Readers write -- Letters to the Editor -- Morning Star -- 2008-10-31

The following letter was sent to Morning Star.

Dear Editor:

A slick four page pamphlet appeared in my mail box recently, extolling the accomplishments of one of the mayoralty candidates, Glen Taylor.

His accomplishments are impressive considering that he only had ONE vote on Council just like all the other members. Generally, these kind of accomplishments are accredited to Council as a whole and not to individuals. However, if we consider those individual accomplishments, let’s add some others to the list.

Consider the extension of the sewer line at the expense of sewer utility users (cost $665,000 from their reserve). Glen Taylor voted for this extension. He could have insisted that the developer pay for the extension since it was for his benefit. Making the developer pay would have been legal and fair to taxpayers. It would have also saved them the equivalent of a 40% tax increase. So much for "accountability".

Let’s recall the Spicer Block/Sports Complex fiasco. Taylor represented Coldstream on GVSC when GVSC tried to have the Spicer Block use converted to a sports complex. The effort was foiled by the ALC noting that this issue was the responsibility of Coldstream. He repeatedly tried to have the land converted to a sports complex contrary to the OCP. We had to go through a costly referendum to reaffirm the community’s wishes. That is not being in tune with the community.

It was due to the efforts of his opponent (Jim Garlick) that the land in question remained in agricultural production for the benefit of present and future generations.

It is not the amount of time an individual has at his disposal that qualifies him/her for a position on Council: it is the quality of representation. It is how much he/she and the community are in tune with each other. That is the true measure of the candidate!

Steve Heeren
11800 Palfrey Dr.
Coldstream
545-3202

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More candidate profiles -- Elections 2008

For information!
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A,B,C's of annexation -- By Jennifer Smith

Published: October 23, 2008 6:00 PM

The last time I checked, things seemed to be running relatively well in the electoral areas such as BX, rural Enderby, Trinity Valley, et al.

So why is it that these residents (of which I am in the BX category) are now facing an uncertain future – one that is being suggested by the provincial government and the City of Vernon?

Doesn’t anyone believe in that old saying anymore: “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it?”

Now obviously, not everything is rosy in the rural areas, but then again, where is it?

But without any major problems, one has to wonder why the North Okanagan Regional District is pressuring the B.C. government to complete a restructuring study in the first place?

And why NORD is sending questionnaires out to electoral area residents this week?

Even community services minister Blair Lekstrom has said he’s interested in healing the rural and urban situation.

Since when were we broken?

Don't get me wrong, I honestly think it’s a good idea to get an opinion reading from the residents. Because maybe they’re really not happy with how things are going. Maybe I’m the only one who thinks things are just dandy.

But not having heard any major complaints, rallies for change, etc. I can’t help but think this is all part of a plan for single governance for Greater Vernon. And that Vernon is the big push behind this.

It makes sense why Vernon would want to see the status quo re-examined, because ultimately, the city would like to take over a majority of the surrounding lands (check out the Official Community Plan boundary extensions).

It wasn’t that long ago that Vernon consumed the Okanagan Landing area – formerly known as Area A. Now if you follow the alphabet, what comes after A?

OK, now look at what the electoral areas are.

BX Swan Lake – Area B

BX Silver Star – Area C

After A, comes B and C....get my drift.

But that’s just my own theory.

The fact is there could be a lot of benefits for the electoral areas becoming part of Vernon. So joining Vernon or changing governance isn’t my main concern here.

What concerns me is Vernon’s reputation for dealing with annexation.

Alan Hill, the former Area A director, spelled it out nicely to BX residents Tuesday that the city cannot be trusted.

Just one example is how residents were promised free sewer. Instead, Hill’s sewer connection costs were just shy of $20,000.

All the broken promises he alluded to leave me with little trust that Vernon would keep any promises to anyone else (hint, hint B and C).

It’s a sad day when someone’s promises can’t be trusted. Instead the only thing we can trust are bylaws, and possibly something referred to as ‘letters patent.’

And for those of us who love the rural atmosphere, larger lot sizes and not living next to large developments and commercial spaces, Hill reminds us that the beauty of the Landing has been destroyed since being consumed by the city.

So now, we electoral area residents are being asked to re-examine our governance options. Do we want the status quo, to form our own municipality individually or with another electoral area, or to amalgamate with the city?

Personally, I once again go back to the old saying: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

But that's just my theory, the decision will be up to you.

I'm just throwing out some food for thought, hoping you will chew on it for a bit.

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Readers write -- Where is the accountability?

I’ve received a glossy brochure in the mail from one of the mayoralty candidates. In it he refers to accountability.

It is one thing to talk about accountability and another to have it.

Which candidate voted to take the land out of the ALR for a sports complex and which voted to keep it in?

Who voted to waste $665,000 for a sewer which benefitted mainly one developer at the expense of the existing sewer users? This decision is responsible for the existing sewer users seeing an increase in their sewer bill.

Which candidate had three times the expense of the mayor and implies that the other candidate was not doing his job because his expenses were too low?

Which candidate is responsible for most of the morale problems in the fire department?

Sorry, I do not see any accountability in this glossy brochure.

