds would be optimum but at this stage we will take whatever they will give. There's only about 109 million dollars in the whole program." Corner is hopeful the new facility could be operating by 2008. (Pete McIntyre)

New Project To Increase Water Storage
Local politicians are taking steps to reduce concerns about water supply in hot, dry years. The G-V-S-C is proceeding with plans for a larger dam at Aberdeen Lake which Chairman Gary Corner says will eventually allow more water storage. "We always talk about a shortage of water around here (Greater Vernon) and we do have in certain years, a shortage, but the reason is not because we don't have a lot of water, we just don't have a lot of storage of water, so we're looking at increasing storage in the Aberdeen Lakes Plateau area." BX-Swan Lake director Cliff Kanester says the project is long overdue, saying he's been promoting increased storage for the last four years. (Pete McIntyre)

$2 million well spent ?

http://www.dailycourier.ca/ EDITORIAL Nov 30

Studies should be looked at with extreme cynicism: especially those paid for with your tax dollars. Not long ago in this space we harshly attacked a $500,000 water study being done by the Okanagan Basin Water Board. We asked why the region needs yet another study to tell us that we must conserve water. Not long after, Greg Armour and Anna Sears of the board called to argue its value. They explained that the study would take all the fractured information – tiny pieces of the puzzle – from around the Valley and create an overview of how the entire region works so that planners can look at the big picture. More important than their well-argued points, however, was their promise that this study will help communities work smarter and will result in many tangible spin-offs; in other words, the $500,000 document will not gather dust on a shelf somewhere. That’s all background. Now, a similar case has come up at city hall. The city may soon embark on a $2 million study into transit. The cost will be shared with Central and North Okanagan governments, and our bill would be about $200,000. Curmudgeonly councillor, Barry Beardsell, and gushing councillor, Buffy Baumbrough, personified both sides of the debate. Beardsell: “I don’t want it to see it become one of the studies that ends up in the basement with the millions of other studies we’ve got.” Baumbrough: “We have to be able to say to the community, ‘these are our goals and this is how we are going to get there.’” The responsibility is squarely on the local government to show us we’re not wasting our money. And we again raise the question, what’s wrong with the other studies that have been done on transportation? The Regional District of the North Okanagan completed a study as recently as 2004 and the City of Vernon published one in 2001. We dare say throwing the word “sustainable” into the mix does not a fresh, new, relevant study make. Besides $200,000 could buy some nice bike trails, a fancy new bus or kill the need for another city tax increase. Now wouldn’t that be money well spent?

CLICK ON CARTOON TO ENLARGE:

Don't hit 9 if an automated system tells you to

http://www.vernon.thesun.net/node/445908
Watch out for the latest phone scam in the Shuswap. Gerald Murray of Tappen says he's been getting several phone calls from an automate system that tells you that you've won a trip somewhere and all you have to do is dial 9 for more info. He says you can probably expect a huge phone bill if you do that. He says all police can do is caution you not to respond to these types of calls.
Bob Crouse Standard Radio News


DON QUIXOTE NOTE: (thanks to Richard H for comment below!)
Telus says dial 9 does not affect residential customers. Businesses with telephone switchboards are the ones that are affected. Check out: TELUS

Mayor Wants Another Term

Sun FM Local News Wed, 2006-11-29 08:58
He's having such a good time he wants to keep the top job in the city! Vernon Mayor, Wayne Lippert he says he wants another term in office, but admits that's up to the voters. He has the job for two more years, we don't vote again till November 2008. Betty Selin, Standard Radio News

Expect a knock at your door soon

By Vernon Daily Courier staff Thursday, November 30, 2006
http://www.dailycourier.ca/article_757.php
More than 200 realtors will be canvassing Vernon and the North Okanagan next Wednesday and it has nothing to do with selling your home.Next week is the 29th annual food drive organized by Vernon and area realtors to benefit the Salvation Army food bank. Last year residents donated more than 11 tonnes of food and organizers are expecting donations to exceed that mark this year.“This year we are looking to beat that record,” said realtor George Yamada. Yamada said realtors will be leaving bags on doorsteps the night before to remind residents to donate some non-perishable food items. On Dec. 6 starting at 5 p.m. realtors will go from house to house and pick up the food-filled bags.“If we happen to miss a house phone any realty office and they can come by and pick up the food,” he said.This is the 17th year that Yamada has been a part of the food drive. He said it’s a great opportunity to do something good for the community.“I know the fellow who started (the food drive) originally and it’s just snowballed from there,” he said. “People in the community have been very generous.”After nearly three decades, the food drive has become a major staple of the food bank’s provisions. Yamada said the donations help the Salvation Army get started for the busy Christmas season.“This is one of the major food drives for the Salvation Army so they really depend on our drive,” he said. “It’s a way to get their shelves stocked up for the winter.”Yamada said it takes a lot of volunteers to make the event successful. He said the event has become so large that now local bankers, mortgage brokers and their families also help out by going to door.In addition to the Vernon drive, realtors will be collecting food door to door in Armstrong, Enderby and Lumby for their own food banks on Dec. 6. In Parker Cove and Desert Cove, residents will be going to door to door and contributing whatever food is donated to the Salvation Army food drive.For more information contact Rob Shaw or George Yamada at 545-5371.

Tories plan December vote on same-sex marriage

CBC

The Conservatives will follow through with their election promise to revisit same-sex marriage, with debate expected to begin as early as next week. The government confirmed Tuesday they will begin debate Dec. 6th with a vote planned before the House breaks for the holidays. The motion is expected to ask MPs to reopen discussion on same-sex marriage, but will not directly challenge the existing legislation. However, it may ask whether parliamentarians wish to repeal or amend the existing law.

Political Thought of the Day

As with the Maytag repairman, being a minister in the Harper cabinet must be the loneliest job in town.

City changes road-clearing recipe: salt comes first

By Mark BrettWednesday, November 29, 2006, http://www.pentictonherald.ca/article_2515.php
It's the perfect solution.A 23 per cent dilution of rock salt applied as a liquid to roads before a winter storm is being hailed as an efficient and environmentally-friendly way to combat snow and ice."I think it is going to be substantially more effective," said Todd Mizuik, City of Penticton public works superintendent. "One of the things we haven't had is a philosophy of is pre-treating our roads. "It's the same salt that we've been using for a hundred years we're just diluting it to a quarter of the concentration, so in essence we're putting down the right amount of salt for the conditions of the road."The traditional method used sand and a three per cent salt mixture, usually applied after the snow or ice was already on the road.Unfortunately about 30 per cent of the dry mixture either bounces or blows off the roadway which makes the procedure not only inefficient but has a negative impact on the environment."This will keep the bond of ice from forming on the road," said Mizuik. "The snow pack we're seeing today would probably not have existed had this been up and running a couple of weeks ago but we were just held hostage by our suppliers."He expects the service to be in operation by the middle of next week. The superintendent admitted it's taken a bit of work to convince the powers that be that this new method is the way of the future."The transition people have to wrap their brains around is that salt needs to absorb a certain amount of moisture and dilute itself before it starts to work," he said. "You can get more for less; you just have to look outside the box a bit."The philosophy around efficiency and also saving money comes between trying to fight the weather from bottom down or from the top up."With the salt already on the road when the storm hits, as the ploughs scrape the road instead of creating the snow pack the blades actually go through to the asphalt, cleaning it off entirely."Even if it dries, when the moisture reacts with that bit of dry salt it starts to dilute it again and it's ready to rumble and that barrier does not form on your road," said Mizuik.It is especially effective in areas like the Okanagan where the predictability of winter storms is much better, making pre-treatment the preferred method.Because limited modification of existing equipment is required the cost is relatively inexpensive to implement the system, about $70,000.The brine solution to be used is currently brewing in a small covered station at the municipal works yard and when the large vat is filled it will have enough to cover the application needs for three storms.Under the current city snow removal policy priorities were established to provide the greatest benefit to the majority of the travelling public.One the number one priority schedule are the major collector routes, steep grades, roads serving emergency routes (hospital and fire routes) and major transit routes.Priority two includes the remainder the collector routes, main industrial roads, school zones and minor transit routes.The remainder of city streets and other municipal properties such as pedestrian bridges, stairs, transit stops with shelters parking lots and the areas around municipally-owned buildings

Why wait 50 years for jewel?

