Officials preparing for parks takeover

By Jennifer Smith - Vernon Morning Star Published: November 28, 2012 1:00 AM
After years of debate, service reviews and endless disagreements, Coldstream is finally gaining ownership of its local parks. The district initiated discussions over control of parks in 2009, following concerns about maintenance in Lavington Park. The debate ensued, service reviews were conducted on the Greater Vernon parks function, and years later, a memorandum of understanding was put together. Coldstream will review the MOU at its council meeting Monday. The MOU basically states that local parks will return to the local jurisdiction, with some trading going on. For example, Kal Beach, and the parking lot, will no longer be owned by the City of Vernon but will become a sub-regional park, owned by the Regional District of North Okanagan. “There are a whole slew of parks that will be transferred back to us,” said Michael Stamhuis, Coldstream’s chief administrative officer. The implementation is anticipated to take effect in approximately one year. Coldstream is also gaining a new park on Buchanan Road. Land was bestowed to the district approximately 10 years ago with the passing of Vi Morphet. But a dispute over the land ensued and went to court. A settlement was reached last year and following subdivision of the property, Coldstream now has a two-to three acre parcel. “The stipulation in the will is that it be a dog park,” said Stamhuis.
Fencing and naming of the park is expected to take place in April 2013 by RDNO.