Notice of Disposition

Posted Friday, January 5, 2018

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

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

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

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

Eyes on BX ranch land

Kate Bouey - CASTANET Nov 20, 2017 / 5:00 am 
The possible sale of 55 acres of BX ranch land has sparked some concern, with a community group hoping to save it for public use. The BX Ranch Land Task Force, a group of concerned citizens, will be providing information on the historic land and getting public input during a presentation at the Schubert Centre on Tuesday, Nov. 21 from 7-9 p.m. Everyone is welcome.“We feel this property can be kept as open green space and one possible use is a community agricultural park,” stated a Facebook post by the group. The North Okanagan Regional District spent $2.315 million to purchase 166.96 acres of ranch land in the BX area last year, in order to provide trail connectivity between BX Road near BX Ranch Dog Park, Mutrie Dog Park, the Wetlands bird sanctuary and Black Rock Park. The entire property is within the Agricultural Land Reserve.Paul Williamson, task force spokesperson, said there is fear the regional district will sell a 55 acre chunk of the land on the open market.He said people should know what the community is losing and what type of farm could be situated on the land.“There are some farms that could cause conflict,” Williamson said. “Cherries, for instance, a feed lot, a hog farm or a chicken farm. They are not suitable as farm use when they are next to a city.”The task force is hoping to have 1,500 signatures on its petition by the time it is presented to a meeting of the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee on Dec. 7th.

View from proposed park

 Kate Bouey - CASTANET  Oct 16, 2017 / 2:36 pm

An enthusiastic crowd of 30 rambled above the Foothills neighbourhood at the north end of Vernon on Saturday.The ramble, hosted by the local community association, was an effort to convince local politicians to save the land for a large natural park. The photos of the ramble tell the story best, showing the spectacular views of Vernon's lakes from above the Foothills. The Foothills Community Association has approached the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee a number of times with a park proposal. Three separate properties, currently in private hands, would be needed to create the park envisioned by the association. One has just been sold for development.During the ramble, association president Wynn Polnicky emphasized the ecological, scenic and recreational significance of the area.

Hurlburt needs work

By Kate Bouey -CASTANET Sep 18, 2017 / 5:00 am

City of Vernon staff say Hurlburt Park needs a lot of work to improve accessibility, safety and usability. A fixture on Okanagan Lake for more than eight decades, the park was purchased by the North Okanagan Regional District two years ago for $2.3 million. A report to city council Monday states $477,549 is needed for traffic calming, parking spaces and a permanent toilet as well as a danger tree assessment and a safety inspection. Council is being urged to approach the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee for funding.The report says most vehicles travel at 70 kph along the road to the old camp and calls for traffic calming in order to reduce speed. “The costs to improve the access and provide paved parking is estimated to be $359,549,” says Kim Flick, community infrastructure and development manager. “Given the nature of this road it is recommended that pilot vertical measures be installed either side of the park access. These would be flat top road humps which are suitable for emergency vehicles, larger vehicles and trailers.” In terms of dangerous trees, she says, “There are also trees on the property and adjacent Crown land that have been damaged by beavers that may need to be limbed and protected.” Flick says fencing along Eastside Road need to be repaired, amphitheatre steps and seating should be reconstructed or removed and old lighting should go

BX Ranch generates debate

RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Sun May 21st, 2017

A chunk of land in the BX is generating considerable discussion. Vernon officials take exception with recent comments from director Mike Macnabb that Vernon and Coldstream are forcing the Regional District of North Okanagan to sell 137 acres of the BX Ranch instead of keeping it for park. “It was agreed on by everyone, Areas B and C included,” said Akbal Mund, a city director, at RDNO Wednesday. Juliette Cunningham, a Vernon director, insists there was consensus to purchase the entire 166 acres in 2016 for $2.3 million so 36 acres could be kept as park and the remainder would be sold. “The City of Vernon pays 65 per cent of those purchase costs and I don’t agree with how this has been brought up,” she said. Macnabb, the BX-Silver Star director, has previously stated the process for the BX Ranch lands indicates the electoral areas are treated differently than municipalities because other land purchases haven’t been handled this way. On Wednesday, Macnabb wouldn’t respond to comments from Mund and Cunningham but he is hopeful all of the property can be retained for park. “We’ll talk about the next steps for the BX Ranch lands,” he said. On Wednesday, the RDNO board rezoned the 137 acres from country residential to large holding. “This would down-zone the property,” said Rob Smailes, adding that the zoning change is a condition of the Agricultural Land Commission. Under the new zoning, the lot would be agricultural and residential subdivision would not be allowed unless there was a further rezoning process considered by the regional district.

