Friday, January 29, 2010

Photo gallery: Odd duck. Courtesy: Debbie Gibson.




It appears that a domestic Pekin duck got mixed in with the flock, but then it flew! Domestic ducks don't do that.


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Paying for police.

Mayor Lippert does not seem to have enough to do in his own job, he seems to want to direct the affairs of Coldstream as well (see Paying for police CHBC News). Yet I did not see his name on the Coldstream ballots during the last civic elections.

Wayne Lippert had an opportunity to run for a seat in the provincial legislation as well. He eventually decided not to pursue the position. Had he done so he could have had the opportunity to change provincial legislation with regards to policing costs.

Mayor Lippert does not seem to understand that most of the businesses to be protected by police are located in the city. All the banks, department stores, financial institutions, jewelery stores and the like are in his jurisdiction. At the same time it is a well known fact that crime rate in Coldstream is among the lowest in the province.

It is Coldstream Council's decision how many police officers they hire as long as the numbers meet provincial guidelines and satisfy the needs of the residents of Coldstream. If our citizens feel the need to hire more officers and they are willing to pay for more Council would definitely entertain the issue.

It is not proper for a Mayor of any jurisdiction to try to dictate to a duly elected Council of another jurisdiction. He has made several comments about possible amalgamation in the future, as did other Vernon Mayors in the past, but amalgamation will also be the decision of the residents of Coldstream if ever they selected that option through a legitimate referendum.

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Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Mayor Calls Police Funding Unfair – by Peter McIntyre

Vernon's mayor is concerned about what he calls "unfair funding" for local police.

Wayne Lippert says Coldstream pays for seven police officers, while Areas B and C fund ten, which he says doesn't allow for those areas to be policed 24-7.

" I don't believe it's fair for police officers from the city of Vernon to be going out on regular calls in the other jurisdictions where we're not getting paid. I don't have any problem (when it's for) emergencies, but (not when it's) for general policing duties. And from what I understand, from the (RCMP) superintendent, they have to send more than one police officer to a call."

Lippert says Vernon officers pick up the slack on a regular basis which he doesn't think is fair.

The mayor feels the other areas are under funding their police, and he recently discussed the issue with BC Solicitor General Kash Heed.

"Inspector McNamara, who is the second officer in charge, or their staff, should be going to these other jurisdictions and really making them aware they are under funding their policing requirements."

Lippert says its a similar situation with the RCMP's municipal staff.

"Out of the staff we have, we have 30 municipal employees in the detachment. Coldstream only has two."

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This is like “deja vu” all over again, to quote Yogi Berra. I remember an other Wayne of another time singing the same song. I wonder if the next thing coming is a $300,000 surcharge to our sewer fees! Or will it be a condition of settling the water arbitration?

This is from a Mayor who does not like politics and wants to get along with his neighbours! Give me a break!


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Tuesday, January 26, 2010

East Hill Resident comments

Blogger EastHillResident said...

I very much share Mr. Gous's concern to "just keep it factual".

Let's see how factual Mr. Gous's numbers are:

I challenge ANYONE, including Mr. Gous, to show ANY FACTUAL numbers with respect to agricultural consumption.

Perhaps Mr. Gous did not receive his latest Waterlines bulletin.

Agricultural metering is to be completed by 2010. In the meantime, NO METERS = NO CONSUMPTION NUMBERS, merely wild guesstimates.

Perhaps Mr. Gous is relying on that report from his "consultant", that uses "infill data", as in, data that is totally made up, fabricated i.e. NOT FACTUAL.

Let's review:
- Fee setting rationale: Utility operating costs are paid for by the users - ie. all water fee revenues collected = yearly utility operating expenses. Those who benefit from the operation of the service, pay for it.
- Every Greater Vernon water user pays the same rates for water.
- No Vernon users are subsidizing any others.
- We all agreed to borrow a horrendous amount of money to improve water quality and quantity for ALL users, not just Vernon's.
- We are all in the same boat, water is a limited SHARED resource and it is up to us ALL to manage it for the betterment of ourselves and future generations.

What would be the fee setting rationale under devolution?

