By Roger Knox - Vernon Morning Star Published: August 12, 2012 1:00 AM
The Okanagan Landing Volunteer Firefighters Association wants a meeting. The association has requested a face-to-face
meeting with City of Vernon administrator Will Pearce and Vernon Fire
Rescue Services chief Keith Green to discuss the city’s decision not to renew its contract with the Landing association when it expires at the end of January 2013. “The news raised a lot of questions and a lot of
unknowns,” said Todd Montgomery, president of the Okanagan Landing
association. “They’ve proposed a model for us if we join the VVFA
(Vernon Volunteer Firefighters Association), and we’ve all been invited
to do so. “But we can’t continue as volunteers under the Okanagan Landing association because we no longer have the contract.” It was during an in-camera meeting in July that
Vernon city council authorized Pearce to notify the Landing that the
city would not be renewing the contract. In a press release issued by the city, council
said its primary reason for cancelling the contract was “to bring
together all volunteer and career firefighters into one cohesive
firefighting team.” The cancelling of the contract would mean a
reduction in overall costs, and the city said it would provide skilled,
well-trained firefighters to deliver the best emergency response to all
Vernon residents. Montgomery said the city has asked the Landing
association to continue on with its community activities, including the
popular Okanagan Landing Regatta, held in July, and to continue with the
number of charitable donations it makes per year. “I don’t know how that’s going to continue when
our members are asked to pay into one association, the VVFA, as well as
contribute to our association,” he said.
Fire suppression service with the Landing has
been contracted by the city since 1993, when a boundary extension
brought Okanagan Landing into the city limits. Okanagan Landing volunteer firefighters have been helping the city since its inception in 1975. The cancelling of the contract has left the 30-member Okanagan Landing members feeling upset. “They’re confused, there’s a lot of questions,
and there’s frustration,” said Montgomery. “There are a whole lot of
questions about what the new model will look like. Members will make
decisions both on individual levels and as an association as to how we
move forward.” Vernon Fire Rescue Services chief Keith Green
understands the Landing’s reactions and concerns, and has agreed to a
meeting Tuesday with Pearce and the Okanagan Landing association. “We figured it would be a process and meet with
them a number of times to alleviate some of their concerns, and we’ve
committed to do that,” said Green. Fire services, said the chief, is one of the most
difficult organizations to propose changes for due to all the tradition
and history that goes with it. The Vernon Fire Department was founded in 1891. “They (Landing) have a fear of their loss of
autonomy and their service to that particular area,” said Green. “We’ve said that if they’re with the VVFA, they’ll be given a chance to respond
out of that (Okanagan Landing) station exclusively. We’re committed to
doing that.” Council has directed that the Landing and
soon-to-be Predator Ridge fire halls will stay strictly volunteer until
council decides otherwise.
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Saturday, August 11, 2012
BC: What is Your MP's Pension Value?
Taxpayers.Com
As you probably know by now, our big 2012 MP Pension Report has hit the streets. I thought it might be handy for us British Columbians to have a quick list of what BC MPs will pocket in retirement. (Help us change this—sign our petition here!)
Excerpts Below: (local M.P.'s)
Albas, Dan (Okanagan-Coquihalla, Conservative)
2015 exit: Severance - $78,866
2019 exit: Year 1 annual pension - $39,398, Severance - $78,866, Lifetime pension - $1.27 million
Cannan, Ron (Kelowna-Lake Country, Conservative)
2015 exit: Year 1 annual pension - $55,513, Severance - $78,866, Lifetime pension - $1.8 million
2019 exit: Year 1 annual pension - $74,453, Lifetime pension - $2.04 million
Mayes, Colin (Okanagan-Shuswap, Conservative)
2015 exit: Year 1 annual pension - $46,049, Lifetime pension - $677,678
2019 exit: Year 1 annual pension - $64,989, Lifetime pension - $634,977
McLeod, Cathy (Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo, Conservative)
2015 exit: Year 1 annual pension - $35,385, Lifetime pension - $970,273
2019 exit: Year 1 annual pension - $56,227, Lifetime pension - $1.21 million
As you probably know by now, our big 2012 MP Pension Report has hit the streets. I thought it might be handy for us British Columbians to have a quick list of what BC MPs will pocket in retirement. (Help us change this—sign our petition here!)
Excerpts Below: (local M.P.'s)
Albas, Dan (Okanagan-Coquihalla, Conservative)
2015 exit: Severance - $78,866
2019 exit: Year 1 annual pension - $39,398, Severance - $78,866, Lifetime pension - $1.27 million
Cannan, Ron (Kelowna-Lake Country, Conservative)
2015 exit: Year 1 annual pension - $55,513, Severance - $78,866, Lifetime pension - $1.8 million
2019 exit: Year 1 annual pension - $74,453, Lifetime pension - $2.04 million
Mayes, Colin (Okanagan-Shuswap, Conservative)
2015 exit: Year 1 annual pension - $46,049, Lifetime pension - $677,678
2019 exit: Year 1 annual pension - $64,989, Lifetime pension - $634,977
McLeod, Cathy (Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo, Conservative)
2015 exit: Year 1 annual pension - $35,385, Lifetime pension - $970,273
2019 exit: Year 1 annual pension - $56,227, Lifetime pension - $1.21 million
B.C. police database PRIME under scrutiny for use by prospective employers
By Gordon Hoekstra, Vancouver SunAugust 10, 2012
The province’s privacy watchdog has expanded its examination of criminal record checks done by prospective employers to include those in the private sector. Privacy commissioner Elizabeth Denham recently completed an investigation that found B.C. government criminal checks into its workers was too broad. “I actually have a greater concern in the fact that some private sector employers are requiring what’s called police information checks which are distinct from criminal records checks,” said Denham this week. Denham is concerned about PRIME BC (Police Records Management System), a common database shared by all police agencies in the province that started as a pilot project in 2001 and expanded to include the province’s 13 independent police forces and 110 RCMP detachments by April 2008. Unlike a criminal record check, which only indicates whether a person was charged with a crime or convicted, a police check using PRIME BC will also indicate whether a person has had “negative contact” with police. The database of 5.4 million names draws that information from reports of stolen cars and break-ins, as well as details of phone calls from the public to report suspicious activities and low-level encounters with police, such as in a neighbourhood dispute. A “negative” flag is added by police if they feel it is needed. “It’s subjective, it’s information entered into the system by a police officer and hasn’t been subject to judicial confirmation or scrutiny,” argues Denham. “My point is that [PRIME BC] is legitimate and appropriate for a law enforcement purpose, but I don’t think it’s reasonable to access or require access to that kind of information in the employment realm. I view that as function creep — the creation of a database for one purpose and the use of that database for a different, unrelated purpose,” she added.
PRIME BC is a powerful tool, say police in B.C. The intention when it was set up was to break down barriers between police forces so information could be shared instantly to help catch crooks. Officers can enter and access reports on laptops in their cars, technology not available decades ago when similar reports were stored on paper index cards. In it’s 2009-10 annual report, PRIMECorp., the Crown corporation that manages the database, noted the Vancouver police nabbed a 2009 murder suspect in a few days using reports available on the database. Although two witnesses only knew the first name of the suspect, a query on PRIME BC found a report of the murder victim as a witness to a missing person with the same first name as the suspect. The murder suspect was then identified in a photo lineup, and later arrested and traces of the victim’s blood found on clothes.
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PRIMECorp 2009-10 Annual Report www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/.../primecorp-2009-10-annual-report.pdf
The province’s privacy watchdog has expanded its examination of criminal record checks done by prospective employers to include those in the private sector. Privacy commissioner Elizabeth Denham recently completed an investigation that found B.C. government criminal checks into its workers was too broad. “I actually have a greater concern in the fact that some private sector employers are requiring what’s called police information checks which are distinct from criminal records checks,” said Denham this week. Denham is concerned about PRIME BC (Police Records Management System), a common database shared by all police agencies in the province that started as a pilot project in 2001 and expanded to include the province’s 13 independent police forces and 110 RCMP detachments by April 2008. Unlike a criminal record check, which only indicates whether a person was charged with a crime or convicted, a police check using PRIME BC will also indicate whether a person has had “negative contact” with police. The database of 5.4 million names draws that information from reports of stolen cars and break-ins, as well as details of phone calls from the public to report suspicious activities and low-level encounters with police, such as in a neighbourhood dispute. A “negative” flag is added by police if they feel it is needed. “It’s subjective, it’s information entered into the system by a police officer and hasn’t been subject to judicial confirmation or scrutiny,” argues Denham. “My point is that [PRIME BC] is legitimate and appropriate for a law enforcement purpose, but I don’t think it’s reasonable to access or require access to that kind of information in the employment realm. I view that as function creep — the creation of a database for one purpose and the use of that database for a different, unrelated purpose,” she added.
PRIME BC is a powerful tool, say police in B.C. The intention when it was set up was to break down barriers between police forces so information could be shared instantly to help catch crooks. Officers can enter and access reports on laptops in their cars, technology not available decades ago when similar reports were stored on paper index cards. In it’s 2009-10 annual report, PRIMECorp., the Crown corporation that manages the database, noted the Vancouver police nabbed a 2009 murder suspect in a few days using reports available on the database. Although two witnesses only knew the first name of the suspect, a query on PRIME BC found a report of the murder victim as a witness to a missing person with the same first name as the suspect. The murder suspect was then identified in a photo lineup, and later arrested and traces of the victim’s blood found on clothes.
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PRIMECorp 2009-10 Annual Report www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/.../primecorp-2009-10-annual-report.pdf
Mitt Romney names Paul Ryan as running mate
KASIE HUNT NORFOLK, Va. — The Associated Press Published Saturday, Aug. 11 2012, 1:14 AM EDT
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney tapped Rep. Paul Ryan of
Wisconsin as his vice presidential running mate for the fall campaign on
Saturday, turning to the architect of a conservative and intensely
controversial long-term budget plan to remake Medicare and cut trillions
in federal spending. Mr. Romney made his announcement to supporters via a phone app. “Mitt's Choice for VP is Paul Ryan,” it said and implored backers to spread the word. The
ticket-mates arranged their first joint appearance later in the morning
at a naval museum, first stop of a bus tour through four battleground
states in as many days. In a statement issued Friday night,
Romney's campaign said only that the running mate would be present at 9
a.m. EDT at the Nauticus Museum. The USS Wisconsin is berthed there —
offering a hint about Mr. Ryan's selection. Mr. Ryan's selection —
as well as Mr. Romney's own nomination — will be ratified by delegates
to the Republican National Convention that begins on Aug. 27 in Tampa,
Fla.