Cost versus lake access

by Kate Bouey - CASTANET Feb 6, 2017 / 4:24 pm
The cost to hire someone and put together an Okanagan Lake access plan has soured some Vernon city councillors. During a meeting Monday, council was told the planning department needed an additional $270,000 to hire a parks planner for a two year term and for detailed drawings of eight public lake access sites to be constructed in 2018. “I can't see paying a quarter million dollars for this,” said Coun. Scott Anderson. “I realize the public wants lake access....I'm not sure it would win top priority.” Both Mayor Akbal Mund and Coun. Brian Quiring said council had given staff too many projects. “Council has put a lot of pressure on you guys, there is no doubt about it,” said Quiring. “We're our own worst enemy when it comes to our wish list.” Councillors Juliette Cunningham, Catherine Lord and Dalvir Nahal pushed for the project to move forward with funding from reserves. “There is a lot of demand. People are looking for lake access,” said Cunningham. “It always seems to be a great idea until it comes time to buck up. The public is demanding it. “For families who don't travel, this is their entertainment.” “If we don't act on it, the same thing will happen that happened before, (the plan) will sit on the shelf,” said Lord. “Let's have some action and actually do something.” However council eventually agreed with Coun. Bob Spiers' suggestion to defer a decision until two public consultation sessions on the proposed lake accesses are held later this month. “Let's get the results of those,” said Spiers, asking to see how many showed up and how many were willing to pay the costs associated with the putting in the access points. The mayor said he was not concerned by the proposed cost but the number of projects staff have “up on the board,” pointing to other priority projects including; Polson Park, Lakeshore Park and the Civic arena. The two public consultation evenings on the draft lake access plan will be held: Wednesday, Feb. 15 from 3 to 7 p.m. at Paddlewheel Hall (7813 Okanagan Landing Road) Saturday, Feb. 25, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Greater Vernon Recreation Centre (3310 37 Avenue)
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also see http://www.1075kiss.com/2017/02/06/input-sought-on-public-lake-accesses/
& http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/news/412957543.html

Township of Spallumcheen takes cash in lieu of land

by Roger Knox - Vernon Morning Star Spallumcheen posted Nov 13, 2016 at 6:00 AM— updated Nov 13, 2016 at 7:13 AM
A subdivision application in the Township of Spallumcheen won’t include parkland. Instead, council voted unanimously on a staff recommendation to receive five per cent cash in lieu of parkland dedication from an application by Frank Poirier to subdivide his Page Road property into five parcels. Councillors Christine Fraser ands Todd York were absent from the meeting. The section of provision of park land in the Local Government Act outlines the requirements related. Generally, a landowner is required prior to subdivision approval to provide, without compensation, park land in a location, and an amount not to exceed five per cent of the land proposed for subdivision. It’s the local government’s choice to accept land or cash in lieu if it has an official community plan that includes park policies. Chief administrative officer Corey Paiement said the township and the applicant both agreed to the five per cent cash in lieu. “The subject property is 6.06 hectares,” said Paiement in a report to council. “The five per cent park land dedication would be 0.303 hectares. “A park land dedication of this size and this location would not provide functional park land.” The township used the 2015 B.C. Land Assessment value for the land, which saved Spallumcheen and the applicant paying for an appraiser. The land is valued at $462,402. Five per cent of that price is $23,120.