Who decides how much the regional supply utility should charge Vernon, or Coldstream, or B&C?

If the City of Vernon does not find the terms of the GVW operating agreement (STILL OPERATING BUT THE AGREEMENT IS UNSIGNED!) agreeable, then open up discussion at the regional table and tell us what your beef is.

Or how about using your lake outfall, then you might not need TOTAL control over distribution and would be able to dispose of your treated wastewater like every other community in the valley.

Why is it that all of these water problems would go away, simply by giving Vernon total control over decision-making?

I have yet to see anyone make a financial case for devolution. According to Mr. Gous's "consultant's" report, Vernon's water costs would rise while rates would go down, which could lead to a shortfall of as much as $2 million in revenue annually according to my calculations using the same data.

A report with made-up data that shows how a fictional utility might be cheaper than a real one is certainly not FACTUAL.

Until the true cost of water is known, it is not only premature but irresponsible to promote any changes to the current structure.

Something smells.

January 26, 2010 11:29 AM

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Governments of Canada and B.C. and Fraser Basin Council Helping Communities Address Climate Change

Natural Resources Canada
2010/04
January 25, 2010

KELOWNA, B.C. — The Honourable Stockwell Day, President of the Treasury Board and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, today announced a Regional Adaptation Collaborative led by the Government of Canada, the Government of British Columbia and the Fraser Basin Council.

A series of projects will be undertaken over the next three years to help British Columbians address climate change issues by advancing decision making in the areas of water allocation and use, forest and watershed management, flood protection and floodplain management, and community planning.

The new initiative, entitled Preparing for Climate Change: Securing B.C.’s Water Future, is coordinated by the non-profit Fraser Basin Council and the B.C. Ministry of Environment. Natural Resources Canada is providing $3.3 million of the $6.9 million, which includes contributions from 18 partners in provincial ministries, local governments, First Nations and non-governmental organizations, the private sector and academia.

“We must work together to increase our ability to address climate change impacts and to help our communities adapt,” said Minister Day. “We need to take measures that will generate the knowledge, information, tools and partnerships to ensure that we are well-positioned to make appropriate decisions as our climate changes.”

“The Fraser Basin Council is ready to work with communities and resource managers as they explore the best ways possible to manage water resources in a changing climate,” said David Marshall, Executive Director of the Fraser Basin Council. “We are all now faced with a dual challenge: first, to tackle climate change by moving to low-carbon economy and second, to minimize the adverse impacts that climate change is already having on watersheds. A collaborative approach is key to success, along with a frank acknowledgement that water is precious and can’t be taken for granted.”

“This partnership will enhance the knowledge and tools for decision-makers across B.C. to prepare for climate change,” said the Honourable John Yap, B.C. Minister of State for Climate Action. “The province will use the new Regional Adaption Collaborative to implement our Living Water Smart commitments and manage water resources and riparian areas with climate change in mind.”

Activities will include risk assessments, economic analysis, knowledge transfer, consultation and the integration of adaptation measures into planning and decision-making processes.

Funded as part of an $85.9-million investment by the Government of Canada, the initiative builds on the scientific findings of the B.C. chapter of the report From Impacts to Adaptation: Canada in a Changing Climate 2007. This extensive national assessment identified current and expected impacts of climate change across Canada and highlighted the need for a regional approach to adaptation.

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Further to "Need a mathematical genius".

I have received the following comments from an “Anonymous reader” (as it turns out he did sign his comments thus he is no longer anonymous) in response to my post entitled: Need a mathematical genius!.
“Anonymous said...

You are excluding over $2 million collected from Vernon residents from the flat rate connection fee (or availability charge). Total revenue collected from Vernon residents for 2009 is $6.7 million. What is needed is factual information not a math genius.
Also the 2008 budget numbers were as follows:

1) Total Revenue collected from Vernon users $5.9 million
2) Total consumption (including Agriculture) $6.8 million cubic meters
3) $ flow into B,C and Coldstream from Vernon users under GVS structure $3.5 million
4) The saving to Vernon users (just comparing total revenue collected from Vernon users) by going to a true user pay structure with sub-regional Bulk utility $2.5 million.

