January 03, 2017 - 1:22 PM Charlotte Helston INFONEWS.CA
NORTH OKANAGAN - The regional district appears to be doing a 180 when it comes to the future of a North Okanagan gymnastics centre that just last week feared closure. In December, Camille Martens, owner of the Okanagan Rhythmic Gymnastics club on East Vernon Road, learned she may have to close the business because it did not conform to zoning rules. But Bob Fleming, chair of the Regional District of the North Okanagan board of directors, says they are now planning to support the zoning amendment Martens has been asking for. “We are taking a different tack,” Fleming says. A staff recommendation indicated the gym is four times the size permitted under a home occupation use. Because the property is located in the agricultural land reserve, staff also had concerns about a precedent being set which could lead to a reduction in farm use if the amendment was granted. Following significant public pressure to keep the gym open, Fleming met with staff and other directors, and says they will be supporting an alternate recommendation at tomorrow’s board meeting, Jan. 4.
While the actual vote has yet to happen, Fleming is confident the electoral directors will approve the zoning amendment, with a couple of conditions. The first is that the gym be inspected to ensure it meets the building code, and the second is that an application be sent to the Agricultural Land Commission for non-farm use activity. Fleming says several factors are behind the change in direction. “The information forwarded by members of the gymnastics community influenced it,” Fleming says. “And information related to the file… both information that should have been supplied and wasn’t, and upon reflecting on the combination of circumstances. (This) thing deserves support.” He says there was a “gap” in the district’s records around the time Martens purchased the property in 2009. “Some information there was not complete and because it was not complete, it leaves a gap,” Fleming says. “The proponent should not be made to suffer because of that.” He says information that should have been recorded during building inspections at the time was simply not there. Despite staff concerns about the amendment setting a precedent for other agricultural lands, Fleming says this is a unique case and not one that is likely to be replicated. “It’s a specific use and it’s worth supporting,” he says.
Martens is pleased with the new direction, but is holding her relief until the vote happens tomorrow, Jan. 4 at 4 p.m.
“If that’s true that’s an amazing turnaround,” Martens says. “We would have no one to thank for that but our very supportive public.” Martens competed in rhythmic gymnastics in the Olympic Games and has roughly 80 students, including three on the Canadian National Team. She’s operated the gym from her home property on East Vernon Road since 2009. Prior to purchasing the property, she informed the regional district of her plans for the gym and says she was given the go-ahead. There were no issues until 2015 when, according to Martens, a disgruntled parent filed a health and safety complaint with the district. The building inspector found no health and safety issues, Martens says, but found the gym was four times too big for the zoning rules. She was told to apply for a zoning amendment.
Showing posts with label zoning. Show all posts
Showing posts with label zoning. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 03, 2017
Wednesday, June 22, 2016
Commonage reviewed
by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Jun 22, 2016 at 1:00 AM— updated Jun 22, 2016 at 5:47 AM
Naturalists fear the proverbial horse may be out of the barn when it comes to preserving a sensitive ecosystem. The City of Vernon is pushing ahead with a rezoning process for the Commonage area. “We’re happy with what they’ve done but we’re wondering why the process has taken so long?” said Rod Drennan, with the North Okanagan Natural Areas Preservation Committee. “There have already been development applications received by the city so (if they are approved) the proposal will apply to very little land.” Drennan’s group first raised the need for preservation of the Commonage in 2011. Under existing zoning, which dates back to when the area was still part of the regional district, minimum lot sizes can be smaller than land use designations in the city’s official community plan. This could allow for greater development potential. NONAP has stated there is a need to abandon regional district zoning and bring the 769-hectare area in compliance with city zoning. Changes could occur to properties designated as rural/agriculture and Agricultural Land Reserve in the official community plan and zoned non-urban or rural small holdings. “These properties would be rezoned to rural large holdings, which has a minimum lot size of 12 hectares, or 30 acres, consistent with the policies in the OCP,” said Rob Miles, manager of long-range planning, in a report. One property, which consists of 25 per cent of the 769 hectares, has been granted a development variance permit to reduce the lot size under the existing zoning as part of a possible future subdivision. Another property is 72 per cent of the land base and a subdivision application has received a preliminary layout review based on the zoning currently in place. Should conditions or permits expire, any new zoning would apply. As for concerns that it’s taken the city too long to focus on the Commonage, Miles says workload has been the issue. “Other priority projects were undertaken, including the official community plan review, the master transportation plan, the parks master plan and the airport master plan,” he said. Impacted property owners will be notified of the process in July, while there would be a public open house and property owner consultation in August and September. Adoption of any zoning changes could be considered by council later this year. “I’m not against future development, but it must fit in with the area,” said Mayor Akbal Mund. “I will give credit to our planning staff for trying to address the concerns.”
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Click on commonage label for some of the history.
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Click on commonage label for some of the history.