By Scott NeufeldWednesday, November 29, 2006 http://www.dailycourier.ca/article_753.php

As the city’s Waterfront Plan trickles towards another public hearing, some of the residents most affected by the development want council to hurry up.Two residents along Cummins Road, Bruce Stobbe and Joel Ellams say that the waterfront along Okanagan Lake could become Vernon’s biggest selling feature for tourists. But as each month passes without a clear direction, more opportunities are lost, they say.“We just want to see a decision made,” said Ellams. “Let’s do it now and get some leadership.”Stobbe said residents along Cummins Road would like to see a large beach with nearby retail shops, condominiums and hotels along the lake. Although their vision is similar to the city’s there is a key difference, the residents would like to see the plan in action within five years and not the 50 year plan the city is talking about.“If we don’t establish something now it’ll be sad to see what happens next,” Stobbe said. “All of a sudden the lake is going to be closed off to the public.”The residents also want to be part of the neighbourhood and not be forced out. Ellams said it would be a shame to tear down houses that are only 11 years old. Rather than destroying the neighbourhood, where residents can be seen skiing down the street, he said he would like to see more homes along the street.“We’ve got a good little community happening here,” Ellams said. “What’s going to happen to these houses?” Cummins residents are opposed to the Elks club being moved into the old Lakers Golf Course Clubhouse which lies across the street from their homes. Stobbe said it would increase traffic and noise and alter the character of the neighbourhood. It would also turn a valuable piece of public parkland into a private club, he said.At Monday’s meeting, city council voted in favour of having another public debate on whether to move the Elks club to Cummins Road. While he’s unhappy that the Elks move is still on the table Ellams said he believes council is moving in the right direction.“We’re impressed with what they did (Monday),” he said. “We are pro-development – if anything we want to see it quicker than they do.”

Council bungles issue

By Richard Rolke Nov 29 2006 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/
One can’t blame Cummins Road residents for feeling like they have been completely misled by the City of Vernon. Eight months to the day, a majority of council went back on a decision not to allow the Elks hall to move into the old Lakers Golf clubhouse on Cummins Road. As of Monday, rezoning the site for such a use is back on the books and headed to public hearing, yet again. “I’m troubled by this turn of events,” said resident Kevin Lepp. No kidding. Residents earlier this year lobbied the politicians and attended a public hearing, where their opinions were made known. Based on that, council defeated rezoning and the residents went home thinking that was the end of the issue. Now, they’re reliving the uncertainty all over again, and questioning if democracy actually means anything. Some councillors have remained consistent on the matter, but the most shocking reversal is Jack Gilroy. On Monday, Gilroy said, “I’m in favour of moving them (Elks) down there. It won’t be a hazard.” But on March 27, he stated, “We can find a place downtown. It (Cummins Road) was too far out for the elderly.” And if you think the city is trying to move the Elks from downtown to Cummins Road for the betterment of the club, think again. The city finds itself in a bind that it’s trying to get out of. Specifically, the city wants to own the Elks lodge on 30th Street so it can justify its costly purchase of the surrounding block. All of that land was snapped up for a cultural complex, but the wheels have fallen off that bus. There are suggestions of commercial and residential uses, but, at this time, it’s nothing more than talk. A firm plan may not exist but, for some reason, the city wants to keep adding to its land base. At the same time that the city wants the Elks hall, it owns the former Lakers Golf clubhouse. Moving the Elks there would take care of all of the city’s problems but create a headache for Cummins Road residents. Residents have absolutely nothing against the Elks and the charitable work it does, but they are concerned a social club will create unacceptable levels of noise and traffic. It may be an over-reaction, but they are legitimate concerns and I would suspect any neighbourhood — including those councillors live in — would share them. I personally believe a more suitable location for the Elks hall would be downtown because it is central and on major transit routes. But that would mean the city would have to go and buy another piece of land and admit that its past activities were off the mark. If anything, the Elks are being treated with as little respect as Cummins Road residents by being dragged into the middle of a nasty squabble. As of Tuesday, the Elks hadn’t even been notified by the city that rezoning of the Lakers site was being reconsidered. Also galling is that at the same time civic leaders whine about the lack of green space, they want to rezone property from parks to tourist commercial and four-plex residential. Wouldn’t a better use of the Lakers site be to include it in the adjacent Marshall Fields? In the end, the council that promised a new era of openness and listening to people is leaving a bitter taste in many residents’ mouths.

Spicy surprise: Pass the dynamite, please

By Vernon Daily Courier Staff Wednesday, November 29, 2006,http://www.dailycourier.ca/article_752.php

There was a surprise waiting for the Vernon RCMP while searching a home after a weekend stabbing.A search of the kitchen of a home on 22nd Avenue uncovered a sawed off shotgun and a stick of dynamite. Cpl. Henry Proce of the Vernon RCMP said he has no idea why dynamite was being stored in the kitchen.“The item was in the kitchen; it might have been in the kitchen drawer,” he said. “I have no idea what they planned to do with it.”The home’s owners have now been slapped with restrictions under the Controlled Substances Property Remediation Bylaw. Police had found illegal drugs in the home but neither the amount or type of drugs was available by press time.Under the bylaw no one is permitted to live in or rent the home until an environmental engineer makes sure it is safe to live in.If the homeowner does not respond within 60 days the city has the option of pursuing fines of up to $5,000 for each day the owner does not comply with the bylaw.Bylaw enforcement manager Clint Kanester said that this is the ninth home charged under the bylaw. He said some of the other homes are in various stages of being repaired while some have been left vacant.“We don’t care who we’re dealing with we just want to make sure whoever owns it that they are aware of the rules and regulations,” Kanester said.As of Tuesday morning the stabbing suspect was still in critical condition in hospital. Maurice Faasse was severely beaten after allegedly stabbing two men at the house in the 3800-block of 22nd Avenue on Saturday. Thomas Trygvert Christensen was charged with aggravated assault in the beating while Faasse faces counts of aggravated assault, assault with a weapon, possession of a dangerous weapon and common assault.

Wheels spin slow at city hall

Nov 29 2006 EDITORIAL
It’s often said that the wheels of bureaucracy turn slow, and that certainly appears to be the case with the City of Vernon. On Monday, there was no decision on a funding request from Okanagan Symphony despite the fact that the North Okanagan Regional District had sent the matter to council back in October for consideration. As a result of this, not only will the symphony not know if it has the support of NORD’s largest funding partner, but there’s the potential the regional district won’t be able to deal with the matter until early January. If the shoe was on the other foot, the city would be screaming that NORD is creating unfair delays to its budget process. It would be easy to just blame Coun. Barry Beardsell, who kept council from debating the matter Monday. Policy states that the subject of a presentation will be dealt with at the next meeting unless there is unanimous support to address it at the same session. Beardsell was unwilling to grant unanimity. However, Beardsell is not responsible for the NORD referral sitting around since October. Why didn’t staff or the city’s three regional district representatives bring it forward in a more timely manner? One has to wonder why other municipalities, such as Lumby and Coldstream, have been able to deal with it quickly? Defending the delay Monday, Beardsell said, “There’s a thousand requests for financial matters and we have to take them into the equation.” But isn’t that the case for the other municipalities? Obviously the symphony’s request for funding to go from $6,008 to $42,057 is excessive but at least the organization deserves to know where it stands.