Please just keep it factual

Regards
Leon Gous”
Since the reader challenged me to be “factual” Following is my reply:

Thank you Mr Gous for finally revealing the true identity of the man (a Coldstream resident) who guides Vernon Council.

You were the man who came to a public meeting in Coldstream’s municipal hall in 2004 and extolled the virtues of the Master Water Plan and urged residents to support the referendum for borrowing $35 million.

I vividly remember your heart-wrenching pleas to vote for the referendum or else we would all perish from Cryptosporidiosis and beaver fever (you did not want to have your young children grow up on this awful water). Yet, having spent millions of dollars many residents in Coldstream and B and C are still drinking the same water.

However, Vernon customers are enjoying highly treated water and the new developments, such as The Rise and Turtle Mountain, were able to materialize. No Goose Lake water for them. At the time you never expressed your concerns of the fact that Vernon residents might have to assist water related costs for the other partners. That concern was only expressed by this writer in a 2002 letter to the Editor (see attached). I assumed, the referendum took care of those concerns. Talk about keeping factual.

As for the “availability charge”: let’s not confuse the issues. That charge is the same for each household (presently $116.60 per month) whether they use any water or not. We could actually consider it the cost of financing the $35 million referendum borrowing. The annual financing charge for $35 million is about $2.5 million. Consider that extra charge to be Vernon’s contribution to financing the borrowed funds.

Do you think any of the partners would have agreed to the original deal had they known that the City could arbitrarily pull out of the deal? I don’t think so!

Those are facts the way I see them!

Thank you for being a reader of my blog.

Gyula



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Sunday, January 24, 2010

Need a mathematical genius!




Here we go again: Mayor Lippert is repeating his claim that Vernon could save $3 million annually by pulling out of water distribution.

Here are the real facts: City residents consumed 4,731,796 m3 of domestic water for which they paid $3,832,755 in 2007.

At the same time Coldstream used 1,323,382 m3 and paid $1,072,216, while Areas B and C used 540,902 m3 and paid $540,382.

Is there a mathematical genius who could save $3 million of the $3,832,755 for the City of Vernon customers? Not in my mind! Unless, of course, city residents will pay 18 cents per m3 of domestic water and Coldstream and B and C residents fork out $2.42 per m3.

Should Coldstream and NORD agree to this sweet deal? Not a chance!

It is embarrassing to see the Chair of GVAC making outlandish comments such as these. He voted to eliminate GVAC, yet he again let his name stand for election as Chair. How could someone who feels the need to eliminate a committee ask to be elected for its Chair?

GVAC is a committee of Greater Vernon Water which the Chair is also hoping to break up. Can he be an unbiased Chairperson for that committee?

Food for thought.

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Selected articles -- Morning Star, January, 2010.

Sunday, January 24, 2010


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Friday, January 22, 2010



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Friday, January 22, 2010

How bad is the economy?



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New Climate Change Adaptation Initiative Announcement



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You're Invited

You're Invited
Sunday January 24th, 2010
7:00 pm
To our spectacular "Vernon Performing Arts Centre"
Okanagan Symphony Concert - "OUR FUTURE"

The Okanagan Symphony is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this Season. This Concert is specifically celebrating youth in the Valley, featuring such up and coming artists as
Alicia and Colleen Venables from Armstrong,
Ok Youth Symphony, and the
Night Owl Orchestra.
It should be a great concert!

Tickets are available at the Ticket Seller (250) 549-SHOW (7469)

$42.00 Adult
$36.00 Senior

$16.00 Student/Child

Also note eyeGO tickets for Highschool students are available for $5.00




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Thursday, January 21, 2010

Water Bulletin -- District of Coldstream and NORD


For information regarding procedures to flash and clean your system please click here.

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Liberals, Conservatives in virtual tie – CBC News



The Liberals and Conservatives are in a virtual tie with voters, says an EKOS poll.The Liberals and Conservatives are in a virtual tie with voters, says an EKOS poll. The Liberals have regained some support among voters and are now in a virtual tie with the Conservatives despite Prime Minister Stephen Harper's swift response to the Haiti quake, an EKOS poll suggests.