Friday, August 10, 2012
Predator Fire Hall
| FIR-12-51 Addendum 1 | EXPRESSION OF INTEREST | Design-Build Predator Ridge Fire Hall | Jul-05-2012 |
| File No | Project Description | Closing Date | Award To |
Amount $
|
| FIR-12-51 | Design-Build Predator Ridge Fire Hall | Jul-05-2012 | Pre-Qualified 3 Proponents | $0.00 |
BC Hydro offers free fix if meter installers find hazard - Utility company says cracked smart meter socket could cause fire
The Canadian Press Posted:Aug 9, 2012 8:08 PM PT
BC Hydro says homeowners must share responsibility for electrical safety after two recent fires that followed the installation of smart meters, but the company is offering a free fix for problems that its workers may discover during the installation. Fires have occurred in homes in Mission and Coquitlam this summer after installation of the new meters. BC Hydro said a cracked meter base plate, or socket, may be the cause of at least one of the fires. BC Hydro said the condition of the socket is the responsibility of the homeowner, but if installers find any problems with the equipment the utility will contact the homeowner and offer to bring in a qualified electrician to make the fix at Hydro's expense. The company said its smart meter crews have found about 1,000 sockets that were damaged by eroded wiring, improper socket installations and pre-existing electrical bypasses. It said the risk of a smart meter installation causing an electrical problem is extremely low. It also said the new meters provide improved surge protection over the old meters. The company said homeowners should use a qualified electrician when they make any wiring changes to their homes and they should have their electrical system checked if they notice their lights are dimming, brightening, or flickering without apparent cause.Thursday, August 09, 2012
BCLC Casino Report to March 31,2012
These Tables are the Casino Analysis for last 12 years for Vernon. Kelowna. Penticton & Kamloops. (All Lake City Casino's). All figures taken from BCLC Annual reports for the 2000-2011 fiscal period. (Ends March 31, 2012)
Download the 2011/12 Annual Report [2.4MB]
Download the 2011/12 Annual Report [2.4MB]
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| 12 years of Casino - Vernon Fiscal 2000- Fiscal 2011 |
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| Valley Casino Totals 12 years Fiscal 2000- Fiscal 2011 |
Tuesday, August 07, 2012
vernon storm
Residents of Vernon were left to pick up after a wild storm blew through the city knocking down trees and power lines.
Castanet News
Composite Sketch Released Of YMCA Suspect
Written by Jolene Chernoff 107.5 KISSFM Tuesday, 07 August 2012 14:37 
The Kelowna RCMP are releasing a composite sketch of the suspect in indecent acts at two YMCA locations. In the evening on July 23rd, RCMP received a report that at the YMCA on Hartman Road, a man approached an 8-year-old girl and lured her into the family change room where he exposed and fondled himself in front of her. Then just last last week, on the 2nd of August, Mounties received a report of a suspect sighting at the YMCA in Rutland. The man matched the description, but took off from the scene before the RCMP arrived. The suspect is described as a Caucasian man with tanned skin 40-50 years old, thin muscular build and between 5'5 and 5'8. Anyone with any information is asked to call the Kelowna RCMP, or Crime Stoppers.
The Kelowna RCMP are releasing a composite sketch of the suspect in indecent acts at two YMCA locations. In the evening on July 23rd, RCMP received a report that at the YMCA on Hartman Road, a man approached an 8-year-old girl and lured her into the family change room where he exposed and fondled himself in front of her. Then just last last week, on the 2nd of August, Mounties received a report of a suspect sighting at the YMCA in Rutland. The man matched the description, but took off from the scene before the RCMP arrived. The suspect is described as a Caucasian man with tanned skin 40-50 years old, thin muscular build and between 5'5 and 5'8. Anyone with any information is asked to call the Kelowna RCMP, or Crime Stoppers.
Storm knocks out power throughout North Okanagan
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| Heritage Tree Branch on Power Line 23rd st. |
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| Heritage Tree Branch on Power Line 23rd St. |
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| Fire Station quick response to Power Line Fire |
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| Heritage Tree Branch on Power Line 23rd St. |
Smart meter fires spark concerns in B.C.
CBC News Posted: Aug 7, 2012 5:49 AM PT
Questions are being raised about the safety of smart meters after
fire crews were called to a home in Coquitlam over problems with the box
— the second such incident in weeks. The latest incident happened at about 3 a.m. PT on Sunday morning.
There was only minor damage to the home, said Coquitlam fire Chief Scott
MacKenzie. He declined to comment further as the case has now been handed over to BC Hydro for a full investigation. Technicians had installed a smart meter at the residence — an older home — about a month ago, said a BC Hydro official. The incident comes after a Mission woman's house burnt down on June 15, just one day after a smart meter was installed there. A report by the Mission Fire Department said the fire originated at the base plate which the smart meter was plugged into. BC Hydro says the base is part of the house, so any damage or fault with the equipment is the responsibility of the homeowner. “There’s a lot of steps underway to ensure that everything is safe,”
said BC Hydro spokeswoman Cindy Verschoor. “But that’s not to say that equipment can’t malfunction at any time." Surrey electrical contractor Bill Strain says problems can arise when the base plate is old or damaged. “If moisture entered into the [meter base], there could be corrosion, rusting or any number of things,” he said. The cases could point to a bigger problem nationwide. A recent report
by the Ontario Fire Marshall says “initial research [showed] an unusual
amount of fire incidents involving smart meters." The report, dated June 15, adds: “Anecdotal information supported
problems occurred after the old analog meters were updated to the new
digital smart meters.” BC Hydro says it has installed 1.5 million smart meters so far, and replaced about 1,000 faulty bases for free. Verschoor says customers should call immediately if they notice
problems with flickering lights or any unusual dimming or brightening
shortly after a smart meter is installed. BC Hydro is on track to replace some 1.8 million analog meters throughout the province by the end of the year. Smart meters are capable of providing hourly information about
electricity consumption. The utility estimates the meters will save
consumers $1.6 billion over the next 20 years by preventing the loss and
theft of power. But there has been an intense revolt against smart meters in the province, with more than 15,000 residents signing petitions opposing the devices.
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| BC Hydro plans to install 1.8 million smart meters across B.C. by the end of 2012 |
Speed Watch Needs Volunteers
Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM Tuesday, 07 August 2012 04:11
Speeding drivers continue to be a big concern around the North Okanagan, with most of the complaints coming from Coldstream, Spallumcheen and Armstrong. Warren Smith from the Safe Communities Unit says in one recent Speed Watch session, 75 percent of the drivers were speeding, with 4 of the 55 vehicles going 20 km/h or more over the posted limit. "When data was collected from the same location with the marked vehicle and speed reader board out of view, the traffic speed increased to 95% of the drivers speeding, and 20 of 42 vehicles were in excessive 20km/h or more over the posted speed limit. 6 of the vehicles were observed in excessive 30 km/h over. These stats show that the Speed Watch program does work and can be quite effective in educating drivers." The Unit is seeking more volunteers to help with the program. "Complaints mainly come from residents in Coldstream, Armstrong and Spallumcheen. Otter Lake Road in Armstrong, Otter Lake Cross Road in Spallumcheen, Kalamalka Road and Middleton Way in Coldstream seem to be of the greatest concern," says Smith. Smith says North Okanagan residents have the right to be upset with the speeds that drivers are doing. "Drivers need to simply allot more time to get to and from their destinations, slow down and think about the risk they are putting themselves and others in. The Vernon North Okanagan RCMP is fully aware of these problematic areas and will continue to deploy enforcement operations to these areas. " Application forms are available at the City of Vernon Community Policing Office or through your local RCMP Unit. You can also contact Rural Programs Coordinator Warren Smith at 250-550-7843.
Speeding drivers continue to be a big concern around the North Okanagan, with most of the complaints coming from Coldstream, Spallumcheen and Armstrong. Warren Smith from the Safe Communities Unit says in one recent Speed Watch session, 75 percent of the drivers were speeding, with 4 of the 55 vehicles going 20 km/h or more over the posted limit. "When data was collected from the same location with the marked vehicle and speed reader board out of view, the traffic speed increased to 95% of the drivers speeding, and 20 of 42 vehicles were in excessive 20km/h or more over the posted speed limit. 6 of the vehicles were observed in excessive 30 km/h over. These stats show that the Speed Watch program does work and can be quite effective in educating drivers." The Unit is seeking more volunteers to help with the program. "Complaints mainly come from residents in Coldstream, Armstrong and Spallumcheen. Otter Lake Road in Armstrong, Otter Lake Cross Road in Spallumcheen, Kalamalka Road and Middleton Way in Coldstream seem to be of the greatest concern," says Smith. Smith says North Okanagan residents have the right to be upset with the speeds that drivers are doing. "Drivers need to simply allot more time to get to and from their destinations, slow down and think about the risk they are putting themselves and others in. The Vernon North Okanagan RCMP is fully aware of these problematic areas and will continue to deploy enforcement operations to these areas. " Application forms are available at the City of Vernon Community Policing Office or through your local RCMP Unit. You can also contact Rural Programs Coordinator Warren Smith at 250-550-7843.
No UBCO Bus Solution
Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM Tuesday, 07 August 2012 04:18
There's been no solution yet to overcrowded buses taking students from Vernon to the University of BC Okanagan campus in Kelowna. That means it will likely be standing room only again for many riders when classes resume next month. Meribeth Burton from BC Transit says there may be improvements soon, but she notes it's up to local governments to add extra buses or change schedules. "Part of what's slowing down this process was determining what the local government cost sharing would be on the 90 route (to UBCO). Now that's in place, BC Transit is really hopeful we can move forward to address this problem." Burton says Transit is on side with adding more frequent trips, especially on the peak hours to better meet the demand.
There's been no solution yet to overcrowded buses taking students from Vernon to the University of BC Okanagan campus in Kelowna. That means it will likely be standing room only again for many riders when classes resume next month. Meribeth Burton from BC Transit says there may be improvements soon, but she notes it's up to local governments to add extra buses or change schedules. "Part of what's slowing down this process was determining what the local government cost sharing would be on the 90 route (to UBCO). Now that's in place, BC Transit is really hopeful we can move forward to address this problem." Burton says Transit is on side with adding more frequent trips, especially on the peak hours to better meet the demand.
Monday, August 06, 2012
Rec. Fees Going Up Sept. 1
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| Spring/Summer 2012 Leisure Guide |
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| Fall 2012 Leisure Guide |
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Don Quixote Note: This updated guide should contain the newly approved rates effective Sept. 1, 2012 to March 31, 2013.
Although the rates are approved to go up by 2.37%, each individual rate category could actually show a different % age rate increase.
For Example:
- Adult Single Swim Rate of $ 5.25 will be increased to $5.50 (4.76%).
- Family Single Swim Rate of $11.90 will be increased to $12.25 (2.94%)
- Adult 10 pass rate Swim of $47.38 will be increased to $48.50 (2.37%)
- Family 10 pass rate Swim of $107.18 will be increased to $109.75 (2.39%)
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| Old Rates From Leisure Gide on Left and new Approved Rates from GVAC on Right. |
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| Old Rates From Leisure Gide on Left and new Approved Rates from GVAC on Right. |
- Adult Single Rate (Public skate) of $ 4.75 will be increased to $5.00 (5.26%).
- Family Single Rate (Public skate) of $11.50 will be increased to $12.00 (4.35%)
Sunday, August 05, 2012
Vernon Rec Centre pool humidity plan on track
By Roger Knox - Vernon Morning Star Published: August 05, 2012 1:00 AM
A problem that began in 1993 is being fixed. Greater Vernon Advisory Committee directors were informed Thursday that the dehumidification system at the Vernon Rec Centre swimming pool will be replaced. “Our plan is to take the existing unit, rebuild it and use it for the leisure pool,” said Regional District of North Okanagan acting facilities manager Jim Coughlin. “We’ll put a brand new unit on top of the staff room that was just built and that will be for the lap pool.” Coughlin said he hopes work will start on both in the fall and be completed by the spring or summer of 2013. Coughlin and administrator Trafford Hall pointed out to directors that the original system was undersized when the pool was built in 1993. The unit was shut off because of expensive repairs needed to keep it running, but that led to roof and wall damage in the pool area. Work on the walls will begin when the new units are in place. Hall said directors will get a presentation in the fall on the history of what went wrong with the original system. Repairs are likely to cost around $1.7 million, but Coughlin said things are on budget. Tenders have gone out to put in a new heating system for the rec centre’s auditorium and Dogwood Gym. Existing heating lines have been ripped up and new rooftop units will be installed. A storage room upgrade at the Dogwood has been completed.