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Smoke Clears On Medical Pot Zoning
Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM Thursday, 12 June 2014 06:00
Vernon council plans to allow medical marijuana growing facilities in agricultural and light industrial zoning districts. Councillor Brian Quiring says there's been interest for the grow-ops on industrial sites, where there are existing buildings. "I think if there was a good opportunity in an industrial building we would encourage people to use that. There's a lot of vacant industrial buildings around and this would be a good way to re-purpose and re-use them," Quiring tells Kiss FM. BC Assessment told council, land used for growing medical pot can qualify for the much cheaper farm tax rate if its meets several criteria. "The ability to claim farm status can have a significant impact on property taxation when the operation is located on industrial zoned land," stated a city of Vernon staff report. "The most significant impact is illustrated in the example of a single tenant building on an industrial zoned parcel, whereby the property taxation under farm status results in a taxation amount less than 10% of what would be collected from the property when taxed at the full industrial rate," says the report.
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Don Quixote Note: The staff have been instructed to bring forward a change to Zoning Bylaw 5000.
This bylaw will then proceed after 3 readings, Public input , highways approval (If given 3rd reading after public input) and then adoption.
Vernon council plans to allow medical marijuana growing facilities in agricultural and light industrial zoning districts. Councillor Brian Quiring says there's been interest for the grow-ops on industrial sites, where there are existing buildings. "I think if there was a good opportunity in an industrial building we would encourage people to use that. There's a lot of vacant industrial buildings around and this would be a good way to re-purpose and re-use them," Quiring tells Kiss FM. BC Assessment told council, land used for growing medical pot can qualify for the much cheaper farm tax rate if its meets several criteria. "The ability to claim farm status can have a significant impact on property taxation when the operation is located on industrial zoned land," stated a city of Vernon staff report. "The most significant impact is illustrated in the example of a single tenant building on an industrial zoned parcel, whereby the property taxation under farm status results in a taxation amount less than 10% of what would be collected from the property when taxed at the full industrial rate," says the report.
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Don Quixote Note: The staff have been instructed to bring forward a change to Zoning Bylaw 5000.
This bylaw will then proceed after 3 readings, Public input , highways approval (If given 3rd reading after public input) and then adoption.
Tuesday, April 01, 2014
Pot zoning change approved
by Wayne Moore | CASTANET- Apr 1, 2014 / 6:42 am
Kelowna City Council has given first reading to a zoning amendment to allow Medical Marijuana Production facilities in the I1 (Business Industrial) zone. The amendment came out of a March 18 public hearing. This means Medical Marijuana Production facilities will be allowed on I1, I2, I3 and I4 zones. "The rationale is based on the fact there is very few uses that were allowed in the I4 zone that weren't already allowed in the I1 and I3 zone," stated Subdivision, Agriculture and Environment Director, Shelley Gambacort in her brief report to council. Meanwhile, it will be a month or more before staff are prepared to come back to council with wording on a bylaw amendment which will allow production facilities on agricultural lands. "We are trying to target a meeting in May for that. We are doing the research for that right now," says Gambacort. "We have met with a number of proponents that are looking at having the facilities within the agricultural zone. We are just trying to get some background as to what they are looking for as far as the facilities and we will be then taking it to the AC for comments on the draft bylaw at which point we are hoping to be before council in May." Gambacort says staff within the Ministry of Agriculture will also be consulted prior to coming to council because any proposed bylaw will have to receive ministry approval prior to adoption.
Kelowna City Council has given first reading to a zoning amendment to allow Medical Marijuana Production facilities in the I1 (Business Industrial) zone. The amendment came out of a March 18 public hearing. This means Medical Marijuana Production facilities will be allowed on I1, I2, I3 and I4 zones. "The rationale is based on the fact there is very few uses that were allowed in the I4 zone that weren't already allowed in the I1 and I3 zone," stated Subdivision, Agriculture and Environment Director, Shelley Gambacort in her brief report to council. Meanwhile, it will be a month or more before staff are prepared to come back to council with wording on a bylaw amendment which will allow production facilities on agricultural lands. "We are trying to target a meeting in May for that. We are doing the research for that right now," says Gambacort. "We have met with a number of proponents that are looking at having the facilities within the agricultural zone. We are just trying to get some background as to what they are looking for as far as the facilities and we will be then taking it to the AC for comments on the draft bylaw at which point we are hoping to be before council in May." Gambacort says staff within the Ministry of Agriculture will also be consulted prior to coming to council because any proposed bylaw will have to receive ministry approval prior to adoption.