Residents irate with plans for Elks hall

By RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff Nov 29 2006 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/
Cummins Road residents are in disbelief after the City of Vernon resurrected plans for a social club in their neighbourhood. Just eight months after the project was defeated, a majority of council voted Monday to rezone city-owned land from parks to tourist commercial to allow for the Elks hall. “I’m troubled by this turn of events,” said Kevin Lepp, a Cummins Road resident, who thought the issue had been resolved in March. “It’s very frustrating. We’re going to fight it.” The residents’ concerns haven’t changed. “A drinking establishment at the end of a residential street is dangerous and ill-conceived,” said Lepp. That is also the view of resident Bruce Stobie. “It’s the wrong place for it. It’s crazy to put that building there,” he said. Beyond the Elks hall, part of the former Lakers Golf site would be rezoned to four-plex residential. Neighbour Joel Ellams insists that land should remain zoned as park for community use. “It’s a little disappointing we have to revisit some things,” he said. Opposition to rezoning came from Councillors Juliette Cunningham and Buffy Baumbrough. “This is still driven by the fact that we want to procure the rest of the property on the Coldstream Hotel site,” said Cunningham, of a possible land swap with the Elks for its existing clubhouse downtown. “Can't we be more innovative? In all of Vernon, can’t we find somewhere else to put the Elks club?” added Baumbrough. Coun. Patrick Nicol also expressed concern, but he ultimately backed rezoning going to a public hearing. “This one neighbourhood is being taken advantage of. It’s a real neighbourhood and I don’t know why we won’t back away from this?” he said. Coun. Jack Gilroy defended the proposal, saying the Elks hall won’t be a bad neighbour. “We need that property (current hall) where they sit and I’m in favour of moving them down there. It won’t be a hazard,” he said. Elks officials were surprised to learn that the land exchange proposal is back on the table. “I guess they still want our building. They haven’t talked to us in ages,” said Bill McDonald, exalted ruler. The city has not yet set a date for a public hearing on rezoning.

BCLC manager says no problems with gaming centres

By Shaun Thomas The Northern ViewNov 22 2006 http://www.thenorthernview.com/
Greg Walker, the Manager of Public Affairs for the British Columbia Lottery Corporation, was the guest speaker at the November 15 Chamber of Commerce Luncheon and used his time to discuss the gaming centre that is coming to town and to promote awareness of how lottery money is distributed in the province.According to Walker, the new community gaming centre, one of six being constructed to address the decline in bingo participation in B.C., will put between $140,000 and $500,000 into city coffers and will include 16,000 square feet of gaming, entertainment and restaurant facilities, 10,000 square feet of conference facilities, and will have three to four thousand square foot patios on each floor to make the most of the view and attract people to the building. "If it doesn't look like a bingo hall then we know we are doing our job because we don't want it to look like a bingo hall. We want it to look like an entertaining place where people can go with their friends or go to meet people," he said. "The community gaming centre is a first class entertainment centre." And while he acknowledged that four per cent of people who gamble do develop problems with it and there are a number of services available for those people, he said communities with the centres already operating have not seen a problem. "I am often asked what the impact of these gaming centres is and I am pleased to say that in the five communities we are operating them in now, there is none." "RCMP officers are impressed with the security and surveillance we have in place, which is very stringent, and many will say the impact is none," he added.

Don Quixote Blunders at Budget Meeting !

At the Budget talks this morning, there was a question from Coun. Cunningham about how much was actually spent from this reserve. By reflex I mistakenly blurted out $36,000 when I meant $136,000. I was instantly corrected by the astute Financial expert Kevin Bertles who gave the correct figure of $130,000 and I thank him for that.

It is always nice when the correct figures are on display for the Councillors to consider in their budget deliberations.

To set the record straight I refer you to BUDGET 2007 ASSISTED HOUSING RESERVE $150,000 some of which is excepted below:

According to the 2006-2010 Budget there is a planned $150,000 TAXES in 2007. (Future years indicate $150,000 (2008) $50,000 (2009) ($200,000) DRAWDOWN in (2010).

In 2004 $330,000 was reallocated from the Policing Reserve and put into this fund. The reserve stood at $350,000 at 2005 yearend after $150,000 was put in through taxation and $130,000 was used to finance the DCC's for the Good Samaritan Society's project on 20th avenue, and $150,000 was put in through taxation in 2006 to bring the present balance to $500,000. (There is no indications that there will be a drawdown in 2006 although I heard rumours of a $65,000 DCC draw by a Qualified Housing project.)The taxpayer have in effect paid $630,000 into this reserve and only $130,000 has been used in 3 years.

Don Quixote Recommendation:
As this reserve has $500,000 in it and has had little attraction to fund the DCC's for this type of housing (even if the $1 DCC's proposal is not built into DCC bylaw as it should be) then this Reserve fund should be capped at $500,000 and the purpose of this Reserve should be re-examined. (Part of the original motion by Coun Beardsell in 2004 was the original $330,000 startup money must be returned to the Policing Reserve if this Reserve was cancelled!)
There should be no taxation for this reserve in the 2007 year. (saving $150,000)
Reexamination of taxation in the 2008-2010 period.

GVSC Agenda Highlights

GVSC AGENDA 8:00 a.m., NOVEMBER 30, 2006

• 2.1 Letter from Lynda Shykora, Administrator, Township of Spallumcheen dated November 22, 2006. Representatives from the Township of Spallumcheen Council will be present to address the Commission.
• That staff be directed to submit an application for a grant through the Canada-British Columbia Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (CBCMRIF) for two-thirds of all eligible costs of the Duteau Creek Water Treatment Plant.
• THAT staff proceed with engaging an engineering consulting firm to complete a conceptual design report for increasing storage of Aberdeen Lake in 2007.
• Agricultural Water in the Bella Vista and Old Kamloops Road Area: Report from Al Cotsworth, Water Manager dated November 23, 2006.
• GVS Utility Billing: Letter from Rob Mayne, Finance Manager, City of Vernon dated November 24, 2006.
• 2007 Multi Use Facility Budget Proposal
• 2007 Performing Arts Centre Society Budget Proposal
• 2007 Budget for Greater Vernon Governance

More 107.5 KISSFM News Shorts

http://www.1075kiss.com/news/headlines/

Elks Lodge Back on City's Agenda
Residents of Cummins Road in Okanagan Landing didn't want it before, and they don't want it now. After making a few changes, the City of Vernon is once again considering relocating the Elks Lodgefrom downtown, to the former Lakers golf clubhouse site, on Cummins Road. Its a similiar proposal to one that caused outrage among residents, and was voted down by counciljust eight months ago. Resident Joel Ellams says they still have the same concerns,"You have to be extremely mindful whenyou're driving down that street because on every second house there's kids. So the last thing thatanyone wants to see on our block is a liquor establishment. You know they can move that thinganywhere, I'm not sure why there is so much favoritism in putting it there." Resident Bruce Stobbe, who attended Monday's council meeting along with Ellams, agrees the Elks Lodge is not wanted in their neighborhood. "Its crazy to put that building there. There's a zillion places the Elks could go but this is park land. Its zoned parks already, and we voted for it." Mayor Wayne Lippert says a change to the street design and shorter opening hours for the Lodge,should make the new plan more acceptable to the residents. he proposal is part of several concept changes to the Waterfront Plan and will next go to a publichearing. Dates and times for the hearing have yet to be determined. (Pete McIntyre)

