by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted May 1, 2015 at 1:00 AM
Vernon officials insist there are no further rules needed to determine the border with rural areas. On Monday, city council declined to work with the Regional District of North Okanagan to develop a municipal boundary extension protocol agreement. “We have our own agreement with the regional district now and to redo it in their terms, I’m not sure that’s what the city wants to do,” said Mayor Akbal Mund. “We have an agreement so why do we need to change it because they want to change it?” According to the city, the regional growth strategy already provides a commonly agreed upon framework for regional growth management and Vernon’s official community plan also addresses the boundary issue. “We have a protocol and we’re quite happy with it,” said Coun. Bob Spiers. Council’s decision was based on a staff recommendation. “Participating in what could be a long, time-consuming and expensive process to develop a boundary extension protocol agreement does not appear desirable,” said Kim Flick, director of community development. Mike Macnabb, RDNO director, isn’t pleased with the city’s response. “We were hoping for a more formal approach and part of that approach would be to look at the financial implications for both parties. They could educate their residents on what they are taking on (with annexation),” said Macnabb. “If we could come up with an agreement, we could provide certainty for planning for 15 or 20 years out.”
Showing posts with label annexation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label annexation. Show all posts
Friday, May 01, 2015
Sunday, April 26, 2015
Swan Lake sewer discussed
by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Apr 26, 2015 at 1:00 AM
The prospect of sewer services in a Greater Vernon development area is gaining momentum. Regional District of North Okanagan representatives have met with commercial property owners along the Swan Lake corridor. “We talked to them about their vision for the area,” said director Mike Macnabb. “They are supportive of the liquid waste management plan process and getting sewer out there. That is somewhat encouraging.” There is pressure to provide sewer service because of ongoing commercial and industrial opportunities along the development. Besides RDNO going it alone, another option is for the City of Vernon to extend sewer into the area but the corridor would then have to annex into the city. Akbal Mund, Vernon mayor, says he has no concerns about the RDNO process. “I am pleased they are looking at services out there. At least people are thinking about bringing more business to our area,” he said. Part of regional district process includes looking at whether its own sewer treatment facility could provide services to Spallumcheen and the Okanagan Indian Reserve. RDNO has been lobbying the city to enter into a municipal boundary extension protocol agreement to handle annexations, but on Monday, council will be asked by city staff not to enter into an agreement. “We already have our own boundary agreement,” said Mund. “Why should we change ours to go with one from another jurisdiction?” City staff also recommends that if RDNO is interested in a block boundary extension or an extension of sewer into the Swan Lake corridor linked to annexation, the city would be willing to participate at that time.
The prospect of sewer services in a Greater Vernon development area is gaining momentum. Regional District of North Okanagan representatives have met with commercial property owners along the Swan Lake corridor. “We talked to them about their vision for the area,” said director Mike Macnabb. “They are supportive of the liquid waste management plan process and getting sewer out there. That is somewhat encouraging.” There is pressure to provide sewer service because of ongoing commercial and industrial opportunities along the development. Besides RDNO going it alone, another option is for the City of Vernon to extend sewer into the area but the corridor would then have to annex into the city. Akbal Mund, Vernon mayor, says he has no concerns about the RDNO process. “I am pleased they are looking at services out there. At least people are thinking about bringing more business to our area,” he said. Part of regional district process includes looking at whether its own sewer treatment facility could provide services to Spallumcheen and the Okanagan Indian Reserve. RDNO has been lobbying the city to enter into a municipal boundary extension protocol agreement to handle annexations, but on Monday, council will be asked by city staff not to enter into an agreement. “We already have our own boundary agreement,” said Mund. “Why should we change ours to go with one from another jurisdiction?” City staff also recommends that if RDNO is interested in a block boundary extension or an extension of sewer into the Swan Lake corridor linked to annexation, the city would be willing to participate at that time.
Sunday, April 19, 2015
Sewer plan considered
by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Apr 19, 2015 at 1:00 AM
A high-profile development area could ultimately hook up to sewer but not from Vernon. The Regional District of North Okanagan will develop the scope of work needed for a liquid waste management plan, which could lead to a sewer treatment system for the Swan Lake corridor on Highway 97. “We’ve talked to the Okanagan Indian Band and Spallumcheen about a shared service,” said Bob Fleming, BX-Swan Lake director. Ongoing commercial and industrial development in the corridor is driving the search for sewer. But the other factor for possibly establishing a sewer service is the fact the City of Vernon refuses to provide sewer unless the corridor annexes into the city. “Ours is a better model because it addresses the regional growth strategy,” said Fleming of protecting the environment while promoting economic development. “Spallumcheen and the Okanagan Indian Band won’t become part of the city. The RDNO model is allowing for those partnerships.” Fleming anticipates the process towards a sewer treatment plant could take five years, but he admits there is one potential stumbling block. “Does it make sense financially?” he said. However, Fleming says Okanagan Falls, south of Penticton, recently constructed a $12-million facility but residents there only contributed one-third of the funds because of federal and provincial grants. Support for a liquid waste management plan comes from Mike Macnabb, BX-Silver Star director. “We’re concerned about the quality of water in Swan Lake,” he said of septic tanks in the area. “This is one step to try and protect the environment.” In a related matter, third reading has been given to a bylaw that would expand the riparian development permit area along Swan Lake to include commercial and industrial properties. “We’re trying to ensure water quality in Swan Lake is improving and not deteriorating. It’s good planning,” said Macnabb.
A high-profile development area could ultimately hook up to sewer but not from Vernon. The Regional District of North Okanagan will develop the scope of work needed for a liquid waste management plan, which could lead to a sewer treatment system for the Swan Lake corridor on Highway 97. “We’ve talked to the Okanagan Indian Band and Spallumcheen about a shared service,” said Bob Fleming, BX-Swan Lake director. Ongoing commercial and industrial development in the corridor is driving the search for sewer. But the other factor for possibly establishing a sewer service is the fact the City of Vernon refuses to provide sewer unless the corridor annexes into the city. “Ours is a better model because it addresses the regional growth strategy,” said Fleming of protecting the environment while promoting economic development. “Spallumcheen and the Okanagan Indian Band won’t become part of the city. The RDNO model is allowing for those partnerships.” Fleming anticipates the process towards a sewer treatment plant could take five years, but he admits there is one potential stumbling block. “Does it make sense financially?” he said. However, Fleming says Okanagan Falls, south of Penticton, recently constructed a $12-million facility but residents there only contributed one-third of the funds because of federal and provincial grants. Support for a liquid waste management plan comes from Mike Macnabb, BX-Silver Star director. “We’re concerned about the quality of water in Swan Lake,” he said of septic tanks in the area. “This is one step to try and protect the environment.” In a related matter, third reading has been given to a bylaw that would expand the riparian development permit area along Swan Lake to include commercial and industrial properties. “We’re trying to ensure water quality in Swan Lake is improving and not deteriorating. It’s good planning,” said Macnabb.
Friday, February 27, 2015
No sewer line for fire hall
by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Feb 27, 2015 at 1:00 AM
The City of Vernon won’t budge from its annexation policy even for a fire hall. City officials say the only way they will extend sewer services to the BX-Swan Lake fire hall is if the property is brought into Vernon boundaries. “We have set the policy (annexation for sewer) in our official community plan and at this point, we don’t want to revisit it,” said Coun. Catherine Lord. “If we make one exception, we have to do it for others.” Mayor Akbal Mund is also concerned about precedent as other BX residents want city sewer. He also isn’t sure why the Regional District of North Okanagan would oppose annexation of the fire hall. “It doesn’t affect them if they do join the city. They don’t lose any taxes,” said Mund. In a letter to the city, RDNO states that the BX-Swan Lake fire hall is expanding its offices, training facilities and truck bays. “A request is being made to council for authorization to connect to the city’s sanitary sewer system located on Silver Star Road in order to avoid the need to expand or relocate the existing septic system,” said Ron Baker, RDNO’s community/protective services manager. However, city staff insist that extension of sewer to the fire hall would have to include annexation of that property and several other adjacent properties. “This block boundary extension process was proposed, in part, to address concerns from Areas B and C regarding single property and small block boundary extension applications for the purpose of receiving a sanitary sewer connection,” said Kim Flick, the city’s community development director, in a report. “The proposal involved exploring extending the city boundary to properties adjacent to both city roads and sanitary sewer services. The fire hall property meets this criteria but was omitted from the process as it was considered an important service for Areas B and C.” Plans for sewer will now be abandoned at the BX-Swan Lake fire hall. “We are a bit restricted on where the septic field can go but it will be accommodated,” said Mike Macnabb, BX-Silver Star director. Macnabb also questions council’s decision by saying the city’s sewer policy hasn’t been consistent over the years. “The (BX) school is hooked on to sewer and there are properties on Pottery Road on sewer and they are not part of the city,” he said. While city officials express concern that someone outside of city limits may refuse to pay their sewer bill, Macnabb says, “It’s pretty easy to focus attention by cutting off service.”