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Kalview residents presentation to Council -- October 27, 2008

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Coldstream Community drop-in.

Attention Coldstream Voters!

You are all invited to a drop in at the Women’s Institute Hall on Sat. Nov.1 between 2 and 4pm for tea/coffee and cookies, and a chance to talk one-to-one with the candidates for the upcoming election.

Please bring your questions and your friends and neighbours. Remember Coldstreamers are all ratepayers whether CRA members or not!

PS. For more information about this and other “goings on” in Coldstream, check out the Coldstreamer Blog,

Google: Coldstreamernews

or click here.

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Readers write -- More Boat launch debate.

Good morning Maria.

Thank you for putting your suggestions in writing to The Traffic & Safety Committee. Maybe, just maybe, the recipients will pay some attention to them. The suggestion to deploy students with transmitters both at the parking area and at the boat launch is obviously one which should be considered. This is not rocket science given that this is a mechanism which is utilized whenever traffic needs to be directed or controlled such as when streets are under construction, repaving etc.

I did not hear Mayor Corner's remarks as I did leave the council chamber once or twice.

The larger issue, of course, is the balkanization of accountability, responsibility and authority with respect to Coldstream owned facilities and Parks over which GVS has full control. Last year I made precisely the same point in a presentation to Council. Obviously the powers that be took no notice. I feel quite sure that any new council will have to address this issue effectively and hopefully as a matter of priority. I truly hope that a new council will put the interests of Coldstream and it's residents first in future. I trust you agree with me on this issue. Regional cooperation is a laudable objective but not if this can only be achieved at the expense of highly negative consequences for Coldstream residents /neighbourhoods.

I believe that my presentation was sufficiently measured and temperate so as not to cause umbrage on the part of the Council. As you are aware, however, the underlying concerns and frustrations of the majority of local residents are not quite as tempered and this issue will continue to bubble until such time as effective action is taken. As was so evident on the 15th of October at the "residents input meeting "the District administration" ( Traffic Committee in this instance) are quite contemptuous of meaningful input on the part of taxpayers and residents. If the chair of that particular meeting really wanted public input, he would not have structured that meeting in such an unproductive and offensive manner.

Given that it is now claimed that the original 8 recommendations published in the Traffic and Safety Committee's reports are now being claimed to have been "brainstorming, suggestions or ideas only", one wonders why they were published without prior public input in the first place and particularly from those who would be so obviously and negatively impacted. Why was such an illogical document published in the local press? If this is not dysfunctional governance, I do not know what is. I agree with James Cookson's comments in this respect. The backtracking by Councillor Malerby so evident at the Council meeting on the 27th. serves only to demonstrate how poorly the major original recommendations were thought through prior to their release ( to the press ) which was the first time that any residents became aware of them.

I can well understand that many citizens living at a distance from the center of the boat launch and related problems might wonder what the all the fuss is about. I believe, that were it not for the fact that a local election is near at hand, no action whatever would even be discussed never mind taken. This is at the core of the frustrations of local residents. and what is so objectionable. I feel sure that the residents of other areas having different problems and issues also receive such "short shrift" at the hands of the District administration and Council.

Having said all of this, I do believe that some progress has been made and there is some possibility of a satisfactory resolution if a more responsible and responsive council is elected. I would appreciate your feedback should you be so inclined.

Best regards, Norm

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Municipal election, 2008 -- Public information!

Election information!

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Selected articles MS -- 2008-10-29

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Concerns raised over funds owed to city -- By Richard Rolke

Published: October 28, 2008 7:00 PM

A Vernon politician believes the city is being short-changed by developers and other levels of government.

Coun. Barry Beardsell claims there are a number of outstanding payments from developers and the provincial government on various matters, and Coldstream is not contributing financially for the Ogogrow fertilizer plant.

“What efforts have been made to collect that money?” he asked his colleagues Monday.

“The financial aspects of this city have not been well looked after over the last few years.”

Beardsell believes the provincial government hasn’t provided $50,000 in grants in lieu of fire department property taxes between 2005 and 2007.

He also says that there’s no evidence that Coldstream, which has a sewer agreement with the city, has provided any assistance for the Ogogrow biosolids facility since 2006.

“Coldstream would owe us $230,000,” he said based on the $2.3 million cost of the plant.

“It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out there’s something wrong here.”

But city staff says the city only has an agreement with Coldstream over sewer services, and not the biosolids facility, and the agreement is being followed correctly.

“We haven’t seen any evidence that we have charged Coldstream incorrectly,” said Leon Gous, chief administrative officer.

In terms of grants in lieu of taxes, Gous says the provincial government only pays direct property taxes and not to specified areas, which the fire department is funded through.

“What we can do is change how we charge for fire taxes,” he said.

Beardsell also suggested that $348,000 is owing for extending the reclaimed water line to a developmet, but Gous insists that matter is being looked after.

“We won’t let (development) securities go until accounts are squared off,” said Gous.

Council instructed staff and the finance committee to look at the issues raised by Beardsell.

“Clearly there is a lot of work to be done to get these answers,” said Coun. Patrick Nicol.

“We should begin to whittle these down at the finance committee.”

