EDITORIAL: Ultimate sacrifice deserves tribute

North Okanagan posted Nov 11, 2016 at 7:00 AM

Throughout the North Okanagan, ceremonies will be held today to pay tribute to those who fought on behalf of Canada in two world wars and other conflicts.

In many cases, those soldiers, sailors and pilots never returned to their parents, spouses or children. Their dreams and potential were lost to the entire nation.

Others came back, but mental and physical injuries created significant challenges for them, as did reintegrating into daily home life after being away for so many years.

Unfortunately, war is still a reality in our world and Canadian soldiers have done their duty in Afghanistan in recent years. That means, that those same issues and challenges faced by our veterans in the Second World War and Korea have been repeated by their modern-day counterparts.

As you go about your daily lives — whether it’s hanging out with your kids, going to work or simply reading this newspaper — consider how your world would be different if those sacrifices hadn’t been made on our behalf.

Value the freedom we have all been given.

One way to do that is to attend a Remembrance Day ceremony today. Gatherings are scheduled for Enderby, Armstrong, Vernon, Coldstream, Lavington, Lumby, Cherryville and Lake Country.

And if you are unable to do that, at least pause at 11 a.m. to consider those who served and those who continue to serve.

Lest we forget.

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BEYOND THE HEADLINES: Stop the rhetoric

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star
Published: August 03, 2011 1:00 AM

If you listen to Mayor Wayne Lippert, Vernon is the municipal equivalent to Luke Skywalker while Coldstream and the electoral areas get the heavy-breathing role of Darth Vader.

In response to Coldstream announcing it doesn’t support splitting up the water utility, Lippert told Kiss FM, “It just shows they can’t hold to an agreement, so if you can’t hold to an agreement with someone, what kind of partnership can you expect to have?”

Now if my memory holds up, Coldstream has always been fairly consistent that Vernon’s urge to leave water distribution is a mistake and will negatively impact all customers who have invested in the multi-million-dollar system. Coldstream was more likely driven towards letting Vernon withdraw as a way of ending the debate than thinking it’s a good idea.

Lippert’s criticism came at the same time that Vernon council declared opposition to any changes to the parks and recreation function — something Coldstream has wanted.

“The service serves all of the citizens and it’s been working fine,” said Lippert.

While Lippert slams Coldstream for flip-flopping over water, the city’s position on parks has more cracks than 27th Street.

Motions have been passed saying council favours the status quo, but at other times, officials have indicated no concern with some parks being removed from the service and being maintained by individual jurisdictions.

In February 2010, Lippert told The Morning Star that he supported reviewing the scope of the parks function which was formed in 1978.

“The public’s demands have changed and new people have come in. We need to change the service for the better for the needs of our citizens,” he said.

Coldstream’s push for more control over what it considers to be local parks is no different than Vernon insisting it can do better if it’s not part of regional water distribution.

If a go-it alone approach is suitable for Vernon, why is it so against one of its neighbours taking a similar direction?

Ultimately, all residents of Greater Vernon, will be harmed by jurisdictions dropping out of water or parks. Sharing capital and operational costs makes sense instead of placing a significant burden on taxpayers in any one area. In some cases, facilities aren’t owned by either municipality but collectively by the Regional District of North Okanagan.

It should also be pointed out that all residents use the parks and recreation facilities, while water from Duteau Creek and Kalamalka Lake flows into homes in all jurisdictions.

Lippert has suggested that people are increasingly frustrated with the conflicts at RDNO and the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee. And while that may be true, Vernon can’t separate itself from both agencies. It has a seat at the table and covers a large chunk of the budget. Vernon is RDNO and GVAC.

Speaking of conflict, Lippert was the subject of a blistering attack last week.

“I don’t believe anyone can get along with Wayne Lippert,” Coldstream Mayor Jim Garlick said in response to Lippert’s radio comments.

“Wayne Lippert has a way of turning everything into a fight.”

It’s not unusual for elected politicians to joust back and forth, but the personal tone of Garlick’s rant was unprecedented.

Obviously Garlick has issues with Vernon, but the city is equally frustrated by what it sees as Coldstream’s inflexible stance over parks.

