Upcoming Referendum Info

Thank you to everyone who came out to the meeting at Coldstream Elementary last Tuesday evening, Nov.6th. Special thanks to all you speakers who provided us with so much information, spoke so articulately and stimulated us with your knowledge, wisdom and passion.

Our thanks go also to the generous donors who helped with expenses. We banked about $1200. New members and those renewing their of memberships are also appreciated.

It was clear that almost everyone in attendance strongly supports the continued use of the Spicer Block for agriculture, and recognizes that a mega sports complex in our midst would change the rural character of Coldstream forever.

Now our job as protectors of Coldstream's heritage is to make sure we all get out to vote “NO” and motivate all our like-minded friends and neighbours to do the same!

Here are some things you should know regarding your eligibility to vote in this referendum:

In order to vote:

You must be a Canadian citizen

You must be at least 18 years of age on Dec. 15/07

You must have resided in BC for at least 6 months immediately prior to Dec. 15/07

You must have lived in Coldstream/Lavington for at least 30 days immediately prior to Dec. 15/07

You will need to bring to the poll, 2 pieces of ID showing proof of residency – one of which must show a photograph of yourself. Examples include: Drivers’ Licence, BCID Card, Current Hydro or Phone Bill

NOTE: If you do not have a drivers’ licence, you can obtain photo ID in the form of a BCID Card from the Access Center. (I’m not sure how long it takes to process this card, so it would be a good idea to apply for one right away!)

You may still be able to vote if you are a non-resident who owns property and pays taxes in Coldstream. Please contact Kerri-Ann Baggett at the Coldstream Municipal Hall to find out for sure if you are eligible. Call her at 545-5304. (Again, do this soon as it may take awhile to process the information)

IF YOU ARE GOING TO BE ABSENT FROM COLDSTREAM ON DEC.15,

YOU CAN STILL VOTE !

ADVANCE POLLS WILL BE HELD AT THE MUNICIPAL HALL:

8:30 AM TO 8:00 PM

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 12

THURSDAY DECEMBER 13

FINAL VOTING DAY IS DECEMBER 15

TIME:

8:30 AM TO 8:00 PM

PLACE:

COLDSTREAM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

AND

LAVINGTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
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Stretching the “Community Need” provision.

The controversial and questionable “Community Need” criterion (see September 3: The question of Community Need in this blog) used to remove farmland from production is really stretched by the Greater Vernon Parks and Recreation.

Why? Let me explain.

The land in question is in Coldstream. The community IS Coldstream with a population of about 10,000 people (9,471 according to the 2006 census). Coldstream has 27% of the sports field supply of Greater Vernon but only 18% of the population.

As reported by Denice Berlinski (see Fact Sheet.. Nov 7):

Sports Field Supply in Coldstream

If you count only soccer, slow-pitch, and rugby/football, we have 7 sites hosting 23 sports fields. According to the Parks Master Plan there are 85 of these sports fields in Greater Vernon, therefore Coldstream has 27% of these facilities. According to Stats Can 2006 Census we have 18% of the total population of Greater Vernon. This does not take into account all the other facilities in Coldstream such as 2 lacrosse/hockey rinks, 1 skateboard park, 2 beach volleyball courts, as well as several tennis courts.

It is obvious that requesting a 118 acre parcel of land under the provision of “Community Needs” is an absurdity. The community of Coldstream is not in need of these lands for sports fields.

Following Vernon's annexation of Okanagan Landing large tracts of agricultural land was removed from the land reserve to provide land for Vernon. Those are the lands that should be utilized for "Community Needs" as it is Vernon that needs the land.

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Readers write -- Some Truth Revealed.

In the Sunday October 28 Morning Star another possible location for the proposed sports complex was revealed to the public. Mr. Corner himself is quoted as saying that 50 acres of this 78 acre site along Highway 97 is usable. Although he was being negative and offering this information as an excuse for ignoring this site, it is anything but.

You see, the original plan proposed for the Aberdeen Road site occupied 60 acres, however, when Mr. McNiven made his presentation at the Sept. 11 Coldstream Council meeting, he said that the parking would be downsized from 1,000 spaces to 500 and the banquet hall facility dropped, as these items as originally drawn were not necessary. With these two changes made to the plan, it should fit quite nicely onto 50 acres.

This site is only marginal agricultural land, it is not productive, ½ has already been removed from the ALR, and there are no nearby neighbours. Perhaps some of the land that’s not usable for sports fields could even be developed into something for the general public. Wow, something for everyone, with known costs, and it’s not being shoved down anyone’s throat. The sports user groups get the playing fields they want and we preserve the agricultural land and rural lifestyle in Coldstream. Everyone wins; it just doesn’t get any better than that.

Thank God we have private citizens in our community who are willing to spend considerable amounts of their own time and effort to find out about, and then let us all know about other possibilities such as this. Again I challenge Mr. Corner and the other members of the GVSC to let us all know the true facts regarding this sports complex, not just the bits and pieces that suit their desired outcome.