The City of Vernon won’t budge from its annexation policy even for a fire hall. City officials say the only way they will extend sewer services to the BX-Swan Lake fire hall is if the property is brought into Vernon boundaries. “We have set the policy (annexation for sewer) in our official community plan and at this point, we don’t want to revisit it,” said Coun. Catherine Lord. “If we make one exception, we have to do it for others.” Mayor Akbal Mund is also concerned about precedent as other BX residents want city sewer. He also isn’t sure why the Regional District of North Okanagan would oppose annexation of the fire hall. “It doesn’t affect them if they do join the city. They don’t lose any taxes,” said Mund. In a letter to the city, RDNO states that the BX-Swan Lake fire hall is expanding its offices, training facilities and truck bays. “A request is being made to council for authorization to connect to the city’s sanitary sewer system located on Silver Star Road in order to avoid the need to expand or relocate the existing septic system,” said Ron Baker, RDNO’s community/protective services manager. However, city staff insist that extension of sewer to the fire hall would have to include annexation of that property and several other adjacent properties. “This block boundary extension process was proposed, in part, to address concerns from Areas B and C regarding single property and small block boundary extension applications for the purpose of receiving a sanitary sewer connection,” said Kim Flick, the city’s community development director, in a report. “The proposal involved exploring extending the city boundary to properties adjacent to both city roads and sanitary sewer services. The fire hall property meets this criteria but was omitted from the process as it was considered an important service for Areas B and C.” Plans for sewer will now be abandoned at the BX-Swan Lake fire hall. “We are a bit restricted on where the septic field can go but it will be accommodated,” said Mike Macnabb, BX-Silver Star director. Macnabb also questions council’s decision by saying the city’s sewer policy hasn’t been consistent over the years. “The (BX) school is hooked on to sewer and there are properties on Pottery Road on sewer and they are not part of the city,” he said. While city officials express concern that someone outside of city limits may refuse to pay their sewer bill, Macnabb says, “It’s pretty easy to focus attention by cutting off service.”
Sunday, February 22, 2015
Firm annexation guidelines sought
by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Feb 22, 2015 at 1:00 AM
There appears to be some interest in hammering out border flare-ups. Regional District of North Okanagan directors have indicated support for an agreement on boundary extension protocols between the district and the City of Vernon. “Let’s get this rolling,” said Brian Quiring, a Vernon director. RDNO has decided to defer considering a proposed city block extension of land in the two electoral areas until a municipal boundary extension protocol agreement has been developed. “By entering into a protocol, it uses a more sophisticated tool to look at these issues,” said Mike Macnabb, BX-Silver Star director. “It would look at both sides of the fence. It would create co-operation and help with planning.” Both BX-Swan Lake and BX-Silver Star have previously expressed concern that when land is annexed into Vernon, they lose part of their tax base and it becomes difficult to fund services like fire protection. However, there are some reservations coming from the city about the process. “I don’t want this to take until the next millennium,” said Quiring of the process. “It’s all encompassing and has every issue we could face. I don’t think we will ever get to the list.” RDNO officials have suggested a phased protocol with established timelines. A meeting could be held this spring to initiate the process if there is support among the jurisdictions. “This still has to go before our council. Our council has to decide to participate,” said Bob Spiers, a Vernon director.
There appears to be some interest in hammering out border flare-ups. Regional District of North Okanagan directors have indicated support for an agreement on boundary extension protocols between the district and the City of Vernon. “Let’s get this rolling,” said Brian Quiring, a Vernon director. RDNO has decided to defer considering a proposed city block extension of land in the two electoral areas until a municipal boundary extension protocol agreement has been developed. “By entering into a protocol, it uses a more sophisticated tool to look at these issues,” said Mike Macnabb, BX-Silver Star director. “It would look at both sides of the fence. It would create co-operation and help with planning.” Both BX-Swan Lake and BX-Silver Star have previously expressed concern that when land is annexed into Vernon, they lose part of their tax base and it becomes difficult to fund services like fire protection. However, there are some reservations coming from the city about the process. “I don’t want this to take until the next millennium,” said Quiring of the process. “It’s all encompassing and has every issue we could face. I don’t think we will ever get to the list.” RDNO officials have suggested a phased protocol with established timelines. A meeting could be held this spring to initiate the process if there is support among the jurisdictions. “This still has to go before our council. Our council has to decide to participate,” said Bob Spiers, a Vernon director.
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
Annex rules sought
by Jennifer Smith - Vernon Morning Star posted Feb 11, 2015 at 1:00 AM
Electoral areas are looking to lay down some rules for properties jumping boundaries into Vernon. The Electoral Area Advisory Committee is hoping Vernon will be willing to enter into a discussion to establish a boundary extension protocol agreement. “Right now there’s nothing,” said EAAC chairperson Bob Fleming, who is also director for BX-Swan Lake. The main concern with properties being annexed into the city is that there is no sort of compensation for the loss of tax base. “We just lose ‘em, city gets ‘em and we pay for it,” said Fleming. The request stems from a block annexation proposal from the city, which the electoral areas is deferring in hopes of gaining an agreement. “It would be completely voluntary on the part of Vernon,” said Fleming.
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http://www.rdno.ca/agendas/150205_AGN_EAAC-FULL.pdf P.102-152
5. Proposed City of Vernon Block Annexation Referral
- Staff report dated January 23 2015
RECOMMENDATION 8 Page 102
That it be recommended to the Board of Directors, that consideration of the proposed
City of Vernon Block Extension be deferred until a Municipal Boundary Extension
Protocol Agreement has been developed between the City of Vernon and the
Regional District of North Okanagan.
Electoral areas are looking to lay down some rules for properties jumping boundaries into Vernon. The Electoral Area Advisory Committee is hoping Vernon will be willing to enter into a discussion to establish a boundary extension protocol agreement. “Right now there’s nothing,” said EAAC chairperson Bob Fleming, who is also director for BX-Swan Lake. The main concern with properties being annexed into the city is that there is no sort of compensation for the loss of tax base. “We just lose ‘em, city gets ‘em and we pay for it,” said Fleming. The request stems from a block annexation proposal from the city, which the electoral areas is deferring in hopes of gaining an agreement. “It would be completely voluntary on the part of Vernon,” said Fleming.
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http://www.rdno.ca/agendas/150205_AGN_EAAC-FULL.pdf P.102-152
5. Proposed City of Vernon Block Annexation Referral
- Staff report dated January 23 2015
RECOMMENDATION 8 Page 102
That it be recommended to the Board of Directors, that consideration of the proposed
City of Vernon Block Extension be deferred until a Municipal Boundary Extension
Protocol Agreement has been developed between the City of Vernon and the
Regional District of North Okanagan.
