Saturday, October 3, 2009

Readers write

Oct.2 2009

An article written in Vernon's Morning Star by Richard Rolke on September 23, 2009 listed concerns by Vernon's Mayor Lippert and Mike Gavinchuk, B.X -Swan Lake Director regarding water distribution between Coldstream and the Greater Vernon Area.

Mr. Lippert, Mayor of Vernon represents many people that support Agriculture. They understand the need to protect the Farmer's right to access water.

The Agricultural Advisory Committee that was organized by Coldstream in 2008 reported that 110 Farms in Coldstream Municipality are involved with Equestrian Activities.

Mr. Lippert has stated " we're not opposed to subsidizing true agriculture use, but we have an issue with people who aren't true farmers getting a lower rate".

Mr. Gavinchuk said "just because you have Horses doesn't mean you qualify. You must have a product ". Both Mr. Lippert and Mr. Gavinchuk will be relieved to note that the Water Rate Determination Policy (101W) set by the Greater Water Services clearly answers both concerns.

eg. 1. “The Property has current B.C. Farm Classification it is Automatically Eligible for the Agricultural Water Rate.”
5 b.
Property is used for Agricultural purposes.
(x) Horse Rearing
(x1) Horse Boarding
The Okanagan Valley has always been recognized for its favourable climate and habitat for raising Horses, and therefore we have one of the largest Horse populations in the Province of British Columbia.

Water Policy for agriculture (B.C. Agricultural Council) "Insists that the preservation of Farmland and maintenance of the Agricultural Land Reserve in many regions requires the provision of adequate water at a not for profit cost and security of access to produce agricultural products on that land " , ( This includes hay and grass).

Vernon has a Racetrack that has had racing almost continuously since 1885. Although it was a Gift to the City of Vernon, as was O'Keefe Ranch, the Race Track struggles to exist, and only is protected by its Trust Conditions issued with the gift of the Track, when it was given to the City. I am not aware of grants or financial assistance, like O'Keefe Ranch receives.

The Racetrack is a support for our Horse Industry. Spruce Meadows in Calgary, Alberta had between seventy and ninety thousand people attend their Horse Show each day this September.
Most people appreciate " the Horse" for their place in the development of our Country and the importance of Equestrian Sport to Canada's Economy. The World has become a fan of Horse Jumping.

The E-mail below (see previous post) was sent to me on September 29. Although addressed to Mr. Obama, readers I hope, will understand this Memo and smile with the people of Canada as well as in the United States that are involved in the Horse Industry.

We can still laugh at ourselves for the obviously unappreciated Capital Investments we contribute to our industry annually.

Sincerely
Lois E. Philp

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The opinions expressed by "Coldstreamer" are strictly his own and do not represent the opinions of Coldstream Council!

Because I value your thoughtful opinions, I encourage you to add a comment to this discussion. Don't be offended if I edit your comments for clarity or to keep out questionable matters, however, and I may even delete off-topic comments.

Gyula Kiss
coldstreamer@shaw.ca;

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About Me

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I have been a resident of Coldstream since 1976. I have had 15 years of experience on Council, 3 years as Mayor. As a current Councillor I am working to achieve fair water and sewer rates and to ensure that taxpayers get fair treatment. The current direction regarding water supply is unsustainable and I am doing all I can to get the most cost effective water supply possible.