Monday, March 24, 2014
Vernon Limits Marijuana Growing Sites
Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM Monday, 24 March 2014 19:16
Vernon council will limit any medical marijuana growing facilities to agricultural land. Councillor Juliette Cunningham says they rejected a staff recommendation to also includes light industrial sites, which the province has said must be taxed at the lower farming rate. "If BC Assessment is going to potentially allow any growers to go to the agricultural rate, that has a huge impact for revenues, not just for us, but for all municipalities across the province," says Cunningham. Mayor Rob Sawatzky says the city has a real shortage of industrial land. "So to have that taken up by a business we can't even tax at a business rate, we can only tax at a agricultural rate, which is a tiny fraction of the business rate, just doesn't seem logical to me," says Sawatzky. Councillor Bob Spiers went against his fellow councillors, feeling light industrial has several benefits for the facilities, and would create jobs for the local economy. "It can be more adequately policed and maintained. It will be a self contained building with 24 hour a day security. Economically, it's just another business. It's a viable and great business to have," says Spiers.' Spiers has heard one applicant has been approved to grow medical pot in the Vernon area, one of only 11 licenses he says awarded in Canada.
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List of Authorised Licensed Producers under the Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulations
Vernon council will limit any medical marijuana growing facilities to agricultural land. Councillor Juliette Cunningham says they rejected a staff recommendation to also includes light industrial sites, which the province has said must be taxed at the lower farming rate. "If BC Assessment is going to potentially allow any growers to go to the agricultural rate, that has a huge impact for revenues, not just for us, but for all municipalities across the province," says Cunningham. Mayor Rob Sawatzky says the city has a real shortage of industrial land. "So to have that taken up by a business we can't even tax at a business rate, we can only tax at a agricultural rate, which is a tiny fraction of the business rate, just doesn't seem logical to me," says Sawatzky. Councillor Bob Spiers went against his fellow councillors, feeling light industrial has several benefits for the facilities, and would create jobs for the local economy. "It can be more adequately policed and maintained. It will be a self contained building with 24 hour a day security. Economically, it's just another business. It's a viable and great business to have," says Spiers.' Spiers has heard one applicant has been approved to grow medical pot in the Vernon area, one of only 11 licenses he says awarded in Canada.
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List of Authorised Licensed Producers under the Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulations
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Plans to uproot visitor centres proceed
By Charlotte Helston Info-Tel Multimedia February 25, 2014 - 4:24 PM
VERNON - Public opposition to the relocation of Vernon’s tourist information centre didn’t sway city council during the proposal’s final hurdle. Around 35 people attended a public hearing Monday to rezone property on 39 Avenue beside Civic Arena to make way for a new centralized visitor centre. It would put the city’s two existing centres under one roof. The hearing was intended for rezoning purposes, but Mayor Rob Sawatzky says the public had a different idea. “People had views on the tourist information centre and they were frustrated there is no built-in mechanism for public input, so they used this as an opportunity for that,” Sawatzky says. He says the city was never required to hold public input sessions around the relocation. Residents had a number of concerns over the move, ranging from access off the highway, to increased traffic in the neighbourhood. The owner of a local bed and breakfast said he would lose referrals because the new location won’t be as busy. Denying the zoning change would have curbed the project, and Sawatzky says it wasn’t an easy decision. “It’s never enjoyable making a decision contrary to what those who attend (want), even when the facts seem to be pretty clear,” Sawatzky says. He’s confident in the recommendations from staff and the tourism advisory committee that the new centralized location is the right decision. “I’d point out the move to amalgamate the tourist centres was made by groups of people whose livelihoods depend on the tourism industry. I think that speaks loudly,” Sawatzky says. Coun. Bob Spiers, who has been skeptical of the proposal from the outset, was the only councillor to vote against rezoning the property.
VERNON - Public opposition to the relocation of Vernon’s tourist information centre didn’t sway city council during the proposal’s final hurdle. Around 35 people attended a public hearing Monday to rezone property on 39 Avenue beside Civic Arena to make way for a new centralized visitor centre. It would put the city’s two existing centres under one roof. The hearing was intended for rezoning purposes, but Mayor Rob Sawatzky says the public had a different idea. “People had views on the tourist information centre and they were frustrated there is no built-in mechanism for public input, so they used this as an opportunity for that,” Sawatzky says. He says the city was never required to hold public input sessions around the relocation. Residents had a number of concerns over the move, ranging from access off the highway, to increased traffic in the neighbourhood. The owner of a local bed and breakfast said he would lose referrals because the new location won’t be as busy. Denying the zoning change would have curbed the project, and Sawatzky says it wasn’t an easy decision. “It’s never enjoyable making a decision contrary to what those who attend (want), even when the facts seem to be pretty clear,” Sawatzky says. He’s confident in the recommendations from staff and the tourism advisory committee that the new centralized location is the right decision. “I’d point out the move to amalgamate the tourist centres was made by groups of people whose livelihoods depend on the tourism industry. I think that speaks loudly,” Sawatzky says. Coun. Bob Spiers, who has been skeptical of the proposal from the outset, was the only councillor to vote against rezoning the property.