A problem that began in 1993 is being fixed. Greater Vernon Advisory Committee directors were informed Thursday that the dehumidification system at the Vernon Rec Centre swimming pool will be replaced. “Our plan is to take the existing unit, rebuild it and use it for the leisure pool,” said Regional District of North Okanagan acting facilities manager Jim Coughlin. “We’ll put a brand new unit on top of the staff room that was just built and that will be for the lap pool.” Coughlin said he hopes work will start on both in the fall and be completed by the spring or summer of 2013. Coughlin and administrator Trafford Hall pointed out to directors that the original system was undersized when the pool was built in 1993. The unit was shut off because of expensive repairs needed to keep it running, but that led to roof and wall damage in the pool area. Work on the walls will begin when the new units are in place. Hall said directors will get a presentation in the fall on the history of what went wrong with the original system. Repairs are likely to cost around $1.7 million, but Coughlin said things are on budget. Tenders have gone out to put in a new heating system for the rec centre’s auditorium and Dogwood Gym. Existing heating lines have been ripped up and new rooftop units will be installed. A storage room upgrade at the Dogwood has been completed.
Greater Vernon facility fees hiked
By Roger Knox - Vernon Morning Star Published: August 05, 2012 1:00 AM
Fees and rental rates at Greater Vernon’s facilities could be on the rise. Greater Vernon Advisory Committee members approved a recommendation from Regional District of North Okanagan staff to hike the fees by slightly more than two per cent due to cost of living increases in wages and utilities. “An inflationary increase of 2.37 per cent to the base rate for public admission and rentals by organization would offset some of the increased operational costs,” said Keith Pinkoski, parks planner for Greater Vernon Parks, Recreation and Culture. That would mean slight increases to admission for public swimming and skating, as well as renting facilities such as the Wesbild Centre and Vernon Curling Club. The fee hikes drew considerable debate from GVAC directors, including Coldstream Mayor Jim Garlick, who asked for copies of all methodology on how planners came up with the rates. “We need some reasoning on why we’re doing things and why costs are up, too,” said Garlick. Vernon Mayor Rob Sawatzky made a friendly amendment, unanimously approved by the directors, to include input from facilities management and staff in future reports. Originally, the report recommended increasing the fees from Sept. 1, 2012, to Aug. 31, 2013, so one full calendar year. But Vernon councillor Bob Spiers pointed out that the fees in the report include the HST, which is being eliminated April 1, 2013. “I don’t want these fees to remain in effect when the HST goes out,” said Spiers, who motioned changing the timeline from Sept. 1 to March 31, 2013. “We can review the rates then,” said Spiers, hinting at a possible reduction in fees. Spiers’ motion was unanimously supported.
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Don Quixote Note: Greater Vernon Advisory Committee Agenda
P.24 and on will show the proposed New Rates in effect from Sept. 1 , 2012 until March 31, 2013.
For example the rate for an adult pool single rate (p.56) is going up from $4.70 to $4.81 before HST of 12% which increases rate to $5.39 which is rounded up to nearest quarter (25 cents) and becomes $5.50 for the customer. (Previous rate was rounded to $5.25.) An actual increase of 25 cents. (4.7% increase) http://www.greatervernonrecreation.ca/index.php/admission-rates
But on April 1, 2013 the HST is extingushed and the GST of 5% kicks back in. The new calculation should be on the $4.81 cost is 4.81 x 1.05= $ 5.05 and rounded down to nearest quarter =$5.00
Fees and rental rates at Greater Vernon’s facilities could be on the rise. Greater Vernon Advisory Committee members approved a recommendation from Regional District of North Okanagan staff to hike the fees by slightly more than two per cent due to cost of living increases in wages and utilities. “An inflationary increase of 2.37 per cent to the base rate for public admission and rentals by organization would offset some of the increased operational costs,” said Keith Pinkoski, parks planner for Greater Vernon Parks, Recreation and Culture. That would mean slight increases to admission for public swimming and skating, as well as renting facilities such as the Wesbild Centre and Vernon Curling Club. The fee hikes drew considerable debate from GVAC directors, including Coldstream Mayor Jim Garlick, who asked for copies of all methodology on how planners came up with the rates. “We need some reasoning on why we’re doing things and why costs are up, too,” said Garlick. Vernon Mayor Rob Sawatzky made a friendly amendment, unanimously approved by the directors, to include input from facilities management and staff in future reports. Originally, the report recommended increasing the fees from Sept. 1, 2012, to Aug. 31, 2013, so one full calendar year. But Vernon councillor Bob Spiers pointed out that the fees in the report include the HST, which is being eliminated April 1, 2013. “I don’t want these fees to remain in effect when the HST goes out,” said Spiers, who motioned changing the timeline from Sept. 1 to March 31, 2013. “We can review the rates then,” said Spiers, hinting at a possible reduction in fees. Spiers’ motion was unanimously supported.
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Don Quixote Note: Greater Vernon Advisory Committee Agenda
P.24 and on will show the proposed New Rates in effect from Sept. 1 , 2012 until March 31, 2013.
For example the rate for an adult pool single rate (p.56) is going up from $4.70 to $4.81 before HST of 12% which increases rate to $5.39 which is rounded up to nearest quarter (25 cents) and becomes $5.50 for the customer. (Previous rate was rounded to $5.25.) An actual increase of 25 cents. (4.7% increase) http://www.greatervernonrecreation.ca/index.php/admission-rates
But on April 1, 2013 the HST is extingushed and the GST of 5% kicks back in. The new calculation should be on the $4.81 cost is 4.81 x 1.05= $ 5.05 and rounded down to nearest quarter =$5.00
Lake Country chamber quitting tourist centre
Kelowna Daily Courier Sunday, 05 August 2012 02:00 Ron Seymour
Welcome to Lake Country, sort of. The future of visitor information services in the municipality north of Kelowna is in limbo. Lake Country's chamber of commerce has decided to quit the contract for running the Main Street tourist centre, saying the town isn't offering enough money to run the service. "It boils down to the fact that the chamber would be putting itself at too much financial risk if we continued on with the contract as it is," chamber president Marvin Farkas said Saturday. "It's pretty much an amicable parting of the ways, and we do want to work with the District of Lake Country in the future on other matters, including tourism promotion," Farkas said. For many years, town council has provided the chamber with a grant of $45,000 to run the year-round visitor and information centre. That helps to cover wages, rent, and the cost of producing promotional materials.
The chamber has been putting $2,200 of its own money into the operation, and has also received an annual federal employment grant of $5,600. But Farkas said indications are the federal grant may be wound down. So the chamber asked council to boost the municipal contribution by $5,000, which councillors have declined to do. "We understand the district is trying to be very prudent in all their operations," Farkas said. "But the chamber is under economic constraints as well, and we run a tight budget as well." The chamber, which has about 220 members, held two meetings to decide whether to continue with the contract to operate the visitor centre. Last Thursday, chamber directors informed municipal officials they would not seek to renew the management contract when it expires at year-end. The centre is visited by about 6,000 people a year, and serves many others on the phone and over the Internet. "It was a difficult decision to withdraw from this contract," Farkas said. "Tourism is obviously very important to many Lake Country businesses, and I hope the district can come up with some way to keep providing information services to visitors." Lake Country Mayor James Baker could not be reached for comment Saturday. Last year in West Kelowna, the chamber of commerce also withdrew from an agreement it had with the municipality to operate the visitor information centre. Council then struck a new deal with the museum society to run the centre, an agreement that has carried on into this season with a contract value of $35,000.
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Annual Contracts Vernon:
Welcome to Lake Country, sort of. The future of visitor information services in the municipality north of Kelowna is in limbo. Lake Country's chamber of commerce has decided to quit the contract for running the Main Street tourist centre, saying the town isn't offering enough money to run the service. "It boils down to the fact that the chamber would be putting itself at too much financial risk if we continued on with the contract as it is," chamber president Marvin Farkas said Saturday. "It's pretty much an amicable parting of the ways, and we do want to work with the District of Lake Country in the future on other matters, including tourism promotion," Farkas said. For many years, town council has provided the chamber with a grant of $45,000 to run the year-round visitor and information centre. That helps to cover wages, rent, and the cost of producing promotional materials.
The chamber has been putting $2,200 of its own money into the operation, and has also received an annual federal employment grant of $5,600. But Farkas said indications are the federal grant may be wound down. So the chamber asked council to boost the municipal contribution by $5,000, which councillors have declined to do. "We understand the district is trying to be very prudent in all their operations," Farkas said. "But the chamber is under economic constraints as well, and we run a tight budget as well." The chamber, which has about 220 members, held two meetings to decide whether to continue with the contract to operate the visitor centre. Last Thursday, chamber directors informed municipal officials they would not seek to renew the management contract when it expires at year-end. The centre is visited by about 6,000 people a year, and serves many others on the phone and over the Internet. "It was a difficult decision to withdraw from this contract," Farkas said. "Tourism is obviously very important to many Lake Country businesses, and I hope the district can come up with some way to keep providing information services to visitors." Lake Country Mayor James Baker could not be reached for comment Saturday. Last year in West Kelowna, the chamber of commerce also withdrew from an agreement it had with the municipality to operate the visitor information centre. Council then struck a new deal with the museum society to run the centre, an agreement that has carried on into this season with a contract value of $35,000.
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Annual Contracts Vernon:
| ADM-11-06 | Visitor Centres operation Manager | Feb-16-2011- | Apr-30-2013 | (2) 1 Yr | Durning Directions & Services | $367,661.02 |
Former councillor slams GVAC directors
By Roger Knox - Vernon Morning Star Published: August 05, 2012 1:00 AM
Parks and recreation is a disaster. The mayor of Coldstream favours development over parkland. And Barry Beardsell was just getting warmed up. The former Vernon councillor slammed Greater Vernon Advisory Committee directors during a 13-minute presentation Thursday. “I’m here on behalf of Greater Vernon taxpayers who are concerned about management of parks and recreation, and the accountability related thereto,” said Beardsell, who claims the parks and recreation function has been “a total disaster” since former Regional District of North Okanagan administrator Barry Gagnon left in 2005. Beardsell started his presentation with concerns about the land behind the regional district office (which is where GVAC meetings are held), saying “a million dollar asset has been turned into a swamp.” Beardsell said the expectation for the land was for a school, soccer fields, tennis courts and playgrounds. “Not once did Greater Vernon parks directors sanction or approve the destruction of the property,” said Beardsell. “The loss to Greater Vernon taxpayers is enormous.” Beardsell accused Coldstream Mayor Jim Garlick and “possibly the rest of Coldstream council” as being more interested in development than anything else, and called for an independent review for issues related to titles on property, unfulfilled developer commitments and compensation for future roadways and existing damages. The former councillor stated he had “a lot of documentation” to back up his accusations, which troubled Garlick. “The land (behind RDNO) was actually traded with the view to make it a water treatment facility, not a park and we can provide that information,” said Garlick. “We have been working with volunteer groups on that land to enhance it as a wetlands area because the ministry of environment says it needs to be done.” Garlick said development for that land has existed in Coldstream for years, and the actual development that took place next door to the RDNO office was done before 2005. “There’s a lot of misinformation that muddies the water moving forward,” said Garlick. “I have these concerns when comments made in public become truths someway.” Beardsell also blasted directors for no accountability on the “disastrous events” of the Vernon Rec Centre swimming pool, not having a parks and recreation manager in place to run a $15-million operation, going to referendum on a sports facility at Okanagan College, no review on operations at the Wesbild Centre, which he said is utilized for “little more than hockey,” no replacement plans for the Vernon Civic Arena and no plans for the Vernon Public Art Gallery and Greater Vernon Museum. Administrator Trafford Hall said Beardsell or any member of the public can stand before directors and say anything they want. “It doesn’t have to be substantiated,” said Hall. “Mr. Beardsell presented a long list of grievances. Some are substantiated, some are not, some are unfair and some I’m taking into consideration.”