Garlick claims that getting along with Lippert is difficult but it’s unlikely Garlick’s actions will help discussions flow any easier. Speaking his mind may have felt good, but will it help his residents?

Ultimately, both Garlick and Lippert have expressed concerns about the long-term impact of the ongoing dispute. But if they truly want to do what’s best for their constituents, they’ll check the rhetoric at the door and get down to business.

Richard Rolke is the senior reporter for The Morning Star

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Selected articles -- Morning Star, January 10, 2010.

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Garlick sets goals for 2010

By Brent Mutis - Vernon Morning Star

Coldstream Mayor Jim Garlick has been on the job little more than a year and compares his duties to maneuvering a giant ocean liner.

“I liken the job to driving a ship. First, you have to stop going in the direction from the previous council then you turn it where you want it to go and get it up to speed.”

He wants a number of goals met in 2010 and some of them involve large infrastructure projects like the grid road plan to connect Kalamalka Road with the upper end of Kickwillie Loop.

“I want to get it completed and be as close to budget as possible,” says the 48-year-old.

“We don’t want to have cost overruns and don’t want surprises. Those happen but you want to minimize them if possible.”

Garlick also lists getting the road pavement management plan underway as a high priority. In four years’ time, roads will require $1 million of the district’s annual budget.

When Garlick began municipal politics as a councillor, it was just $250,000.

Seeing the water devolution process concluded and finding more staffing for the parks and recreation department are also on Garlick’s 2010 wish list.

Costs from water devolution negotiations are a big reason why Coldstream taxes will likely rise five per cent in 2010.

The district will also welcome a new engineer in February to take the job vacated by current chief administrative officer Michael Stamhuis last February.

Garlick’s taken heat for a perceived lack of transparency with issues like the grid road and says communication with the public is something he’d like to see improved.

He notes the district is limited in that capacity with staff, their website and media as the only ways to disseminate information.

“We have to hope more people pay attention.”

The father of two had to scale back his teaching duties at Clarence Fulton Secondary when he won the election last year.

He still handles physics and geology courses and will return to full- time teaching in May.

“It’s starting to balance out now,” he says of his two-job juggling act.

“I’ll be well-prepared for those courses (when I go back to full time).”

A Coldstream native, Garlick says being an educator helps with taking public input and teaching constituents about the governmental process.

He credits the district’s councillors for trying hard to be a cohesive unit.

“The mayor’s role is a big role, as is council’s. I think council has put in a lot of effort to get work done and not everyone agrees but that’s the good feeling of the job.

“Everyone hears what’s going on and gets a say.”

Growing up, Garlick never thought about being mayor or even on council.

It was a dispute over Coldstream Meadows retirement community expansion that motivated him to put his name forward.

He’s accepted his position on controversial issues is now on display.

“You have to stand up for your beliefs and make it known to the public,” he said.

“It’s not easy and I don’t always support friends.”

Garlick says he hasn’t decided whether he’ll run for a second term but hopes the remaining two years of his current term are smooth sailing.

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Selected articles, Morning Star -- June 28, 2009

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What a coincidence that Mayor Garlick's letter is published in the same issue of the Morning Star in which Vernon politicians are discussing the future of Polson Park without the presence of other members of Greater Vernon Services Committee (Director Dirk's presence was accidental) which is responsible for park issues.

This discussion by Vernon Council just reinforces Coldstream's contention that the park issues should be revisited and discussed again.

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Selected articles, Morning Star -- June 17, 2009

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Selected articles, Morning Star -- June 14, 2009

Coldstream news!




Letters to the Editor!



Water devolution!

According to the Editorial all parties are at fault on this issue. Apparently, the editorial writer considers debate to be "a peeing match".

How much clearer can Coldstream get?

All participants (Vernon, Coldstream, and Electoral Areas "B" and "C") agreed on a set of principles when joining in the Master Water Plan. Coldstream contributed its water reserves of about a million dollars and its water licenses with significant extra capacity. Vernon brought in its deficit both in terms of water license capacity and in actual dollars.