Denice Berlinski

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Coldstream Ratepayers Association (CRA).

There appears to be some misconception about the CRA. Some people seem suspicious about the aims of the organization. Let me shed some light on the history and the purpose of CRA.

Everyone living in Coldstream is a Coldstream ratepayer by definition as they pay taxes directly or indirectly to the Municipality. Everyone can attend our general meetings and participate but only members can vote. Members also elect the executive. Attached are the Goals and Objectives of the CRA, a message from the first president of the CRA in connection with a survey of Coldstream residents in 2005 and a downloadable application form for those wishing to join.

Why have an organization?

From time to time there are contentious issues that come up in local government business. Recent examples are the Coldstream Meadows’ re-zoning, the Vernon counter petition drive and the present sports complex proposal.

The Coldstream Meadows issue was lost as we did not yet have the organization that could have been effective. There were some concessions from Council but basically the developer got almost anything he asked for. The Campus of Care ended up as a walled subdivision at “modest prices” (see attached ad from Coldstream Meadows).

The Vernon and District Taxpayers Association carried out a successful campaign in forcing Vernon Council to re-evaluate their plans for the Library/Civic Complex. Their beef was not the borrowing so much as the process that tried to circumvent input from the general public.

CRA provides a forum where these concerns can be expressed and carried forward to the politicians. CRA has the organization with networking and initial funding capabilities and has the ability to research any given issue. The public response to the proposed sports complex was possible due to the ability of the CRA to mobilize citizens opposed to the change of use of the prime agricultural land. Through this Blog people can contribute their own opinions and personal research results. CRA provides an opportunity for taxpayers to get involved in their community on an ongoing basis and have a more balanced idea of what is happening in the community.

Anyone wishing to join the organization may do so by downloading and completing the membership application along with the dues indicated.

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Readers write

12601 Kidston Road
Coldstream, B.C.
V1B 1Z4
250 545 8772

November 6, 2007

Letters To The Editor
The Morning Star

Dear Sir,

Municipal politics in Vernon and Coldstream has been conducted in a less than desirable manner, to put it mildly, by past administrations, and it seems that trend is continuing.

The sports complex proposal for the Spicer Block of Coldsteam Ranch is the result of personal agendas to be funded by the taxpayers, and the process to date has been marred by little and hasty planning, inadequate information, breaches of the Municipal Act, trampling of democratic processes, and downright deceit.

To top things off, some individuals thought it was a good idea to use children to further their cause by having them appear in chambers, claiming they are deprived youngsters and that this complex is all about them in an attempt to turn this into an emotional issue spiked with guilt.

So much for the concepts of right and wrong! With the exception of 3 Coldstream councillors, shame on all of you involved in promoting or enabling this fiasco, and save us any righteous indignation because it won't wash.

The fact of the matter is that there is no lack of ball diamonds or playing fields in the area and if more of either is requested this is not the appropriate way to do it or attempt to fulfill it, including the proposed referendum at taxpayers expense. If council was doing its job properly none of this would be necessary. There are other options to explore.

Debbie Gibson

cc: Coldstream Council

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Some additional info from Denice Berlinski

Additional Information relating to the Spicer Block.

Source: Canada Department of Agriculture. Soil Research. “Vernon Sheet (Sheet 82L)” Canada Land Inventory Soil Capability for Agriculture” Ottawa: Surveys and Mapping Branch, Department of Energy, Mines and Resources, 1977. AGRICULTURE CAPABILITY OF THE SPICER BLOCK

Key point:

This land has excellent soils, wide growing capabilities, and is large enough for commercial food production.

Class of Land:

According to the Canada Land Inventory (CLI) classification of agriculture soil capability, the 118 acres of the Spicer block is Class 2 land.

Explanations of classes:

Classes 1 to 3 are generally described as prime agriculture land (best crop land).

Class 2 land is described by the CLI as follows:

The soils are deep and hold moisture well. Limitations are moderate and the soils can be managed and copped with little difficulty. Under good management, they are moderately high to high in productivity for a fairly wide range of crops.

Class 1 has the broadest range with little or no limitations for the production of common agricultural crops and Class 7 has no capability for arable culture or sustained natural grazing. The classification system considers both climate and soil conditions of an area and is based on a range of crops.

Source: Canada Department of Agriculture. Soil Research. “Vernon Sheet (Sheet 82L)” Canada Land Inventory Soil Capability for Agriculture” Ottawa: Surveys and Mapping Branch, Department of Energy, Mines and Resources, 1977.

Climate of the land:

This land has greater than 150 frost free days which makes it an excellent area for growing a wide range of crops.

Crops which could be produced on this land:

Hay, corn silage, apples, prunes, strawberries, cane crops such as raspberries, cool season vegetables such as peas, potatoes, carrots, cabbages, etc.

As an example of its capabilities, the field can produce 5 to 6 tonnes of hay per acre, or 25 to 28 tonnes of corn silage per acre.