It marks the first time the Liberals have drawn so close to the governing party since late summer.

Asked which party they would support if an election were held tomorrow, 30.9 per cent of those polled chose the Liberals and 31.5 per cent backed the Conservatives.

The poll found 14.9 per cent of respondents supporting the NDP, 11.5 per cent the Green Party and 9.1 per cent the Bloc Québécois.

"The Liberals continued to edge upward this week despite Stephen Harper's adroit response to the disaster in Haiti, which dominated the news, obliterating the vexatious issues of prorogation and the treatment of Afghan detainees," said EKOS president Frank Graves.

"However, public opinion sometimes lags the news by a few days," Graves said, adding that it will be important to watch whether the trends are sustained.

Support for the Liberals has increased in Ontario and the Atlantic provinces and is also trending up among younger voters, new Canadians, as well as those who are university educated.

The two parties are virtually tied among women, while the Conservatives retain a narrow lead among men — a demographic group they traditionally lead by a larger margin.

In terms of the direction of the government, Canadians continue to have mixed feelings.

Forty-five per cent feel the government is moving in the right direction while an equal number, 42 per cent, believe they are moving in the wrong direction.

People in Alberta, Canadians 65 and older, and those with a high school education or less are more likely to believe the government is moving in the right direction.

Those with a university-level education are more likely to think the government is moving in the wrong direction.

The key demographic to watch are the baby boomers, who swung to the Conservatives in the last two elections, said Graves.

"Now many are defecting to the Liberals again, apparently unhappy with the Conservatives' governance style. The Conservatives still lead among this group, but their lead is much less significant than it was."

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Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Intrawest's troubles threaten Olympics: report – CBC News

A fight between Wall Street financiers could push the company that owns the Whistler Blackcomb ski resort into insolvency and threaten the Vancouver Olympics, a U.S. newspaper report suggests.

A New York Post report suggests the resort's owners could soon be insolvent, which may threaten the Vancouver Olympics.Back-country skiers descend Blackcomb Mountain. A New York Post report suggests the resort's owners could soon be insolvent, which may threaten the Vancouver Olympics. (Randy Lincks/Associated Press)

According to a story in Wednesday's New York Post, creditors who have loaned $1.4-billion US to the ski resort's owners, Intrawest ULC, are threatening to foreclose on the company and effectively seize control of the resort.

Among numerous ski resorts in Canada and the U.S., Intrawest owns the Whistler Blackcomb resort, which is set to host major ski events at the Winter Olympic Games next month.

In 2006, Wall Street hedge fund Fortress Investments LLC bought Intrawest in a $2.8-billion US deal. Fortress recently missed a $524-million debt payment connected to that purchase.

The primary lender on the Intrawest deal in 2006 was defunct investment bank Lehman Brothers. According to the Post report, the creditors have rejected Fortress's repayment proposal and may be moving to foreclose on the company within 10 days.

New York firm Alvarez and Marsal are handling Lehman's restructuring.

Typically, lenders are willing to work with borrowers to avoid foreclosure. But since Lehman itself is dogged by as much as $1 trillion in creditor claims against it, Alvarez and Marsal have an incentive to push Intrawest into bankruptcy and sell assets to raise funds, the Post story says.

The Post report says Vancouver Olympic organizers are considering pulling their financial backing of Intrawest as a result of the kerfuffle.

Fortress CEO Wes Edens believes he has a legal right to keep the Games from taking place at Whistler if that happens, the Post story says.

On Tuesday, a notice of a public auction to be held Feb. 19, 2010, was published in multiple newspapers in Canada and the United States that solicited bids for a membership interest in Intrawest Holdings. Among the assets in the notice were "partnership interests in two resort properties located in Canada (Whistler and Blackcomb)."
Three-month stock chart of Fortress Investments on the NYSE.Three-month stock chart of Fortress Investments on the NYSE. (CBC)

“We understandably cannot comment on Intrawest's finances beyond our continued support for their efforts to settle outstanding financial matters," VANOC president Dan Doyle said. "What we can confirm is that Whistler Blackcomb is an important partner in the staging of the 2010 Games and we continue working in very close partnership with them to finalize overall preparations and readiness for the skiing and sliding sport events."