Friday, February 06, 2015
Swan Lake annex sought by city
by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Feb 6, 2015 at 1:00 AM
The City of Vernon wants to work with the neighbours to expand its boundary. During a strategic planning session Monday, council members indicated that there needs to be discussions with the Regional District of North Okanagan about bringing the Swan Lake corridor into the city. “There is land in that area that could be used for industrial development and there is commercial growth but a lack of sewer is holding that up,” said Coun. Catherine Lord. Lord insists that any access to sewer should require properties in the corridor to join Vernon. “Why would we extend services without them coming in and contributing to the tax base?” she said. However, BX-Swan Lake director Bob Fleming isn’t sure annexation is necessary. “My plans and their plans for the area may or may not merge but it’s worth having those discussions,” he said. Beyond joining the city, Fleming says other options potentially exist for sewer, including a service agreement with the city such as the one that exists between Coldstream and Vernon. “That area is important to our tax base,” said Fleming of the Swan Lake corridor. “It represents 22 per cent of our total tax base in Areas B and C and 35 per cent of the tax requisition for fire protection. It won’t be transferred to the city without compensation.” Lord is aware of the potential tax loss that would face Areas B and C if the corridor is annexed. “There are some options we could consider. Perhaps there can be a compromise,” she said without providing any details. “It’s a win-win for everyone if that area gets developed.” Fleming also admits there is a lack of serviced industrial land in the North Okanagan and that is negatively impacting the region’s economy. “It’s in everyone’s interest to try and address that situation.”
The City of Vernon wants to work with the neighbours to expand its boundary. During a strategic planning session Monday, council members indicated that there needs to be discussions with the Regional District of North Okanagan about bringing the Swan Lake corridor into the city. “There is land in that area that could be used for industrial development and there is commercial growth but a lack of sewer is holding that up,” said Coun. Catherine Lord. Lord insists that any access to sewer should require properties in the corridor to join Vernon. “Why would we extend services without them coming in and contributing to the tax base?” she said. However, BX-Swan Lake director Bob Fleming isn’t sure annexation is necessary. “My plans and their plans for the area may or may not merge but it’s worth having those discussions,” he said. Beyond joining the city, Fleming says other options potentially exist for sewer, including a service agreement with the city such as the one that exists between Coldstream and Vernon. “That area is important to our tax base,” said Fleming of the Swan Lake corridor. “It represents 22 per cent of our total tax base in Areas B and C and 35 per cent of the tax requisition for fire protection. It won’t be transferred to the city without compensation.” Lord is aware of the potential tax loss that would face Areas B and C if the corridor is annexed. “There are some options we could consider. Perhaps there can be a compromise,” she said without providing any details. “It’s a win-win for everyone if that area gets developed.” Fleming also admits there is a lack of serviced industrial land in the North Okanagan and that is negatively impacting the region’s economy. “It’s in everyone’s interest to try and address that situation.”
Sunday, September 07, 2014
City's annex plan unpopular
by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Sep 7, 2014 at 1:00 AM
The concept of a mass annexation of rural properties into Vernon is getting a rough ride. The City of Vernon is proposing to the Regional District of North Okanagan a block boundary extension of all properties in the two electoral areas directly next to the city’s road and sanitary infrastructure. “A one-time offer by this council could be changed by future councils,” said Bob Fleming, BX-Swan Lake director, of the possibility of properties continuing to be annexed one at a time. Fleming and Mike Macnabb, BX-Silver Star director, are concerned that individual annexations undermine their areas’ tax base and sense of community. Fleming anticipates that situation could escalate with a block boundary extension. “Instead of five or 10 properties as there has been lately, 77 properties is a lot,” he said. “We asked if the city has considered financial compensation to the electoral areas for the loss of revenue (from annexing properties), and the answer is no.” The city defends its proposal for a block boundary extension. “Increasingly, the City of Vernon is receiving applications for boundary extension from property owners with failing septic systems that are immediately adjacent to the city’s sewer infrastructure,” said Mayor Rob Sawatzky, in a letter. “The current process to deal with these applications is lengthy, consumes significant staff resources, can be frustrating to the property owners and tends to undermine the relationship between our respective jurisdictions.” Sawatzky says the city’s plan would provide affected property owners a one-time chance to join the city. “This would bring one-off boundary applications to an end, be far more efficient for our staff and the ministry to deal with and will stop the current practice which simply continues to be a burden to our normally positive working relationships,” he said. Fleming says there will be discussions between the regional district and the city about annexations, but he challenges Sawatzky’s suggestion that annexation applications are largely a result of failed septic systems. “Most of them are development driven,” said Fleming.
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From the Sept 4 agenda of Electoral Area Advisory Committee:
http://www.rdno.ca/agendas/140904_AGN_EAAC_Full.pdf
5. Proposed Block Boundary Extension – City of Vernon
− Letter dated August 18, 2014
RECOMMENDATION 9 Page 82 -97
That the letter dated August 18, 2014 from the City of Vernon regarding the
Proposed Block Boundary Extension be received for information.
The concept of a mass annexation of rural properties into Vernon is getting a rough ride. The City of Vernon is proposing to the Regional District of North Okanagan a block boundary extension of all properties in the two electoral areas directly next to the city’s road and sanitary infrastructure. “A one-time offer by this council could be changed by future councils,” said Bob Fleming, BX-Swan Lake director, of the possibility of properties continuing to be annexed one at a time. Fleming and Mike Macnabb, BX-Silver Star director, are concerned that individual annexations undermine their areas’ tax base and sense of community. Fleming anticipates that situation could escalate with a block boundary extension. “Instead of five or 10 properties as there has been lately, 77 properties is a lot,” he said. “We asked if the city has considered financial compensation to the electoral areas for the loss of revenue (from annexing properties), and the answer is no.” The city defends its proposal for a block boundary extension. “Increasingly, the City of Vernon is receiving applications for boundary extension from property owners with failing septic systems that are immediately adjacent to the city’s sewer infrastructure,” said Mayor Rob Sawatzky, in a letter. “The current process to deal with these applications is lengthy, consumes significant staff resources, can be frustrating to the property owners and tends to undermine the relationship between our respective jurisdictions.” Sawatzky says the city’s plan would provide affected property owners a one-time chance to join the city. “This would bring one-off boundary applications to an end, be far more efficient for our staff and the ministry to deal with and will stop the current practice which simply continues to be a burden to our normally positive working relationships,” he said. Fleming says there will be discussions between the regional district and the city about annexations, but he challenges Sawatzky’s suggestion that annexation applications are largely a result of failed septic systems. “Most of them are development driven,” said Fleming.
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From the Sept 4 agenda of Electoral Area Advisory Committee:
http://www.rdno.ca/agendas/140904_AGN_EAAC_Full.pdf
5. Proposed Block Boundary Extension – City of Vernon
− Letter dated August 18, 2014
RECOMMENDATION 9 Page 82 -97
That the letter dated August 18, 2014 from the City of Vernon regarding the
Proposed Block Boundary Extension be received for information.
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
City of Vernon proposes block extensions
by Roger Knox - Vernon Morning Star posted Aug 13, 2014 at 1:00 AM
The City of Vernon believes it has come up with a solution that will allow select residents to join the city’s road and sanitary infrastructure without ruffling Regional District of North Okanagan feathers. The city is proposing a block boundary extension of all properties adjacent to the city’s road and sewer infrastructure. “When septic systems fail, historically we have been asked to rescue it,” said Vernon Mayor Rob Sawatzky. “It’s a very uncomfortable position for us because we want to work with (electoral areas) B and C representatives. “This is an attempt to bring clarity, and bring an end to an ongoing, endless trickle of people asking to join or annex with us.” The city’s current policy regarding boundary extensions is to accept applications from property owners where the property meets certain criteria.This process, however, has shown to be lengthy, contentious and take up a great deal of staff time and resources. In a comprehensive report to council, Kim Flick – the city’s director of community development – proposed that all properties immediately adjacent to a city road and sewer line be offered a one-time opportunity to participate in a block boundary extension process. That would replace a property-by-property approach. Flick said there are 77 RDNO properties adjacent to both the city’s road and sanitary sewer infrastructure, with most of the properties involved located along Silver Star Road, and are part of the rural protection area in the regional growth strategy. The block annexation is proposed to only include these 77 properties. “There are several properties that are adjacent to a sanitary main or have a sewer connection but are not adjacent to a city road,” wrote Flick. “In these cases, the city would have to take on increased costs related to road maintenance and life cycle replacement.” Flick said the block extension process would involve input from all impacted property owners and adjacent residents, including those in the RDNO areas. If the properties ultimately become part of the city, affected property owners would be made aware of any changes in their costs including taxation and utilities. Vernon council will now forward the proposal to RDNO. “We’ll wait and see what they think of our attempt,” said Sawatzky. The motion to send the proposal to RDNO was unanimously supported, though councillors Brian Quiring and Catherine Lord were absent from Monday’s regular meeting.