ALR LAND IN THE OKANAGAN

Only 5% of the land in the Okanagan is ALR land. (Agriculture Land Reserve. “Chart 1 Percentage of ALR by Region” March 31, 2007) http://www.alc.gov.bc.ca/alr/stats/Perc_ALR_by_Region.htm

PRIME AGRICULTURE LAND IN BC

These statistics are taken from an ALC publication published in 1998 and therefore are on the old side. However, I thought even these older statistics were illustrative of the scarcity of prime agriculture land in this province. I believe, Mr. Christie may have more recent statistics.

“In British Columbia, all prime agriculture land within the ALR (our best crop land) accounts for only about 1% of the BC land base. “ Prime is referring to classes 1 to 3 according to the Canadian Land Inventory classification (From: Agriculture Land Reserve. “Purpose of Planning for Agriculture” Planning for Agriculture. 1998.) http://www.alc.gov.bc.ca/publications/planning/Planning_for_Agriculture/index.htm

Comparison of Agricultural Capability Indications And BC's Land Base
Capability Indicator % of BC's Land Base:

Land in the Agricultural Land Reserve* 5.00%
Land Capable of a Range of Crops (BCLI Class 1-3) 2.70%
Prime Agricultural Land (BCLI Class 1-3) 1.10%
Class 1 Agricultural Capability 0.06%
Land Suitability for Tree Fruit Production in the ALR** 0.04%

* Agricultural Land Reserve Statistics, Jan. 1, 1995, Table A-2

** Correspondence, OVTFA, Oct. 19, 1995 (Total ALR area in the Okanagan and Similkamen Valleys suitable for tree fruit production = 35,492 hectares.

From: Agriculture Land Reserve. “BC Agriculture. Finding Its Place” Planning for Agriculture. 1998.
http://www.alc.gov.bc.ca/publications/planning/Planning_for_Agriculture/index.htm

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Facts Sheet – We do not NEED it!

Which do we prefer???

The following is a compilation and evaluation of GVSC Parks data by Denice Berlinski and presented at the Town Hall meeting on November 7. We thank her for her due diligence.

The Greater Vernon Parks and Recreation Master Plan include the following (Pages 25 – 27) (www.greatervernon.ca/user_files/File/PRC/parks_master_plan_mar2004.pdf):

The typical high and low range of supply based on other BC communities is:

Soft ball
Low range of supply 1/7,429 population
High range of supply 1/3,000 population
Our supply 1/2,116 population Very High Supply

Baseball
Low range of supply 1/10,000 population
High range of supply 1/7,429 population
Our supply 1/5,080 population Very High Supply

Sports Fields (soccer)
Low range of supply 1/6,000 population
High range of supply 1/2,811 population
Our supply 1/996 population Very High Supply

The above information is taken directly from Greater Vernon Parks and Recreation Master Plan which was published in 2004

Relate to teaching kids they can’t have everything they want

Also must respect and look after things they have before getting new things they want.


Usage is Overstated in GVSC Master Plan because Fields Supply and Availability are both Understated

When calculating the usage factor for the playing fields in our area they used only 6 hours (9-3) availability for Saturday. This is grossly understated as most are used well into the evening hours on Saturday. These calculations also did not include any availability on Sunday.

Neither Lavington Community School nor Lavington Park included in calculations. Facilities in these two locations include 2 ball diamonds and a soccer field.

Supply of Youth Soccer Fields in Coldstream:

4 at Creekside Park,
2 at Coldstream Elementary School,
5 at Kidston Elementary School,
1 at Lavington Elementary School

They have capacity for approximately 240 players per use (12 fields X 2 teams @ 10 players). With 1 use per weekday evening and 5 uses on Saturday, they can accommodate 2,400 players per week (240 players per use X 10 uses per week). That is enough for each of the 1,000 Coldstream children to play soccer 2.4 times per week.

In fact, 5 year old children play only once per week, and children up to at least 10 play only twice per week (one game and one practice).

Supply of Youth Soccer Fields in Greater Vernon:

We have a total of 35 youth soccer fields in the Greater Vernon area according to the Greater Vernon Park and Recreation Master Plan. Using the same factors as above; 2 teams per field, 10 players per team, and 10 uses per week, we have a total capacity for 7,000 youth soccer players per week. This is enough for each of the 2,223 children registered through NOYSA (North Okanagan Youth Soccer Association) to play soccer 3.15 times per week. Please note that this does not include Marshall Field or DND, or the field at Lavington School.

In fact, 5 year old children play only once per week, and children up to at least 10 play only twice per week (one game and one practice).

Sports Field Supply in Coldstream:

If you count only soccer, slow-pitch, and rugby/football, we have 7 sites hosting 23 sports fields. According to the Parks Master Plan there are 85 of these sports fields in Greater Vernon, therefore Coldstream has 27% of these facilities. According to Stats Can 2006 Census we have 18% of the total population of Greater Vernon. This does not take into account all the other facilities in Coldstream such as 2 lacrosse/hockey rinks, 1 skateboard park, 2 beach volleyball courts, as well as several tennis courts.