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Mr Gous is right. The original sewer agreement of the 1970's acknowledged Coldstream as a partner in the sewer system.

The present agreement considers Coldstream to be a customer. We are charged a fee for every cubic meter of sewage flowing to the treatment plant. That fee includes treatment and disposal of the treated product (spray irrigation and the Ogogrow stuff.

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Rights of neighbourhoods to enjoy their properties.

The problem Kalavista residents are facing is not unique in Coldstream. One just has to remember the major confrontations during 2004-2005 regarding the rezoning of Coldstream Meadows properties.

Nearly all of the residents in the neighbourhood were opposing the rezoning yet Council ignored them and proceeded with the rezoning. The expression of NIMBY was often heard to label residents opposing the zoning change.

In fact, a resident even initiated a court action against Council's action. Council vigorously defended its decision in court using taxes from the very residents they wronged and eventually won. It should be considered a hollow victory!

The other flagrant example is the efforts of some of Council attempting to change the status of the Spicer Block to convert it into a sports complex. I am sure many remember the huge fights about that attempt ending up in a referendum. The NIMBY tag was frequently used there as well.

It seems like every time a neighbourhood opposes some development or activity that restrict their rights to enjoy their property the NIMBY label finds its way into the arguments.

We all have the right to enjoy our properties and Councils must ensure that these rights are maintained as much as possible and not eliminated for frivolous reasons. There is an opportunity for taxpayers to ensure that their new Council will protect their rights through an open and democratic Council.

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Politicians try to save glass plant -- By Peter McIntyre

A last ditch attempt will be made to keep the Owens Illinois glass plant in Lavington from closing.

Vernon mayor Wayne Lippert will arrange a meeting with Coldstream's mayor and the chairman of NORD to see if something can be done.

Lippert realizes it may be too late with the plant expected to close this Friday.

"We need to go ahead and try to do something. We've had some discussions elsewhere, some in-camera, that have prompted this at this time, to be able to try and do something. Yes, it would have nice to do something sooner but we have been working on some things. It may be last ditch, but better off to try it now, than later on."

Lippert says if they can't hold off the closure, they may be able to help find a buyer, or other uses for the site.

He says the lower dollar could make the plant more viable.

Owens Illinois cited economic factors when it announced the closure two months ago.

It will put 300 people out of work, although an undetermined number of employees and manager Tom Herger will remain on for up to six months to decommission the plant.

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Too bad they have not tried this concentrated effort earlier. Let's see, Friday it's scheduled to close. That means they have two days to convince those in power to keep the plant open.

Sounds like a good plan!

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Information relating to Greater Vernon Parks.

Editor's note:

Following last night's Council meeting a number of emails were exchanged trying to clarify the role of GVAC and Coldstream mainly with regards to Kalavista and Kal beach parking lot. The information is collated and presented here to those interested in the issue. Since the whole former Greater Vernon Services Committee is undergoing a service review this might be of interest to all of Coldstream.
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Hi All,

Just as a follow up note to this evening's Council meeting. Flo called and advised me that the Traffic Safety Committee is going to meet on November 3rd in the afternoon and the meeting is open to public.

Wendy or Mary, if you can be so kind to confirm the time of the meeting it would be appreciated.

Given that this subject is near and dear to many of us it may be worth while for as many of us as possible to attend.

On a separate note I would like to say a huge thanks to Norm for the wonderful work that he has done! Well done Norm!

Kind Regards,
Jim Cookson
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Yes, Mike (the chair) tells me the Traffic Safety Committee is open to the public and the next meeting is Nov 3 @ 2PM at Municipal Hall.

Mary
Councillor Mary Malerby
District of Coldstream
250-542-9579
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Jim:

As this is an Advisory Committee Meeting, the public is welcome to attend to hear the discussions of the Committee, but will not be invited to participate.

Wendy
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Wendy,

If the committee is really looking for solutions do you not think that it would be in their interest to listen for 10 to 15 minutes about the views of the residents? Your email stating that participants "will not be invited to participate" is simply a continuation of a dysfunctional style of governance. Nothing more. Nothing less.

Fortunately, many of us have reason to be optimistic as, with the upcoming elections, perhaps some of the dysfunctional governance practices can be addressed in the near future.

Jim
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Jim:

You are welcome to provide something in writing for the Committee to consider. The purpose of the public meeting was to receive input from the residents and then to provide Council a report on the input that was received by the public. Michael Stamhuis, Director of Engineering Services, has provided that report to Council based on the findings from that meeting.
As an Advisory Committee has no authority to make decisions and only provides recommendations to Council, it would be in your best interest, if you have further input than that which was submitted at tonight's Council meeting, to provide this in writing. The Traffic Safety Committee is a non-statutory committee and therefore only advisory in nature. Recommendations coming from this Committee should be addressed at a Regular Council meeting.
Your suggestion for further public input could be addressed through the establishment of a Committee specifically dealing with the Kalavista area, with resident representation, Council appointment, and a staff appointment. This suggestion could be made.

Wendy
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Thanks Wendy,

I hope you feel better. Also one question, why as a parking lot (boat parking lot) passed over to GVS? It's not a park. If we had to why was Vernon not forced to hand over the Kal beach parking? From what I understand we have no way of making GVS do anything with the parking lot. Can we remove it from there authority, legally?