Loss of fencing a concern

by Darren Handschuh - CASTANET Apr 28, 2016 / 10:00 am

Kathleen Sparrow is concerned for the safety of children using a popular park after fencing was taken down by the city. Sparrow said she often takes her grandson to Sawicki Park and was surprised to see the fencing had been removed. “Fencing was taken down at Sawicki Park because they want better curb appeal and easier access I was told,” Sparrow said on social media in a post that touched off a lengthy discussion with many parents baffled by the decision. “I have been taking my grandson there on a weekly basis and have never found it unaccessible. Now the playground area has no fence. Balls do roll and children run after them,” she said, adding she contacted the city parks department and was told fences at more parks are coming down. “Next up is Heritage Park. Please get involved and keep our children safe while playing in their playgrounds. One voice is not enough,” she said. “We need city hall to hear about this. Keep our children safe.” Amanda Kopiak echoed Sparrow's concerns “This could be especially concerning to parents with two young kids. One could run off, while the parent is helping the other child, or other such scenarios,” she posted. Val Redquest added, “This has to be the stupidest idea, that park is used all the time, we have to keep our children safe.”

Coun. Scott Anderson was asked what his thoughts were and he said he plans to bring it to the May 9th city council meeting. “In the meantime, the best way to take action is to contact council members directly, either by phone or by email, rather than staff. Our contact info is all here (vernon.ca/government-services/mayor-council) and make sure you email all of us (even if it's only one email) rather than just one of us,” he advised. “The reason you want to do that, is that council is the only entity with the power to change something already in progress...staff can't unilaterally decide that kinda stuff. I can't promise that council will decide to change it, but we're the only ones who can.” Anderson also encouraged people to “get together and apply to make a presentation to council...choose a speaker, and then all show up in support when the presentation happens.” Sparrow is urging people to follow Anderson's advice and contact city officials about the matter. “I have just emailed all of city council in a matter of 15 minutes,” she said. “Please send your concerns to them. We need community support for this.”

Okanagan Lake property purchased by regional district for park

by Staff Writer - Vernon Morning Star posted Oct 11, 2015 at 1:00 PM

A chunk of Okanagan Lake waterfront is now owned by the public. The Regional District of North Okanagan has purchased the 2.5-acre Camp Hurlburt property from Trinity United Church. It includes 1,000-square-feet of waterfront. “Lakefront property is limited and in high demand,” said Juliette Cunningham, Greater Vernon Advisory Committee chairperson. “We are fortunate that the members of Trinity United Church were interested in keeping this property open and available to the community.” Trinity United Church officials are pleased with the acquisition of the Eastside Road property by local government. "Camp Hurlburt has been a critical part of Trinity’s relationship with the Greater Vernon community for more than 80 years," said Rev. Jeff Seaton, with the church. "Since 1931, thousands of young people and families have been blessed by the opportunities available at this beautiful place. The sale of the property to the regional district allows Trinity to maintain that legacy through community-based programs for children, youth, and families, while ensuring the entire community can benefit from direct access to this special location." The development of the property will be subject to an RDNO park planning process, following which the park will be opened to the public.

Opposition to parks plan

by Darren Handschuh CASTANET Sep 28, 2015 / 5:08 pm
Vernon city councillors Bob Spiers and Scott Anderson did not endorse the city's master park plan, Monday – but they did so for different reasons. Spiers didn't like the one per cent annual tax over 10 years worked into the plan. “There is language in there that concerns me,” said Spiers. “Once you put something in the master plan, it could come back to haunt you.” Anderson, meanwhile, was standing up for dog owners who want an area near Marshall Fields left as an off-leash dog park. The plan calls for the entire Okanagan Landing park to be on-leash only. The matter was discussed at length at council's last meeting, with city officials told there is concern dogs running up and down the banks of Vernon Creek could erode frog habitat. But, Anderson said, the airport expansion plan will have a much greater impact on the amphibians. He said opponents' argument doesn't hold water. He said he is more concerned for the dog owners, adding “there is a great deal of support” for the off-leash park and he has yet to speak with anyone against it. Coun. Juliette Cunningham said “one email won't unravel the parks plan,” referring to people wanting an off-leash park. “I received emails from people congratulating us on our plans. We can talk with our partners and look at the on-leash off-leash issue,” said Cunningham, who chairs the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee. But Anderson fired back, saying the matter has “nothing to do with GVAC, because the park is city property.” In the end, council agreed to accept the master park plan as is.