Spicer Block Production Capability:

600 tonnes of hay or 2900 tonnes of corn silage.

This property could also produce apples, prunes, strawberries, cane crops such as raspberries, and cool season vegetables such as peas, potatoes, carrots, etc. This land has excellent soils, greater than 150 frost free days, and is large enough for commercial food production.

The majority of the Beef produced by Coldstream Ranch may in fact be sold south of the border, however, that still contributes to our food supply here. It is a matter of each of us doing what we are better suited for and then sharing. I will try to explain this reasoning in a simplified fashion. If we, in Canada, reduced our beef sales to the USA, they would have to increase their own production of beef. In order to produce more of their own beef they would have to produce more hay, corn, and grain to feed the cattle. In order to produce more hay, corn and grain, they would have to decrease production of some other products they are growing on the land needed to grow these crops. In all likelihood they would choose to decrease production of fruit and vegetable crops that they export rather than decrease their own food supply. Therefore there would be less fruits and vegetables available for us. Many these products we simply cannot grow here ourselves because of our climate.

Traffic concerns relate to Marshall Field traffic trouble with only 200 vehicles.

Anyone who has ever attended a soccer game at Marshall Field knows the nightmare that it is to get into and out of the parking lot there. Just imagine the congestion with 5 times the volume, not to mention the light at the highway that will stop traffic and add to the problem. Also adding to the problem most people will be coming via the highway and will have to turn left across traffic on Aberdeen Road to enter the site.

This property will not become housing subdivision if Coldstream does not support it being removed from the ALR.

In order to apply to the ALC to change use of or remove land from the ALR the applicant must get support from the local governing body first. If we vote NO to this referendum we effectively let our council know that we do not agree with them supporting any such application to the ALC regarding this land. They could not then, in good faith, support any future applications. The most likely way for this property to become a housing development would be to vote YES in this referendum. If the ALC refuses this application, which they have already said they are likely to do, our council could then in goof faith support future applications to the ALC regarding this property without any further public input.

Boundary for development – OCP?

City of Vernon should be held to account and demand that they secure the Marshall Field site.

Other sites are available:

Beside Kin Track,
South of landfill - Letter to editor,
East of Hillview Golf Course??

May be surplus to current owner but not surplus to Area.

The current owner of the land may be in a position that he has a surplus of land but that does not mean that the Okanagan Valley, or the Province of B.C. or for that matter even Canada have a surplus of productive agricultural land.

ALR land quoted as reason to abandon other potential sites.

On an information sheet circulated by the sports users group at the September 11 meeting, the land being in the ALR is listed as a reason to abandon other lower grade, less productive, potential sites however seems of no concern for this site. Why is that?

Concern for Greenhouse emissions created by people driving to/from sports fields.

A yellow information sheet circulated by the sports users group at the September 11 meeting, stated concern about the greenhouse emissions produced by Coldstream residents (9,471) driving the families to/from fields outside of Coldstream as a reason to support this proposed sports complex in Coldstream. I fail to see how having the other Vernon area residents (43,102) driving out to Coldstream instead would improve the situation.

Number of Coldstream Children Registered in youth soccer is overstated.

If number 1,000 is factual, then 75.47% of the children (age 5-14) in Coldstream are registered in youth soccer, and only 25.27% of the rest of the children (age 5-14) in Greater Vernon are registered in youth soccer. Hard to believe.

Using 1,000 kids, 10 age groups (5-14), 10 kids/team, that means there are 10 teams for every age group in Coldstream. This is absolutely not true for either my daughter’s or son’s age groups.

No Resemblance to Polson Park.

I honestly think Mr. Corner must have some very serious optical impairment if he can see any more than a fleeting resemblance between Polson Park and the Sports Complex that he is trying to shove down our throats (Corner Field perhaps??). The only resemblance between the two sites is a football field, although the one proposed for Aberdeen Road site is much larger. Polson Park is indeed a park, it has only two organized sporting areas surrounded by beautiful open spaces and amenities for everyone to use and enjoy at any time. The complex proposed for the Aberdeen Road site is a sports complex plain and simple. There are no amenities, nor even any open space for use by the general public, there are only sports fields to satisfy the 4 user groups involved.

Agricultural Potential Lost.

Once this site is covered by large permanent buildings, and asphalt it can never be reclaimed for agricultural purposes. Simply leveling it to the extent required for sports fields will remove the topsoil that makes it so productive. The result would be no different than removing it from ALR altogether.

No Walking Paths or Trails.

There are no walking paths or hiking trails of any kind in this plan. The notion that these facilities would be incorporated probably stems from the fact that the Gray Canal walking Trail and this Complex were somehow deemed to be connected in some way during discussions. Gray canal is nowhere near Aberdeen Road. It is more than a mile away on the South-facing hillside above Buchannan Road.

What about the other ½???

The total size of the land the GVSC is proposing to purchase is 118 acres. The sports complex plan occupies only 60 acres. What is planned for the other 58 acres? How can we be expected to make an informed decision when we do not have ½ of the information?

At What Cost??