Rob MacKay
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Rob:

I would have to confirm, but it is my understanding that prior to Greater Vernon Services, parks came under the jurisdiction of Greater Vernon Parks and Recreation (a function of NORD but maintained and operated by City of Vernon employees). Although the authority having jurisdiction changed Coldstream did not operate and maintain a lot of the parks in Coldstream. With the creation of Greater Vernon Services and the Master Parks Plan, all parks (with the exception of some tot lots and neighbourhood parks) were maintained and operated by Greater Vernon Services. A lot of the maintenance is contracted out.

I believe the parking lot is designated as park which basically means it is in the hands of a public body, and not necessarily green space. Coldstream owns many pieces of land designated as park, but has relinquished maintenance and operation to Grater Vernon Services through the creation of Greater Vernon Services.

The Kal Beach parking lot is owned by the City of Vernon. The only control Coldstream has on that property is the zoning.

With the ongoing Service Reviews of functions that fall under Greater Vernon Services, the disestablishment of the Greater Vernon Services Commission, and now a Committee of the Board of the Regional District, it is hard to predict where parks will end up. There is a possibility that all parks will go back to their respective jurisdictions, there may be local parks and regional parks, or some other arrangement agreed upon.

Coldstream Council can request Greater Vernon Services' consideration of a matter with respect to parks. Unless our ideas are way out there, we have been successful in the past of getting enough votes at the table to have issues addressed in Coldstream.

I had previously requested an answer to your question regarding the legal requirement to tie down your boat before leaving the launch area, but never got a response. I will be following up on this matter.

Hope this helps to answer your questions.

Wendy

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Reminder -- Council Meeting tonight

REGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL
OF THE DISTRICT OF COLDSTREAM

TO BE HELD ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2008
IN THE MUNICIPAL HALL CHAMBERS
9901 KALAMALKA ROAD, COLDSTREAM, BC
AT 7:00 PM

DELEGATIONS

Page 1 a. Recognition of an Employee and Remodelling of the Old Fire Hall

· Letter from John Hegler, dated October 17, 2008

John Hegler will be in attendance to speak to this matter.


Page 3 b. Traffic Safety Report and Kalavista Boat Launch Parking Expansion

· Email from Jim Cookson, dated October 15, 2008

Jim Cookson will be in attendance to speak to this matter.
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Page 67

(1) Neighbourhood Meeting re Traffic and Parking Concerns Near Kalavista Boat Launch
· Report from the Chair, Traffic Safety Committee, dated October 20, 2008

Recommendation

THAT the report from the Chair, Traffic Safety Committee, dated October 20, 2008, regarding Neighbourhood Meeting re Traffic and Parking Concerns Near Kalavista Boat Launch be received;

AND THAT the District request that Greater Vernon Parks and Recreation install ticket machines and signage to charge for parking in the boat trailer parking area on weekends and holidays between June 15 and September 15 of each year;

AND THAT signage be installed to restrict parking on the south side of Kalamalka Road between Postill Drive and Kidston Road to a one hour maximum on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays between June 15 and September 15 each year;

AND THAT the angled parking stalls and bicycle lane on the north side of Kalamalka Road be painted;

AND FURTHER THAT the angled parking on the south side of Kalamalka Road be replaced with parallel parking and that the bicycle lane be painted.

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Readers write -- Candidate Peto's view of the all candidates' forum

An Explanation for my Withdrawal

Kiss FM and the Morningstar have asked me why I withdraw my name for Coldstream council after the first All Candidates Forum, which was held in Lavington, on 21 October 2008. Well that's a fair question which I haven't been able to completely articulate until recently. I came away from that Forum with strong reservations about the political process. So I decided to write a speech for the next forum meeting in Coldstream indicating my dissatisfactions. Let me tell you why. I will sketch you my picture of local politics. The business and propertied classes shouldn't be able to rule Coldstream, largely in their favor at the expense of others,at least not in a democracy!

The first two forums looked to me like a political circus. Unfortunately each candidate was put under a three minute time constraint and many weren't able to finish their presentations without being rudely interrupted by a buzzer. When it came to answering questions from the audience many candidates felt the need to get up and to speak to questions at length, since there were no time constraints imposed on that process. So we had long cues of candidates lining up with long winded speeches. I found this trying and tiring. It turned out to be a good exercise because it separated the blabber mouths from the listeners. Eventually some of the candidates found reasons to disagree and we had some meaningful confrontations.