I personally would not have signed such one sided, nebulous and faulty agreement. However, our predecessors found it acceptable and we must honour the agreement. Our taxpayers paid dearly for the essentially unimproved water but I personally feel that a deal is a deal.

Council only wants to have the agreement maintained and try to negotiate improvements to the contract where possible, not break the contract. Now, Dear Editor, that should be a clear enough statement! My personal opinion but I trust the rest of the Council essentially agree!

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Selected articles, Morning Star -- May 17, 2009

Interesting view from the Editorial! The director of Parks acknowledged that there are differential degrees of maintenance for different parks. Local parks get minimal maintenance, others are getting much more attention.

Should elected officials ignore their constituents desires of providing the service they require for their parks? They would do that at their peril. As a Coldstream Councillor I believe my obligation is to look after the interests of the taxpayers who elected me. Thus, when taxpayers complain I must look for ways to remedy their complaints.

Lavington Park is far removed from Vernon. The City is the contractor looking after parks. The contractor's representative has to travel 20 kilometers one way to do maintenance at that park. Maintenance include opening and closing the washrooms daily, opening the pool during summer months and various other maintenance work on the grounds as needed to maintain the park in top condition.

Now the issues: is it economical to have a maintenance worker travel 80 km's daily to open and close the washroom and the pool? Is there a better option? Could the level of service be improved so Lavington residents will not have to put up with roots like the ones below? I believe there should be some solution that would give the taxpayers of Lavington the service they are paying for.

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Selected articles, Morning Star -- May 6, 2009

Sorry for the belated posting -- I've been busy! Some comments later.

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Selected Articles MS News -- 2009-03-11

Congratulations, Kalamalka Lakers!

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Editorial

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Councillor responds.

Council's actions off course

Horsing Around?

I am writing in response to the editorial in the Morning Star on February 27, 2009.

Coldstream Council is concerned about the business of agriculture. Coldstream initiated an Agricultural Plan in the summer of 2008, and a draft report has been reviewed by the Agricultural Advisory Committee. The report notes that horse equestrian activities are a significant agricultural activity and that 110 farms in Coldstream, (according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Land) carry on this activity. The report goes on to suggest that Agritourism, which is increasing in popularity, should be further developed in our area. The overall goal of the Agriculture Plan is to improve conditions for agriculture by addressing farm viability issues. Agriculture is an important component to many businesses in the North Okanagan and contributes substantially to our local community. Agriculture should not be marginalized.

A good presentation was made on Monday February 23 about Kin Race Track by a number of well prepared speakers that have all made substantial contributions to the community. A great deal of written information was provided. Serious questions were raised. The track may be a component of future business activity but questions regarding underutilization and capacity are key questions. As a responsible partner in NORD, Coldstream Council decided to get more information before proceeding with any action. Good decisions are based on information and it should be remembered that Coldstream Council (not the current one) unanimously decided not to allow the application to go to the Agricultural Land Reserve for the sports complex after all the information was brought forward.

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Now the real work begins

The people have spoken and there are new municipal councils, school trustees and regional district directors across the North Okanagan.

But Saturday's elections should only be seen as a first step in the democratic process and not the end. As the new or returning politicians launch their three-year terms, it is incumbent on the public to closely observe their activities because everything they do impacts you directly, whether it's taxes, enforcing bylaws or digging up roads.

Beyond those broad issues, there are important matters specific to each individual community.

In Vernon, questions still swirl around the plan to develop the city-owned Hesperia lands, while the new official community plan must be implemented. The election campaign also highlighted the ongoing perception among some residents that city hall is not as open and transparent as it could be.

For Coldstream, mayor and council will be left trying to balance growth with the rural lifestyle, and coping with the financial challenges created by the closure of the glass plant. The dismissal of the volunteer fire chief will also continue to dominate the agenda.

In Spallumcheen, issues of preserving agriculture and establishing an expanded industry base will be major items for the new council, while Enderby will keep pushing for improvements on Highway 97A.

Frequently the public only shows an interest in politics at election time, but there is a need to be informed all-year long and to let your elected officials know your thoughts at any time.

In the end that is why they are there. They are supposed to be your representatives.