How can anyone be expected to make and intelligent, informed decision when we know absolutely no costs associated with this proposed sports complex?

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Successful meeting!

The November 6th Town Hall Meeting organized by the Coldstream Ratepayers Association was a success. An estimated 150-200 residents turned out for the meeting and showed their appreciation for the information presented by loud applause and a sizeable contribution towards the expenses of the meeting (such as the cost of printing and mailing the fliers, renting and setting up the gym and other sundry expenses).

Three Councillors were present. Conspicuous by his absence was Mayor Corner. He could have taken this opportunity to explain the reasons he supports this development but he does not seem to think that he owes an explanation to those residents who are passionately opposed to this proposal.

A number of designated and many spontaneous speakers presented their views. Perhaps the most significant conclusion of the speakers was the fact that if this proposal succeeds Coldstream and the Coldstream lifestyle, as we know it, will be gone for ever. Councillor Garlic expressed the sentiment best when he stated:

“If this proposal succeeds I might as well give up as Councillor of this community because this community will be gone.”

This is just a brief summary of the meeting and I may have some additional information presented later.

Others pointed out that this parcel of land is a single parcel best utilized for agriculture while scores of other parcels owned by Coldstream Ranch have already been subdivided under many individual titles and are much less suited for concentrated agriculture.

One speaker pointed out that information provided by Greater Vernon Parks did not even know how many playing fields they had as some properties in Lavington were not even listed on their information sheet. She also presented statistics indicating that there are more than adequate number of playing fields present in Coldstream.

It was pointed out that if we wish to defeat this proposal and instruct Council not to send the proposal to the Agricultural Land Commission we must mobilize like minded residents to show up at the referendum vote and vote NO.

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Why we should vote NO!

ATTENTION COLDSTREAMERS!

Courtesy: Maria Besso-Ockert (Click on image to enlarge)

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TURBULENT TRUTHS - By Joyce Gershony, Coldstream

We need to look beyond what is being presented to us at the surface as soccer fields for children and local sports clubs, to the turbulent truths that lie underneath. This proposal has been shrouded in a cape of political doublespeak and secrecy right from the beginning. It sprang into being fully formed, with absolutely no input from the general public like us. The referendum question itself was posed to make it sound as harmless as possible. At a council meeting on October 22, Councillor Bill Firman raised the question of why “gild the lily”. He requested to remove the bracketed section in the referendum question which states: “(this proposal is for change of use, not removal from the Agricultural Land Reserve)”. He challenged council to call it as it is – this land is really being requested to be removed from the ALR. Let’s not fool ourselves as to what this question really means. Let’s not fool ourselves either as to what this mega sports facility really represents - it’s not really about sports fields for children; it’s about something much different than that.

We are all aware of what we are being told at the surface level here – that these 118 acres of prime farm land on Aberdeen Road are being used for soccer fields for children, and green space. It doesn’t take much digging to get at the deeper truths. This prime farm land is being sacrificed for a mega sports tourism facility. Besides two baseball fields, four soccer pitches (two with lights), six slo-pitch/fastball fields, (two with lights) - there’s parking for 1000 vehicles, four dog agility fields, a banquet hall, storage, offices, washrooms, change rooms and bleachers, and most importantly, a fully lit stadium with a track and football field. This mega sports facility being proposed by Coldstream council sounds remarkably similar to Funtastic’s vision, as stated on their website. Yet Funtastic wants to call this a park! On the Funtastic website it states:

“Funtastic is fully behind this proposal and encourages all citizens to VOTE YES on December 15th … The proposed park will still remain within the ALR and will be designated non-farm use…The park will include some sports fields, walking trails and whatever the community at large wishes” (Funtastic website, Nov. 3, 2007, para. 1,2).

We need to ask ourselves: Does this proposal sound like some sports fields, or does it sound like a Funtastic site? Does this sound like what the community at large wishes? Does parking for 1000 vehicles, a banquet hall, storage, offices, washrooms, change rooms, bleachers, and most importantly, a fully lit stadium with a track and football field sound like a park, or concrete and steel? This is not green space! This is not soccer and baseball fields for children! This is an opportunity to bring sports tourism into our midst. As stated on the Funtastic website, their vision is of:

A multi sports facility with permanent facilities (including larger washrooms, concessions, building for officials and organizers, covered grandstands, dugouts, covered stage and clearly laid out parking). The new facility would become the ideal location to host tournaments (including volleyball, football, soccer, lacrosse, rugby, ultimate and slo-pitch) and outdoor events (including music performances, plays and outdoor festivals). (Vision, para. 2)

We need to ask ourselves: Do we want the heart of Coldstream to be utilized as a beer garden band festival?Without the restrictions of the present DND conditions, there could be parties with music resonating up and down this bowl-like valley (Ockert, Coldstreamernews, October 25, 2007). Do we want to welcome this nightmare vision of sports tourism into our vision of rural living at its best? Pity the people who look down on this mega complex, or anyone within our valley. Our quiet rural Coldstream neighborhoods will become something we don’t recognize, or want. By then it will be too late!