Candidates should come to elections as independents. Jim Garlick came just short of endorsing Maria Besso, Richard Enns, Bill Firman and Doug Dirk[?] at the Lavington forum. Rumor is that Jim Garlick, can expect support from Maria Besso and Richard Enns ,assuming at least one is elected, to bear the extra burdens of mayoral duties. Perhaps Jim Garlick should come forward to address this. I don't know who would support Glen Taylor other than the Vernon Chamber of Commerce. I fear he is going down, without his old captain, who has already abandoned the old, discredited alliance of Corner-Taylor- Williams. Doug Dirk seemed to be his habitual, quiet, lonely self and perhaps he does so wisely . John Hegler and Bill Firman got quite pugnacious when incited. Gyula Kiss has been doggedly fighting against a pervasive xenophobia prevalent in the Coldstream. I would hate to think what his chances of election would be if he was a visible minority and not just one with a thick foreign accent. What makes this even more astonishing is how Coldstreamers could embrace the likes of Gary Corner as mayor, who to me, comes across as the most odious and repugnant politician [?] in Coldstream. I think most come away from the forums independent and unaligned. This is perhaps as it should be, except for me, I had the audacity to commend Garlick as mayor when that could turn out to be the kiss of death for him.

I was particularly amused by the artistic contortions Glen Taylor and Mary Malerby went through as they tried to extricate themselves from indefensible predicaments. Malerby just doesn't know when to quit. Poor Pat Cochrane never seemed to recover from the drubbing he got on his stand for amalgamation and the Spicer block sports complex. He went silent the next night knowing he had no support for those positions. He can't claim that he wasn't fore warned by Richard Rolke and myself. Clair Methot,with nine children and innumerable grandchildren needs to get elected because his wife wants him out of the house more often. Lynn Spraggs pleaded he wasn't really Ed Asner, now deceased, but he wants you to help, to him get elected, so he can help you! Grieg Crockett and Dave Rossi exuded a nonchalance and casual charm stiffened with a liberal view of life which I found rather appealing. Perrin Hayes seemed to be as overtaken by the proceedings as much I was and seemed much comforted by his chair. Dean Skoreyko is still trying intrepidly to get excepted into some kind of political group, any group, maybe he should form his own organization predicated on the principles of the Religious Right. I have to admire John Hegler's obvious disgust with presumptuous, oily, two faced , politicians. He probably is angry with them because he knows people shouldn't act that way, at least if they were properly brought up . Becky Strube is hopeful her many talents and work as an architectural designer might be put to good use on council. Ruth Moore is dedicated to life in Lavington and wants to preserve her lifestyle. Allen Dubeski was a no show until the second forum.

I can only guess what others think of me, nobody has ever said anything to my face yet, probably that I am a sanctimonious, radical, opinionated, outspoken hothead who does not know how to behave in the decorous business of local politics. I would not dispute this or even accusations of narcissism. I like to show off when I write . So I consider myself lucky not to be challenged to a duel or hauled into court for sullying undeserved reputations. Which leads me to speculate whether the Coldstream is perhaps the home too many conservative, genteel, sedate, business minded, emotionally repressed WASP's. If that's so, then there would be no taste for even one colorful, charismatic, charming or candid loose cannon on council. [This might explain Coldstream's cool reception to former mayoral candidate and past CRA president Andy Danyliu.] No, seven Casper milk toasts on council marching to Wendy Kay's drumbeat would be just perfect for Coldstream, it seems!

Why did I run for council? Perhaps I just wanted a chance to get my message out, to get the attention of the public about the need for reform at city hall, to save the Coldstream from rapacious developers. That can only be achieved if the electorate choose the right people to get the right jobs done. Elections should not just be popularity contests among long time local residents, even newcomers to the Coldstream should be given a fair chance to serve! I think Coldstreamers have finally come to realize their past electoral mistakes; they have seen their confidence and trust betrayed by some on council and are ready for reform. The old saw applies: “ People get the government they deserve”.

So I have doubts about my desire to rescue Coldstream from yet another dysfunctional, misdirected council or act as an in house watchdog with it's inevitable conflicts. However distasteful it may seem to me now, I did make a commitment, which I can't get out of. Who knows being a councilor could actually be challenging, satisfying, rewarding, perhaps even fun, but that's a stretch. I have a chance to meet new people; perhaps even become friends with some. I will let the public decide what to do with my name on the municipal ballot, if they agree with me then put a mark beside my name, if they do not, then just move on to choices more to their taste.

I hope this explains my belated withdrawal from the electoral circus. I did try to get my message out to the public and perhaps I have had a hand in shaping the outcome of the election. I announced my candidacy with hopefulness, I withdrew because I felt I wasn't needed anymore. You have a lot of good candidates to chose from.

Peter Peto

26 Oct 2008

Digging into the future -- By Richard Rolke with comments by The Eagle.

A hillside in rural Lumby is being transformed into the site of a multi-million-dollar infrastructure project.

Heavy equipment is moving dirt and removing trees as part of the construction of the new Duteau Creek water treatment plant for thousands of residents in Greater Vernon.

“We’re well on our way because the last time I was here, there were a heck of a lot more trees,” said Jerry Oglow, North Okanagan Regional District chairman.

Work on the $30 million initiative began Oct. 13 and a ground-breaking ceremony was held Wednesday.

“It’s a couple of years late but I’m pleased it’s going ahead,” said Stan Field, BX-Silver Star director.

The plant has been on the drawing board for many years but construction was delayed because of an environmental review and consultation with local First Nations.

“It’s a complex project. It required considerable senior government funding and that took time to work through the system,” said Oglow.

The main contract for the project will be awarded soon and it’s anticipated the plant will be completed in the spring of 2010.