City Moves To Make Downtown Safer
After hearing from the Downtown Vernon Association last meeting, city council hasannounced a number of moves. Five new bylaw enforcement officers have been hired and started work Monday. They will enforce violations 18 hours a day, seven days a week. Council decided not to return to staffing the parkade, but that issue will be revisited insix months. Councillor Jack Gilroy says 35-thousand dollars has been spent on new video camerasfor the parkade. Gilroy says the measures will cost taxpayers 300-thousand dollars, but he feels it will reinforcethat Vernon has the safest downtown in BC. In addition, City staff will be preparing a report looking at removing dumpsters in alleyways.(Pete McIntyre)

107.5 KISS FM NEWS SHORTS

http://www.1075kiss.com/news/headlines/

Watchdog Opposes New Library Site
One city council member is giving a thumbs down on the plan for the Vernon Library. Barry Beardsell says he's opposed to developing on the civic complex site, saying the buildingfootprint could result in something the city isn't proud of.He would prefer the new facility go on the former Coldstream Hotel site. The rest of council voiced support for the plan which is going to the preliminary design stage. 18 million dollars is the working figure for the three-floor building. Councillor Patrick Nicol called it a 'very affordable proposal'. He says with grants, local taxpayers may only have to cover one third of the cost. (Pete McIntyre)

Musicians On Hold for Funding
Members of the Okanagan Symphony Society left Vernon City Hall disappointed.After making a presentation Monday for increased regional support, the society members wereexpecting city council to debate the proposal. However, Councillor Barry Beardsell wouldn't support discussing the proposal at the current meeting,meaning it was put over until December 11-th. It has to be unanimous consent among council members for issues raised by delegations to be discussed at the same meeting. Otherwise, they are put on the agenda for the next meeting. Vernon Symphony Society director Maria Besso was hoping it could be dealt with sooner,'The fact that theydidn't deal with the agenda item, is crucial because now the councillors that are representativeof Vernon on NORD don't have any direction from their council on how to vote.' Besso says the delay may prevent them from having their request considered by NORD in time forits 2007 budget. The Society is seeking an increase in its per capita funding, from ten cents, to 70 cents to avoid going into debt .(Pete McIntyre)

Hotel Tax Issue Going to GVSC
The idea for a Vernon hotel tax will next go before the Greater Vernon Services Commission. That after Vernon council supported the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce's plan to have the City providesome funding for a consultant to research the tax and promote it to local hoteliers.The hotel and motel owners will have the final say, in a vote, a move they've already rejectedpreviously.The Chamber says the tax charged to hotel customers, could raise up to a half million dollarsto be used for tourism marketing. Penticton, Kelowna and Kamloops already have such a tax. (Pete McIntyre)

Let it Fly again in 2 weeks !

At the Cow meeting the long awaited Capital Reserve Reconciliation for the Airport was tabled for two weeks until the Airport Corp could put together a more thorough ,comprehensive and readable presentation. The expenditures taken from the Capital Account revealed so far are as in table below.

In 2 weeks time we should have the full reconciliation.

Library workers vote to join union

By Penticton Herald StaffMonday, November 27, 2006 http://www.pentictonherald.ca/article_2502.php
Staff members at the Penticton Public Library are now wearing the union label.A group of 17 library workers, including technicians, assistants and pages (who restock books onto the shelves), have voted to join the Canadian Union of Public Employees as a sub-local of CUPE 608 which represents Penticton city workers.The union certification ballot count saw 12 workers vote in favour of unionization and two opposed. Three others were absent, while four management personnel will remain outside the union."These workers have been considering joining the union for a long time," said Rob Hewitt, CUPE's servicing rep. "They felt that they needed representation in order to have their concerns heard by the library."Library director Larry Little said the library has a good working relationship with its staff. He noted the library workers used to be union members in the 1970s, but later decertified to form their own association.Little said he understands the employees opted to rejoin the union so they could have a third party involved in contract negotiations with the library board. The Penticton Library has a $1-million annual budget, of which about $625,000 is earmarked towards wages."I can see it being business as usual," he said. "We have a good working relationship so there's not going to be a disruption of services."Union representatives now plan to seek input from the library workers on their priorities for a first collective agreement.

'Hate to see a knee-jerk reaction'

By Staff Tuesday, November 28, 2006 http://www.dailycourier.ca/article_750.php

With rising concerns over the safety of Vernon's downtown, city council has voted to stay the course.In September, council voted to remove security from the downtown parkade. In its place they have hired five new bylaw officers and will be installing $35,000 worth of security cameras into the structure. The changes are part of a six-month trial period to assess how effective the new measures are."These (bylaw) people started downtown today, that's another five people down there 18 hours a day, seven days a week," said Coun. Jack Gilroy. "I think we have one of the safest downtowns in the province right now."Other councillors including Juliette Cunningham agreed that council needs to be patient to allow the new measures to have an impact on public safety."I'd hate to see us have a knee-jerk reaction before these other things have a chance to prove themselves," she said.Coun. Pat Cochrane said more needs to be done to look at removing the dumpsters downtown. Cochrane proposed and council unanimously passed a motion to have staff prepare a report on the feasibility of making the downtown a dumpster-free zone.Also up for discussion was finding ways to encourage more public uses for Cenotaph Park. Coun. Juliette Cunningham said she would like to see more picnic benches for office workers to use to eat lunch."We've done everything we can to minimize use of the park and that's part of the problem," she said.Late last week the Downtown Vernon Association announced they had hired two security guards to patrol the downtown amid crime concerns from area businesses.

Cops to criminals: Get outta the zone!

By Scott NeufeldTuesday, November 28, 2006,http://www.dailycourier.ca/article_751.php
Vernon RCMP may soon have a new tool at their disposal to keep repeat criminals out of downtown.The police have flagged high crime areas of the city as "red zones." Under a new program the police will be able to prevent habitual offenders from entering these red zones as part of their parole conditions. If they are caught inside a red zone they could face more jail time.Insp. Clair Hayward of the Vernon RCMP said there are three red zones within in Vernon, one of which includes the downtown core. He said the new tool will be an effective method to deal with crime hubs such as the downtown."Their release documents will say they are not allowed within that area," he said. "Then if you find them there you can breach them (for a parole violation)."Ultimately, the conditions must be approved by the courts, but the red zone restriction could apply to those convicted of crimes ranging from prostitution to assault, to drug trafficking offences.Cpl. Henry Proce of the Vernon RCMP said the red zone program has been successful in cleaning up cities in other parts of the province. He said the restrictions are a way to keep the peace and make it more difficult for criminals to congregate in the downtown."It can effectively clear an area of people charged with crimes," he said. "It has worked very effectively in Kelowna."The program has been in place since early November but police have yet to have any red zone conditions approved for any offender. Proce said Crown counsel has approved the plan in principal but he's not sure why no restrictions have been laid yet.The news of the program comes as the RCMP have released crime figures from the month of October. Total criminal offences have risen 2.5 per cent from 749 offences in October 2005 to 768 last month.The increase was driven up by small increases in assaults and break and enters as well as miscellaneous criminal offences. Theft from motor vehicles and frauds dropped last month compared to a year ago.For the three-month period from August to October of this year, however, total crimes dropped by nearly five per cent from 2,324 offences down to 2,216.

Don Quixote won the tax ratio battle ! $507,823 up for GRABS !