Coldstream council has stated:

“No cost estimates are being released on the project, as not to jeopardize the referendum question. The question is not about the cost, but whether Coldstream residents want the project or not” (Morning Star, October 12, 2007).

Scratch a little deeper and we need to ask ourselves: What exactly does council mean by as to not jeopardize the referendum question? To jeopardize, by definition, means “to put in danger” Does this mean that no cost estimates are being released on the project, because they don’t want to endanger their outcome of this referendum question? Cost estimates are essential to the referendum question. Without releasing cost estimates they are jeopardizing the referendum question. There is an obvious inherent bias in that statement. The question has to be about the cost, because that should be one of the major factors in the decision in whether Coldstream residents want the project or not. What informed consumer considers buying a major item without first knowing the cost? Why the secrecy? The majority of Coldstream council has made it obvious that they want this mega sports facility built. Are they ensuring a higher likelihood of their favoured outcome by not releasing proposed costs? Do you think we would be able to stop this momentum if we realize after the vote that the cost is too high? By then it will be too late!

Forty years ago we foolishly wasted water with no thought. Then we watered the sidewalks, the roads, our patios, and ran the sprinkler all day long just to cool off. Fast forward to now – water is a precious resource. Even in Canada, the land of plenty, we have water restrictions. With global warming bringing longer and hotter summers, water restrictions will only tighten. We need to ask: How much water will be wasted to keep this space green for leisure activities, rather than being used for food production? Would these fields be placed on water restrictions like the rest of us? Have we thought as well of the impact of the amount of herbicides and pesticides that will be pumped onto those playing fields to keep them weed and pest free? Those toxic chemicals will end up in Hunter Creek, which originates in this property. Those chemicals will continue down our watershed to Kal Lake – a source of our drinking water. Not to mention the species all along the wetlands that are fed by Hunter Creek that could potentially die out because of this massive interference. By then it will be too late!

It’s important to consider that only about 7 % of all ALR land left in B.C. is Class 1 and 2, and less than 20% of all ALR land in the Okanagan is Class 1 and 2. These 118 acres are rated as very high capability Class 2 land. There have been comments in the paper that this isn’t good land. This land grows only corn for cows. I’ve never seen it grow anything else! The truth is that it can grow a very wide range of crops, including fruits and vegetables, especially because it has a source of irrigation water. Let’s keep in mind as well that there are many small acreages neighboring this prime land in the ALR where the owners have been striving to be good stewards of the land. Following such a drastic change to their quiet rural lifestyle, they may soon be seeking to take their land out of the ALR as well. Will council be able to say no after allowing this prime ALR farm land to be developed? As stated by Don Elzer in the Vernon Courier:

“When land is removed from the ALR using the community need provision, what guarantee is there that future sprawl won’t result? Are we placing future food production needs at risk?” (October 25, 2007).

The surface words – we really have to build this mega sports facility on these 118 acres, and we need to do it fast! The deep truth: This land is as precious a resource as water, not to be wasted. Let’s not have to look back and think about this. By then it will be too late!

Now fast forward forty years. It’s not difficult to imagine that all our prime farm land has been developed, not just here, but everywhere else. The population in our valley, and elsewhere, has expanded exponentially. We can’t afford to buy imported food because the cost is too high, and, even if we could, the quality is low, full of preservatives needed for the long distances it has to travel to get to us. We realize as we look back that prime farm land was a precious resource that we foolishly wasted, and our grown children question us why we didn’t do more to protect it while we could. The time is now! Our prime farm land is a resource that should not be developed for any reason! True park development should be used to improve degraded marginal land. In this case good agricultural land is becoming degraded through the parks development process. We stand at the cusp of a momentous decision. This decision will have repercussions and echoes with far reaching effects. This decision is in the palm of your hand right now!

There are other options for sports fields distributed in Vernon and Coldstream. What happened to the idea of improving and more fully utilizing existing facilities such as the DND, Polson Park, school fields, Marshall Fields, as well as other ideas? What about the idea of buying smaller parcels of marginal, low-productivity or nonproducing ALR land? These options were suggested at the public meeting called by Coldstream council in September. Here they made their first decision not to send forward an application to develop this land. This decision turned out to be only a temporary one, because of pressure to push this mega sports tourism facility forward regardless of the legitimate concerns and strong objections of many Coldstream residents. As a result, no other options were given any opportunity to be explored. There are solutions out there; we just need the time and opportunity to find them. By stopping this proposal we enable all sides to work together with united strength to find a solution, rather than against each other.

We need an opportunity to find a solution that works for everyone!

We need to put a stop to Funtastic festivals, and noise and light pollution in our midst!

We need to put a stop to this injustice against our children’s future!

We need to look below the smoothly worded surface, to the turbulent truths beneath!

We need to vote NO!

When faced with the turbulent truths of the future certainty of higher taxes; the future certainty of noise and light pollution from this stadium in our midst; the future uncertainty of urban sprawl; the future uncertainty of global warming; and the future uncertainty of water and food shortages – the only defensible choice is No. The risk of this complex far outweighs the benefits. As stated by Margaret Mead: A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.