"We look forward, with them, to welcoming the world in 23 days," Doyle said.

For its part, Intrawest poured cold water on the report. "We have a 2002 agreement with VANOC to host the Winter Olympics and have every confidence that VANOC will honour its financial commitments," Intrawest CEO Bill Jensen said. "Intrawest is looking forward to a successful Olympic Games.

Jensen said Intrawest is in discussions with lenders regarding refinancing.

"Our company is generating strong cash flow from its resorts. It’s business as usual," Jensen said

Calls to Fortress Investment Group LLC were not returned. A spokesman for Lehman Brothers had no official comment.
Behind-the-scenes efforts expected

Bill Singer, a securities lawyer with RRBD Law in New York, predicted efforts will be made behind the scenes to avoid foreclosure, at least until the Olympics are over, given the amount of money invested in the Games and their high international profile for Canada.

"I can't imagine that it will ultimately mean much," he told CBC News, "because I would assume between [Canadian] government interest and the Olympic Committee there would be something that would be accomplished just to forestall any kind of foreclosure.

"More importantly, assuming that there was some effort to put the properties into foreclosure or bankruptcy, again, I would assume that given the size of the transaction that vested interests would try to find a way to extend and drag out the process," he said.

Singer said the bigger issue is what motivation the lender would have to foreclose.

"What do you do with a ski resort in this economic market? Who would be envisioned as likely becoming a buyer for these distressed properties when the reports all over the United States as well as in Europe and other areas where there's skiing is that … traffic to both golf and ski resorts is down?"

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Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Monday, January 18, 2010

Greater Vernon Water and District of Coldstream Media Release.

For immediate release

January 18, 2010, 5:00 pm

Antwerp Springs Water Source

As of 5:00 pm today, the following notices remain in effect. The “Do Not Drink Water” Notice was downgraded to a “Boil Water” Notice for those residents living west of Murphy Road and Highway 6. The “Do Not Drink Water” Notice remains in effect for residents supplied by the Antwerp Springs well source, living east of Murphy Road at Highway 6. In consultation with Interior Health Authority an Action Plan has been developed that sets out the framework necessary for proceeding.

Notices were hand delivered to all homes in the area downgraded to the “Boil Water Notice”.

This effort was completed by volunteer teams and we respectfully ask customers to verify their
water source if unsure.

For those areas still affected by the “Do Not Drink” Notice, emergency water remains available 24 hours a day at the Lavington Fire Hall on a self-serve basis from a water truck. In addition, disposable plates and cutlery are available for pick up at the Lavington Fire Hall for those residents affected by the “Do Not Drink” Notice. Security is on site if you have any questions.

The shower facilities at the Wesbild Centre are available between 5 a.m. and 12 midnight for use by residents of the affected area. The Wesbild Centre is located at 3445 – 43rd Avenue in Vernon. Enter at either the “Player” or “Main” entrance and proceed to the lower floor, where directions are posted to the shower rooms. Bring your own towels and toiletries.

Questions related to watering livestock should be directed to the Ministry of Agriculture and
Lands at 250-260-3000.

Regional District of North Okanagan and District of Coldstream staff are working in close
consultation with IHA to allow for further downgrades to the status of both areas over the next several days. Three consecutive sets of samples taken 24 hrs apart must be free of bacteria.

The earliest date for change in status will be Wednesday night or Thursday morning.

If you have any questions, please contact Greater Vernon Water at 250-550-3700. Staff will be
available for enquiries from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Please check the website for information and further updates at www.rdno.ca or www.districtofcoldstream.ca.

- 30 –
Contact:
Renee Clark,
Regional District of North Okanagan/ Greater Vernon Water

Phone 250-550-3700,
email info@rdno.ca

or
Irma Breitkreutz,
District of Coldstream,
Phone 250-550-1508
Email info@districtofcoldstream.ca

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Sunday, January 17, 2010

Selected articles -- Morning Star, January 17, 2010.



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Photo gallery: Ready for winter -- Longhorn cattle and calves. Courtesy: Debbie Gibson.



We are ready, where is winter?


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Latest Press Release re: Antwerp Springs water.