The City of Vernon believes it has come up with a solution that will allow select residents to join the city’s road and sanitary infrastructure without ruffling Regional District of North Okanagan feathers. The city is proposing a block boundary extension of all properties adjacent to the city’s road and sewer infrastructure. “When septic systems fail, historically we have been asked to rescue it,” said Vernon Mayor Rob Sawatzky. “It’s a very uncomfortable position for us because we want to work with (electoral areas) B and C representatives. “This is an attempt to bring clarity, and bring an end to an ongoing, endless trickle of people asking to join or annex with us.” The city’s current policy regarding boundary extensions is to accept applications from property owners where the property meets certain criteria.This process, however, has shown to be lengthy, contentious and take up a great deal of staff time and resources. In a comprehensive report to council, Kim Flick – the city’s director of community development – proposed that all properties immediately adjacent to a city road and sewer line be offered a one-time opportunity to participate in a block boundary extension process. That would replace a property-by-property approach. Flick said there are 77 RDNO properties adjacent to both the city’s road and sanitary sewer infrastructure, with most of the properties involved located along Silver Star Road, and are part of the rural protection area in the regional growth strategy. The block annexation is proposed to only include these 77 properties. “There are several properties that are adjacent to a sanitary main or have a sewer connection but are not adjacent to a city road,” wrote Flick. “In these cases, the city would have to take on increased costs related to road maintenance and life cycle replacement.” Flick said the block extension process would involve input from all impacted property owners and adjacent residents, including those in the RDNO areas. If the properties ultimately become part of the city, affected property owners would be made aware of any changes in their costs including taxation and utilities. Vernon council will now forward the proposal to RDNO. “We’ll wait and see what they think of our attempt,” said Sawatzky. The motion to send the proposal to RDNO was unanimously supported, though councillors Brian Quiring and Catherine Lord were absent from Monday’s regular meeting.
Friday, July 18, 2014
Anexations Hammered
Written by Glen Morrison 107.5 KISSFM Friday, 18 July 2014 06:00
The issue of Vernon's annexing adjacent properties will be moving higher. RDNO vice chair Rick Fairbairn says rural directors don't think their concerns have been listened to. He says "But some of these annexations considered by the province, in light of all the work that we've done to address these issues, were not considered and that, the rural directors felt a further meeting was going to be required with the province." Fairbairn says they'll be writing the province expressing their strong objections to the annexations and will try to get a meeting with the minister responsible. Directors say the city's continuing moves hurt the tax base of their areas. Fairbairn thinks it will be an issue at this fall's annual Union of B.C. Municipalities convention as well.
The issue of Vernon's annexing adjacent properties will be moving higher. RDNO vice chair Rick Fairbairn says rural directors don't think their concerns have been listened to. He says "But some of these annexations considered by the province, in light of all the work that we've done to address these issues, were not considered and that, the rural directors felt a further meeting was going to be required with the province." Fairbairn says they'll be writing the province expressing their strong objections to the annexations and will try to get a meeting with the minister responsible. Directors say the city's continuing moves hurt the tax base of their areas. Fairbairn thinks it will be an issue at this fall's annual Union of B.C. Municipalities convention as well.
Councillor opposes new annexations into city
by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Jul 18, 2014 at 1:00 AM
Vernon’s firm policy on absorbing parts of neighbouring jurisdictions may be softening. The city has rarely turned down applications from property owners in Areas B and C to be annexed into Vernon, but that occurred Monday when a bid from a Pleasant Valley Road resident died in a tie-vote. “I will not support any further annexations even for sewer,” said Coun. Catherine Lord. “The people who built out there knew they were outside city boundaries (and did not have access to sewer).” Lord’s actions are directed only towards new applications and not annexation proposals that are already being processed by the city. The Regional District of North Okanagan’s electoral areas have insisted that individual annexations into Vernon undermine their tax base and ability to provide services to constituents. They also claim that the electoral area’s sense of community is also impacted. “The electoral areas have made it clear that it erodes their base,” said Lord, adding that the electoral area directors have asked for annexations to cease. “Until we can get agreement with the regional district, I will agree with what they want.” Lord also isn’t convinced that there is a need for the City of Vernon to expand its land base. “We have identified a lot of empty space (within the city) for future growth,” she said. The city is currently reviewing how it handles annexation applications, largely because of the opposition that has come from adjacent jurisdictions. “It’s a reflection of the uncomfortable position we’ve found ourselves in,” said Mayor Rob Sawatzky. “We want a more cohesive and coherent policy. We want to help people with failed septic systems but on the other hand, there are services we provide with the electoral areas and we want to co-operate with them.”
Vernon’s firm policy on absorbing parts of neighbouring jurisdictions may be softening. The city has rarely turned down applications from property owners in Areas B and C to be annexed into Vernon, but that occurred Monday when a bid from a Pleasant Valley Road resident died in a tie-vote. “I will not support any further annexations even for sewer,” said Coun. Catherine Lord. “The people who built out there knew they were outside city boundaries (and did not have access to sewer).” Lord’s actions are directed only towards new applications and not annexation proposals that are already being processed by the city. The Regional District of North Okanagan’s electoral areas have insisted that individual annexations into Vernon undermine their tax base and ability to provide services to constituents. They also claim that the electoral area’s sense of community is also impacted. “The electoral areas have made it clear that it erodes their base,” said Lord, adding that the electoral area directors have asked for annexations to cease. “Until we can get agreement with the regional district, I will agree with what they want.” Lord also isn’t convinced that there is a need for the City of Vernon to expand its land base. “We have identified a lot of empty space (within the city) for future growth,” she said. The city is currently reviewing how it handles annexation applications, largely because of the opposition that has come from adjacent jurisdictions. “It’s a reflection of the uncomfortable position we’ve found ourselves in,” said Mayor Rob Sawatzky. “We want a more cohesive and coherent policy. We want to help people with failed septic systems but on the other hand, there are services we provide with the electoral areas and we want to co-operate with them.”
Sunday, July 06, 2014
Annexation clarification sought
by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Jul 6, 2014 at 1:00 AM
There’s a push to tighten up annexation rules in Greater Vernon. The Electoral Area Advisory Committee will write Community Development Minister Coralee Oakes about reviewing how properties in the rural areas are absorbed into municipalities and specifically Vernon. “They (ministry) have been rubber-stamping every application and we want them to stop doing that,” said Bob Fleming, BX-Swan Lake director. On May 23, the province approved 10 properties joining Vernon. They are on Star, Silver Star, Pleasant Valley, Mutrie, Herbert and Bates roads. Fleming insists the annexation of individual properties into Vernon goes against the regional growth strategy and undermines the electoral areas’ tax base and ability to provide services. “It’s anti-planning with random bits brought into the city,” he said, adding that the nature of the area changes. “These properties are for development. They’re not annexed to farm.” Mike Macnabb, BX-Silver Star director, says there is a need for the provincial government to clarify the role of electoral areas. “If the city continues to bring forward applications, how do we effectively plan if there’s a crap-shoot with what properties Vernon will take in?” he said. “We have no certainty. Applications come in and the city automatically approves them.” City officials have previously stated that annexations are needed to extend sewer services to properties with failing septic tanks. But Macnabb says other options, such as cross-boundary agreements, are used in other communities for sewer, including between Vernon and Coldstream. Vernon officials are aware of the concerns coming from the electoral area directors. “The city is unhappy with being in a position to go against the wishes of the electoral area directors but we want to try and satisfy the request of their own property owners to be accepted into the city,” said Mayor Rob Sawatzky. “We are reviewing how we will handle boundary adjustment requests.” Sawatzky isn’t sure if the city would extend sewer services beyond boundaries, but he says other options for annexation applications are possible. “We could refuse and say no or we could stay with the current process,” he said.