We have power here. Power means simply our capacity to act.

We need to take action now so that we can look back and know that we were that small group of thoughtful people that made a difference. What can we each personally do? Get out, and spread the words - Vote no!

Joyce Gershony
Coldstream

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Attention, Coldstream residents!

ATTENTION COLDSTREAMERS!

We need your help AGAIN, to save our Agricultural Land.

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Please come to the meeting this Tuesday Nov. 6 at 7pm at Coldstream Elementary and bring as many friends and neighbours as possible.

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Learn more about how our community would be affected if the upcoming referendum were to pass.

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Even though Al McNiven said at the Sept. 11 meeting that they would reduce the number of parking places to 500 and not build a banquet hall, did you know that if the referendum should pass, Coldstream Council will no longer have control over what gets built on that land?!

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Try to imagine what the effects of a mega sports complex would have on:

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• agricultural production and Coldstream's heritage
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• the environment - the noise, flood lights, wildlife and habitat, the view
  
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• the water - all the run-off with it's gas and oil, herbicides and pesticides, will no doubt end up in Kalamalka Lake
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• the traffic - both Aberdeen Road and Hwy6 already have speed and volume concerns
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• our taxes - we have no idea what any of the costs would be
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• our way of life – what would the benefits to Coldstreamers be – if any?
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Go home from the meeting armed with information to help you explain to others why we all need to get out and vote “NO” on Dec. 15!

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Readers Write

I received a phone call from Louise Christie the other day, and she suggested I write to your blog in regards to the Coldstream Ranch. She also asked if I would speak at the meeting on Tuesday, and I have agreed to that, also.

My husband and I have lived on Rendell Drive for the past 27 years, and have both enjoyed the wildlife that has come into our neighbourhood. We hear the frogs and toads calling in the spring of the year, watched the herons land and feast on the salamanders. We have watched the muskrats swim and frolic in the creek, coyotes walk our fence line every day, with the odd deer grazing in the neighbours field. The hawks, owls, robins etc. nest in the trees, the finches in our hedge, the blackbirds in the marsh, and that's something you just don't see everyday in the city.

I feel the need to speak out for those who don't have a voice on this subject. I don't know how many people realize that the spade footed toad has been classified as an endangered species. Mud Lake was not filled in for that reason, and they live in our neighbourhood.

A few years back I was asked to keep records of the spade footed toad during their mating season. In the early spring, I sat out on our back deck in the evenings and made notes on the weather conditions (temperature, winds etc), and listened to the croaking of the spade footed toad. I had listened to a recording of the toad, as I had to be able to distinguish the difference between the toad and the tree frogs in the area. I sat outside every night until the croaking eventually ended. I then forwarded my report to a woman named Pat (sorry I don't remember her last name), who was involved with the Allan Brooks Nature Center. Even though I only recorded their calling for that one spring, I still enjoy listening to them from our back deck.

When the housing subdivision was started off of Aberdeen Road and Highway 6, we noticed a significant drop in the water table of Hunter Creek. This creek runs through the Coldstream Ranch underground until just before it reaches the 5 acre parcels, where it emerges through the ground and flows though our neighbours yards, down to the railway tracks and eventually makes its way into Coldstream Creek. It is in our neighbours yard where the spayed footed toads live, and we were greatly concerned when the water table dropped. It wasn't until the ranch started watering, that we started to notice a gradual rising of the water.

We feel if the Coldstream Ranch is turned into a recreation complex, with parking for 1000 vehicles, the natural wetlands of this area, will be greatly jeopardized, along with the spayed footed toad. We feel this is the wrong area.

As for the plans for the arena etc., we do feel this is something that is needed, but would not vote for it without first receiving a true cost figure. This is something everyone of us should consider, including the voters of Vernon. I don't know about you, but I wouldn't go into a store and say "I'll take that, and I don't care how much it costs, I want it".

Thank you for letting us voice our opinions, we hope others will do the same.

Yours truly,

Pat & Eugene Scherck

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Correction.

Just to sort out any confusion…,

The recent flyer that you received from this Blog or via email or in your mailbox was produced prior to the Monday October 22, 2007 Coldstream Council meeting at which a couple of notable changes were made to the information contained in the flyer.

At that meeting Bill Firman made a motion, seconded by Jim Garlick, to delete from the wording of the upcoming referendum, the following bracketed statement: “(this proposal is for change of use, not removal from the Agricultural Land Reserve)”.

Bill and Jim pointed out that this wording is misleading and deceptive because, if developed for a sports complex, the land would cease to be available for agricultural development which would amount to the same thing as taking it out of the ALR (The Coldstream Meadows development is an example).

Council voted 4 to 3 to delete that phrase from the referendum question.

Note also that Council also changed the date of the referendum from December 8 to December 15.

Please don’t forget to sign the letter to Mayor and Council on the back of the flyer and return it to the Coldstream Municipal Hall as soon as possible!