For immediate release

January 17, 2010, 5:00 pm

Antwerp Springs Water Source

As of 5:00 pm today, the following notices remain in effect. The “Do Not Drink Water” Noticewas downgraded to a “Boil Water” Notice for those residents living west of Murphy Road and Highway 6. The “Do Not Drink Water” Notice remains in effect for residents supplied by the Antwerp Springs well source, living east of Murphy Road at Highway 6.

Notices were hand delivered to all homes in the area downgraded to the “Boil Water Notice”.

This effort was completed by volunteer teams and we respectfully ask customers to verify their water source if unsure.

For those areas still affected by the “Do Not Drink” Notice emergency water remains available at the Lavington Fire Hall between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm on Sunday, January 17, and then on a self –service basis from a water truck to be stationed at Lavington Fire Hall commencing 8:00 am Monday, January 18. In addition, disposable plates and cutlery will be available for pick-up at the Lavington Fire Hall starting Monday morning for those residents affected by the “Do Not Drink” Notice.

The shower facilities at the Wesbild Centre are available between 5 a.m. and 12 midnight for use by residents of the affected area. The Wesbild Centre is located at 3445 – 43rd Avenue in Vernon. Enter at either the “Player” or “Main” entrance and proceed to the lower floor, where directions are posted to the shower rooms. Bring your own towels and toiletries.

Questions related to watering livestock should be directed to the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands at 250-260-3000.

Regional District of North Okanagan and District of Coldstream staff are working in close
consultation with IHA to allow for further downgrades to the status of both areas over the next several days.

If you have any questions, please contact Greater Vernon Water at 250-550-3700. Staff will be available for enquires from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. throughout the weekend. Please check the website for information and further updates at www.rdno.ca or www.districtofcoldstream.ca.

- 30 –

Contact:

Renee Clark,
Regional District of North Okanagan/ Greater Vernon Water
Phone 250-550-3700,
email info@rdno.ca
or
Irma Breitkreutz,
District of Coldstream,
Phone 250-550-1508
Email info@districtofcoldstream.ca

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Greater Vernon Water History

If you are interested in an concise review of the Greater Vernon Water history please visit the BX-Swan lake website. Under Links click on Greater Vernon Water History.

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Saturday, January 16, 2010

Press releases Re: Water issues.

The following Prewss Releases were issued by NORD and the District of Coldstream on January 16, 2010 at 5:30 p.m.
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Readers write -- Agricultural practices and the community's interest

I am completely annoyed! Having come from Deep Cove North Saanich not known for its water, I expected mountain-fresh water. What we had until recently was liquid filth.

Because of this fiasco we have purchased an almost $200. dollar water cooler and are now buying our water.

One would almost think that certain agricultural practices are intended to make agriculture incompatible with the interests of the community, thereby giving a supporting argument to rezoning.

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Veterans Affairs Minister Greg Thompson announces he is stepping down

1 hour, 3 minutes ago

By The Canadian Press

ST. STEPHEN, N.B. - Veterans Affairs Minister Greg Thompson has resigned from cabinet, saying the time was right for him to step aside.

The New Brunswick MP says he has accomplished the things he set out to do and wanted to leave on his own terms.

The 62-year-old politician says while he still has energy, the job was tiring - only getting home twice between October and the Christmas break.

Thompson says he won't run in the next federal election but will represent his southwest New Brunswick riding until the vote is called.

Thompson has represented his New Brunswick constituency since 1988, including the last four years in cabinet.

There were reports last week that Prime Minister Stephen Harper would shuffle his cabinet, but it was not expected that any of his front-line ministers would be affected.

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Friday, January 15, 2010

Asking for help.

Calling for your help!

The Olympic Torch Relay will be passing through Coldstream from
11:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon on Tuesday, January 26.

Immediately afterwards, the District is hosting a reception for the public in the Council
Chambers from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m.


Volunteers are still needed on
January 26
for three hours from
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
– to serve refreshments at the reception and then clean up afterwards.


Also, drivers are needed to deliver Olympic Games handouts
to local schools on
Monday, January 25.