There’s a push to tighten up annexation rules in Greater Vernon. The Electoral Area Advisory Committee will write Community Development Minister Coralee Oakes about reviewing how properties in the rural areas are absorbed into municipalities and specifically Vernon. “They (ministry) have been rubber-stamping every application and we want them to stop doing that,” said Bob Fleming, BX-Swan Lake director. On May 23, the province approved 10 properties joining Vernon. They are on Star, Silver Star, Pleasant Valley, Mutrie, Herbert and Bates roads. Fleming insists the annexation of individual properties into Vernon goes against the regional growth strategy and undermines the electoral areas’ tax base and ability to provide services. “It’s anti-planning with random bits brought into the city,” he said, adding that the nature of the area changes. “These properties are for development. They’re not annexed to farm.” Mike Macnabb, BX-Silver Star director, says there is a need for the provincial government to clarify the role of electoral areas. “If the city continues to bring forward applications, how do we effectively plan if there’s a crap-shoot with what properties Vernon will take in?” he said. “We have no certainty. Applications come in and the city automatically approves them.” City officials have previously stated that annexations are needed to extend sewer services to properties with failing septic tanks. But Macnabb says other options, such as cross-boundary agreements, are used in other communities for sewer, including between Vernon and Coldstream. Vernon officials are aware of the concerns coming from the electoral area directors. “The city is unhappy with being in a position to go against the wishes of the electoral area directors but we want to try and satisfy the request of their own property owners to be accepted into the city,” said Mayor Rob Sawatzky. “We are reviewing how we will handle boundary adjustment requests.” Sawatzky isn’t sure if the city would extend sewer services beyond boundaries, but he says other options for annexation applications are possible. “We could refuse and say no or we could stay with the current process,” he said.
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Annexation splits council
by Carmen Weld | CASTANET - Apr 30, 2014 / 2:13 pm
Whether 10 properties along Silver Star and Pleasant Valley roads should leave the Regional District and join the City of Vernon was up for debate at Vernon City Council this week. Council voted 4-2 Monday to support the annexation applications noting that six of the property owners are in favour of joining the City of Vernon while four want to remain in the BX-Swan Lake electoral area. Two city councillors, and a vocally opposed, Electoral Director believe that the City is forcing people out who don't want to leave. "To annex people into the city against their will, I can't put my hand up in favour," said Councillor Bob Spiers during the debate. Area B Director for the Regional District of the North Okanagan, Bob Fleming, met with reporters shortly after council voted in favour of the annexation. “In my point of view it is poor planning, bad financially for the electoral area, and fills in more green space which is kind of one of the appeals of having the electoral area, it preserves the green space,” said Fleming. Under provincial laws an annexation only requires a majority of the property owners to endorse it, which in this case they have with 6 out of the 10 properties, which means the four opposing properties will be 'forced' into it says the Area B Director. He says those four property owners will see no benefits from the move, claiming they will only see higher development fees and a tax increase. “The people that are being dragged into this, have a number of issues. The one that was raised to me by the main property, that being Butcher Boys is that, in additional to the costs of the sewer, there are development costs which are higher than the regional district's fee. There are also the taxes with the City of Vernon, which are higher than the Regional District, and so those things in combination may make it so they cannot redevelop their property and that is what they are concerned about,” claims Fleming. He adds that the three residential properties will also loose out as they are un-subdividable, and will face a sewer access fee and higher taxes. Fleming says the city has no need for these 10 properties and that the only benefactor is the owners asking for the annexation. “The City has no need for more development in those areas, they have 50-years of residential lots already approved, zoned or currently in development for single family residential. They do not need more green-field residential land and they are proceeding anyway. The do not need that land, but someone will benefit, the owner, who will now subdivide,” said Fleming. The City will now ask the provincial government to initiate a 30-day petition to see if Vernon residents oppose these properties joining the city, something Fleming claims is part of the problem. He says the only people who might want to vote on the annexation are those being annexed and as they are not currently citizens of Vernon, they can't vote. “The counter petition process they referred to its actually only available to the citizens of the City of Vernon, of course the 10 property owners are not citizens of the City of Vernon, so they cannot even object through that process. They can't vote. The chance of getting 10 per cent of the electorate of the City of Vernon to care enough about what's happening to a ten property annexation are extremely slim.” The property owners involved do still have the opportunity to send personal letters to the City of Vernon and the province, to sway the final decision.
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Morningstar Poll:
Question of the Day
Should property owners be annexed into the City of Vernon against their wishes?
Results as at 6:30 AM Thur..
Whether 10 properties along Silver Star and Pleasant Valley roads should leave the Regional District and join the City of Vernon was up for debate at Vernon City Council this week. Council voted 4-2 Monday to support the annexation applications noting that six of the property owners are in favour of joining the City of Vernon while four want to remain in the BX-Swan Lake electoral area. Two city councillors, and a vocally opposed, Electoral Director believe that the City is forcing people out who don't want to leave. "To annex people into the city against their will, I can't put my hand up in favour," said Councillor Bob Spiers during the debate. Area B Director for the Regional District of the North Okanagan, Bob Fleming, met with reporters shortly after council voted in favour of the annexation. “In my point of view it is poor planning, bad financially for the electoral area, and fills in more green space which is kind of one of the appeals of having the electoral area, it preserves the green space,” said Fleming. Under provincial laws an annexation only requires a majority of the property owners to endorse it, which in this case they have with 6 out of the 10 properties, which means the four opposing properties will be 'forced' into it says the Area B Director. He says those four property owners will see no benefits from the move, claiming they will only see higher development fees and a tax increase. “The people that are being dragged into this, have a number of issues. The one that was raised to me by the main property, that being Butcher Boys is that, in additional to the costs of the sewer, there are development costs which are higher than the regional district's fee. There are also the taxes with the City of Vernon, which are higher than the Regional District, and so those things in combination may make it so they cannot redevelop their property and that is what they are concerned about,” claims Fleming. He adds that the three residential properties will also loose out as they are un-subdividable, and will face a sewer access fee and higher taxes. Fleming says the city has no need for these 10 properties and that the only benefactor is the owners asking for the annexation. “The City has no need for more development in those areas, they have 50-years of residential lots already approved, zoned or currently in development for single family residential. They do not need more green-field residential land and they are proceeding anyway. The do not need that land, but someone will benefit, the owner, who will now subdivide,” said Fleming. The City will now ask the provincial government to initiate a 30-day petition to see if Vernon residents oppose these properties joining the city, something Fleming claims is part of the problem. He says the only people who might want to vote on the annexation are those being annexed and as they are not currently citizens of Vernon, they can't vote. “The counter petition process they referred to its actually only available to the citizens of the City of Vernon, of course the 10 property owners are not citizens of the City of Vernon, so they cannot even object through that process. They can't vote. The chance of getting 10 per cent of the electorate of the City of Vernon to care enough about what's happening to a ten property annexation are extremely slim.” The property owners involved do still have the opportunity to send personal letters to the City of Vernon and the province, to sway the final decision.
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Morningstar Poll:
Question of the Day
Should property owners be annexed into the City of Vernon against their wishes?
Annexation bid generates council
by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Apr 30, 2014 at 1:00 AM
Some property owners could be dragged into Vernon against their wishes. City council voted 4-2 Monday to support annexation bids for 10 properties at Silver Star and Pleasant Valley roads. Six of the property owners favour joining Vernon while four, including Butcher Boys grocery store, are opposed and want to remain within the BX-Swan Lake electoral area. “To annex people into the city against their will, I can’t put my hand up in favour for,” said Coun. Bob Spiers, who voted against the motion with Coun. Juliette Cunningham. “They would be dragged into the annexation regardless,” added Cunningham. However, the rest of council backed moving ahead with the process for the 18 acres. “This fits with the regional growth strategy and our own official community plan,” said Coun. Mary-Jo O’Keefe. Under provincial regulations, a majority of property owners in a specific area must endorse annexation and, in this case, there is 60 per cent support. Provincial legislation doesn’t allow isolated properties to be annexed into a municipality and for that to be avoided, all 10 properties are required. Mayor Rob Sawatzky agrees the four properties opposed may be forced into annexation, but he says the city must follow the process initiated a year ago. “Under the policies we had at the time, it fit and we started the process. It would be unfair to change things at this stage,” he said. “If this had come up new now, I’m not sure I’d support this.” A mixture of residential and commercial uses could eventually occur on the 10 properties. “Without being in the city, they can’t do anything with their properties. Access to sewer is the primary motivation,” said Bjorn Edblad, a real estate agent for some of the owners. In terms of some property owners being opposed, Edblad says the country’s democratic system is based on majority rules.“We are just following the existing rules.”
