It’s not known if Greater Vernon residents will have a say over changes to parks and recreation. There has been no decision on possible public input for
a proposal that would see some parks remain part of the
multi-jurisdictional collective while others would revert back to
Vernon, Coldstream and the electoral areas to govern and maintain. “As the matter goes back to council for consideration,
that will be one of the issues we discuss,” said Rob Sawatzky, Vernon
director, of possibly allowing residents to say if they support or
oppose the concept. “I wouldn’t be surprised that it’s part of the process because there’s a fairly large (service) change.” Presently, all parks are operated under the Regional
District of North Okanagan umbrella, and all jurisdictions contribute to
the structure which began about 30 years ago. Under the new model, the collective would shrink to 10 parks. All other parks would fall under the individual jurisdictions of Vernon, Coldstream and the two electoral areas. Mike Macnabb, BX-Swan Lake director, hasn’t decided if
there is a need for public input and believes officials are keeping
their constituents’ interests at the forefront. “We know the resolution we are seeking will be better
for the public because there won’t be constant bickering and
complaining,” he said. Staff is currently hammering out the details of a memorandum of understanding. Sawatzky admits the plan isn’t perfect, but he is
satisfied with keeping some parks in the collective and turning others
back to the jurisdictions. “We’re not trying to create the Taj Mahal or a work of
art. We’re trying to develop a working agreement that serves the
community,” he said.
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Greater Vernon politicians have spent months, and
considerable dollars, debating the future of the parks, recreation and
culture function. There has been considerable back-and-forth and
the discussion has often been quite heated. It appears, though, that a
deal is finally in the works between Vernon, Coldstream and the two
electoral areas. However, a key player has been missing during the entire process — the public. Yes, residents have bene kept up to date in the
newspaper and they have even been able to observe the meetings
first-hand. But there has been absolutely no meaningful role for the
primary stakeholder. Keep in mind that it’s been residents of all four
jurisdictions that have collectively spent millions of dollars on
maintaining parks and purchasing land for about 30 years. There is
probably no other local service the public has embraced more. There’s no question the elected officials have
the best interest of their constituents at heart. But do they really
know what their residents want? Is there broad support for dismantling the
regional umbrella and turning control of most parks over to the
individual jurisdictions? Does the list of “regional” and “local” parks
reflect the reality of what activities go on there and the needs of
residents? A major shift in how parks and recreation is
provided is underway, and before any agreements are signed, the
politicians need to step back and hear from the people who put them into
office. A full-scale referendum isn’t necessary but it’s definitely time for some public input.
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