Vernon purchases lakeshore lot for park

by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Feb 24, 2015 at 6:00 AM
Public ownership along Okanagan Lake is growing. The City of Vernon has purchased a lot at 2602 Lakeshore Road for $707,500 and the goal is to establish a park. “It’s a great move. It gives us more lakeshore access,” said Coun. Brian Quiring. The latest acquisition now creates six contiguous properties the city owns. “It’s a great way to keep moving ahead on our waterfront plan,” said Mayor Akbal Mund, adding that parkland may ultimately lead to residential and commercial uses on Lakeshore Road. “We will see development across the road.” There are still three properties along the lakeshore not owned by the city. All structures at 2602 Lakeshore Road will now be demolished, and city staff will establish a parks plan for the six properties. “We will look at a phased implementation so we can have park there sooner than later,” said Kim Flick, community development director. Once a park is created, a bench will be installed at 2602 Lakeshore Road in memory of Miriam Jayne, the long-time owner who died in 2014.
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New park closer to reality
by Kevin Rothwell CASTANET- Feb 24, 2015 / 5:00 am

One residential lot at a time Vernon is moving toward a large linear lakefront park on Okanagan Lake. The Regional District of the North Okanagan has been buying lakeshore lots on Okanagan Lake as they have come up for sale. The latest acquisition is at 2602 Lakeshore Road in Okanagan Landing for $707,500 dollars. The funds come from the regional district's Development Cost Charge reserves, fees paid by developers when they build. There are now five lots in a row connected of the eight that have been purchased. There are three more needed to complete the land purchase. “It’s a good price considering some other lots were in the $1.4 to $1.8 million range. It's good timing as far as the market goes” said Mayor Akbul Mund. “It’s hard to say when it will actually be a park, as we don’t know when people will sell. It's a long range plan.” The park will eventually run from the Strand Development on Okanagan Landing Road all the way to Vernon Creek where it connects to the beach on Okanagan First Nations Band No. 1 and Kin Beach, making the whole stretch of the end of Okanagan Lake’s Vernon Arm beachhead. Houses on several of the properties have been removed so the public can use the beach, but it remains in a fairly rustic state.
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Don Quixote Note: The reference to the RDNO's Development Cost Charge reserve as been the source of funds is misleading. The reserve is held by the RDNO in escrow for the use of Vernon to purchase local Vernon Parks.  This remaining reserve came about after the parks agreement was revised and the existing DCC's were split with 60% going to the local GVAC Partners  (Vernon, Coldstream and Areas B & C) for local parks purchases and 40% retained by GVAC for sub regional parks purchases.

Parks tax may climb 9.8 per cent

by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Jan 14, 2015 at 1:00 AM
Lumby and Cherryville residents could be hit hard over parks, recreation and culture. The White Valley Parks, Recreation and Culture Advisory Committee is preparing its 2015 budget and a 9.8 per cent tax increase is proposed.  “We did everything we could to hold the line to maintain services,” said Tannis Nelson, community development co-ordinator. The possibility of an almost 10 per cent tax hike arose because of a decision years ago by Coldstream to remove Lavington from the White Valley parks service and put it into the Greater Vernon function. The Greater Vernon Advisory Committee paid $114,000 a year to cover Lavington’s portion of existing debt load with White Valley but that agreement is now completed. The shortfall of $114,000 has been reduced to $77,000 through contracts for maintenance and other services being frozen and provincial Community Works funds covering capital projects. If the 9.8 per cent tax increase proceeds, it could amount to an additional $33 per house in Lumby (figures for Cherryville and rural Lumby have not been determined). “We will continue to evaluate that but at some point, we have to bite the bullet. It could possibly be spread over two years,” said Rick Fairbairn, chairperson. Other than raising taxes, Fairbairn says there are limited options to handle the shortfall. “We could close a facility but we’re responding to what the community wants (for activities),” he said. To prepare for the end of Lavington’s debt contribution, WVPRCAC has initiated tax increases of four to five per cent in recent years to bolster reserves and soften the financial impact. “Over the years, we have also received $900,000 in federal and provincial grants and without them, we would have dealt with a severe situation and possibily closed facilities,” said Fairbairn.