Parks and recreation is a disaster. The mayor of Coldstream favours development over parkland. And Barry Beardsell was just getting warmed up. The former Vernon councillor slammed Greater Vernon Advisory Committee directors during a 13-minute presentation Thursday. “I’m here on behalf of Greater Vernon taxpayers who are concerned about management of parks and recreation, and the accountability related thereto,” said Beardsell, who claims the parks and recreation function has been “a total disaster” since former Regional District of North Okanagan administrator Barry Gagnon left in 2005. Beardsell started his presentation with concerns about the land behind the regional district office (which is where GVAC meetings are held), saying “a million dollar asset has been turned into a swamp.” Beardsell said the expectation for the land was for a school, soccer fields, tennis courts and playgrounds. “Not once did Greater Vernon parks directors sanction or approve the destruction of the property,” said Beardsell. “The loss to Greater Vernon taxpayers is enormous.” Beardsell accused Coldstream Mayor Jim Garlick and “possibly the rest of Coldstream council” as being more interested in development than anything else, and called for an independent review for issues related to titles on property, unfulfilled developer commitments and compensation for future roadways and existing damages. The former councillor stated he had “a lot of documentation” to back up his accusations, which troubled Garlick. “The land (behind RDNO) was actually traded with the view to make it a water treatment facility, not a park and we can provide that information,” said Garlick. “We have been working with volunteer groups on that land to enhance it as a wetlands area because the ministry of environment says it needs to be done.” Garlick said development for that land has existed in Coldstream for years, and the actual development that took place next door to the RDNO office was done before 2005. “There’s a lot of misinformation that muddies the water moving forward,” said Garlick. “I have these concerns when comments made in public become truths someway.” Beardsell also blasted directors for no accountability on the “disastrous events” of the Vernon Rec Centre swimming pool, not having a parks and recreation manager in place to run a $15-million operation, going to referendum on a sports facility at Okanagan College, no review on operations at the Wesbild Centre, which he said is utilized for “little more than hockey,” no replacement plans for the Vernon Civic Arena and no plans for the Vernon Public Art Gallery and Greater Vernon Museum. Administrator Trafford Hall said Beardsell or any member of the public can stand before directors and say anything they want. “It doesn’t have to be substantiated,” said Hall. “Mr. Beardsell presented a long list of grievances. Some are substantiated, some are not, some are unfair and some I’m taking into consideration.”
Saturday, August 04, 2012
Parking meters at Peace Arch Hospital still a problem
By Tracy Holmes - Peace Arch News Published: June 01, 2012 2:00 PM
Parking meters around White Rock’s Peace Arch Hospital still do not accept the new-issue loonies and toonies. City manager Dan Bottrill confirmed last week that a solution had not been found for the older machines, despite a promise by the supplier, POM (Park-o-Meter), to have things figured out by May 25. Stickers advising customers of the problem have been
added to the machines, and Bottrill remains hopeful the situation will
be resolved soon. “We’re pushing (the supplier) as much as we can, it’s very important to us,” he said.
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Don Quixote Note: I have been told that some of the machines around the Vernon Hospital do not accept the new coins. The City's Parking meters should have been recalibrated to accept the new coins. (Budget was $77,000). Please leave a comment if you have a contrary experience.
Parking meters around White Rock’s Peace Arch Hospital still do not accept the new-issue loonies and toonies. City manager Dan Bottrill confirmed last week that a solution had not been found for the older machines, despite a promise by the supplier, POM (Park-o-Meter), to have things figured out by May 25. Stickers advising customers of the problem have been
added to the machines, and Bottrill remains hopeful the situation will
be resolved soon. “We’re pushing (the supplier) as much as we can, it’s very important to us,” he said.-------
Don Quixote Note: I have been told that some of the machines around the Vernon Hospital do not accept the new coins. The City's Parking meters should have been recalibrated to accept the new coins. (Budget was $77,000). Please leave a comment if you have a contrary experience.
RCMP confirm charges of attempt murder laid against trio involved in West Kelowna shooting
File # 2012-6451 2012-08-03 11:33 PDT
Investigators with the RCMP Southeast District Major Crimes Unit have obtained crown approval in the laying of numerous charges against the two men and one woman involved in the July 31st shooting incident in West Kelowna. The three remain in custody and have been remanded into custody until August 9th. (more)
Investigators with the RCMP Southeast District Major Crimes Unit have obtained crown approval in the laying of numerous charges against the two men and one woman involved in the July 31st shooting incident in West Kelowna. The three remain in custody and have been remanded into custody until August 9th. (more)
‘Unusual’ number of fires, smart meters linked - Ontario fire marshal says faulty base plates could be the cause, similar to Mission blaze
By SCOTT SIMPSON, Vancouver SunAugust 3, 2012
Smart meter installations are the suspected cause of an “unusual” number of fires similar to a recent electrical fire at a home in Mission, according to a recent investigation by the Ontario fire marshal’s office. BC Hydro is in the process of a $1-billion installation of the meters, which use wireless technology to transmit information about electricity consumption to power utilities, following the lead of provinces and states including Ontario and California. There’s no evidence to suggest that the meters themselves are overheating and catching fire, but it appears from an Ontario fire marshal’s report, dated June 15, 2012, that the base plates, or four-pronged sockets that meters plug into, can become compromised and start to burn if they’re old or suffer rough handling during installation. “It’s like everything else, once it’s installed and intact nothing usually happens,” said Surrey electrical contractor Bill Strain, a former president of the Canadian Home Builders Association. “A lot of times, when you pull something apart, if it’s been there for 30 years it’s probably going to be rusted in or hard in. So they have to give it a little bit of a jerk or a twist. That jerk or twist may be what sets the whole thing in motion,” Strain said Friday. If there’s a problem, he added, it’s possible that a contractor without formal electrical training may miss it. A resident of Mission, Trish Regan, recently lost her home in a fire that the district’s fire department said appeared to originate from a broken base plate that became overheated and caught fire a few hours after an employee of Corix, the company contracted by BC Hydro to install the meters, plugged one in at her home.
According to the marshal’s report, “During our initial research of the new meters we encountered an unusual amount of fire incidents involving smart meters. After discovering these incidents our main question was, were they one-off incidents or was there a similar systemic root cause “Anecdotal information supported [the fact that] problems occurred after the old analog meters were updated to the new digital smart meters.” The report noted the possibility of a fire resulting from “a loose connection in the meter base.” “What could be the reason for this? The old meter base connections may not have been in a condition for seamless exchange to a new meter. New meters may have defects that cause electrical failures or misalignment with old meter base. Careless installation during changeover.” Meter changeovers are not unusual; before the smart meter project, Hydro was replacing about 40,000 old analogue meters per year with new ones. In 0.5 per cent of cases, Hydro installers noted a faulty meter base and replaced it, according to smart meter deputy project officer Fiona Taylor. That’s more or less the same base plate replacement ratio that’s arising from the smart meter installation, she said. Cindy Verschoor, Hydro spokeswoman, said that unless a homeowner notices problems after the installation — such as lights flickering on and off, or dimming and brightening — there’s no need to worry about a problem with the plate. “If you notice anything unusual of course give us a call or arrange to have an electrician do an inspection,” Verschoor said. “You can tell by your lights. That’s the best indicator.” Verschoor said Corix installation supervisors are certified electricians and they’re always on standby to effect any plate repairs noted by the installers. (more)
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Fire guts home after smart meter installed BC Hydro says owner is responsible for ensuring safety
Smart meter installations are the suspected cause of an “unusual” number of fires similar to a recent electrical fire at a home in Mission, according to a recent investigation by the Ontario fire marshal’s office. BC Hydro is in the process of a $1-billion installation of the meters, which use wireless technology to transmit information about electricity consumption to power utilities, following the lead of provinces and states including Ontario and California. There’s no evidence to suggest that the meters themselves are overheating and catching fire, but it appears from an Ontario fire marshal’s report, dated June 15, 2012, that the base plates, or four-pronged sockets that meters plug into, can become compromised and start to burn if they’re old or suffer rough handling during installation. “It’s like everything else, once it’s installed and intact nothing usually happens,” said Surrey electrical contractor Bill Strain, a former president of the Canadian Home Builders Association. “A lot of times, when you pull something apart, if it’s been there for 30 years it’s probably going to be rusted in or hard in. So they have to give it a little bit of a jerk or a twist. That jerk or twist may be what sets the whole thing in motion,” Strain said Friday. If there’s a problem, he added, it’s possible that a contractor without formal electrical training may miss it. A resident of Mission, Trish Regan, recently lost her home in a fire that the district’s fire department said appeared to originate from a broken base plate that became overheated and caught fire a few hours after an employee of Corix, the company contracted by BC Hydro to install the meters, plugged one in at her home.
According to the marshal’s report, “During our initial research of the new meters we encountered an unusual amount of fire incidents involving smart meters. After discovering these incidents our main question was, were they one-off incidents or was there a similar systemic root cause “Anecdotal information supported [the fact that] problems occurred after the old analog meters were updated to the new digital smart meters.” The report noted the possibility of a fire resulting from “a loose connection in the meter base.” “What could be the reason for this? The old meter base connections may not have been in a condition for seamless exchange to a new meter. New meters may have defects that cause electrical failures or misalignment with old meter base. Careless installation during changeover.” Meter changeovers are not unusual; before the smart meter project, Hydro was replacing about 40,000 old analogue meters per year with new ones. In 0.5 per cent of cases, Hydro installers noted a faulty meter base and replaced it, according to smart meter deputy project officer Fiona Taylor. That’s more or less the same base plate replacement ratio that’s arising from the smart meter installation, she said. Cindy Verschoor, Hydro spokeswoman, said that unless a homeowner notices problems after the installation — such as lights flickering on and off, or dimming and brightening — there’s no need to worry about a problem with the plate. “If you notice anything unusual of course give us a call or arrange to have an electrician do an inspection,” Verschoor said. “You can tell by your lights. That’s the best indicator.” Verschoor said Corix installation supervisors are certified electricians and they’re always on standby to effect any plate repairs noted by the installers. (more)
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Fire guts home after smart meter installed BC Hydro says owner is responsible for ensuring safety
Prince George city manager leaving post
Prince George Free Press - News Published: August 04, 2012 5:00 AM
Prince George will be searching for a new city manager after mayor and council were notified Derek Bates is concluding his employment contract at the end of December. A press release says, "Mr. Bates has been employed with the City since 2007 as city manager and under his administrative leadership, the city has benefitted from many successful initiatives, including gold level certification in the Excellence Canada PEP (Progressive Excellence Program) Quality program, leading staff and the community through the myPG process, delivering and a new OCP, a successful 2015 Canada Games bid, to name just a few." "City council wishes to acknowledge the dedication of Mr. Bates to his staff, the council team and this community through his outstanding commitment to excellence in local government. We wish the absolute best for Mr. Bates and his family, in their future plans”, said Mayor Shari Green. Bates has extended an invitation to assist city council in the coming months in their planning for a smooth transition to new management for the City of Prince George.