The city will now ask the provincial government to initiate a 30-day petition to see if Vernon residents oppose these properties joining the city. But government approval for a petition could take a year to occur. “Annexations typically take one to four or five years to complete,” said Dale Rintoul, planner. Bob Fleming, BX-Swan Lake director, is frustrated with Vernon’s actions. “The city has no need for development in that area. They already have 50 years of approved zoned property for development,” he said, adding that a number of properties considered isolated have been annexed by the city for years. He says the four properties are opposed to joining the city because development fees and taxes could increase, and that could make future development unlikely. “It’s poor planning and it eats into the tax base of the electoral area.” Butcher Boys, alone, accounts for about two per cent of the tax base for the BX-Swan Lake fire hall. “The rest of the residents will have to pick up the difference (if annexation occurs),” said Fleming. However, Sawatzky is convinced annexation actually reduces the regional district’s costs. “They no longer have to provide the service,” he said.
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City Annexations Upset Director Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM Wednesday, 30 April 2014 06:00
Vernon council is being accused of poor planning in supporting a bid to annex ten regional district properties into the city.BX-Swan Lake director Bob Fleming says while six of the owners on Pleasant Valley and Silver Star roads want to join the city, four are being lumped in, and are opposed. "Somebody will benefit, the owner, who can now subdivide, but is that good planning? My feeling is it's not," Fleming told the media after sitting in for council's discussion. Fleming says Butcher Boys is one of the owners opposed to being annexed. "The city has no need for more development in those areas. They have 50 years of residential lots either approved or zoned already," says Fleming. Fleming says the city's annexations "eat into the tax base for the electoral area." "Butcher Boys alone represents two percent of the fire protection requisition for Area B." Vernon Mayor Rob Sawatzky doesn't buy the argument that it could impact fire protection."When you remove a property from the service area, you then remove that requirement to provide the service. The service is then being provided by the city," says Sawatzky.The province still has to give approval to the plan, which can take several years.
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107.5 KISSFM POLL - Results FINAL
Some property owners could be dragged into Vernon against their wishes. City council voted 4-2 Monday to support annexation bids for 10 properties at Silver Star and Pleasant Valley roads. Six of the property owners favour joining Vernon while four, including Butcher Boys grocery store, are opposed and want to remain within the BX-Swan Lake electoral area. “To annex people into the city against their will, I can’t put my hand up in favour for,” said Coun. Bob Spiers, who voted against the motion with Coun. Juliette Cunningham. “They would be dragged into the annexation regardless,” added Cunningham. However, the rest of council backed moving ahead with the process for the 18 acres. “This fits with the regional growth strategy and our own official community plan,” said Coun. Mary-Jo O’Keefe. Under provincial regulations, a majority of property owners in a specific area must endorse annexation and, in this case, there is 60 per cent support. Provincial legislation doesn’t allow isolated properties to be annexed into a municipality and for that to be avoided, all 10 properties are required. Mayor Rob Sawatzky agrees the four properties opposed may be forced into annexation, but he says the city must follow the process initiated a year ago. “Under the policies we had at the time, it fit and we started the process. It would be unfair to change things at this stage,” he said. “If this had come up new now, I’m not sure I’d support this.” A mixture of residential and commercial uses could eventually occur on the 10 properties. “Without being in the city, they can’t do anything with their properties. Access to sewer is the primary motivation,” said Bjorn Edblad, a real estate agent for some of the owners. In terms of some property owners being opposed, Edblad says the country’s democratic system is based on majority rules.“We are just following the existing rules.”
The city will now ask the provincial government to initiate a 30-day petition to see if Vernon residents oppose these properties joining the city. But government approval for a petition could take a year to occur. “Annexations typically take one to four or five years to complete,” said Dale Rintoul, planner. Bob Fleming, BX-Swan Lake director, is frustrated with Vernon’s actions. “The city has no need for development in that area. They already have 50 years of approved zoned property for development,” he said, adding that a number of properties considered isolated have been annexed by the city for years. He says the four properties are opposed to joining the city because development fees and taxes could increase, and that could make future development unlikely. “It’s poor planning and it eats into the tax base of the electoral area.” Butcher Boys, alone, accounts for about two per cent of the tax base for the BX-Swan Lake fire hall. “The rest of the residents will have to pick up the difference (if annexation occurs),” said Fleming. However, Sawatzky is convinced annexation actually reduces the regional district’s costs. “They no longer have to provide the service,” he said.
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City Annexations Upset Director Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM Wednesday, 30 April 2014 06:00
Vernon council is being accused of poor planning in supporting a bid to annex ten regional district properties into the city.BX-Swan Lake director Bob Fleming says while six of the owners on Pleasant Valley and Silver Star roads want to join the city, four are being lumped in, and are opposed. "Somebody will benefit, the owner, who can now subdivide, but is that good planning? My feeling is it's not," Fleming told the media after sitting in for council's discussion. Fleming says Butcher Boys is one of the owners opposed to being annexed. "The city has no need for more development in those areas. They have 50 years of residential lots either approved or zoned already," says Fleming. Fleming says the city's annexations "eat into the tax base for the electoral area." "Butcher Boys alone represents two percent of the fire protection requisition for Area B." Vernon Mayor Rob Sawatzky doesn't buy the argument that it could impact fire protection."When you remove a property from the service area, you then remove that requirement to provide the service. The service is then being provided by the city," says Sawatzky.The province still has to give approval to the plan, which can take several years.
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107.5 KISSFM POLL - Results FINAL
 Do you think Vernon should be annexing properties into the city over the objections of the owners ? | ||
|---|---|---|
| no | ||
| 34 | 72.3% | |
| yes | ||
| 13 | 27.7% | |
| Number of Voters | : 47 |
Monday, April 28, 2014
Annexation bid splits Vernon politicians
by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Apr 28, 2014 at 5:00 PM
Vernon politicians are divided over the community possibly getting larger. Council voted 4-2 Monday to support annexation applications for 10 properties at Silver Star and Pleasant Valley roads. Six of the property owners favour joining Vernon while four are opposed and want to remain in the BX-Swan Lake electoral area. "To annex people into the city against their will, I can't put my hand up in favour for," said Coun. Bob Spiers, who voted against the motion with Coun. Juliette Cunningham. However, the rest of council backed moving ahead with the process. "This fits with the regional growth strategy and our own official community plan," said Coun. Mary-Jo O'Keefe. It's believed development opportunities are planned for the properties. Look for more in Wednesday's Morning Star.
Vernon politicians are divided over the community possibly getting larger. Council voted 4-2 Monday to support annexation applications for 10 properties at Silver Star and Pleasant Valley roads. Six of the property owners favour joining Vernon while four are opposed and want to remain in the BX-Swan Lake electoral area. "To annex people into the city against their will, I can't put my hand up in favour for," said Coun. Bob Spiers, who voted against the motion with Coun. Juliette Cunningham. However, the rest of council backed moving ahead with the process. "This fits with the regional growth strategy and our own official community plan," said Coun. Mary-Jo O'Keefe. It's believed development opportunities are planned for the properties. Look for more in Wednesday's Morning Star.
Monday, March 03, 2014
RDNO COW AGENDA has FINAL Annexation Study
http://www.rdno.ca/agendas/140305_AGN_CoW_FULL.pdfCommittee of the Whole
Wednesday, March 5, 2014 - 2:30 pm - Regular
Full Report at Above LINK.