If you can help out with either of these activities, please contact
Irma at the District of Coldstream at 250 545-5304,
Monday to Friday

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Update - Water issues.

DISTRICT OF COLDSTREAM
MEDIA RELEASE
For immediate release
January 15, 2010, 6:25 p.m.

Antwerp Springs Water Source

As of 4:10 p.m. today, Interior Health has advised that the “Do Not Drink Water” Notice remains in effect for residents supplied by the Antwerp Springs well source, impacting water customers in the Lavington and Coldstream area as far west as McClounie Road.

The shower facilities at the Wesbild Centre are available between 5 a.m. and 1 a.m. for use by residents of the affected area. The Wesbild Centre is located at 3445 – 43rd Avenue in Vernon. Enter at either the “Player” or “Main” entrance and proceed to the lower floor, where directions are posted to the shower rooms. Bring your own towels and toiletries.

Residents of the affected areas may pick up bottled water at the Coldstream Fire Hall and Lavington Fire Hall until 10:00 this evening, and then from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday or as required. The District has arranged for additional supplies of bottled water in limited quantities for emergency domestic use. We encourage residents to purchase their own supply of potable water until this situation is resolved. Due to the current demand for bottled water allocated towards the Haiti earthquake relief effort, we request that residents practice water conservation by taking only as much bottled water as required.

Questions related to watering livestock should be directed to the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands at 250-260-3000.

Inquiries regarding water quality should be directed to Greater Vernon Water at 250-550-3700.

A map of the affected area as well as updated information are posted on the Coldstream website www.districtofcoldstream.ca and on the Regional District website www.rdno.ca. Mayor Garlick has expressed his appreciation to the Coldstream community for their patience, and thanked them in advance for their continued patience.


Sand and Sandbags

For those Coldstream and Lavington experiencing flooding, sand and sandbags are available at two locations:
· On the side of Kalamalka Road across from Postill Drive
· On the side of School Road across from the Lavington ice rink
Please bring your own shovels.

- 30 –
Contact: Irma Breitkreutz,
District of Coldstream,
phone 250-550-1508,
email info@districtofcoldstream.ca

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Interior Health Authority Bulletin for Vernon water users.

Information for those Greater Vernon Water customers who are concerned they have consumed some of the affected water before being informed of the “Do Not Use” notice for the Antwerp Springs well source.

CHBC News, CHBC News, Kelowna: Thursday, January 14, 2010

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

Attention: Greater Vernon Water Residents

For those Greater Vernon Water customers who are concerned they have consumed some of the affected water before being informed of the “Do Not Use” notice for the Antwerp Springs well source, no immediate action is required.

For people who develop symptoms, the main risk would be of diarrheal (gastrointestinal) illness due to infection. Interior Health’s (IH) Medical Health Officer advises those residents in the affected area who may have drunk contaminated water, to seek medical consultation if they develop nausea, vomiting or diarrhea or other symptoms that are of concern to them.

If symptoms are mild, people can contact HealthLinkBC by dialing 8-1-1 (available 24 hours a day, seven days a week), or see their family doctor.

For more information on Waterborne Disease, residents can refer to the attached BC HealthFile at

http://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthfiles/hfile49a.stm

CHBC Video


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Thursday, January 14, 2010

Students Back To School Friday

107.5 Kiss FM Thursday,
14 January 2010 16:41


It will be back to classes Friday for hundreds of Coldstream and Lavington students.

The Vernon School District says after conferring with Interior Health, Lavington, Coldstream and Kalamalka schools will reopen tomorrow after a one day closure.

Superintendent Bev Rundell says precautions will be taken to ensure the safety of students. Washrooms will be functional but all other sources of water will be shut down.

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Cute! -- Deer visits cat in yard every morning!

Deer visits cat in yard every morning! There is nothing more wonderful than animals!!! A cat in Harrisburg has a special friend that visits every morning. The owner finally took pics.



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Coldstream Ratepayers News! All Coldstream residents are ratepayers!

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;

***Coldstreamernews***

***Coldstreamernews***
We must protect our rights and freedom! (Photo courtesy of D. Gibson) Click on eagle to watch EAGLECAMS

About Me

My photo
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.