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Core Service Review- Prince George (Progress Page)
Prince George will be searching for a new city manager after mayor and council were notified Derek Bates is concluding his employment contract at the end of December. A press release says, "Mr. Bates has been employed with the City since 2007 as city manager and under his administrative leadership, the city has benefitted from many successful initiatives, including gold level certification in the Excellence Canada PEP (Progressive Excellence Program) Quality program, leading staff and the community through the myPG process, delivering and a new OCP, a successful 2015 Canada Games bid, to name just a few." "City council wishes to acknowledge the dedication of Mr. Bates to his staff, the council team and this community through his outstanding commitment to excellence in local government. We wish the absolute best for Mr. Bates and his family, in their future plans”, said Mayor Shari Green. Bates has extended an invitation to assist city council in the coming months in their planning for a smooth transition to new management for the City of Prince George.
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Core Service Review- Prince George (Progress Page)
Friday, August 03, 2012
Rec Centre Repairs To Start In Fall
Written by Peter McIntyre Friday, 03 August 2012 16:01
Work on repairing the Vernon Recreation Centre is expected to start this fall. 1.7 million dollars will be spent to repair the rotting roof and walls of the pool area. RDNO's facilities manager Jim Coughlin says the project should be completed by next spring or early summer. Coughlin says two de-humidification units will be put into the pool building, as the previous one was undersized. Vernon director Rob Sawatzky is pleased to see the project moving ahead. He tells Kiss FM, "I'm a bit surprised it takes as long as it does, but I assume the managers responsible understand that their political masters like to see things done in a timely fashion." Regional district administrator Trafford Hall says they have a pretty good idea why the problems happened, and will make a presentation to the GVAC board about that, this fall. "We're going to make a presentation to you so you can decide if you want to hire a consultant and go further on it."
Work on repairing the Vernon Recreation Centre is expected to start this fall. 1.7 million dollars will be spent to repair the rotting roof and walls of the pool area. RDNO's facilities manager Jim Coughlin says the project should be completed by next spring or early summer. Coughlin says two de-humidification units will be put into the pool building, as the previous one was undersized. Vernon director Rob Sawatzky is pleased to see the project moving ahead. He tells Kiss FM, "I'm a bit surprised it takes as long as it does, but I assume the managers responsible understand that their political masters like to see things done in a timely fashion." Regional district administrator Trafford Hall says they have a pretty good idea why the problems happened, and will make a presentation to the GVAC board about that, this fall. "We're going to make a presentation to you so you can decide if you want to hire a consultant and go further on it."
Wi-Fi...No Fly
Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM Friday, 03 August 2012 11:11
An upgrade to the Vernon airport is the city's top priority for a federal grant. Mayor Rob Sawatzky says council has agreed to seek $400,000 from the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund to resurface the facility's runway. "It's starting to crack, and we need to do the resurfacing no later than three years or we'll run into much bigger costs." If the city gets the grant, it will provide another $200,000 for the resurfacing. The city will also apply for $150,000 to replace playground equipment at Mission Hill and Kiwanis parks (second priority for grant), and $50,000 for upgrading the Vernon Community Arts Centre (third). Council has shot down a proposal to provide free WiFi Internet in the downtown core. If approved, the city would have applied for a $200,000 grant, along with providing $100,000 of city funds. However, Mayor Sawatzky says the majority of council was opposed. "The reasons were mainly that it was interfering with private businesses providing the same service." Sawatzky was in favour of the idea, saying many other communities provide free WiFi. He tells Kiss FM, "WiFi in the downtown core probably fits with the marketing image of ourselves, tourist-friendly, business-friendly, that sort of thing." Wayne Ikesaka, the city's information services manager says the project would have provided free wireless service for about 1 km of the downtown, from east to west along 30th Avenue, and up to 100 meters north to south of 30th Avenue. "The wireless foot print would provide coverage for an estimated 100,000 meters square, and would provide public WiFi service for about 340 businesses," he says.
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Details of Grant applications brought forward by staff for Council Consideration can be found in the Agenda Package
of July 31. These Grant applications were a 50-50 match. i.e the WiFi Project was $200,000 of which $100,000 would be paid for by the taxpayers.
An upgrade to the Vernon airport is the city's top priority for a federal grant. Mayor Rob Sawatzky says council has agreed to seek $400,000 from the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund to resurface the facility's runway. "It's starting to crack, and we need to do the resurfacing no later than three years or we'll run into much bigger costs." If the city gets the grant, it will provide another $200,000 for the resurfacing. The city will also apply for $150,000 to replace playground equipment at Mission Hill and Kiwanis parks (second priority for grant), and $50,000 for upgrading the Vernon Community Arts Centre (third). Council has shot down a proposal to provide free WiFi Internet in the downtown core. If approved, the city would have applied for a $200,000 grant, along with providing $100,000 of city funds. However, Mayor Sawatzky says the majority of council was opposed. "The reasons were mainly that it was interfering with private businesses providing the same service." Sawatzky was in favour of the idea, saying many other communities provide free WiFi. He tells Kiss FM, "WiFi in the downtown core probably fits with the marketing image of ourselves, tourist-friendly, business-friendly, that sort of thing." Wayne Ikesaka, the city's information services manager says the project would have provided free wireless service for about 1 km of the downtown, from east to west along 30th Avenue, and up to 100 meters north to south of 30th Avenue. "The wireless foot print would provide coverage for an estimated 100,000 meters square, and would provide public WiFi service for about 340 businesses," he says.
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| Original Recommendation from Staff |
Details of Grant applications brought forward by staff for Council Consideration can be found in the Agenda Package
of July 31. These Grant applications were a 50-50 match. i.e the WiFi Project was $200,000 of which $100,000 would be paid for by the taxpayers.Facility referendum looms in spring
By Roger Knox - Vernon Morning Star Published: August 03, 2012 1:00 AM
One Regional District of North Okanagan official presumes a referendum on borrowing funds for a proposed sports facility at Okanagan College will go ahead in the spring. Tannis Nelson, the community development coordinator with RDNO, gave Greater Vernon Advisory Committee directors an update into the ongoing process since it was announced that a facility would be built at the college, and after the Agricultural Land Commission gave the regional district a deadline of having the facility completely constructed by November 2014. “We have a recommended timeline and we’re undergoing two concurrent processes, community education and legislative,” said Nelson. “The legislative process is driven by the regional district. The community education is driven by the community with the support of the regional district for truthful facts on the project.” Nelson said the regional district is meeting with the community groups identified as key stakeholders for the future facility, including track and field, walkers, minor football, Kal RATS running and triathlon club, field lacrosse, rugby, the Vernon school district, and Interior Health. They are discussing what the group’s capacities are for advocating for the facility and do they have a time commitment and support for going into a referendum. “What is that timing, what is their ideal voting day, we’re working alongside them and we’re in that process now,” said Nelson. “We’re presuming we’re going to referendum in the spring.” From the legislative side, Nelson said there are a couple of key milestones that will help determine the final timeline. There will be a need to develop a loan authorization bylaw to borrow up to $8.5 million for the facility, and the question that will appear on the referendum ballot which will have to be passed by the appropriate authorities. The approval of the inspector of municipalities will be required. If passed by the inspector, the vote must be held within 80 days, and a referendum notice would have to be issued no more than 30 days prior to the vote. “We haven’t determined dates at this point because we haven’t pinned down dates,” said Nelson. “We have identified months.” If things go as expected, pre-consultation planning, public consultation, facility design and tender would take place between January and April 2013. Construction on the facility would start in November 2013.
“With the design and tendering process, along with the referendum, done in the spring, this should give us plenty of time to start construction in November,” said Nelson. “There shouldn’t be any concerns starting then.” GVAC directors Bob Fleming and Rob Sawatsky both thought the original pricetag for the facility was in the neighbourhood of $6 or $6.5 million. “It’s an easy way for the referendum to fail if the numbers keep going up,” said Fleming. Nelson assured directors that a resolution had been passed to borrow $8.5 million and that the original design estimate was $7.8 million. “The referendum gives us the authority to borrow $8.5 million, it doesn’t mean we’ll spend $8.5 million,” she said. “If the tender comes in at $6 million, that’s what we’ll spend. We wouldn’t borrow more than we need.”
One Regional District of North Okanagan official presumes a referendum on borrowing funds for a proposed sports facility at Okanagan College will go ahead in the spring. Tannis Nelson, the community development coordinator with RDNO, gave Greater Vernon Advisory Committee directors an update into the ongoing process since it was announced that a facility would be built at the college, and after the Agricultural Land Commission gave the regional district a deadline of having the facility completely constructed by November 2014. “We have a recommended timeline and we’re undergoing two concurrent processes, community education and legislative,” said Nelson. “The legislative process is driven by the regional district. The community education is driven by the community with the support of the regional district for truthful facts on the project.” Nelson said the regional district is meeting with the community groups identified as key stakeholders for the future facility, including track and field, walkers, minor football, Kal RATS running and triathlon club, field lacrosse, rugby, the Vernon school district, and Interior Health. They are discussing what the group’s capacities are for advocating for the facility and do they have a time commitment and support for going into a referendum. “What is that timing, what is their ideal voting day, we’re working alongside them and we’re in that process now,” said Nelson. “We’re presuming we’re going to referendum in the spring.” From the legislative side, Nelson said there are a couple of key milestones that will help determine the final timeline. There will be a need to develop a loan authorization bylaw to borrow up to $8.5 million for the facility, and the question that will appear on the referendum ballot which will have to be passed by the appropriate authorities. The approval of the inspector of municipalities will be required. If passed by the inspector, the vote must be held within 80 days, and a referendum notice would have to be issued no more than 30 days prior to the vote. “We haven’t determined dates at this point because we haven’t pinned down dates,” said Nelson. “We have identified months.” If things go as expected, pre-consultation planning, public consultation, facility design and tender would take place between January and April 2013. Construction on the facility would start in November 2013.
“With the design and tendering process, along with the referendum, done in the spring, this should give us plenty of time to start construction in November,” said Nelson. “There shouldn’t be any concerns starting then.” GVAC directors Bob Fleming and Rob Sawatsky both thought the original pricetag for the facility was in the neighbourhood of $6 or $6.5 million. “It’s an easy way for the referendum to fail if the numbers keep going up,” said Fleming. Nelson assured directors that a resolution had been passed to borrow $8.5 million and that the original design estimate was $7.8 million. “The referendum gives us the authority to borrow $8.5 million, it doesn’t mean we’ll spend $8.5 million,” she said. “If the tender comes in at $6 million, that’s what we’ll spend. We wouldn’t borrow more than we need.”