The plant — which will provide a maximum of 155,000 cubic metres of treated water daily — will use clarification to reduce the visible particulate matter and natural organic material in the water.

“It will greatly reduce the colour issue,” said Al Cotsworth, Greater Vernon’s water utility manager.

By removing the particulate and organic material, it could lead to a significant decease in the use of chlorine required for disinfection.

“The need for boil water alerts will also be incredibly reduced,” said Cotsworth.

The above excerpt is from an article published by the Morning Star on October 23, 2008.

It is nice to see that finally after nearly five years of approving the borrowing of $35 million the project got underway. Some people might question the timing, being just before the election, but seeing that four of the five "diggers" are not running for office this cynicism might not be justified.

However, there are other, more justified questions that could be raised. Let's consider some of them.

The first question we might ask is: if the construction was delayed for so many years why could we not have the rate increases delayed until we actually needed the funds? Water rates increased from $0.35 to $0.80 per cubic meter with absolutely no benefit to most of the Coldstream (and Electoral Area) customers. They anticipate completion in 2010. If politicians accepted the delays in the benefits they should have done the right thing and delayed the rate increases.

Had we done so we would have avoided the present major dilemma of reallocating the accumulated reserves as the City has pulled out from the originally agreed water agreement. Right now there is an arbitrator working with the participants trying to resolve the issues. This could be a good issue for the candidates at the next all candidates forum! Why accumulate all these reserves in advance?

The following comments do not give the desired comfort:

“It will greatly reduce the colour issue,” said Al Cotsworth, Greater Vernon’s water utility manager.

and

"“The need for boil water alerts will also be incredibly reduced,” said Cotsworth.

How much improvement can we expect for the huge investment we are putting into the project?

Another disturbing fact is that once the Duteau Creek plant is finished all of us on the east side of Kalamalka Lake in Coldstream will be switched over to this new water source from the present Kalamalka source. For my money, that will represent a reduction in quality of service not an improvement.

Clarification of these issues could be another good question for the incumbent candidates. If they take our money with the promise of increased quality service they should provide us with improved and not inferior quality.

Since the next improvement is not scheduled before 2015 our chances of getting the quality of water Vernon is receiving are nil. So why should we be charged the same price for our water as those customers in Vernon are? Any takers?

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Council meeting -- October 27, 2008.

REGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL
OF THE DISTRICT OF COLDSTREAM

TO BE HELD ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2008
IN THE MUNICIPAL HALL CHAMBERS
9901 KALAMALKA ROAD, COLDSTREAM, BC
AT 7:00 PM

DELEGATIONS

Page 1 a. Recognition of an Employee and Remodelling of the Old Fire Hall

· Letter from John Hegler, dated October 17, 2008

John Hegler will be in attendance to speak to this matter.


Page 3 b. Traffic Safety Report and Kalavista Boat Launch Parking Expansion

· Email from Jim Cookson, dated October 15, 2008

Jim Cookson will be in attendance to speak to this matter.
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Page 67

(1) Neighbourhood Meeting re Traffic and Parking Concerns Near Kalavista Boat Launch
· Report from the Chair, Traffic Safety Committee, dated October 20, 2008

Recommendation

THAT the report from the Chair, Traffic Safety Committee, dated October 20, 2008, regarding Neighbourhood Meeting re Traffic and Parking Concerns Near Kalavista Boat Launch be received;

AND THAT the District request that Greater Vernon Parks and Recreation install ticket machines and signage to charge for parking in the boat trailer parking area on weekends and holidays between June 15 and September 15 of each year;

AND THAT signage be installed to restrict parking on the south side of Kalamalka Road between Postill Drive and Kidston Road to a one hour maximum on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays between June 15 and September 15 each year;

AND THAT the angled parking stalls and bicycle lane on the north side of Kalamalka Road be painted;

AND FURTHER THAT the angled parking on the south side of Kalamalka Road be replaced with parallel parking and that the bicycle lane be painted.

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Election 2008 -- Readers write -- Mayoralty candidate writes

Hello.

My name is Jim Garlick and I would to ask for your support in becoming the mayor of Coldstream and Lavington in the upcoming November 15th election.

My brochure outlines all of the points that I believe in, but here I would like to take the time to expand on one of these that I hold dear.

During this next term of office, we will most likely see a review of our Official Community Plan. If I am elected mayor, I will push for thoughtful long-term planning for future development with community involvement. We often hear that official community plans are living documents and last only as long as the council of the day. I have taken this on as a challenge to try and come up with ways to entrench a community plan not in the paper it is written on, but in the residents of the community itself. I believe that a community that takes part on mass to develop their community plan, is aware of the details contained in their community plan, and reaps the benefits of following their community plan, will then take ownership of their community plan and will fight to keep their community plan and thereby their community.

I see the process in developing a community plan as being as important as the plan itself. I look to the city of Nelson to developing our next community plan in neighbourhoods rather than as one large plan many find difficult to grasp and few take little ownership of. I look to the community of Uculet where small neighbourhood gatherings were used to work on their plan, so that questions, answers, and ideas were easily exchanged. Uculet also developed a plan that has reaped benefits from development. That community managed to collect 11 million dollars in amenities over 3 years from development. I look to Okotoks, Alberta where they faced up to reality, determined that their limiting resource for development was water supply. They then took steps to plan future development on the basis of what they could sustain.