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Readers Write

To Mayor and Council
District of Coldstream

I cannot believe that I actually have to sit down and write this letter. I am deeply concerned about the process of how and why you are putting the citizens of Coldstream and Vernon in a position which will turn neighbors and citizens against each other.

Let me put it this way: both my husband and I attended the public hearing and we listened to the numerous presentations from the concerned citizens. Many spoke for us and we agreed completely with them. Then Council voted and the vote was not to proceed with going any further with this. We all felt a great relief, but here we go again.

We came to Coldstream 10 years ago. We chose Coldstream because of the Rural Living at its best motto. We truly liked what we saw and we decided to purchase a small acreage in Coldstream and raise beef and chickens.

Having lived in Vancouver very close to the Nat Bailey Stadium, we know first hand what it means to be in close proximity to sports fields and to Rock Concerts. The playing of the baseball did not bother us at all; in fact, it was nice to hear young people having fun. However, listening to Rock Concerts and their extremely loud music as well as light pollution, was not appreciated at all. On Friday and Saturday nights when these concerts were in progress, you wished you were not in your house, the noise level was extra-ordinary. Now, imagine, Rock concerts and other concerts close by to our neighborhood and I would truly feel sorry for all of us who live in Coldstream. We are not against sport fields, but please have a look at the existing sport fields, especially the one at Coldstream Creek Park where most of the time nobody is playing or using the fields. There are numerous other sport fields in the Vernon/Coldstream area. These fields could be utilized better to make sure that the sports people really are playing there.

I plead with you, Dear Council members, reconsider this application, look at more options and take your time in making your recommendation in a fashion that will benefit us all.

Another concern that has not really been talked about is the monetary concern. Can you tell all the citizens how much more property taxes we will have to pay in the future for such a huge undertaking? What is the actual cost for this property and what is the cost to build the sport fields, etc.

Please, let me remind you again that you should live according to what is being preached:

COLDSTREAM, RURAL LIVING AT ITS BEST!

Thank you
L. Senn

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Readers Write

Thank you for making the effort to unite Coldstream residents against this proposal. I am the owner of 43 prime irrigated acres of ALR land in Coldstream. It is a constant (and very expensive) struggle to properly farm these acres while both of us work at other employment. It is always a battle to maintain farm status, afford our irrigation rate increases, and feed our animals when we lose our hay crops to inclement weather. Do we get the best, most productive use of our fields? In a word, No, not even close - a lot of it is pasture - but we are only two people working as hard as we can. Yet the one organization that can and does have the economies of scale, machinery, and workforce to properly and efficiently farm in this valley (the Coldstream Ranch) are the ones' being given the gift of being able to get their lands out of the ALR and no doubt sold at an enormous profit. There are some extremely marginal lands in the ALR, and you don't have to look far to find them. There is also a lot of ALR land that is not now, nor ever will be utilized properly due to the high cost of making the land productive with irrigation. In case anyone doubts that - just look at the south sides of Bucannan Road, anywhere on Reid Road, or anywhere on Whitevale Road. Imagine what it will all look like in twenty years when this valley heats up the way that experts predict. The Aberdeen site is prime irrigated farmland, with the key word being irrigated. Why would you pave it over?

Please continue to try to stop this complex, if only for all of us little people who try to keep this valley green and growing. You may use my name and print out these comments for submission if you feel that they are worthwhile.

P.S. - We are both in our late forties - my guess is that there are a lot more of our age group and over in Coldstream than people think. Why are there no decent walking, biking, or hiking trails being planned? I take my life in my hands every time I want to use my bike. Also, myself and many of my friends ride horses. Why is there not one public bridle path in all of Coldstream when hose ownership is so high? Maybe before planning a sports complex, it might not be a bad idea to see what recreational activities the majority of people in Coldstream feel they want to participate in.

Thanks for your time,

Roxanne Ronan

10377 Warrren Road

Coldstream B.C.

V1B 3C5 (250) 503-2403

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Expensive process for a long-shot.

According to the Community Charter:

“Council may seek community opinion

83 (1) A council may seek community opinion on a question that the council believes affects the municipality, by voting or any other process the council considers appropriate.

(2) The results of a process under this section are not binding on the council.”

Notwithstanding the results of the referendum and the subsequent decision by Council, the final decision regarding the change of use request rests with the Agricultural Land Commission which has stated that:

“Given the very high agricultural capability of these lands, and their current agricultural use, the Commission would likely not support the conversion of an additional 40 ha to non farm uses.” (See Friday, August 17, 2007 article of this Blog: The Land Commission's position.)

Is the expenditure of many thousands of dollars of taxpayers money justified on a project that:

1. Divides the community into opposing factions and

2. Has little chance of succeeding in light of the obvious obstacles?

Our Council was given appropriate directions by the community through the Official Community Plan, which Council acknowledged and reconfirmed (see previous article “Where is the logic?). Council members must be consistent and stand up for their policies. Some members of our Council must be reminded that they have taken an oath to uphold the law of the land.

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