Tourist Centre Moves Ahead Despite Concerns
Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM Monday, 24 February 2014 21:30
Opponents greatly outnumbered supporters at a public hearing to rezone the new site for Vernon's centralized visitor information centre. About 35 people were on hand for the session at City Hall which lasted two and a half hours. The site at 3004 39th Ave would change from C4 street oriented commercial, to P2, public institutional. Resident Roy Heinricks says tourist vehicles won't easily be able to get to the city-owned site near the Civic Arena. "So what's the purpose of rezoning this to a tourist booth when you can't get access to it, and when you leave, how do you get out of there?" Nearby resident Maury Deaton was concerned about increased traffic in her neighborhood. "So what I'm asking you to do today is reconsider the needs of the residents in this neighborhood. There's a lot of them. You're asking for 16-thousand people to be in their back yard, with their dogs, and their kids, and their dog's poop." Silver Star Road resident Mike Mattinson says it will impact bed and breakfast's like his. "It is with great regret that if this rezoning goes ahead, I will lose my business. I believe there are 24 other (B and B) establishments in this area that will also go under if this is rezoned." Mattinson says he relies on referrals from the centre and he feels the new site won't be near as busy as the previous two at each end of the city. Others felt there won't be enough parking, or that the current info centres at each end of town should be kept. Ingrid Baron was the lone person to speak in favour, feeling it will draw tourists. "It will be a catalyst to beautify the area. Usually, once you start beautifying buildings, the others take suit." Baron also felt nearby hotels would prosper from the centre's location. After the input session, council voted 4 to 1 to give third reading to the rezoning, with those in favour (Lord, Quiring, Cunningham and Sawatzky) calling it a tough decision. Bob Spiers was the lone opponent, opposed to the site primarily over traffic and accessibility issues.
Opponents greatly outnumbered supporters at a public hearing to rezone the new site for Vernon's centralized visitor information centre. About 35 people were on hand for the session at City Hall which lasted two and a half hours. The site at 3004 39th Ave would change from C4 street oriented commercial, to P2, public institutional. Resident Roy Heinricks says tourist vehicles won't easily be able to get to the city-owned site near the Civic Arena. "So what's the purpose of rezoning this to a tourist booth when you can't get access to it, and when you leave, how do you get out of there?" Nearby resident Maury Deaton was concerned about increased traffic in her neighborhood. "So what I'm asking you to do today is reconsider the needs of the residents in this neighborhood. There's a lot of them. You're asking for 16-thousand people to be in their back yard, with their dogs, and their kids, and their dog's poop." Silver Star Road resident Mike Mattinson says it will impact bed and breakfast's like his. "It is with great regret that if this rezoning goes ahead, I will lose my business. I believe there are 24 other (B and B) establishments in this area that will also go under if this is rezoned." Mattinson says he relies on referrals from the centre and he feels the new site won't be near as busy as the previous two at each end of the city. Others felt there won't be enough parking, or that the current info centres at each end of town should be kept. Ingrid Baron was the lone person to speak in favour, feeling it will draw tourists. "It will be a catalyst to beautify the area. Usually, once you start beautifying buildings, the others take suit." Baron also felt nearby hotels would prosper from the centre's location. After the input session, council voted 4 to 1 to give third reading to the rezoning, with those in favour (Lord, Quiring, Cunningham and Sawatzky) calling it a tough decision. Bob Spiers was the lone opponent, opposed to the site primarily over traffic and accessibility issues.
Friday, February 21, 2014
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Tourist Centre Site Defended
Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM Wednesday, 29 January 2014 11:11
Vernon's new tourist info centre is expected to open in May, but still has one more hurdle to clear. Council's given two readings to rezoning the site on 39th Avenue near the Civic Arena, from commercial to public institutional, with a public hearing set for February 24. Councillor Juliette Cunningham defends the site, despite criticism it's not the most attractive area. "In my experience, the more activity you bring to an area of a city, is more motivation for people to perhaps improve that area." Cunningham feels the centre will draw more visitors to the downtown core. "I understand the concerns around access, but we're working on the left turns (for southbound vehicles turning left off Highway 97 at 39th Ave) with the province." The city has closed the tourist centres at each end of town, in favour of the new centralized facility. Councillor Bob Spiers opposed the two readings of the rezoning bylaw. "I opposed it only because that is the only way that I can see that would stop that being located there. I am opposed to that location." Spiers feels the poor access to the site off the highway, will deter visitors from using the facility that is being upgraded with close to $300,000 in hotel room tax revenue, while $20,000 is budgeted to demolish the info centre across from Stickle Road.