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City's actions sound alarms Editorial, MS

Published: November 04, 2008 7:00 PM

You'd swear the City of Vernon ripped a page out of the Coldstream play book when it comes to handling volunteer firefighters.

Instead of including Okanagan Landing's volunteers as full partners in reviewing fire protection services for the Vernon community, a draft strategic plan was developed in January with absolutely no involvement from them and they only saw the report for the first time last week.

Such a move only fosters alienation and the feeling that restructuring of fire protection is a done deal and the volunteers will just be shoved aside.

In terms of the strategic plan, it makes sense for the city to look at the long-term needs of fire protection services including facilities, equipment and manpower. And perhaps 15 years after annexation, the Landing hall should be fully incorporated into the main operations at the Vernon Fire Department. There may even be a case to have some full-time, unionized firefighters at the Landing hall, working alongside the volunteers.

But the city must understand that this would be a dramatic shift in how services are provided, especially when the volunteers have been active in the Landing for 33 years and there is still some resentment about how the area has been treated since annexation.

The best way to handle what would obviously be a contentious situation was to be completely upfront and include the Okanagan Landing volunteers right from the beginning of the process.

With backs now up and feelings hurt, the city's goal of reviewing an essential service just got more challenging.

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Finally, first step to clean water -- Editorial, MS.

Published: October 09, 2008 6:00 PM
Updated: October 09, 2008 6:24 PM

There is now a glimmer of hope for the many Greater Vernon residents who crinkle their nose at a rust and debris filled bathtub or fight to keep white clothes from fading to a yellowy-brown hue.

That hope comes from news that the long-awaited Duteau Creek water treatment plant is finally breaking ground.

One would think we had been waiting for this announcement for years.

The fact is, we have.

The project has been on the books for so long that the initial announcement has become a distant memory for many.

Since that first announcement, residents have spent years buying bottled water, dealing with constant boil water advisories and pleading for the day when they can pour a glass of water from the tap and actually drink it.

But more so, residents have also been forking over the funds to pay for this project. Meanwhile they feel as though their money is going down the drain because they have yet to see a drop of clear water.

Unfortunately, even with the latest ground-breaking news, the day when orange water becomes history is years off. The plant still has to be built and it will take a bit of time to get things working properly.

But the fact that the project is finally going somewhere is great news for everyone.

It provides some hope for all of the Duteau Creek water source users.

Although this step should have happened long ago, no one could have predicted the delays caused by environmental assessments and Indian band approvals.

So out of everyone who is happy to hear the news, it is Gary Corner who is likely happiest.

Not only is this something he wanted to see started before his term as Coldstream mayor and Greater Vernon Services chairman ends, he is the one who has had to listen to all of us complain about it for years.

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District is simply saving face -- MS Editorial

Published: September 23, 2008 7:00 PM

It's been more than seven weeks since the District of Coldstream dismissed the volunteer fire chief from his duties.

Since then, the only answer as to why chief Leo Lecavalier was fired has been, "no comment."

Now, the politicians are finally saying something. And they must be applauded for that.

Unfortunately, any Coldstream residents searching for answers to the dismissal of a man who has dedicated 25-years, won't find any in the district's statement.

But what they will find is an attempt by council to mend its relationship with the firefighters, which is hanging on by an invisible thread.

Council is confident it can resolve the issues and it deserves praise for at least trying, and making that first step.

Unfortunately, it likely won't be that easy.

There are approximately 54 firefighters between the two fire halls. Of those 54, it's likely that the events leading up to and the actual firing of Lecavalier have left a bitter taste in many of those mouths.

Just one example is how many of those volunteer firefighters are feeling bullied – fearing for their own jobs.

That's a lot of trust and respect that needs to be built back up.

And anyone who has had to build back trust in someone knows that it is a difficult process that doesn't happen overnight.

So while the apparent intention of the District of Coldstream seems well, it's seven weeks too late. It's a nice attempt to rectify the problem, but to some, it will appear as nothing more than simply saving face.

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It took seven weeks for Council to speak up, but there are only seven weeks left for "...council to mend its relationship with the firefighters". Can they do it?