Don Quixote won the tax ratio battle. After nagging, bugging and irritating council for a couple of years I managed to get the Council to instruct staff to bring a report back to address the tax ratios of the Light Industrial and the Utility Class after neglecting this important area for over 10 years.

This report from the previous Finance Manager proposed raising the lt. industrial ratio to the business class ratio of 2.82 (from 2.26) and to raise the Utility class ratio from 2.82 to 3.5. This would produce additional City Revenue of $48,756. It also correctly asked the proper question with respect to this additional revenue:
a. Reduce the tax increase that would otherwise be required in 2007? OR
b. Reduce the business taxes only, to lower the residential/business multiple?
OR c. Reduce the residential taxes only, resulting in a higher res./bus ratio?
This report was debated by council and the decision was to request a new analysis of the situation by the new finance management team to be tabled in Oct./06

On Oct 16/06 the new report recommended to the fiance committee and ultimately passed by the full council by a 6-1 vote on Oct 23 intended to raise the ratio on the lt. Industrial Class from 2.26 to 3.2 and the Utilities ratio from 2.82 to 6.5 . This would raise $147,000 (146,462) in revenue. This report used a more detailed analysis of ratios across the province and demonstrated that our ratios in these classes were indeed lower than they should be and had been for at least10-15 years !

Because of an error the ratio ultimately was changed to Lt. Ind. Class from 2.26 to 3.5 and Utilities from 2.82 to 6.2. This adjustment would bring in $169,949 per year.

As this ratio increase will be phased in over 2 years moving the light industrial rati0 from 2.26 to 2.88 in 2007 and 3.5 in 2008. The Utility class ratio will increase from 2.82 to 4.51 in 2007 and 6.2 in 2008.

The new taxes in 2007 will be ($169,949/2 =) $84,975

The new taxes in 2008 on the $21.7 million new BCTC control centre will be $507,823 !

They also voted down my suggestion to only move the Lt. Industrial Ratio to the business ratio.
The council also had the opportunity to instruct the staff on how these tax increases will be sliced and diced. They declined to do so at this time. If they were made revenue neutral the extra half million in 2008 would reduce the business tax ratio by 9% if applied solely to reducing the business tax class. This decision has been put off until the spring when the final tax rates are set.

MY TOWN

Our community has experienced significant growth in both population and development over the last decade and this growth has been very beneficial for the majority of the members of our community. Costs of housing and property have increased dramatically which has benefited many who are in a position to sell homes or property but has had a negative impact on those that are trying to secure adequate housing which matches their income. This has resulted in a lack of affordable housing which has now become a critical social issue. Information gathered from the 2001 census indicates that 40% of our population spend in excess of 30% of their income on rental housing costs and that there is presently a 1% rental vacancy rate. This translates into individuals having difficulty to not only obtain housing but more difficulty affording the associated costs.This lack of affordable housing or the inability to meet the financial demands attached to an increasing housing market has resulted in us seeing an increase in other social issues surface including poverty and homelessness. Unfortunately these types of problems often impact the most vulnerable in our community including seniors. There is another generation of the working poor whose income is being used to meet basic housing needs leaving very little at the end of the month for healthy food, clothing, and child care.We are also seeing a large number of our youth leaving this community for higher paying jobs and more affordable housing. The City of Vernon has recognized the critical situation this community faces and has resulted in an Affordable Housing Advisory Committee being created by Mayor Lippert and Council. Other organizations such as the Social Planning Council and the Partners for a Safe and Healthy Community also have recognized the need to develop an Affordable Housing strategy which will give us all a better understanding of this community problem and develop initiatives designed to offset the impact. Possible partnerships and funding source are being explored at this time. As time goes on I am hopeful you will hear more about the issues surrounding affordable housing and strategies that are being developed. If you have any particular concerns or questions you feel would make an interesting article please make contact with me, Terry Pakenham, at my fax line 260-5866, or my direct office line at 260-5276

Some more equal than others?

By Vernon Daily Courier staff Monday, November 27, 2006 http://www.dailycourier.ca/article_746.php

Though council has yet to make a decision on honorariums for the Vernon Land Corporation, members of another city committee is weighing in on the issue.Joanne Georgeson of the Advisory Planning Board sent a letter to city council and city staff saying that if one committee receives payment they all should.“I was stunned that any volunteer committee/board/corporation working for the City of Vernon would even consider asking for any type of payment for services rendered,” she said in the letter.In an interview, Georgeson a member of the board since the early 1990s, said it never even occurred to her to seek financial compensation. She said she doesn’t see why the Land Corporation is deserving of honorariums while other committees aren’t“They’ve got a lot of committees in the city. I can’t see where at this point that committee is doing any more work than the rest,” she said.Georgeson said the board meets twice a month and spends a significant amount of their own personal time driving to on average four or five different development proposal sites before each meeting. She said members of all the city’s committees have been willing to put in their own time and do research at their own expense.She said they do it for “the satisfaction of trying to help the city, of trying to help council make good decisions.”“I wouldn’t expect money; it’s a volunteer job,” she said.In writing the letter, Georgeson said she wanted to make sure that council understands the hardwork and dedication it takes for citizens to take part in the city’s committees.“The reason I wrote it is because there are four new councillors,” she said. Georgeson said that with the acquisition of most of the properties on the Coldstream Hotel Block there is little left for the land corporation to do.“I can understand when they were dealing with the Coldstream property and the Elks property,” she said. “I don’t think from what I’ve been hearing that they’re doing anything major – I think the biggest job is done.”When asked what she hoped council would do with the letter, Georgeson replied that it was up to them decide how to handle it.

Lets lower our business class ratio NOW ! (An open posting for all Vernon Council Members)

TAX DISTRIBUTION POLICY – REVISED (P. 45 ) Agenda Package 1

At this opportunity for new informed debate Council should consider the wording and history proposed in TAX RATIO RESOLUTION posting of Nov.10 . (proposed resolution:)

• With the 3 weeks that have passed Council will have the time to reconsider what they are doing and therefore should consider passing a resolution along the following lines:
• The light industrial class ratio s/b increased to the same ratio that will be charged to the business class. Increases to a different higher ratio can be addressed in the 2008 budget cycle if necessary.
• The industrial ratio s/b increased to the newly recommended 6.2 or originally recommended 6.5 for the 2007 tax year.Increases to a different higher ratio can be addressed in the 2008 budget cycle if necessary.
• The effect of these ratio adjustments s/b revenue neutral and any increased revenue will be applied to reduce the business tax ratio towards council's stated target policy of 2.0.

REMEMBER THAT THE TAXES ON THE NEW CONTROL CENTRE ($21.7 million Building Permit value) (hopefully in 2008) will bring in more than $500,000 per year and if this money was used to reduce business tax ratio's we would see a 9% decrease for this tax class. (ratio from 2.82 to 2.58)!

That's more than they pay Reporters !

Agenda Package Budget Capital Summary from Mr. Grahame Go, Airport Manager. (p.7-9)

The Fletcher Report for the Strategic Business Plan cost $6,890 and the GHK Report for the Economic Impact Assessment cost $29,044. (of which $15,000 was paid by the GVSC Economic Development) Both of these 2006 Reports were paid for by the Airport Capital Fund. The 2005 PDK Report for An Assessment of the Potential for Commercial Passenger Services at Vernon Airport cost $5,778 which was paid by the Airport but it does not appear to have come from the Capital Account. These 2006 reports can be found at Economic Impact Assessment 2006 Final Report - 360Kb Airport Business Plan 2006-2007 - 96Kb.