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Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Spallumcheen tells pot growers to buzz off the farm
By Charlotte Helston Info-Tel Multimedia November 19, 2013 - 5:03 PM
SPALLUMCHEEN - As Canada shifts from small residential grow-operations to commercial scale marijuana farms, one rural agricultural community is trying to determine its place under the new system. The Township of Spallumcheen is hoping to relegate licensed marijuana facilities to industrial lands only when the country’s new regulations come into effect in April of 2014. Over-growing and diversion of marijuana to the black market are some of Health Canada’s concerns with the current system. But local government is a bit hazy on how it will all unfold. They are the ones tasked with designing bylaws to make it work. Spallumcheen coun. Rachael Ganson says the township’s idea with the zoning bylaw is—like Health Canada’s—all about safety. “I look at this industry as something that could easily be done in an industrial area so you’re not exposing young children and families to the obvious things that come along with a farm like this,” Ganson says. “What we’ve been told is there needs to be a large wall around it, security, lighting... things you don’t need on your typical farm.” The new regulations require strict security measures, including things like commercial steel doors, 24 hour surveillance, and a record of who—and what—enters and leaves the facility. Just this weekend, a Lake Country home was invaded, the suspect making off with marijuana and cash. Const. Kris Clark, spokesperson for the Kelowna RCMP, believes it was a targeted attack on the home, which housed a licensed medical marijuana grow-op. How the suspect knew it was there, Clark couldn’t say. “One thing we do see is that whether a grow-operation is legal or not it certainly is a target to criminal organizations,” Clark says. “Obviously there’s a product in there that criminal organizations see as profitable, so it can be targeted, unfortunately.” Spallumcheen has several main industrial areas, and Ganson would like to see the marijuana operations confined to those areas to better allow police to supervise them. “If you have it (grow-op) way off on a farm in the middle of nowhere, it’s a little more difficult to police, and also more difficult for fire protection. The industrial areas are a little more clustered together,” Ganson says. North Okanagan politicians will discuss bylaws for their respective communities at a board of directors meeting Wednesday.
SPALLUMCHEEN - As Canada shifts from small residential grow-operations to commercial scale marijuana farms, one rural agricultural community is trying to determine its place under the new system. The Township of Spallumcheen is hoping to relegate licensed marijuana facilities to industrial lands only when the country’s new regulations come into effect in April of 2014. Over-growing and diversion of marijuana to the black market are some of Health Canada’s concerns with the current system. But local government is a bit hazy on how it will all unfold. They are the ones tasked with designing bylaws to make it work. Spallumcheen coun. Rachael Ganson says the township’s idea with the zoning bylaw is—like Health Canada’s—all about safety. “I look at this industry as something that could easily be done in an industrial area so you’re not exposing young children and families to the obvious things that come along with a farm like this,” Ganson says. “What we’ve been told is there needs to be a large wall around it, security, lighting... things you don’t need on your typical farm.” The new regulations require strict security measures, including things like commercial steel doors, 24 hour surveillance, and a record of who—and what—enters and leaves the facility. Just this weekend, a Lake Country home was invaded, the suspect making off with marijuana and cash. Const. Kris Clark, spokesperson for the Kelowna RCMP, believes it was a targeted attack on the home, which housed a licensed medical marijuana grow-op. How the suspect knew it was there, Clark couldn’t say. “One thing we do see is that whether a grow-operation is legal or not it certainly is a target to criminal organizations,” Clark says. “Obviously there’s a product in there that criminal organizations see as profitable, so it can be targeted, unfortunately.” Spallumcheen has several main industrial areas, and Ganson would like to see the marijuana operations confined to those areas to better allow police to supervise them. “If you have it (grow-op) way off on a farm in the middle of nowhere, it’s a little more difficult to police, and also more difficult for fire protection. The industrial areas are a little more clustered together,” Ganson says. North Okanagan politicians will discuss bylaws for their respective communities at a board of directors meeting Wednesday.
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Coldstream considers Civic future.
By Jennifer Smith - Vernon Morning Star Published: November 17, 2013 1:00 AM
The assessment of Vernon’s 75-year-old Civic Arena has sparked discussion in Coldstream. The Greater Vernon Advisory Committee will spend $30,000 on an engineering assessment of the facility. The goal is to have the study completed by March in case a referendum has to be held in November 2014 to borrow funds for a new arena. “This has been going on for 10 years now,” said Coun. Gyula Kiss. “When they built the new arena (Kal Tire Place) they said it was to replace the Civic Arena.” If it’s determined Civic must be abandoned, the potential options are to either twin Kal Tire Place or Priest Valley Arena. “If we had a dual ice sheet the kids would have more ice time available,” said Kiss. Several Coldstream residents have urged that any new construction should be built more for skating and not for audiences. “They believe that the facility we have is actually bigger than we need,” said Mayor Jim Garlick.
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Kal Beach protected
Rezoning of Kal Beach will ensure the popular attraction remains a park. “It is now officially going to be a park, after many years,” said Coldstream Mayor Jim Garlick. Coldstream adopted a bylaw Tuesday, which rezones the beach from rural two to parks and open space.
The assessment of Vernon’s 75-year-old Civic Arena has sparked discussion in Coldstream. The Greater Vernon Advisory Committee will spend $30,000 on an engineering assessment of the facility. The goal is to have the study completed by March in case a referendum has to be held in November 2014 to borrow funds for a new arena. “This has been going on for 10 years now,” said Coun. Gyula Kiss. “When they built the new arena (Kal Tire Place) they said it was to replace the Civic Arena.” If it’s determined Civic must be abandoned, the potential options are to either twin Kal Tire Place or Priest Valley Arena. “If we had a dual ice sheet the kids would have more ice time available,” said Kiss. Several Coldstream residents have urged that any new construction should be built more for skating and not for audiences. “They believe that the facility we have is actually bigger than we need,” said Mayor Jim Garlick.