Vernon fire service amalgamation launched
By Roger Knox - Vernon Morning Star Published: August 03, 2012 1:00 AM
The City of Vernon has doused renewing a fire services contract with the Okanagan Landing department. At an in-camera meeting July 23, council authorized city administrator Will Pearce to notify the Okanagan Landing Volunteer Firefighters Association that the city will not be renewing its contract when it expires Jan. 31, 2013. “On Tuesday, July 31, at 7 p.m., all active firefighters belonging to the Okanagan Landing Volunteer Firefighters Association were invited to join the Vernon Volunteer Firefighters Association, and provide service under the existing agreement between the Vernon Volunteer Firefighters Association and the City of Vernon,” said Vernon Mayor Rob Sawatzky in a city-issued press release. Council’s primary objectives with this initiative are to bring together all volunteer and career firefighters into one cohesive firefighting team. “The benefits will also include a reduction in overall costs while providing skilled, well-trained firefighters to deliver the best emergency response to all residents,” said the release. The City of Vernon has been the beneficiary of the efforts of Okanagan Landing volunteers since 1975, and the fire suppression service has been contracted by the city since 1993 when a boundary extension brought the Landing into municipal limits. “We’re quite disappointed in that obviously, that we’re not going to have a new contract with the city,” said Okanagan Landing fire chief Dan Fuhr on Wednesday. “I haven’t even had a chance to tell the members. We haven’t met yet.” There are currently close to 30 members of the Okanagan Landing volunteer fire department. The city owns the hall and the equipment, and Fuhr said the plan, as it stands now, is to keep the hall manned with volunteers. The news also means Fuhr will have been the chief for only a year. He took over in January when Ed Forslund retired. Fuhr is a 10-year member whose father, Doug, was a charter member with the Landing department and a former chief. “The way they’ve got it set out I don’t think there will be a Landing chief anymore,” said Fuhr. “If we’re joining the Vernon volunteers, they will fall in line with them where everybody reports to chief (Keith) Green.” In the city release, Vernon Fire Rescue said it recognizes the valuable service and high level of dedication of the Okanagan Landing Volunteer Firefighters Association during their contracts with the city. “It is important to note that the members of the association have a rich tradition and history,” said the release. “The objective is to combine the fire force without disrupting the ability of the association to continue other community activities.” Fuhr isn’t sure what the Landing volunteers will do. “It’s a different organization than what we’re a part of, what we signed up to do,” said Fuhr. The city states that its recommendation positions all firefighters, including Vernon career and volunteers, and volunteers currently with Okanagan Landing, to benefit from standardized training, improved safety, economy of scale for budget requirements and a common goal of community service. Along that line, council announced it had approved housing the new water tender truck to Station 1 located at 3401-30th Street. Locating the new fire truck in Station 1 will enable the training of all volunteer and career firefighters on the use of the truck before it is put into service. “Having the fire truck initially at Station 1 allows fleet services, our mechanic and our training division the opportunity to develop maintenance and deployment guidelines for the new apparatus which will help us to use our resources in the most practical and safe manner,” said Vernon Fire Rescue Services chief Keith Green. On completion of training, the new truck will be permanently deployed to a location which will provide the best service to the city.
The City of Vernon has doused renewing a fire services contract with the Okanagan Landing department. At an in-camera meeting July 23, council authorized city administrator Will Pearce to notify the Okanagan Landing Volunteer Firefighters Association that the city will not be renewing its contract when it expires Jan. 31, 2013. “On Tuesday, July 31, at 7 p.m., all active firefighters belonging to the Okanagan Landing Volunteer Firefighters Association were invited to join the Vernon Volunteer Firefighters Association, and provide service under the existing agreement between the Vernon Volunteer Firefighters Association and the City of Vernon,” said Vernon Mayor Rob Sawatzky in a city-issued press release. Council’s primary objectives with this initiative are to bring together all volunteer and career firefighters into one cohesive firefighting team. “The benefits will also include a reduction in overall costs while providing skilled, well-trained firefighters to deliver the best emergency response to all residents,” said the release. The City of Vernon has been the beneficiary of the efforts of Okanagan Landing volunteers since 1975, and the fire suppression service has been contracted by the city since 1993 when a boundary extension brought the Landing into municipal limits. “We’re quite disappointed in that obviously, that we’re not going to have a new contract with the city,” said Okanagan Landing fire chief Dan Fuhr on Wednesday. “I haven’t even had a chance to tell the members. We haven’t met yet.” There are currently close to 30 members of the Okanagan Landing volunteer fire department. The city owns the hall and the equipment, and Fuhr said the plan, as it stands now, is to keep the hall manned with volunteers. The news also means Fuhr will have been the chief for only a year. He took over in January when Ed Forslund retired. Fuhr is a 10-year member whose father, Doug, was a charter member with the Landing department and a former chief. “The way they’ve got it set out I don’t think there will be a Landing chief anymore,” said Fuhr. “If we’re joining the Vernon volunteers, they will fall in line with them where everybody reports to chief (Keith) Green.” In the city release, Vernon Fire Rescue said it recognizes the valuable service and high level of dedication of the Okanagan Landing Volunteer Firefighters Association during their contracts with the city. “It is important to note that the members of the association have a rich tradition and history,” said the release. “The objective is to combine the fire force without disrupting the ability of the association to continue other community activities.” Fuhr isn’t sure what the Landing volunteers will do. “It’s a different organization than what we’re a part of, what we signed up to do,” said Fuhr. The city states that its recommendation positions all firefighters, including Vernon career and volunteers, and volunteers currently with Okanagan Landing, to benefit from standardized training, improved safety, economy of scale for budget requirements and a common goal of community service. Along that line, council announced it had approved housing the new water tender truck to Station 1 located at 3401-30th Street. Locating the new fire truck in Station 1 will enable the training of all volunteer and career firefighters on the use of the truck before it is put into service. “Having the fire truck initially at Station 1 allows fleet services, our mechanic and our training division the opportunity to develop maintenance and deployment guidelines for the new apparatus which will help us to use our resources in the most practical and safe manner,” said Vernon Fire Rescue Services chief Keith Green. On completion of training, the new truck will be permanently deployed to a location which will provide the best service to the city.
Thursday, August 02, 2012
Rec Fees To Rise
Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM Thursday, 02 August 2012 19:09 
The cost to get fit in Greater Vernon's recreation facilities is going up. Greater Vernon Advisory Committee members have approved fee hikes of 2.37 percent for everything from public swimming to ice rentals, starting September 1. The increases are needed to meet cost of living jumps in utilities and wages. It means adults will pay an extra ten cents for public swimming and skating, to around $5. The fees will be reviewed again in March, when they could be reduced, with the end of the HST. The board also directed RDNO staff to have a policy discussion about how future rates are set.
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Don Quixote Note: Greater Vernon Advisory Committee Agenda
P.24 and on will show the proposed New Rates in effect from Sept. 1 , 2012 until March 31, 2013.
On April 1, 2013 as the 12% HST will disappear in B.C. the only extra tax on the base charges will be the 5% GST. Before this time the GVAC committee will decide whether to reduce the total charges by 7% or extend the rates and pocket this tax reduction.
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If you go out for a meal, get a haircut, buy a gym membership, or buy a bag of potato chips, you will have noticed that some items have more tax as a result of the HST in B.C. Below are some common examples of everyday purchases that have more tax due to the HST.
Basic Cable Television
Local Residential Phone
Repair to Certain Household Appliances (e.g., Stoves, Ovens, Refrigerators, Washers, and Dryers)
Repair, Maintenance or Renovation Services for Real Property (e.g., Plumbing Electrical Wiring)
Landscaping, Lawn-Care, Private Snow Removal and House Cleaning
Computer Software Repair Services (e.g., virus removal or software installation)
Funeral Services
Fitness Trainer
Hair Stylist/Barber
Esthetician Services (e.g., Manicures, Pedicures, Facials)
Accounting Services
Interior Design Services
Wedding Planning Services
Veterinarian Services
Dry Cleaning
Catering and Event Planning Services (e.g., planning, consulting, coordinating and organizing)
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On April 1, 2013 your Accounting Services, Vet Bills Cable etc. should show a 7% reduction.
The cost to get fit in Greater Vernon's recreation facilities is going up. Greater Vernon Advisory Committee members have approved fee hikes of 2.37 percent for everything from public swimming to ice rentals, starting September 1. The increases are needed to meet cost of living jumps in utilities and wages. It means adults will pay an extra ten cents for public swimming and skating, to around $5. The fees will be reviewed again in March, when they could be reduced, with the end of the HST. The board also directed RDNO staff to have a policy discussion about how future rates are set.
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Don Quixote Note: Greater Vernon Advisory Committee Agenda
P.24 and on will show the proposed New Rates in effect from Sept. 1 , 2012 until March 31, 2013.
On April 1, 2013 as the 12% HST will disappear in B.C. the only extra tax on the base charges will be the 5% GST. Before this time the GVAC committee will decide whether to reduce the total charges by 7% or extend the rates and pocket this tax reduction.
-----------
If you go out for a meal, get a haircut, buy a gym membership, or buy a bag of potato chips, you will have noticed that some items have more tax as a result of the HST in B.C. Below are some common examples of everyday purchases that have more tax due to the HST.
Basic Cable Television
Local Residential Phone
Repair to Certain Household Appliances (e.g., Stoves, Ovens, Refrigerators, Washers, and Dryers)
Repair, Maintenance or Renovation Services for Real Property (e.g., Plumbing Electrical Wiring)
Landscaping, Lawn-Care, Private Snow Removal and House Cleaning
Computer Software Repair Services (e.g., virus removal or software installation)
Funeral Services
Fitness Trainer
Hair Stylist/Barber
Esthetician Services (e.g., Manicures, Pedicures, Facials)
Accounting Services
Interior Design Services
Wedding Planning Services
Veterinarian Services
Dry Cleaning
Catering and Event Planning Services (e.g., planning, consulting, coordinating and organizing)
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On April 1, 2013 your Accounting Services, Vet Bills Cable etc. should show a 7% reduction.
Timeline Tracked For Sports Complex Vote
Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM Thursday, 02 August 2012 16:10
It looks like Greater Vernon residents could be voting on a sports complex proposal next spring. RDNO staff say that's the likely timeline for getting a referendum in place, saying talks with projected user groups is currently underway. The vote would seek consent to borrow up to 8.5 million dollars for a track and field facility on 5.8 hectares of farm land next to, and owned by, Okanagan College in Coldstream. Community development coordinator Tannis Nelson presented the GVAC board with a 'referendum timeline,' which includes a community education process and a legislative process. "We haven't pin-pointed a date yet. At this point,we've been meeting with community groups, the user groups identified as being key stakeholders for the facility. We've been discussing what is their capacity for advocating for this project, and do they have a preference for timing (for voting day)." In her report, Nelson lists thousands of projected users as the Vernon Amateur Athletic Association, Vernon Minor Football, School District 22 football, elementary school track meets, field lacrosse, Healthy Heart, rugby, the Kal Rats running club and general community use. Vernon director Rob Sawatzky feels the process is progressing, despite some criticism that nothing's happening. "It's not that nothing's being done. There's a considerable amount of procedure that needs to be undertaken, and it just takes time." Coldstream director Jim Garlick is pleased a timeline has been developed. "That's fine with me. As long as we know when it's achievable, that's the important part." Area B director Bob Fleming was concerned about the projected cost creeping up from what he believed was an original 6 million...to 8.5 million. "It's an easy way to fail, to keep having the thing go up," he said. Nelson responded the 8.5 million is just the amount that will be borrowed, and the project may be done for less. If the vote is approved, Nelson says construction could start in November 2013, and be completed before the mandated deadline from the agricultural land commission of November 2014.