Friday, November 22, 2013
Annexation debate heats up at RDNO
By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: November 22, 2013 1:00 AM
The City of Vernon is standing its ground over absorbing rural properties. Three Vernon directors opposed a Regional District of North Okanagan board decision Wednesday not to support applications for 13 lots in Areas B and C to be annexed into the city. “We don’t see how in good conscious we can refuse these,” said director Rob Sawatzky. Currently, a property owner can apply to the city for annexation and the final decision is made by the provincial government. The regional district can oppose the application but it has no formal role in the process. Sawatzky says many rural properties want to join the city so they can replace failing septic systems with sewer and protect the environment. “When people on septic want a higher level of service and their property is contiguous with the city, how can we refuse them?” he said. Sawatzky points out that the city doesn’t initiate annexations and expanding its boundaries can be detrimental. “It makes us larger and less efficient.” Mike Macnabb, BX-Silver Star director, insists that the city can reject annexation applications. “If you look at Vernon’s official community plan, it says this expansion without densification in existing areas is inappropriate,” he said. Bob Fleming, BX-Swan Lake director, suggests that annexation bids have more to do with development opportunities than protecting the environment. “They (city) don’t have to rubber-stamp every application that comes through.” Fleming says the city has the ability to provide sewer to properties without annexing them and such scenarios already occur in other communities. The concern from the electoral area directors is the loss of properties undermines their tax base and the ability to provide services. “A total of 1,850 hectares of Area B have been annexed between 2004 and 2011. It’s not small bits, it’s big bits,” said Fleming. However, city officials defend the process. “When a private property owner is asking to come into the city and pay higher taxes for services, I’m surprised people don’t see that as a positive,” said director Mary-Jo O’Keefe. “They (land owner) see it as necessary or they wouldn’t ask.” RDNO is also asking the city to hold an open house regarding 11 of the properties proposed for annexation. The author of a study looking into the impact of annexations will also make a presentation to the regional board. “I’d like to see us working co-operatively. I’m committed to looking at this more in-depth,” said Juliette Cunningham, Vernon director.
The City of Vernon is standing its ground over absorbing rural properties. Three Vernon directors opposed a Regional District of North Okanagan board decision Wednesday not to support applications for 13 lots in Areas B and C to be annexed into the city. “We don’t see how in good conscious we can refuse these,” said director Rob Sawatzky. Currently, a property owner can apply to the city for annexation and the final decision is made by the provincial government. The regional district can oppose the application but it has no formal role in the process. Sawatzky says many rural properties want to join the city so they can replace failing septic systems with sewer and protect the environment. “When people on septic want a higher level of service and their property is contiguous with the city, how can we refuse them?” he said. Sawatzky points out that the city doesn’t initiate annexations and expanding its boundaries can be detrimental. “It makes us larger and less efficient.” Mike Macnabb, BX-Silver Star director, insists that the city can reject annexation applications. “If you look at Vernon’s official community plan, it says this expansion without densification in existing areas is inappropriate,” he said. Bob Fleming, BX-Swan Lake director, suggests that annexation bids have more to do with development opportunities than protecting the environment. “They (city) don’t have to rubber-stamp every application that comes through.” Fleming says the city has the ability to provide sewer to properties without annexing them and such scenarios already occur in other communities. The concern from the electoral area directors is the loss of properties undermines their tax base and the ability to provide services. “A total of 1,850 hectares of Area B have been annexed between 2004 and 2011. It’s not small bits, it’s big bits,” said Fleming. However, city officials defend the process. “When a private property owner is asking to come into the city and pay higher taxes for services, I’m surprised people don’t see that as a positive,” said director Mary-Jo O’Keefe. “They (land owner) see it as necessary or they wouldn’t ask.” RDNO is also asking the city to hold an open house regarding 11 of the properties proposed for annexation. The author of a study looking into the impact of annexations will also make a presentation to the regional board. “I’d like to see us working co-operatively. I’m committed to looking at this more in-depth,” said Juliette Cunningham, Vernon director.
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Annexation of properties on the fringe incites heated debate
By Charlotte Helston Info-Tel Multimedia November 21, 2013 - 1:21 PM
VERNON - There’s concern that communities are shrinking as properties bordering Vernon are annexed into the city. Some North Okanagan politicians voiced concerns at a Regional District of the North Okanagan meeting Wednesday night as directors eyed a motion on the annexation of 13 properties. It’s up to the City of Vernon to accept or deny annexation requests, but applications come to the regional district board for input before a decision is made. “Unfortunately, the electoral areas from which the properties are being annexed have no role in the process, other than to comment,” area B director Bob Fleming said, adding the province essentially “rubber stamps” the applications that come in from the city. “We haven’t seen one rejected yet,” Fleming said. The motion on the table was for annexation applications to not be supported for the 13 properties, something are C director Mike Macnabb wholly endorsed. He said “fringe-feeders”—developers on the perimeter of the city—seek annexation for the benefit of their own pocket-books. It’s sometimes cheaper to buy property outside city limits, something developers know and do with the intention of annexing the land into the City of Vernon to raise its property value. “At some point it will no longer be viable to have an electoral area,” Macnabb said, noting taxpayers are lost every time property is annexed into the city. Other directors were quick to point out that financial gain isn’t the sole motivator for annexation. Director Rob Sawatzky, Vernon mayor, said many properties seek the city’s superior sewage system. “We really don’t see... how we can refuse these (requests),” Sawatzky said. Director Mary-Jo O’Keefe, a City of Vernon councillor, agreed it’s hard to deny the applicants what they’re asking for. “It’s private property and they see it as necessary or they wouldn’t ask,” O’Keefe said. The motion to not support the annexation passed by a slim margin, but as a symbolic decision only, it won’t bar the properties from joining the City of Vernon. The discussion came on the heels of a recent review on the pros and cons of annexation, conducted by a third party. The report is phase two of the Electoral Area Annexation Impact Study. It may help guide future discussions on the matter. “I think it’s going to be a good tool to clear this dialogue,” Fleming said of the study.
VERNON - There’s concern that communities are shrinking as properties bordering Vernon are annexed into the city. Some North Okanagan politicians voiced concerns at a Regional District of the North Okanagan meeting Wednesday night as directors eyed a motion on the annexation of 13 properties. It’s up to the City of Vernon to accept or deny annexation requests, but applications come to the regional district board for input before a decision is made. “Unfortunately, the electoral areas from which the properties are being annexed have no role in the process, other than to comment,” area B director Bob Fleming said, adding the province essentially “rubber stamps” the applications that come in from the city. “We haven’t seen one rejected yet,” Fleming said. The motion on the table was for annexation applications to not be supported for the 13 properties, something are C director Mike Macnabb wholly endorsed. He said “fringe-feeders”—developers on the perimeter of the city—seek annexation for the benefit of their own pocket-books. It’s sometimes cheaper to buy property outside city limits, something developers know and do with the intention of annexing the land into the City of Vernon to raise its property value. “At some point it will no longer be viable to have an electoral area,” Macnabb said, noting taxpayers are lost every time property is annexed into the city. Other directors were quick to point out that financial gain isn’t the sole motivator for annexation. Director Rob Sawatzky, Vernon mayor, said many properties seek the city’s superior sewage system. “We really don’t see... how we can refuse these (requests),” Sawatzky said. Director Mary-Jo O’Keefe, a City of Vernon councillor, agreed it’s hard to deny the applicants what they’re asking for. “It’s private property and they see it as necessary or they wouldn’t ask,” O’Keefe said. The motion to not support the annexation passed by a slim margin, but as a symbolic decision only, it won’t bar the properties from joining the City of Vernon. The discussion came on the heels of a recent review on the pros and cons of annexation, conducted by a third party. The report is phase two of the Electoral Area Annexation Impact Study. It may help guide future discussions on the matter. “I think it’s going to be a good tool to clear this dialogue,” Fleming said of the study.
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
$325,000 Property in 3 Jurisdictions 2012.
These Tables (and their links) show the difference in Residential)Taxation for A Vernon, Coldstream and an Area C Property Valued at $325,000 ($155,000 Land and $170,000 Improvements).
The Values for the Area C Property of $1775.40 comes from the Annexation Impact Study which will be received this Wed. At RDNO. (It includes a charge of $45.53 for septage) There is no similar charge in the Vernon or Coldstream Calculations. (The 2012 NORD Septic charge in Vernon is 43.30 per parcel for those on Septic).
$328.64 is the Total for NORD Taxes shown on the annexation Comparison sheet rather than the correct total of $352.34. This is a 23.70 difference. (This explains the $2,115.23 total figure shown in that comparison table)
The Correct 2012 Comparison amounts for this $325,000 property are:
Vernon: $ 2,138.75
Coldstream:$1,948.97
Area C $ 1,775.40 (Or $1,729.87 if septage charge Removed)
The Correct 2013 Comparison amounts for this $325,000 property are:
Vernon: $ 2,259.40 (5.6% Increase)
Coldstream:$2,034.39 (4.38% Increase)
Area C $ ?? Unknown (Need 2013 tax rates to calculate)
You can use the Vernon and/or Coldstream Calculators to make your own comparison on your own property. Take last years tax bill and make the comparison for 2013 !