I encourage such a process in Coldstream to review our community plan, to educate and include many of our new residents, to empower and engage all of our residents, and most importantly, to rebuild our sense of community, which I feel we are losing.

Please vote me, and a like-minded strong council on November 15th to move towards this goal.

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Invitation to a coffee/tea party -- CRA

Hello All,

In order to provide you with an opportunity to meet informally with members of the community, the Coldstream Ratepayers' Association invites you for coffee/tea and cookies at the Women's Institute Hall from 2 - 4 pm. on Saturday, November 1.

All candidates contesting a seat on Coldstream Council are invited to meet with the public.

We hope that all of you can make it!

On behalf of the CRA,

Steve Heeren

PS. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Sharon Lawrence at 542-7335.

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Election 2008 -- Readers write.

I think it's appropriate for me to ask for some improvements in the last All Candidate Forum on 3 November. I have a few suggests to make which you might consider implementing.

First: That kitchen alarm bell after 2 or 3 minutes is very irritating to me and the other candidates especially if it goes off prematurely [by accident]! This is reasonable considering you have allowed a lot of blab time, without any time restrictions, to any candidate who wants to comment on questions from the audience. So why don't you let each candidate to finally complete their spiel. Signal them gently with a warning if they get too wordy, digress or get enamored with their speech making. I feel other candidates are also frustrated and annoyed with the CRA over this.

Second: on that point insist that the questioner direct their question to a specific person or persons, not to every candidate. Perhaps Steve you could take note who is not being asked a question and ask if anyone in the audience would like to ask that particular person a question to get them involved.

Third: Tell the ramblers and grand standers to get to the point and move on.

Fourth: Let candidates to pose a question to other candidates. This can be very revealing and interesting to the audience.

Fifth: You might ask the audience to write down suggestions as to how the forums could be improved in future.

Let's see if we make the last one more entertaining ,err, informative, and make a point to invite the media so it reaches a wider audience.

Just some thoughts for improvement you might consider. Otherwise you are both doing a great service and a great job.

Pete Peto

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Newcomer, veteran among 18 candidates -- By Jennifer Smith

Published: October 23, 2008 6:00 PM

Coldstream’s civic election candidates now have a better idea of what the community’s voters are looking for.

Most of the 18 council hopefuls and two mayoral candidates now have two forums under their belt since attending the recent Coldstream Ratepayers Association forums – Monday at Lavington Elementary where approximately 75 people attended and Tuesday at Coldstream Elementary, which packed in an estimated 200 people. The next forums take place Nov. 3 at Okanagan College, and Nov. 5 at the Performing Arts Centre, both at 7 p.m.

Two of the candidates seeking a councillor’s seat are Perrin Hayes and Pat Cochrane.

British-born Hayes has lived in Canada for 40 years and moved to Coldstream one-and-a-half years ago.

The father and grandfather is retired from facilities management at Simon Fraser University, where he was responsible for administering multi-million dollar operations and maintenance budgets.

With his past experience and current interest in the community, Hayes believes he is a good candidate.

“If you’re going to be a councillor, you have to be involved,” said Hayes, who has regularly attended council meetings, is chairman of the Agricultural Advisory Committee, volunteers with Special Olympics, is the Canadian Alliance of British Pensioners Okanagan representative, Gyro International Vernon chapter vice president and a Shuswap Pioneer Collectors Club member.

Having strong water protection and conservation concerns, Hayes is also vice chairman of the Greater Vernon Water Stewardship Committee and a member of the Cross Connection Control Committee of the B.C. Water and Waste Association.

The 67-year-old believes there should be more incentive for conservative homeowners. He suggests: “The less you use, the less you pay in both water and sewer charges.”

Hayes is also concerned with the loss of commercial and industrial land and is an advocate of agricultural land preservation.

“Once it’s gone away from the farm into the buildings, that’s it. You lose it.”

Cochrane, owner of Vernon Lock and Safe, is coming home to continue his political career.

The 12-year Vernon councillor has paid Coldstream taxes for 18 years and raised two boys in the rural community with his wife of 26 years.

“It’s time to go home,” said Cochrane, who started out in Coldstream as an advisory planning board member.

The veteran politician is now a Social Planning Council board member, Downtown Vernon Association city representative and a Vernon Performing Arts Centre Society director.

“I just feel that my background, experience and knowledge would be a benefit to the residents of Coldstream.”

That experience includes Vernon’s smart growth policies, which Cochrane would like to see used in Coldstream to maintain its rural standards.

He would also like to see Coldstream remain a key player in Greater Vernon. His example is the need for Coldstream to partner with Vernon to take over the economic development function from the regional district.

“Especially with the closure of the glass plant, it’s critical that we remain involved with economic development,” said 54-year-old Cochrane.

Cochrane also looks forward to more of an evening political schedule in Coldstream, versus the day time Vernon schedule which conflicts with his business hours.

