November 11, 2007
Little is known about a meeting that had Greater Vernon politicians behind closed doors.
Members of Vernon and Coldstream councils, as well as the Areas B and C directors, were part of a mediated workshop late Thursday and all day Friday.
Discussions revolved around water, economic development and parks and recreation, but specific details were not available by press time.
“Our group has really rolled up its sleeves in a good discussion about the issues,” said Jerry Oglow, North Okanagan Regional District chairman, during a break in talks Friday.
“The mediator has found some common ground and he is determined to find out what the obstacles are.”
Oglow recently stated that a mediator was necessary because all parties in Greater Vernon were stalled in their positions.
As of Friday, Oglow said he was cautiously optimistic the situation could be resolved.
But other meeting participants were unwilling to comment on whether the discussions provided them with hope.
“I couldn’t answer that,” said Area C director Stan Field when contacted.
The primary matter on the table was water distribution and whether it should continue to remain a function of the Greater Vernon Services Committee or if it should become the responsibility of the individual jurisdictions.
The thrust for a change in distribution is coming from the City of Vernon, largely because of the level of development occurring.
However, there have also been some disagreements over economic development.
Field and Cliff Kanester, Area B director, have threatened to withdraw from the Greater Vernon economic development function unless it’s expanded to include other communities in the North Okanagan.
Field and Kanester have also suggested that the city take over parks and recreation management and that their areas just pay for services they receive.
Even if an agreement originates from the workshop, Oglow admits that technical issues would have to be worked out.
“We are trying to resolve the political side of the debate and then we would turn it over to staff to implement it,” he said.
No one from Vernon and Coldstream councils could be reached for comment.
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