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Kal Beach protected
Rezoning of Kal Beach will ensure the popular attraction remains a park. “It is now officially going to be a park, after many years,” said Coldstream Mayor Jim Garlick. Coldstream adopted a bylaw Tuesday, which rezones the beach from rural two to parks and open space.
Saturday, November 02, 2013
Waiver of Public Hearing
http://www.districtofcoldstream.ca/notices/131028-bylaw-1634-notice.pdf
http://www.bclaws.ca/EPLibraries/bclaws_new/document/LOC/freeside/--%20L%20--/Local%20Government%20Act%20RSBC%201996%20c.%20323/00_Act/96323_30.xml#section890
https://coldstream.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=2211 Schedule "C" - Parkland Maps
http://www.bclaws.ca/EPLibraries/bclaws_new/document/LOC/freeside/--%20L%20--/Local%20Government%20Act%20RSBC%201996%20c.%20323/00_Act/96323_30.xml#section890
https://coldstream.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=2211 Schedule "C" - Parkland Maps
Friday, October 18, 2013
Zoning ensures beach status
By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: October 18, 2013 1:00 AM
A popular park is one step away from becoming officially designated as park. Coldstream council has given two readings to a bylaw that would change the zoning for Kal Beach from residential to parks and open space. “We have been asking for this for some time,” said Mayor Jim Garlick. While the property is in Coldstream, the beach is currently owned by the City of Vernon and previous city administrations opposed a zoning change. However, the current city council has agreed to turn over ownership of Kal Beach to the Regional District of North Okanagan as part of parks restructuring, and that led to Vernon wanting the zoning to evolve. “There was a concern from the city that if they turned over the beach to the regional district, what may happen,” said Garlick of possible development under the residential zone. The parks and open space designation will only permit current recreational activities. Coldstream council must still give the rezoning bylaw third reading and final adoption.
A popular park is one step away from becoming officially designated as park. Coldstream council has given two readings to a bylaw that would change the zoning for Kal Beach from residential to parks and open space. “We have been asking for this for some time,” said Mayor Jim Garlick. While the property is in Coldstream, the beach is currently owned by the City of Vernon and previous city administrations opposed a zoning change. However, the current city council has agreed to turn over ownership of Kal Beach to the Regional District of North Okanagan as part of parks restructuring, and that led to Vernon wanting the zoning to evolve. “There was a concern from the city that if they turned over the beach to the regional district, what may happen,” said Garlick of possible development under the residential zone. The parks and open space designation will only permit current recreational activities. Coldstream council must still give the rezoning bylaw third reading and final adoption.
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Pot public hearing at city hall
By Andrea Klassen - Kamloops This Week Published: September 24, 2013 10:00 AM
It’s a public hearing nearly a year in the making.On Tuesday, Sept. 24, Kamloops city council will decide whether to adopt new regulations around medical marijuana grow-ops that would restrict them to city industrial lands.The changes were first proposed last fall, but the city spent much of the year waiting for the federal government to make its own major changes to the way it runs Canada’s medical-marijuana program.When the city first looked at changing its bylaw, Health Canada was issuing medical-marijuana growing licences to individual users, which led many people to grow at home.Now, the government is moving to a series of big, commercial grows, from where pot will be mailed to registered users. Under the city’s new regulations, grow-ops must also be at least 150 metres from residential areas, day cares, schools, parks and other locales “catering to individuals under the age of 18.”The public hearing begins at 7 p.m. at Kamloops City Hall, 7 Victoria St. W.
It’s a public hearing nearly a year in the making.On Tuesday, Sept. 24, Kamloops city council will decide whether to adopt new regulations around medical marijuana grow-ops that would restrict them to city industrial lands.The changes were first proposed last fall, but the city spent much of the year waiting for the federal government to make its own major changes to the way it runs Canada’s medical-marijuana program.When the city first looked at changing its bylaw, Health Canada was issuing medical-marijuana growing licences to individual users, which led many people to grow at home.Now, the government is moving to a series of big, commercial grows, from where pot will be mailed to registered users. Under the city’s new regulations, grow-ops must also be at least 150 metres from residential areas, day cares, schools, parks and other locales “catering to individuals under the age of 18.”The public hearing begins at 7 p.m. at Kamloops City Hall, 7 Victoria St. W.