Agenda Highlights COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2006 8:40 AM

COW AGENDA Agenda Package

• Inspector Clair Hayward, O.I.C., Vernon/North Okanagan Detachment, RCMP, Re: Quarterly Report to Mayor and Council.
• Budget Capital Summary from Mr. Grahame Go, Airport Manager. (p.5)
• Letter dated November 10, 2006, from Mr. Bob Sattler, President, Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce, re: Hotel Tax for Vernon. (p.15)
• Verbal Report, Mayor Lippert, re: Purchase of a ‘Joint Membership’ with Okanagan Indian Band to the International Centre for Sustainable Cities (ICSC). (p.17)

Agenda Highlights REGULAR OPEN MEETING OF COUNCIL MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2006 AT 8:40 AM

AGENDA Agenda Package 1 Agenda Package 2

• DELEGATION – OKANAGAN SYMPHONY SOCIETY (P. 13)
• DELEGATION – DOWNTOWN VERNON ASSOCIATION (unfinished business)
• TAX DISTRIBUTION POLICY – REVISED (P. 45 )
• UBCM FUNDING OPPORTUNITY COMMUNITY HEALTH PROMOTION FUND – ROUND 2 (P. 63)
• 2007 CITY OF VERNON COMMITTEE AND REGIONAL BOARD APPOINTMENTS (P. 71)
• SIDEWALK SNOW CLEARING (P. 73)
• OBERMEIR, HARRIS AND CUNDALL ANNEXATION APPLICATIONS FOR LANDS NORTH OF KIN RACE TRACK PARK (P. 93)
• CITY OF VERNON – PLAN VERNON AMENDMENT, TOURIST COMMERCIAL WATERFRONT NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN AMENDMENT AND REZONING APPLICATIONS FOR LOT 2, PLAN KAP58651, D.L. 62, O.D.Y.D. (7000 CUMMINS ROAD) (P. 119) AND FURTHER, that Council authorize the registration of a Restrictive Covenant on the title of the property proposed for the ‘private club’ to include the following:
• NIXON WENGER – REZONING APPLICATION FOR 4501, 4503, 4505, 4605, 4609, 4613, AND 4621 – ST31 STREET AND 4610 TH– 29 STREET (P. 147)

Vernon Stabbing

Castanet by Wayne Moore - Story: 24355Nov. 26, 2006
Vernon RCMP are investigating a stabbing incident. Police say they were called to a home in the 3800 block of 22nd Ave. Saturday afternoon. They found two men suffering from stab wounds and a third with undisclosed injuries. None of the injuries are life-threatening. RCMP have one of the men in custody. Police say charges are pending against at least one of the men involved.

Symphony defends request

By richard rolke Morning Star Staff Nov 26 2006 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/
Okanagan Symphony hopes a significant hike in taxpayers' funding will provide financial stability. Symphony officials will be before Vernon council Monday to support their request to the North Okanagan Regional District to have the annual contribution rise from 10 cents per capita to 70 cents. That would see it climb from $6,008 to $42,057. "If we don't ask for an increase, the symphony won't be viable," said Maria Besso, a symphony director. Besso admits that the increase sounds large, but points out that it has been many years since the symphony has approached NORD. "We've been long overdue in asking," she said. Okanagan Symphony almost folded a few years ago, and Besso says it is now getting its books in order. However, the Vernon concerts last year rang up a $29,000 deficit. If more assistance isn't forthcoming, Besso says there could be a reduction in the number of Vernon performances. "We would survive but we would have to fundraise more." Beyond its obvious cultural component, Besso says there is an economic impact. Twenty-two players, including seven core musicians, come from the North Okanagan. "They pay taxes, they shop and they teach at the music school. If they can make a living, it benefits the community," said Besso. Some other North Okanagan communities have suggested a lesser increase for the symphony - such as 20 cents per capita. Besso believes that is an option. "I'd be happy with anything," she said. The symphony's request is already meeting some opposition in Vernon. "That's a huge jump. Seventy cents is a little steep," said Coun. Jack Gilroy. He added that Vernon provides 70 per cent of the funding for every NORD function. "That's a huge whack for the city." Despite that, Gilroy says he would be willing to consider some type of a funding hike for the symphony.Coun. Pat Cochrane, who sits on the NORD board, is interested in hearing the symphony's presentation. "It's something worth looking at but we also have to look at it in the context of the support provided to other groups," he said.

Hotel tax a viable option

Nov 26 EDITORIAL http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/
Obviously no one likes paying taxes, but there are times when it is not only necessary but beneficial. And that appears to be the case with the renewed discussions about a proposed hotel room tax to support tourism marketing in Greater Vernon. At the same time that the Greater Vernon Services Commission is spending $81,000 a year on tourism marketing, Penticton - a similar-sized community - is forking out about $1 million. The reason for the discrepancy is that upwards of 90 per cent of Penticton's marketing fund comes from a hotel room tax. Similar situations also occur in Kelowna, Kamloops, Merritt and other cities where a tax exists. In fact, because of the growing presence of this levy, Vernon hotel and motel owners can't say such a tax will force guests away. If anything, it is a lack of a tax that is making the local accommodations sector and all of Greater Vernon not competitive. Because no extensive advertising campaign exists, prospective visitors know very little about Greater Vernon, but they do about Penticton and Kelowna. Some hotel owners have protested in the past that they shouldn't be financially on the hook for marketing when other tourism-related businesses will benefit. That is fair comment, but it is hard to determine how many customers to a restaurant or gas station are tourists. At a motel, virtually all of them are. Tourism is an extremely competitive market and Greater Vernon simply isn't keeping up. Times have changed and we can't just depend on word of mouth to promote our great area. New methods must be considered including a room tax.

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Marketing tax draws debate

By RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star StaffNov 26 2006
Adding a marketing tax to each hotel room booked by a visitor is generating considerable debate. Some hotel operators believe a specific room tax may be the only way to bolster tourism-related initiatives such as marketing. "It would definitely help Vernon out, especially when Kelowna and Kamloops have the tax," said John LeBleu, general manager of the Prestige Inn. Hotel and motel owners have shot down a room tax in past, but the issue arose two weeks ago when the Greater Vernon Services Commission board learned that while it puts $81,000 a year into marketing, Penticton spends $1.1 million and Kelowna $2.1 million. Upwards of 90 per cent of Penticton's fund comes from a room tax. In 2005, it was suggested that a two per cent room tax would generate upwards of $300,000 a year for marketing. On Monday, city council will receive a letter from the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce, urging that a consultant be hired to review the tax issue and pursue it with local motels and hotels. "We want to see more marketing dollars in the community," said Bob Sattler, chamber president. "We're falling behind other communities. They're putting hundreds of thousands of dollars into marketing." The chamber has led previous attempts to have a room tax initiated, but Sattler believes now is the time for the GVSC to hire a consultant. "There needs to be someone to research it and inform people of the hotel tax." At the Best Western Vernon Lodge, general manager Heeson Domay agrees the tax must be considered again. "Our competitor regions have implemented the tax," she said. However, she points out that local hotel and motel owners control the fate of the issue. "All of the different factions can discuss it but it needs to be approved by 51 per cent of the hoteliers and moteliers." LeBleu maintains that it's still unfair to saddle only hotels and motels with funding community marketing when other tourism-related businesses will benefit. "That will still be a concern but we as a group need open eyes on this." Wayne Lippert, Vernon mayor and GVSC director, is willing to investigate the matter. "Other communities appear to be benefitting from a tax so we need to see what those benefits are," he said. "It's great to collect money and spend it but we need some kind of measure first."