It looks like Greater Vernon residents could be voting on a sports complex proposal next spring. RDNO staff say that's the likely timeline for getting a referendum in place, saying talks with projected user groups is currently underway. The vote would seek consent to borrow up to 8.5 million dollars for a track and field facility on 5.8 hectares of farm land next to, and owned by, Okanagan College in Coldstream. Community development coordinator Tannis Nelson presented the GVAC board with a 'referendum timeline,' which includes a community education process and a legislative process. "We haven't pin-pointed a date yet. At this point,we've been meeting with community groups, the user groups identified as being key stakeholders for the facility. We've been discussing what is their capacity for advocating for this project, and do they have a preference for timing (for voting day)." In her report, Nelson lists thousands of projected users as the Vernon Amateur Athletic Association, Vernon Minor Football, School District 22 football, elementary school track meets, field lacrosse, Healthy Heart, rugby, the Kal Rats running club and general community use. Vernon director Rob Sawatzky feels the process is progressing, despite some criticism that nothing's happening. "It's not that nothing's being done. There's a considerable amount of procedure that needs to be undertaken, and it just takes time." Coldstream director Jim Garlick is pleased a timeline has been developed. "That's fine with me. As long as we know when it's achievable, that's the important part." Area B director Bob Fleming was concerned about the projected cost creeping up from what he believed was an original 6 million...to 8.5 million. "It's an easy way to fail, to keep having the thing go up," he said. Nelson responded the 8.5 million is just the amount that will be borrowed, and the project may be done for less. If the vote is approved, Nelson says construction could start in November 2013, and be completed before the mandated deadline from the agricultural land commission of November 2014.
Former Councillor Blasts GVAC
Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM Thursday, 02 August 2012 15:06
A former Vernon city councillor wants answers why publicly owned land in Coldstream has been turned into what he calls "a swamp."
Barry Beardsell appeared before the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee today, to voice concerns about a lack of leadership and accountability with the parks function. He says land behind the regional district office was once worth a million dollars which he says Coldstream is now ready to give to a developer for a road. "Why it happened is because there was no real leadership within Greater Vernon Parks. This never got approved by the board of Greater Vernon. It was discussions between the manager and developers and the developer's consultants." Beardsell also feels the board's focus on a parks service review has stalled progress on other important issues. "This board has got to stop their fussing about the service review and put this into a workable operation for the benefit of Greater Vernon taxpayers. Everything is going unattended." Coldstream mayor Jim Garlick disputes Beardsell's claims about the park land, calling it "misinformation that just muddies the water." Garlick says it's a very complex issue that involves land swaps for a water treatment centre. He tells Kiss FM, "It involves park land that did exist on Middleton Mountain and then was removed from there which upset a lot of residents and a developer there because they all of a sudden had no park land, and I had to go through a process to develop a park up there in agreement with the school district." The retired accountant raised several other concerns and says he has documentation to back up his claims. GVAC received his comments for information. RDNO administrator Trafford Hall told the committee, the issues will be addressed. "We're not going to write a report on all these things, but we will talk about them. People come here and they have a lot on their chest and they want to get it out and that's good, but but that doesn't mean for every lament we are going to put a staffer on it, writing a response. That would be very expensive." Hall also said earlier: "If we we're to put somebody on all the litany of complaints from Mr. Beardsell, we would have to hire a number of consultants for years."
A former Vernon city councillor wants answers why publicly owned land in Coldstream has been turned into what he calls "a swamp."
Barry Beardsell appeared before the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee today, to voice concerns about a lack of leadership and accountability with the parks function. He says land behind the regional district office was once worth a million dollars which he says Coldstream is now ready to give to a developer for a road. "Why it happened is because there was no real leadership within Greater Vernon Parks. This never got approved by the board of Greater Vernon. It was discussions between the manager and developers and the developer's consultants." Beardsell also feels the board's focus on a parks service review has stalled progress on other important issues. "This board has got to stop their fussing about the service review and put this into a workable operation for the benefit of Greater Vernon taxpayers. Everything is going unattended." Coldstream mayor Jim Garlick disputes Beardsell's claims about the park land, calling it "misinformation that just muddies the water." Garlick says it's a very complex issue that involves land swaps for a water treatment centre. He tells Kiss FM, "It involves park land that did exist on Middleton Mountain and then was removed from there which upset a lot of residents and a developer there because they all of a sudden had no park land, and I had to go through a process to develop a park up there in agreement with the school district." The retired accountant raised several other concerns and says he has documentation to back up his claims. GVAC received his comments for information. RDNO administrator Trafford Hall told the committee, the issues will be addressed. "We're not going to write a report on all these things, but we will talk about them. People come here and they have a lot on their chest and they want to get it out and that's good, but but that doesn't mean for every lament we are going to put a staffer on it, writing a response. That would be very expensive." Hall also said earlier: "If we we're to put somebody on all the litany of complaints from Mr. Beardsell, we would have to hire a number of consultants for years."
Crown corporation draws taxpayer group’s ire as carbon credit sales plummet
By Gordon Hoekstra, Vancouver Sun August 1, 2012
Private companies bought fewer carbon credits to offset their greenhouse gas emissions in 2011-12 than in the previous year from the Pacific Carbon Trust, showing the province’s carbon corporation is a failure, according to a taxpayers’ group. In 2010-11, the carbon trust sold 7,385 tonnes to private clients such as Helijet International, Coast Hotels and the Vancouver Aquarium. But that figure dropped to 2,167 tonnes in 2011-12 after the trust lost West Coast Air as a client. At $25 per tonne of carbon, the sales to private clients netted the Crown corporation only a little more than $54,000. The cash from private clients is dwarfed by money the Pacific Carbon Trust collects from the B.C. public sector of $18.2 million for nearly 730,000 tonnes of carbon credits. Private companies are not obligated to buy carbon credits to offset greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast, provincial public institutions — including hospitals, universities and schools — have to pay the trust for carbon credits under B.C. law in order to hypothetically reduce their greenhouse gas emissions to zero. (more)
Private companies bought fewer carbon credits to offset their greenhouse gas emissions in 2011-12 than in the previous year from the Pacific Carbon Trust, showing the province’s carbon corporation is a failure, according to a taxpayers’ group. In 2010-11, the carbon trust sold 7,385 tonnes to private clients such as Helijet International, Coast Hotels and the Vancouver Aquarium. But that figure dropped to 2,167 tonnes in 2011-12 after the trust lost West Coast Air as a client. At $25 per tonne of carbon, the sales to private clients netted the Crown corporation only a little more than $54,000. The cash from private clients is dwarfed by money the Pacific Carbon Trust collects from the B.C. public sector of $18.2 million for nearly 730,000 tonnes of carbon credits. Private companies are not obligated to buy carbon credits to offset greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast, provincial public institutions — including hospitals, universities and schools — have to pay the trust for carbon credits under B.C. law in order to hypothetically reduce their greenhouse gas emissions to zero. (more)
Wednesday, August 01, 2012
Landing Fire-Fighters To Join Vernon
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| Okanagan Landing Fire Department |
The Okanagan Landing Volunteer Firefighters are being asked to become part of the Vernon association. City council has decided not to renew the fire services agreement with the department. Vernon Fire-Rescue Chief Keith Green tells Kiss FMsays it's a small cost saving. "And we end up with a cohesive fire-fighting force under a single command structure." Green says it wasn't a surprise for the volunteer association as the two grups met Tuesday night. "Their reaction was good. They gathered the information and obviously they have to go back to their membership and explain what the service is going to look like from here. It was an amicable meeting." The move would take effect at the end of January, with the chief saying it'll be a busy next six months as they integrate the two departments. The Okanagan Landing department was formed in 1975, operating under contract with the city since amalgamation in 1993.
BCLC Gaming Grants Apr 1 2012 to July 19, 2012
Gaming Grants Paid to Community Organizations - 2012/13 Year-to-Date Report (by community) - April 1, 2012 to July 19, 2012 Generated: July 20, 2012 Report period: April 1, 2012 to July 19, 2012 (Government fiscal year 2012/13)
http://www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/gaming/revenue/index.htm
2012/13 Gaming Grants Report (YTD report by community) [PDF] [XLS]
2012/13 Gaming Grants Report (YTD report by community) [PDF] [XLS]
Landing Volunteer Fire Department Disappointed Contract Not Renewed - Mayor says there will be cost savings
105.7 SUNFM 8/1/2012
A City of Vernon new release states - July 23 in an in camera meeting, Vernon City Council authorized the CAO to provide notification, to the Okanagan Landing Volunteer Firefighters Association President, that the City of Vernon will not be renewing the Fire Services Agreement upon expiration on January 31, 2013. "Tuesday, July 31st at 7:00 p.m., all active firefighters belonging to the Okanagan Landing Volunteer Firefighters Association were invited to join the Vernon Volunteer Firefighters Association, and provide service under the existing agreement between the Vernon Volunteer Firefighters Association and the City of Vernon," says Rob Sawatzky, Mayor of Vernon. Council's primary objectives with this initiative are to bring together all volunteer and career fire fighters into one cohesive fire fighting team. The benefits will also include a reduction in overall costs while providing skilled, well trained fire fighters to deliver the best emergency response to all residents. The community has been the beneficiary of fire suppression services from the Okanagan Landing Volunteer Firefighters Association since 1975. The service has been contracted by the City of Vernon since 1993 when the boundary extension brought the area commonly known as Okanagan Landing into the municipal limits. Vernon Fire Rescue recognizes the valuable service and high level of dedication of the Okanagan Landing Volunteer Firefighters Association during their contracts with the City. It is important to note that the members of the Association have a rich tradition and history. The objective is to combine the fire force without disrupting the ability of the Association to continue other community activities. Additionally, the recommendation positions all firefighters, including Vernon career and volunteers, and volunteers currently with Okanagan Landing, to benefit from standardized training, improved safety, economy of scale for budget requirements and a common goal of community service. Council endorsed the initial deployment of the new City of Vernon Fire Truck (Water Tender) to Station 1 located at 3401 - 30 Street. Locating the new fire truck in Station 1 will enable the training of all volunteer and career firefighters on the use of the truck before it is put into service. On completion of training, the new truck will be permanently deployed to a location which will provide the best service to the City. Chief Keith Green of Vernon Fire Rescue says, "Having the fire truck initially at Station 1 allows fleet services, our mechanic and our training division the opportunity to develop maintenance and deployment guidelines for the new apparatus which will help us to use our resources in the most practical and safe manner."
Both the Mayor and Chief Green say the hall will continue to operate with volunteers. Ok Landing Chief, Dan Fuhr says they just found out last night and the members haven't even had a chance to talk about it, but says they are disappointed the city decided not to renew their contract.