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https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AqjuHhD4a7O5dHdJNVBKMjJVTHpIV2VzdHd5SUhKX1E&usp=drive_web#gid=0
http://www.rdno.ca/agendas/131107_eaac_agn.pdf (P.111)
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AqjuHhD4a7O5dGhYYzdPZU9MUy1YN0dQbF9NVmJXZWc&usp=drive_web#gid=0
The Values for the Area C Property of $1775.40 comes from the Annexation Impact Study which will be received this Wed. At RDNO. (It includes a charge of $45.53 for septage) There is no similar charge in the Vernon or Coldstream Calculations. (The 2012 NORD Septic charge in Vernon is 43.30 per parcel for those on Septic).
$328.64 is the Total for NORD Taxes shown on the annexation Comparison sheet rather than the correct total of $352.34. This is a 23.70 difference. (This explains the $2,115.23 total figure shown in that comparison table)
The Correct 2012 Comparison amounts for this $325,000 property are:
Vernon: $ 2,138.75
Coldstream:$1,948.97
Area C $ 1,775.40 (Or $1,729.87 if septage charge Removed)
The Correct 2013 Comparison amounts for this $325,000 property are:
Vernon: $ 2,259.40 (5.6% Increase)
Coldstream:$2,034.39 (4.38% Increase)
Area C $ ?? Unknown (Need 2013 tax rates to calculate)
You can use the Vernon and/or Coldstream Calculators to make your own comparison on your own property. Take last years tax bill and make the comparison for 2013 !
---------------------------------------
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AqjuHhD4a7O5dHdJNVBKMjJVTHpIV2VzdHd5SUhKX1E&usp=drive_web#gid=0
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| Don Quixote Calculator for 2012 Vernon Property $2,138.75 http://www.vernon.ca/services/finance/property_tax_estimator.html |
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| City Of Vernon's Calculator for 2012 Property $2,138.75 |
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| RDNO Consultant Presentation: 2012 Property Vernon $2,115.23 Electoral C 2012 Taxes for same Valued Property : $1,775.40 |
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| Don Quixote Calculator for 2012 Coldstream Property $1,948.97 |
Friday, November 15, 2013
Mayor keen to investigate 'A'-word
By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: November 15, 2013 1:00 AM
A local politician says Greater Vernon governance should be reviewed simply to clear the air. Rob Sawatzky, Vernon mayor, insists a study into amalgamation would determine whether the benefits of merging four jurisdictions would outweigh any possible negatives. “It’s been the elephant in the room for some time,” he said. “Sometimes studies show no net financial benefit but some citizens will say a streamlined governance process may be worth it.” The Greater Vernon Governance Society has 2,930 signatures on a petition asking local and provincial authorities to develop a plan to combine area jurisdictions into a single entity. “We believe this is a significant and credible survey of the entire community,” said Bruce Shepherd, society president. Sawatzky won’t say where he personally stands on the issue of amalgamation. “I can’t make up my mind without the necessary information. I wouldn’t want to make an uninformed decision,” he said. Of the 2,930 names, 2,032 are from Vernon, 611 from Coldstream and 287 from the two electoral areas. There are 31,693 total voters in Vernon, 7,424 in Coldstream and 5,550 in Areas B and C. However, the society states a more important factor to consider is how many people voted in 2011 civic elections. Using that formula, the number of signatures compared to the election turnout is 25.3 per cent in Coldstream, 22.9 per cent in Vernon and 23.7 in the electoral areas (no 2011 election so based on 2013 referendum results). The turnout for April’s sports complex referendum was 19.5 per cent. “It says that there is more interest in dealing with this matter than many would have anticipated,” said Shepherd. Sawatzky was hoping to see a petition with at least 10 per cent of total registered voters. “It (petition) is an indication of interest but one could debate the strength of the interest,” he said. Jim Garlick, Coldstream mayor, isn’t impressed with the petition. “They fell short of their 4,000 names and this is just six per cent of the total voters,” he said. “I don’t think people are all fired up about this.” The society will urge local officials to push ahead with a study and ultimate referendum on amalgamation, and Garlick says his council will consider the request. The society has also discussed the matter with the provincial government but MLA Eric Foster and Premier Christy Clark have both stated that amalgamations are not forced. “They are presumptuous on the clout they carry with the numbers they have,” said Garlick of the society. Bob Fleming, BX-Swan Lake director, will review the petition results. “It’s uninspiring. They spent that much time and got 2,930 names,” he said. “But I have to look at it because they got close to 3,000 people signed. The jurisdictions will have to sit down and discuss whether we should proceed to the next stage.” Fleming says he is not opposed to a restructure study as a way of providing residents information. Mike Macnabb, BX-Silver Star director, points out that of the 2,930 names on the petition, 898 are from outside of the city. “It’s not overwhelming support from the other jurisdictions to join Vernon,” he said. “The government will not force amalgamation so to me, it sounds like it has failed. It (petition) doesn’t represent the needs and desires of people in a jurisdiction.” The petition continues to accept names online. “The society looks forward to developing the next steps in the process to meet our objective with local and provincial authorities in the coming days and weeks,” said Shepherd.
A local politician says Greater Vernon governance should be reviewed simply to clear the air. Rob Sawatzky, Vernon mayor, insists a study into amalgamation would determine whether the benefits of merging four jurisdictions would outweigh any possible negatives. “It’s been the elephant in the room for some time,” he said. “Sometimes studies show no net financial benefit but some citizens will say a streamlined governance process may be worth it.” The Greater Vernon Governance Society has 2,930 signatures on a petition asking local and provincial authorities to develop a plan to combine area jurisdictions into a single entity. “We believe this is a significant and credible survey of the entire community,” said Bruce Shepherd, society president. Sawatzky won’t say where he personally stands on the issue of amalgamation. “I can’t make up my mind without the necessary information. I wouldn’t want to make an uninformed decision,” he said. Of the 2,930 names, 2,032 are from Vernon, 611 from Coldstream and 287 from the two electoral areas. There are 31,693 total voters in Vernon, 7,424 in Coldstream and 5,550 in Areas B and C. However, the society states a more important factor to consider is how many people voted in 2011 civic elections. Using that formula, the number of signatures compared to the election turnout is 25.3 per cent in Coldstream, 22.9 per cent in Vernon and 23.7 in the electoral areas (no 2011 election so based on 2013 referendum results). The turnout for April’s sports complex referendum was 19.5 per cent. “It says that there is more interest in dealing with this matter than many would have anticipated,” said Shepherd. Sawatzky was hoping to see a petition with at least 10 per cent of total registered voters. “It (petition) is an indication of interest but one could debate the strength of the interest,” he said. Jim Garlick, Coldstream mayor, isn’t impressed with the petition. “They fell short of their 4,000 names and this is just six per cent of the total voters,” he said. “I don’t think people are all fired up about this.” The society will urge local officials to push ahead with a study and ultimate referendum on amalgamation, and Garlick says his council will consider the request. The society has also discussed the matter with the provincial government but MLA Eric Foster and Premier Christy Clark have both stated that amalgamations are not forced. “They are presumptuous on the clout they carry with the numbers they have,” said Garlick of the society. Bob Fleming, BX-Swan Lake director, will review the petition results. “It’s uninspiring. They spent that much time and got 2,930 names,” he said. “But I have to look at it because they got close to 3,000 people signed. The jurisdictions will have to sit down and discuss whether we should proceed to the next stage.” Fleming says he is not opposed to a restructure study as a way of providing residents information. Mike Macnabb, BX-Silver Star director, points out that of the 2,930 names on the petition, 898 are from outside of the city. “It’s not overwhelming support from the other jurisdictions to join Vernon,” he said. “The government will not force amalgamation so to me, it sounds like it has failed. It (petition) doesn’t represent the needs and desires of people in a jurisdiction.” The petition continues to accept names online. “The society looks forward to developing the next steps in the process to meet our objective with local and provincial authorities in the coming days and weeks,” said Shepherd.
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