Government of Canada Provides On-Line Tool to Help Cities Reduce Greenhouse Gases and Polluting Emissions

By Government of Canada http://www.civicinfo.bc.ca/302n.asp?newsid=1966
OTTAWA − Transport Canada has launched a new on-line tool that helps cities estimate the annual impact on greenhouse gases and other emissions from transportation-related projects such as new transit or roads. The Urban Transportation Emissions Calculator is an Internet-based tool for urban transportation professionals to calculate transportation-related emissions, including greenhouse gases and criteria air contaminants (e.g. carbon, nitrous and sulphur oxides, volatile organic compounds and particles). The tool calculates both direct and indirect emissions from passenger, commercial and urban transit vehicles. Direct emissions are released directly from the tailpipe of a vehicle, while indirect emissions are created and released from the production of electricity used by electric vehicles as well as from the production, refining and transportation of transportation fuels.

The Urban Transportation Emissions Calculator is available on-line at www.tc.gc.ca/UTEC.

City shoots down revisions for seniors home

Nov 24 2006 http://www.pentictonwesternnews.com/
Plans for a new seniors boarding home at the former Hansel and Gretel Motel are up in the air after Penticton council rejected revisions to lower the cost of the building. The owners asked council if they could build a walkway covered by aluminum rather than wood to save money. City planner Donna Butler said the opening of the boarding home has been delayed because the owners are refusing to comply with the original development permit issued in 2004. “And it appears that the delays have impacted the financial status,” she said. But these apparent cries of poverty failed to impress staff and council. Mayor Jake Kimberley said the proposed changes would not conform with the existing building located at the intersection of Skaha Lake Road and Green Avenue West. Coun. Rory McIvor agreed, noting that the owners are planning to run revenue-generating business.
“This is a high-profile corner and ... it should look nice,” he said. Councillors Randy Manuel and Garry Litke — who called the proposed revisions “sub-standard” — also voted against the proposed revisions. The owners — who did not return a call from the Penticton Western News seeking comment — can still go ahead with their plans for a facility if they follow the original development permit with the original design. Supporters of the revisions conceded that the original design is superior. Coun. John Vassilaki said it would have been “gorgeous.” But he, along with councillors Dan Ashton and Joanne Grimaldi, supported the revisions because the community needs facilities like the one proposed for the Hansel and Gretel site. “Possibly, they (the owners) were too grandiose in their scheme,” said Grimaldi. But the proposed aluminum panels would not have distracted, she said, noting the rising cost of wood. This is not the first time this development received criticism from council members. When council first considered the development in 2004, several members demanded the owners cover the walkways connecting the building to protect seniors from the effects of bad weather. While the public heard those safety concerns again during Monday’s discussion, McIvor said the issue goes beyond them. This is a case of the city expecting developers to live up to their promises, he said. This point was also made as council discussed two other developments whose design has changed since receiving initial approval. But they — unlike the Hansel and Gretel proposal — received approval for their requested revisions.

Residents reject; council accepts

By MARKUS ERMISCHStaff reporter Nov 24 2006 http://www.kamloopsthisweek.com/
Neighbourhood opposition did not deter city council from approving a low-income housing project on the North Shore and a downtown day-care centre in two separate decisions this week. In a unanimous vote Tuesday night, council gave the nod to a 48-unit low- income housing project to be built on the site of the Moose Hall on Fortune Drive. The John Howard Society, which already runs four facilities in Kamloops, will operate the new building. "It's not beside your house," shouted Maria Morgan, whose house is directly behind Moose Hall, as Coun. Pat Wallace explained why she supports the project. Earlier during the public meeting, Morgan said she feared for the safety of her seven-year-old son if the project was to proceed. Convicted pedophile David Caza, she pointed out, had lived in the Victory Inn, a similar facility on Halston Avenue on the North Shore.Another man, standing at the lectern with his two young daughters, was worried the housing project could attract more criminals to a neighbourhood already plagued by crime and prostitution. "If we bring more low-income people in, we'll just get ourselves deeper in the hole," he said. When asked by Mayor Terry Lake if he had read reports indicating that low-income housing don't increase crime in the neighbourhoods in which they are located, the man confirmed he had - but added that he doesn't find them credible because they are usually prepared by those who are in favour of low-income housing in residential neighbourhoods. "Can you say there aren't any criminals, or ex-criminals, living in this building?" he asked civic lawmakers. None of them answered. Others argued that a 48-unit housing project is too large for a neighbourhood comprised primarily of single-family houses. Downtown resident Nancy Bepple was one of the few to speak in favour of the project, relating the experience of her grandmother, who lives in low-income housing. "Low-income neighbours are good neighbours," she said. Dawn Hrycun, executive director of the John Howard Society, said there are about 100 people on the waiting list for the two Kamloops facilities, noting the wait can encompass up to 250 people. In explaining their decision for supporting the project, several councillors pointed to the good record of John Howard Society-operated facilities in Kamloops. Lake said society has an obligation to look after those on low-income. At the same public hearing, council - against neighbourhood objections and in a 403 vote - approved a 28-spot day-care centre for 622 St. Paul St. "Then we have to listen to 28 children screaming in a cage from seven in the morning," said a man who lives across the street from the proposed day care. The cage-like appearance, he said, would be created by the high fence surrounding the property. The resident added that a lack of parking in the area will result in "mayhem." The Children's Circle Daycare Society, which operates a 48-spot facility near the hospital, will operate the new facility. Society chairwoman Karyn Sutherland said wait lists are at least a year long. "The need will only grow," she said. Coun. Tina Lange, who lives near the St. Paul site, opposed the project, arguing it will lead to "total chaos" because drop-off spots are at the back of the building in the alley. Lange said it is an example of yet another business setting up shop in a predominantly residential neighbourhood. "Yes, it's a day care, but it's a business," she said. Councillors Joe Leong, Peter Milobar and Arjun Singh voted in favour of the proposal, as did Lake. Opposing the proposal were councillors Jim Harker, Lange and Wallace. Councillors John De Cicco and John O'Fee did not attend the public hearing.

Businesses hire security company (Video)

CHBC VIDEO
They call it "security plus." Rather than relying on the police to patrol the downtown, Vernon business owners have hired their own security force. With a growing number of transients in the area, they've turned to the BC commissionaires to keep an eye on the downtown core.

Vernon Chamber Pushes for Hotel Tax

(Pete McIntyre) http://www.1075kiss.com/news/headlines/
One of the city's top business groups is looking to get the ball rolling on the idea of a hotel tax. The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce will be appearing before city council's committeeof the whole Monday.President Bob Sattler says in a letter, the tax could generate up to a half million dollars a year for tourism marketing. The Chamber will be recommending the City provide funding for an employee to research the taxand promote it to local hotel owners. Sattler says once revenues are generated, there would be sufficient funds to pay back the investmentto the city.Kelowna and Penticton both have two percent hotel taxes, which are charged to their customers. Vernon hoteliers have discussed the idea, but so far, have not given it approval.

Affordable Housing

Starlee Speers, Standard Radio News http://www.vernon.thesun.net/node/443027

Vernon's Housing Committee is looking for new ideas to solve the housing crisis.
Committee member Annette Sharkey says all levels of government need to get involved. The Committee has applied for a grant from the Union of BC municipalities. She's hoping they will be able to hire a consultant to create a housing strategy involving the community and government. BC housing is offering families some relief from rent in the Rental Assistance Program. Families in Vernon can apply to be reimbursed up to $705 dollars a month. BC Housing representative Peter Chau says the money doesn't solve the affordable housing shortage but it does help pay the rent.. To see if you're eligible for the rental assistance go to www.bchousing.org.