A City of Vernon new release states - July 23 in an in camera meeting, Vernon City Council authorized the CAO to provide notification, to the Okanagan Landing Volunteer Firefighters Association President, that the City of Vernon will not be renewing the Fire Services Agreement upon expiration on January 31, 2013. "Tuesday, July 31st at 7:00 p.m., all active firefighters belonging to the Okanagan Landing Volunteer Firefighters Association were invited to join the Vernon Volunteer Firefighters Association, and provide service under the existing agreement between the Vernon Volunteer Firefighters Association and the City of Vernon," says Rob Sawatzky, Mayor of Vernon. Council's primary objectives with this initiative are to bring together all volunteer and career fire fighters into one cohesive fire fighting team. The benefits will also include a reduction in overall costs while providing skilled, well trained fire fighters to deliver the best emergency response to all residents. The community has been the beneficiary of fire suppression services from the Okanagan Landing Volunteer Firefighters Association since 1975. The service has been contracted by the City of Vernon since 1993 when the boundary extension brought the area commonly known as Okanagan Landing into the municipal limits. Vernon Fire Rescue recognizes the valuable service and high level of dedication of the Okanagan Landing Volunteer Firefighters Association during their contracts with the City. It is important to note that the members of the Association have a rich tradition and history. The objective is to combine the fire force without disrupting the ability of the Association to continue other community activities. Additionally, the recommendation positions all firefighters, including Vernon career and volunteers, and volunteers currently with Okanagan Landing, to benefit from standardized training, improved safety, economy of scale for budget requirements and a common goal of community service. Council endorsed the initial deployment of the new City of Vernon Fire Truck (Water Tender) to Station 1 located at 3401 - 30 Street. Locating the new fire truck in Station 1 will enable the training of all volunteer and career firefighters on the use of the truck before it is put into service. On completion of training, the new truck will be permanently deployed to a location which will provide the best service to the City. Chief Keith Green of Vernon Fire Rescue says, "Having the fire truck initially at Station 1 allows fleet services, our mechanic and our training division the opportunity to develop maintenance and deployment guidelines for the new apparatus which will help us to use our resources in the most practical and safe manner."
Both the Mayor and Chief Green say the hall will continue to operate with volunteers. Ok Landing Chief, Dan Fuhr says they just found out last night and the members haven't even had a chance to talk about it, but says they are disappointed the city decided not to renew their contract.
Vernon cyclist strikes pedestrian
By Staff Writer - Vernon Morning Star Published: August 01, 2012 10:00 AM
A cyclist was issued a violation ticket after striking a pedestrian in Vernon Tuesday. The incident occurred just after 7 p.m. on 34th Street and Okanagan Avenue. The 18-year-old Vernon cyclist either couldn’t stop on his bike or didn’t stop for two people in a crosswalk at that location. The bike clipped a 21-year-old man from Kelowna and hit a 24-year-old Vernon man, who was taken to Vernon Jubilee Hospital with a shoulder injury. The cyclist was issued a ticket for careless cycling under the Motor Vehicle Act. A witness in a vehicle that had stopped for the men in the crosswalk called the police.
A cyclist was issued a violation ticket after striking a pedestrian in Vernon Tuesday. The incident occurred just after 7 p.m. on 34th Street and Okanagan Avenue. The 18-year-old Vernon cyclist either couldn’t stop on his bike or didn’t stop for two people in a crosswalk at that location. The bike clipped a 21-year-old man from Kelowna and hit a 24-year-old Vernon man, who was taken to Vernon Jubilee Hospital with a shoulder injury. The cyclist was issued a ticket for careless cycling under the Motor Vehicle Act. A witness in a vehicle that had stopped for the men in the crosswalk called the police.
Grant applications target airport runway, parks
By Jennifer Smith - Vernon Morning Star Published: August 01, 2012 1:00 AM
Efforts to establish free downtown Wifi have been disconnected in favour of some higher priority projects. Vernon council agreed that upgrades to the runway at Vernon Regional Airport and replacement of some local playgrounds are more urgent than free broadband internet. “I think free access in the downtown flies in the face of what some of these businesses are trying to promote,” said Coun. Brian Quiring of companies such as the Downtown Internet Lounge. The idea was to establish free wifi, at a cost of approximately $200,000 along 30th Avenue (between Safeway and Justice Park). The decision spurs from a special meeting Tuesday, where council approved three grant applications to the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund. There is $18 million available in B.C. for no more than 50 per cent of eligible project costs. Vernon’s top priority in its grant application is to place runway overlay at the local airport (a $200,000 project that is overdue). “We have to do the runway, to me that’s the No. 1 priority,” said Coun. Catherine Lord. The city is also hoping to acquire some funds to replace deteriorating playground equipment at Mission Hill and Kiwanis parks ($150,000). Coun. Patrick Nicol insisted that Alexis Park be included (approximately $50,000). “Alexis Park is key. Let’s get these done,” said Coun. Nicol of the playgrounds that do not meet CSA safety standards. In place of internet, Coun. Quiring suggested that the Vernon Community Arts Centre be included in the grant applications for $50,000 upgrades. The centre is hosting the 2013 Arts B.C. annual conference May 2 and 3 but some renovations are needed to convert an existing storage facility to a coffee/meeting area. Despite suggestions that the centre should apply for a grant on its own, and that the project falls under the Regional District of North Okanagan’s jurisdiction, Vernon council agreed to include the project in its application. “It’s just such a vibrant organization and it’s a practical thing that they’re requiring,” said Coun. Nicol, noting that none of the facilities in Polson Park have gained much support at RDNO in the past. “We have really had no success in getting monies for upgrades at Polson Park.”
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Details of Grant applications brought forward by staff for Council Consideration can be found in the Agenda Package of July 31.
Efforts to establish free downtown Wifi have been disconnected in favour of some higher priority projects. Vernon council agreed that upgrades to the runway at Vernon Regional Airport and replacement of some local playgrounds are more urgent than free broadband internet. “I think free access in the downtown flies in the face of what some of these businesses are trying to promote,” said Coun. Brian Quiring of companies such as the Downtown Internet Lounge. The idea was to establish free wifi, at a cost of approximately $200,000 along 30th Avenue (between Safeway and Justice Park). The decision spurs from a special meeting Tuesday, where council approved three grant applications to the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund. There is $18 million available in B.C. for no more than 50 per cent of eligible project costs. Vernon’s top priority in its grant application is to place runway overlay at the local airport (a $200,000 project that is overdue). “We have to do the runway, to me that’s the No. 1 priority,” said Coun. Catherine Lord. The city is also hoping to acquire some funds to replace deteriorating playground equipment at Mission Hill and Kiwanis parks ($150,000). Coun. Patrick Nicol insisted that Alexis Park be included (approximately $50,000). “Alexis Park is key. Let’s get these done,” said Coun. Nicol of the playgrounds that do not meet CSA safety standards. In place of internet, Coun. Quiring suggested that the Vernon Community Arts Centre be included in the grant applications for $50,000 upgrades. The centre is hosting the 2013 Arts B.C. annual conference May 2 and 3 but some renovations are needed to convert an existing storage facility to a coffee/meeting area. Despite suggestions that the centre should apply for a grant on its own, and that the project falls under the Regional District of North Okanagan’s jurisdiction, Vernon council agreed to include the project in its application. “It’s just such a vibrant organization and it’s a practical thing that they’re requiring,” said Coun. Nicol, noting that none of the facilities in Polson Park have gained much support at RDNO in the past. “We have really had no success in getting monies for upgrades at Polson Park.”
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of July 31. Penticton’s casino revenues drop
By Joe Fries - Penticton Western News Published: July 31, 2012 3:00 PM
B.C. Lotteries Corporation produced a record profit last year, despite declining revenues at most casinos that meant less money for host local governments like Penticton. Net income across all BCLC operations hit $1.1 billion for 2011-12 on revenues of $2.7 billion, according to its annual report released last week. Casinos and community gaming centres generated about 75 per cent of the total profit, while lotteries produced the balance. All told, profit was up $1.7 million over the record number posted in 2010-11. However, at the Lake City Casino in Penticton, the so-called net win, which equals total revenue minus prize pay-outs, slipped to $29.3 million, down about $291,000 from a year earlier. Net win was also down at the Playtime Gaming Penticton bingo hall, which took in $2.4 million, representing a $132,000 annual decline. A request for comment to Lake City Casino owner Gateway Casinos was transferred to BCLC, where a spokesperson who asked to remain anonymous said via email: “It’s normal for casino revenue to fluctuate from year to year due to variances in the local economy, and while there are those market fluctuations, overall the casino business is projecting moderate growth in the years ahead.” Net win was down at 11 of B.C.’s 17 casinos in 2011-12, as were pay-outs to the communities they call home. Penticton, which gets a one-tenth share of local casino profits, saw its take decline to $1.7 million, down about $30,000 from a year earlier and $170,000 from five years ago. City treasurer Doug Leahy said last year’s drop won’t have a significant impact of Penticton’s finances as its casino account boasts a small surplus. In addition to the casino profit, Penticton also receives about $4 million in annual development assistance compensation payments from BCLC, which it’s using to pay down debt on the South Okanagan Events Centre. Penticton and 29 other host local governments in B.C. received a combined $83.1 million cut from gambling establishments last year to boost local spending. The province passed along another $135 million in gaming grants to community groups. The lion’s share of BCLC’s net income, $696.3 million, was transferred to the provincial government’s coffers as general revenue.
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Don Quixote Note: Local Government Share of Provincial Casino and Community Gaming Centre Revenue: 2011/12 Year-to-Date Report [PDF] $139,038 decrease in Fiscal 2011/12 from Fiscal 2010.11
B.C. Lotteries Corporation produced a record profit last year, despite declining revenues at most casinos that meant less money for host local governments like Penticton. Net income across all BCLC operations hit $1.1 billion for 2011-12 on revenues of $2.7 billion, according to its annual report released last week. Casinos and community gaming centres generated about 75 per cent of the total profit, while lotteries produced the balance. All told, profit was up $1.7 million over the record number posted in 2010-11. However, at the Lake City Casino in Penticton, the so-called net win, which equals total revenue minus prize pay-outs, slipped to $29.3 million, down about $291,000 from a year earlier. Net win was also down at the Playtime Gaming Penticton bingo hall, which took in $2.4 million, representing a $132,000 annual decline. A request for comment to Lake City Casino owner Gateway Casinos was transferred to BCLC, where a spokesperson who asked to remain anonymous said via email: “It’s normal for casino revenue to fluctuate from year to year due to variances in the local economy, and while there are those market fluctuations, overall the casino business is projecting moderate growth in the years ahead.” Net win was down at 11 of B.C.’s 17 casinos in 2011-12, as were pay-outs to the communities they call home. Penticton, which gets a one-tenth share of local casino profits, saw its take decline to $1.7 million, down about $30,000 from a year earlier and $170,000 from five years ago. City treasurer Doug Leahy said last year’s drop won’t have a significant impact of Penticton’s finances as its casino account boasts a small surplus. In addition to the casino profit, Penticton also receives about $4 million in annual development assistance compensation payments from BCLC, which it’s using to pay down debt on the South Okanagan Events Centre. Penticton and 29 other host local governments in B.C. received a combined $83.1 million cut from gambling establishments last year to boost local spending. The province passed along another $135 million in gaming grants to community groups. The lion’s share of BCLC’s net income, $696.3 million, was transferred to the provincial government’s coffers as general revenue.
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Don Quixote Note: Local Government Share of Provincial Casino and Community Gaming Centre Revenue: 2011/12 Year-to-Date Report [PDF] $139,038 decrease in Fiscal 2011/12 from Fiscal 2010.11
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