Monday, May 20, 2013
Medical pot grows OK on agricultural land, RDCK says
Growing medical marijuana is fine, the Regional District of Central Kootenay says, so long as it’s on agricultural land. The board passed a resolution Thursday confirming
medical pot operations are allowed in areas zoned agricultural or that
fall within the agricultural land reserve. But while chair John Kettle called it “a harmless,
generic motion,” it still resulted in some discussion about whether the
board should make any decisions before new federal regulations are fully
enacted. Those rules are expected to restrict legal marijuana
grow-ops to industrial and agricultural areas and eliminate small-scale
producers in favour of commercial-size operations with greater security. Nelson Mayor John Dooley noted some Lower Mainland
municipalities are refusing to address the subject before the changes
take effect. “This is way too soon to be dealing with this issue,” he said. However, other directors felt it was worth tackling now. “We need to be prepared,” said rural Salmo director
Hans Cunningham. “Questions are coming in and we should have basic
answers even before the regulations are finalized.” East Shore director Gary Jackman agreed: “This isn’t a waste of time. It will inform the feds on what works for rural areas.” Development services manager Sangita Sudan explained
medical marijuana grow-ops are already permitted in agricultural zones
and within the agricultural land reserve. “We’re not enabling any new permitted uses,” she said.
“If we’re going to enable it in industrial zones, we need to amend the
bylaw. At this point we haven’t done so.” After the meeting, Kettle reiterated that he considered the motion “very benign.” “It’s a generalized resolution that covers us until the feds make up their mind how they’re going to do this,” he said. Kettle added that he’s surprised how many people are
seeking licenses under the new rules and is skeptical it will result in
an economic boom. “Everybody seems to think this is going to be a moneymaker. But you better have a lot of money to even think about this.
If you’re trying to raise less than 1,000 plants, you’re going to go
broke.” Last month MP David Wilks spoke to the board
about the new regulations, which are being phased in between now and
next April. The new and old systems will operate simultaneously until
March 31, 2014, but as of October 1, applications will no longer be
accepted under the old rules. A North Shore couple hoping to be among the first to receive a license under the new rules was recently denied a variance application. They were told to apply for rezoning instead and have since done so. A Nakusp man has also proposed a medical marijuana facility within village limits.Friday, September 07, 2012
Big Turnout For Treatment Centre Meeting
 | ||||
| Barb Levesque. |
More than 200 people turned out for an information meeting over the new addictions treatment centre that will open this fall in Vernon's Harwood neighborhood. The John Howard Society will be operating the ten bed facility for men on 43rd Avenue, along with a sober-living apartment. JHS Executive director Barb Levesque says they had only expected about 100 people at the Alliance Church, and she says many of the attendees were initially angry with concerns. "Those are all valid concerns and they needed to be answered. From our perspective, because there had been so much communication with the community through emails and telephone calls, I thought that most of the concerns had been properly addressed, but it was really clear there are still really grave concerns among some of the community members." Levesque says the concerns included the safety of children and seniors, it's the wrong site for such a facility, who the clients will be, and if they will have criminal records. Levesque says some the clients will have criminal convictions, noting even impaired driving is a criminal offence, but she says applicants will be screened, and only the ones deemed ready for recovery will be allowed. "When people apply to live in that housing, they will all be screened, and one way people can set some parameters is by joining the neighborhood council. Who we're looking for is people who are assessed to being ready for recovery, and because we only have ten beds and we know we will have a wait list, we are looking for the people that are the most committed to sobriety and are assessed to be ready for this type of program" Levesque was surprised at some of the concerns. "With regard to children, there was a shocking perception that people who are addicts are sex offenders or pedophiles, and we really have to work harder to make sure people understand (that's not the case.)" By the end of the more than two hour meeting, Levesque says most of the people had calmed down and ten residents agreed to sit on a neighborhood council that will address concerns about the facility, slated to open in November.
Wednesday, September 05, 2012
Vernon mayor says process allows detox facility
By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: September 05, 2012 1:00 AM
Vernon’s mayor is aware of concerns about a treatment facility but he says little can be done to prevent the plans. The John Howard Society is moving ahead with a 10-bed substance abuse facility for men in the 2500 block of 43rd Avenue. There will also be separate rental suites for men who are not addicted. “Council has not been involved in the process in any way because of the process,” said Mayor Rob Sawatzky of current zoning permitting the proposed activities. “Bylaws and zoning protect the community from development it doesn’t want and it protects individuals from political interference.” Some residents have stated that a treatment facility is inappropriate in an area where there are schools, child care centres and seniors housing. The neighbours also believe there could be an increase in crime and residents could be put at risk. Because zoning and land use bylaws are not being changed, there was not a need for the city to hold a formal public hearing. Despite that, Sawatzky insists council is willing to listen to residents. “If they don’t feel protected by bylaws, they have the option to make a presentation to council about their concerns.” The John Howard Society will hold an information meeting about its plans Thursday at Vernon Alliance Church at 7 p.m. Sawatzky hopes the meeting will have a positive outcome for both the society and the neighbours.
“Information and dialogue are the most important things,” he said.