Valley water quality needs $500-M fix

By J.P. SQUIRE Friday, November 24, 2006 http://www.kelownadailycourier.ca/article_3768.php

Interior Health estimates it will cost $500 million to bring Okanagan drinking water up to Canadian standards.The bill for the entire Interior Health region is $675 million, Ken Christian, IH director of health protection, said Thursday from his Kamloops office.Although water purveyors dislike the current turbidity notification and awareness program, the cloudiness from suspended particles in surface water supplies is only going to get worse, thanks to the mountain pine beetle.As more and more pine trees die and the forest’s ability to absorb precipitation decreases, the result will be more turbidity in the runoff into Okanagan creeks and lakes.“We are only at the beginning of the turbidity problems, so we’d better expedite treatment,” said Christian.Health officials used to think that cloudiness in domestic water was an aesthetic or appearance problem, he said, but research is showing a connection between turbidity and gastro-intestinal illness.Christian recently met with 120 water suppliers in Vernon and then 35-40 in Kelowna to get their feedback six months after the launch of the turbidity program.In reviewing his 15 pages of notes from those meetings, Christian said IH staff will modify the information kits originally distributed to water suppliers last spring. Reworked notification and education kits will be issued in January.“This program is here, and it will stay. The public has a right to know. We’ll make it as good as we can, but it is messy,” he said.Interior Health deals with one major utility in Penticton, Kamloops, Williams Lake, Cranbrook and Nelson. But, in the Central Okanagan, there are six major water suppliers, which results in challenges when trying to alert users to problems in specific areas. “In the Kelowna market, people have to know who their water supplier is,” he said.When addressing the IH board in Kelowna last week, Christian said a better strategy is needed to alert affected customers.That should include having a complete, up-to-date customer list, an e-mail blitz, posters and information bulletins stuffed into bills.“This program is just an interim step until they get treatment in place,” he emphasized, noting his drinking water officers are identifying benchmarks for utilities to plan upgrades.The Greater Vancouver Regional District, by comparison, is spending $700 million on water treatment and another $300 million on new connections.Recent problems with turbidity there resulted in a boil-water order affecting 2.3 million people.“In particular, we’re looking at people who have immune-compromised systems, people who have chronic illnesses. That’s just good public health,” said Christian.“I don’t think we’ll be dealing with this in a decade because the work will be done. We’ll have comprehensive water treatment.”Those who complain about the turbidity notification program are just stalling, he said. “The bottom line is they need to treat surface water. We need to keep them on that trail even though this is going to be a huge drain on municipal infrastructure funding.”Federal-provincial infrastructure grants could provide up to 75 per cent funding for large- and medium-sized systems. One possible answer for small systems is package treatment plants.

New safety sheriffs downtown

By Scott Neufeld Friday, November 24, 2006 http://www.dailycourier.ca/article_735.php

There’s a new security presence setting up to patrol the alleyways and dark corners of Downtown Vernon.In addition to the Vernon RCMP and city bylaw officers, private security guards will soon be walking the beat six days a week through the city centre.The Downtown Vernon Associa-tion (DVA) has hired two B.C. Commissionaires to walk the area around the downtown parkade, Cenotaph Park and alleyways for six days a week on a 60-day trial. The program, which has been dubbed Security Plus, is a response to vocal concerns from local merchants about public safety downtown and the apparent lack of law enforcement.“We understand the RCMP cover all of Vernon. We understand they can’t be downtown all of the time,” said DVA president Malcom Dunn. “Our members have clearly said, ‘there could be more of a police presence in the downtown.’”The focus of the security force is to patrol during the prime commuter periods in the morning and at night, Dunn said. The goal is to ensure that employees and shoppers feel safe on the streets, he said.“Some of our members and merchants have been feeling unsafe since the city removed the human presence from the parkade,” he said. “We’re just responding to that.”Once the 60-day trial period is completed the security guards will be presenting a report of what they witnessed, said DVA executive director Earl Hansen. The guards will also co-ordinate their activities with the RCMP, Hansen said. But they won’t be there to enforce any laws, he said.“They do have skills in dealing with people who sometimes stray from what is considered acceptable behaviour,” he said.The Commissionaires were scheduled to start walking through the downtown on Thursday, a day ahead of the DVA’s Festival of Christmas Traditions on Friday. In its 2006 operating budget the DVA set aside $30,520 for “safety” expenditures. Dunn would not comment on how much of that total would be spent on the new security detail.“It’s not cheap,” he said.If there is a noticeable decrease in drug use and criminal activity in the downtown area, Hansen said the DVA will consider making private security a permanent presence downtown.

Hansma taps into rhetoric

Nov 24 2006 EDITORIAL Nov 24 2006
Attempts by Spallumcheen Mayor Will Hansma to get a regional feud going don't hold water. In fact, if anyone should understand the Greater Vernon Services Commission's reluctance to provide water outside of its boundaries until it has a handle on its water supply, it should be the township. Among the current projects in Spallumcheen is a review of groundwater to determine the long-term viability of that resource. But instead, Hansma is accusing GVSC politicians of being hypocrites - supporting regional economic development but not willing to provide water to a proposed industrial park in Spallumcheen. The reality, though, is that GVSC politicians do acknowledge the importance of diversifying our economy and providing jobs to our youth. But they want to get their ducks in a row first - namely water. GVSC directors and staff have a responsibility solely to Greater Vernon residents. They elected them to office or pay their wages. It is Greater Vernon residents who pay the steep utility rates and have approved borrowing millions of dollars for improved infrastructure. It hasn't been people outside its boundaries. GVSC's responsibilities are also to ensure Greater Vernon residents have sufficient water for both its current and future needs. With the population growth we're experiencing and the potential impact of climate change, it is only prudent to review water supply before committing it to areas that aren't financially contributing to the utility. Ultimately, the regional interest in an industrial park must continue but it's a separate issue from water, and it shouldn't be muddied by political rhetoric.

Water taps tightened down (Video)

CHBC VIDEO
The taps have run dry on some development plans in the North Okanagan. The Greater Vernon Services Commission has rejected a few applications to deliver water outside its boundaries over concerns about supply. It may be a glimpse into the future where the supply of water will be a major factor in how development unfolds in the Okanagan.

DVA Hires Security Firm

http://www.1075kiss.com/news/headlines/
A private security firm has been hired to patrol problem areas downtown Vernon.
It's the latest move by the Downtown Vernon Association to combat crime concerns in Cenotaph Park, the parkade and alleyways. Executive Director Earl Hansen says the DVA is picking up the costs for the 60 day trial program, but he wouldn't say how much is being spent. He told a news conference, " The 'Security Plus' program will see trained and certified security staff (Commissionaires BC) patrolling downtown during the prime employee commute periods, both morning and evening when staff members must travel between parking areas and their workplace." DVA president Malcom Dunn says their members would like to see more police presence in the downtown. "We undertstand that they (police) can't be downtown all of the time and we're just trying to compliment that with more visible presence on our streets." Hansen says it's in response to their members safety concerns."Its certainly not intended to address all of the security needs of our members, but at least its a positive step forward and it will make a difference." When asked if the firm will be confronting and physically dealing with individuals, Hansen would only say the guards do have the 'skills' to deal with people causing problems. When contacted by KISS FM News, RCMP Inspector Clare Hayward was not familiar with all the program's details, but he notes the security guards have no authority to be anything other than be eyes and ears for the police. Hayward also stands by his detachment's enforcement in Cenotaph Park saying officers are 'down there all the time', and he isn't aware of major problems in the parkade. (Pete McIntyre)