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City should stop whining -- Editorial MS

Published: September 18, 2008 6:00 PM

City of Vernon officials travelled down to Kelowna Tuesday to meet with Community Services Minister Blair Lekstrom, but the session wasn't worth the inflated price of gas.

In fact, one has to wonder why three council members found it necessary to complain about the North Okanagan Regional District's repealing of governance authority for the Greater Vernon Services Committee?

First off, it's likely NORD did follow appropriate procedures when it came to the necessary bylaw. It was the full regional district board that granted GVSC authority to handle some issues, so why wouldn't it take the whole board to remove it?

Secondly, GVSC under the former structure wasn't working and the proof is that most jurisdictions were trying to get out of various functions. In the case of Vernon, it threw GVSC into chaos by deciding to withdraw from water distribution. If the city was so committed to GVSC, why did it want out?

And thirdly, significant time is being spent on a matter that most Vernon residents could care less about. As long as critical services like water and parks and recreation are still provided, who administers them is irrelevant. It should also be pointed out that the city is wasting substantial dollars on lawyers' fees over a fight it's going to lose.

Lekstrom likely only met with Vernon council Tuesday because he was in the region and he felt obligated to do so after receiving a request for a meeting. NORD's repeal bylaw has received formal approval from the ministry and it's highly doubtful that Lekstrom will do anything to overturn that now.

With so many key issues facing the city, including an upcoming municipal election, there must be better things for Vernon's politicians to focus on?

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No easy answers to parking -- Editorial, Morning Star

Perhaps there are no easy answers to parking at the Kalavista boat launch if we ignore Coldstream Council's past long-standing policies. These policies were not only common sense for Coldstream but would also serve all the residents using Kalamalka Lake as their domestic water supply.

Past Council's tried to reduce boat traffic on the north end of Kal Lake mainly to protect the quality of water supply and at same time reduce the inconvenience to residents living along the lake and paying significant property taxes.

That was the main reason Coldstream supported the establishment of the Kekuli Bay campground and boat launch.

That's why efforts were made to eliminate parking in most residential areas where residents were hugely inconvenienced from launching of boats of various sizes and parking trailers everywhere.

That's why Councils of the past encouraged the speed reduction along the shoreline.

Councils are considered to be a continuum and each new Council should make themselves familiar with policies of previous Councils. Personal convenience, such as owning a boat, should not interfere with making the proper decisions in line with set policies.

Another aspect we must consider is the fact that we spend huge sums of money to acquire land and develop parking spaces which then we provide to boat owners for nothing. The parking lot next to the Kalavista tennis courts are exclusively reserved for boat trailers free of charge. We must decide why we cater to tourists. Businesses want tourists so they would leave some of their money behind. The often repeated cry by some councillors is that we should operate the Municipality like a business. Losing money on an enterprise is not very business like. Let's be sensible!

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Mayor just doesn't get it

Published: August 15, 2008 4:00 PM
Updated: August 16, 2008 8:41 PM

It's increasingly obvious that Coldstream Mayor Gary Corner doesn't understand the severity of firing the community's volunteer fire chief.

Corner has stated that he's more than willing to discuss the matter with the firefighters if he is asked to, but why is he putting the onus on them? It was Corner and his council that dismissed Leo Lecavalier as chief, a position he was elected to by the rank-and-file membership. It should be Corner and his council going to the department and explaining why the decision was made.

Corner also likes to point out that staffing is handled by the chief administrative officer, but it was a decision of council to fire Lecavalier. Politicians can't walk away from something they are ultimately responsible for.

Corner also doesn't expect the municipality to provide any details on the dismissal to the public because personnel matters are confidential under provincial legislation. But while that may be true, it's convenient to hide behind the rules when you know your actions have caused a lot of harm and upset people.

On the other hand, Coun. Bill Firman is showing leadership when he says he will make a motion to disclose how individual council members voted on firing Lecavalier. One would hope the rest of council will support Firman in his attempt to shed some light on the secretive, back-room issue.

What may ultimately get council to provide some transparency is public pressure, and that is expected to begin Thursday when the Coldstream Ratepayers Association holds a town hall meeting on Lecavalier's dismissal.

We would encourage Corner and the rest of council to attend the meeting and hear directly from those they represent.

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