Vernon’s mayor is aware of concerns about a treatment facility but he says little can be done to prevent the plans. The John Howard Society is moving ahead with a 10-bed substance abuse facility for men in the 2500 block of 43rd Avenue. There will also be separate rental suites for men who are not addicted. “Council has not been involved in the process in any way because of the process,” said Mayor Rob Sawatzky of current zoning permitting the proposed activities. “Bylaws and zoning protect the community from development it doesn’t want and it protects individuals from political interference.” Some residents have stated that a treatment facility is inappropriate in an area where there are schools, child care centres and seniors housing. The neighbours also believe there could be an increase in crime and residents could be put at risk. Because zoning and land use bylaws are not being changed, there was not a need for the city to hold a formal public hearing. Despite that, Sawatzky insists council is willing to listen to residents. “If they don’t feel protected by bylaws, they have the option to make a presentation to council about their concerns.” The John Howard Society will hold an information meeting about its plans Thursday at Vernon Alliance Church at 7 p.m. Sawatzky hopes the meeting will have a positive outcome for both the society and the neighbours.
“Information and dialogue are the most important things,” he said.
Friday, August 31, 2012
Treatment facility draws opposition
By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: August 31, 2012 1:00 AM
Residents in the Harwood area say they have been left in the dark over their new neighbours. The John Howard Society hopes to have a 10-bed substance abuse facility for men open by Nov. 1 in the 2500 block of 43rd Avenue. There will also be separate rental suites for men who are not addicted. “We’re not saying these gentlemen don’t need services but it’s the location,” said one resident who asked not to be identified. “How do you put people with criminal offenses within a few feet of at-risk citizens — children and seniors?” Neighbours are upset that there was no advance notice from the John Howard Society or the City of Vernon. “There’s no trust. We aren’t getting any answers or being empathized with,” said the woman. “It fits the zoning but that’s not good enough. There should have been, at the very minimum, a good neighbour agreement.” The woman says there are concerns that the drug trade may move into the area and there could be increased theft and an impact on personal safety. “What happens if someone relapses and needs a fix?” she said, adding that there are schools, day care centres and seniors care homes within a short distance. “The community he will offend against is ours.” City officials stand by the process followed. “They are not changing the use of the property,” said Dale Rintoul, a planner. “There is no rezoning so no public hearing is necessary.” Rintoul says the city is aware of the planned treatment activities. “Zoning cannot discriminate over the occupants of the dwelling.” Barb Levesque, John Howard executive director, says the site was selected because of the zoning and the proximity of Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. “As they move along in recovery, they must be connected to the community,” she said. “We want them to volunteer and be upstanding members of the community.” Levesque insists that the facility is not a halfway house but she admits some of the people wanting to abandon drugs and alcohol have criminal records. “That’s the same in any apartment building. It’s about addiction and not crime,” she said. “We want people committed to sobriety to come together.” The agreement to purchase the property hasn’t closed yet and renovations are needed before the facility opens. “We felt we had time to consult with the community but it got ahead of us,” said Levesque of neighbours’ complaints that they weren’t consulted. An information meeting will be held Sept. 6 at the Vernon Alliance Church at 7 p.m. “We want people to truly understand and for the rumours to come to a rest,” said Levesque, adding that there will also be a neighbourhood council to address issues.
Residents in the Harwood area say they have been left in the dark over their new neighbours. The John Howard Society hopes to have a 10-bed substance abuse facility for men open by Nov. 1 in the 2500 block of 43rd Avenue. There will also be separate rental suites for men who are not addicted. “We’re not saying these gentlemen don’t need services but it’s the location,” said one resident who asked not to be identified. “How do you put people with criminal offenses within a few feet of at-risk citizens — children and seniors?” Neighbours are upset that there was no advance notice from the John Howard Society or the City of Vernon. “There’s no trust. We aren’t getting any answers or being empathized with,” said the woman. “It fits the zoning but that’s not good enough. There should have been, at the very minimum, a good neighbour agreement.” The woman says there are concerns that the drug trade may move into the area and there could be increased theft and an impact on personal safety. “What happens if someone relapses and needs a fix?” she said, adding that there are schools, day care centres and seniors care homes within a short distance. “The community he will offend against is ours.” City officials stand by the process followed. “They are not changing the use of the property,” said Dale Rintoul, a planner. “There is no rezoning so no public hearing is necessary.” Rintoul says the city is aware of the planned treatment activities. “Zoning cannot discriminate over the occupants of the dwelling.” Barb Levesque, John Howard executive director, says the site was selected because of the zoning and the proximity of Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. “As they move along in recovery, they must be connected to the community,” she said. “We want them to volunteer and be upstanding members of the community.” Levesque insists that the facility is not a halfway house but she admits some of the people wanting to abandon drugs and alcohol have criminal records. “That’s the same in any apartment building. It’s about addiction and not crime,” she said. “We want people committed to sobriety to come together.” The agreement to purchase the property hasn’t closed yet and renovations are needed before the facility opens. “We felt we had time to consult with the community but it got ahead of us,” said Levesque of neighbours’ complaints that they weren’t consulted. An information meeting will be held Sept. 6 at the Vernon Alliance Church at 7 p.m. “We want people to truly understand and for the rumours to come to a rest,” said Levesque, adding that there will also be a neighbourhood council to address issues.
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