Water upgrade options flow in new year

by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Jan 4, 2015 at 1:00 AM
Greater Vernon politicians will spend much of the new year establishing the next steps after voters overwhelmingly turned their backs on a water plan. During November’s civic election, a majority of voters refused to approve borrowing $70 million for water system upgrades, including filtration of the Duteau Creek source. “Some were upset over the $70 million or using treated water on agricultural land,” said Jim Garlick, Coldstream mayor. “Some may be upset over the source.” With the Interior Health Authority and the provincial government mandating water quality regulations, the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee must find a model that meets the guidelines but is acceptable among taxpayers. “There is no way this will move forward without public support for borrowing. We have to build public support,” said Garlick, adding that a peer review of the plan’s technical components could be possible. Financing will also be investigated. “Do we pay for it through water rates alone or through taxation,” said Garlick, who would also like to see a discussion with the provincial government over water quality standards. “We have to look at risk management of water utilities. Several utilities in Kelowna are also struggling. We need a conversation about what is a reasonable risk and how do we manage that risk.” Beyond water, 2015 will also be a time for the District of Coldstream to focus on infrastructure, whether it’s roads and drainage or buildings and equipment. “We need to make sure everything is set up for long-term financial sustainability,” said Garlick, adding that there is a need for targeted funding. “We don’t want reserves to be slush funds for future councils.’ And now that Coldstream is responsible for maintenance and operation of most parks in the district, a long-term parks plan will be developed. “We want to be very realistic in our expectations,” said Garlick. Construction of a sports facility continues at Okanagan College through GVAC, and Garlick admits the project is taking longer than expected. “With a skilled labour shortage, they (contractor) were having a hard time hiring and keeping good people,” he said. “We’re staying within budget on the building and we’re looking at (how to fund) the bleachers. We want to offer everything that was put forward in the referendum.” Garlick isn’t concerned about a shift in direction at the City of Vernon although there is a new mayor at the helm. “We go in with the same idea of co-operation and what’s best for the area,” he said. “I’m very positive about how the relationship will move forward.”

Consultation-begins-on-City-of-Vernon-Master-Parks-Plan.pdf

http://www.vernon.ca/news/docs2014/Consultation-begins-on-City-of-Vernon-Master-Parks-Plan.pdf

Parks plan carries $12 million cost

by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Nov 12, 2014 at 1:00 AM
Being responsible for parks won’t come cheap for the City of Vernon. Council received a draft of the parks master plan Monday, and the total price tag to implement the document is $12 million over 10 years. “This is new to us,” said Cleo Corbett, long-range planner, of the city taking over control of most parks from the Regional District of North Okanagan. “Parks have only been under our jurisdiction for five months.” Of the $12 million price tag, it’s expected that $6.6 million will come from grants, community contributions, development cost charges and surplus land sales by the city. However, that leaves an estimated shortfall of $5.4 million, which could possibly be covered by a 1.7 per cent tax increase. This option will be considered further through public consultation. Of the $12 million, $3 million is earmarked for future enhancements to Polson Park. “Three million will get us more than the zero per cent of a $9 million plan that never came forward (from RDNO),” said Mayor Rob Sawatzky. Another item in the draft plan is possible redevelopment of the Civic Arena site into a park. However, even if a new ice sheet is constructed at Kal Tire Place, Coun. Catherine Lord believes there could be other uses for Civic Arena instead of demolishing it. “The plan presupposes that we dispose of the current Civic and that hasn’t been decided yet. I don’t want that cast in concrete in the plan,” she said. Ongoing legal battles between the city and the Okanagan Equestrian Society mean the Kin Race Track is not in the parks plan. “The future of the site is not known but there are significant recreational opportunities there,” said Corbett.