Cochrane and Hayes are running against the following Coldstream council candidates: Maria Besso, Greig Crockett, Doug Dirk, Allen Dubeski, Richard Enns, Bill Firman, John Hegler, Gyula Kiss, Mary Malerby, Clair Methot, Ruth Moore, Peter Peto, David Rossi, Dean Skoreyko, Lynn Spraggs and Becky Strube.

The race for mayor is between Jim Garlick and Glen Taylor.

Watch The Morning Star for more profiles of Coldstream’s candidates.

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Digging into the future -- By Richard Rolke

Published: October 23, 2008 6:00 PM
Updated: October 23, 2008 6:19 PM

A hillside in rural Lumby is being transformed into the site of a multi-million-dollar infrastructure project.

Heavy equipment is moving dirt and removing trees as part of the construction of the new Duteau Creek water treatment plant for thousands of residents in Greater Vernon.

“We’re well on our way because the last time I was here, there were a heck of a lot more trees,” said Jerry Oglow, North Okanagan Regional District chairman.

Work on the $30 million initiative began Oct. 13 and a ground-breaking ceremony was held Wednesday.

“It’s a couple of years late but I’m pleased it’s going ahead,” said Stan Field, BX-Silver Star director.

The plant has been on the drawing board for many years but construction was delayed because of an environmental review and consultation with local First Nations.

“It’s a complex project. It required considerable senior government funding and that took time to work through the system,” said Oglow.

The main contract for the project will be awarded soon and it’s anticipated the plant will be completed in the spring of 2010.

The plant — which will provide a maximum of 155,000 cubic metres of treated water daily — will use clarification to reduce the visible particulate matter and natural organic material in the water.

“It will greatly reduce the colour issue,” said Al Cotsworth, Greater Vernon’s water utility manager.

By removing the particulate and organic material, it could lead to a significant decease in the use of chlorine required for disinfection.

“The need for boil water alerts will also be incredibly reduced,” said Cotsworth.

And that is good news for politicians who have heard numerous complaints about the colour and the need for boil water advisories.

“I hope it will give us water that’s fit to drink compared to what we have now,” said Cliff Kanester, BX-Swan Lake director.

That’s also the view of Gary Corner, Coldstream mayor and Greater Vernon Advisory Committee chairman.

“It will clear the water up and make this a much better drinking source for all of our communities,” he said.

Duteau Creek is the source of water for the former Vernon Irrigation District, which meets the needs of the two electoral area, much of Coldstream and parts of Vernon.

Wayne Lippert, Vernon mayor, believes enhanced treatment will go a long ways towards improving public health.

“People can get ill from poor quality water and that affects the health care system,” he said.

While all Greater Vernon jurisdictions have supported the new plant and sought government funding, special credit for the project is being directed towards Corner.

“Gary was instrumental in keeping this project in front of senior politicians and our board,” said Oglow.

The current project is just the first phase of proposed upgrades to the Duteau Creek system, and NORD is planning to add filtration in 2015.

Filtration would provide an additional barrier against parasites and viruses.

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Fifty two years ago today the Hungarian revolution started.

Fifty two years ago the people of Hungary decided that enough is enough. They rose up against their communist leaders and occupying Soviet forces. For ten days they had hopes of victory. It did not pan out that way. Nevertheless, it was the beginning of the end of the Soviet Empire. As a participant, I quietly celebrate and hope that democracy will always prevail! For some photos of the revolution please visit http://www.hungary1956.com/photos.htm.

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Middleton Mountain park demands come into play -- By Richard Rolke

Published: October 23, 2008 6:00 PM

Demands for green space on Middleton Mountain could soon be addressed.

The North Okanagan Regional District is in negotiations with the Vernon School District to possibly lease about five acres of land near Mt. Thor Drive in Coldstream for park.

“The deal with the school district is not done but we’re working on it,” said Gary Corner, Coldstream mayor and chairman of NORD’s Greater Vernon Advisory Committee.

Corner isn’t sure when a final agreement may be reached but he is hoping it will occur fairly soon.

Numerous residents have complained about the lack of parks on Middleton Mountain, especially when residential construction is still taking place.

Corner admits there has been a deficiency in open space.

“When Middleton was first developed, parks weren’t set aside and this would be a way of adding a park there,” he said of the potential lease with the school district.

The school district-owned site is adjacent to a small park already developed by GVAC.

GVAC has $200,000 in its 2008 budget to go towards park development if the lease is secured, and more money would be needed if the project proceeds over a two-year period.

It’s not been decided what facilities would be available at the new park if it proceeds.

“We would have a neighbourhood meeting and ask residents what they want there,” said Al McNiven, parks and recreation administrator.

The school district acquired the site on Mt. Thor Drive as a potential home for a new school if Coldstream Elementary was closed.

But instead, officials decided to rebuild Coldstream Elementary on its current site on Kalamalka Road after a geotechnical study determined that building a school on the rocky site on Middleton would be a more costly option.

Corner says the discussions with the school district have only revolved around leasing the land and not purchasing it.

“That (selling) is a decision that would have to be left up to the school district,” he said.

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Candidates cannot get information from Coldstream's Administration.

Funny thing happened to me today. Let me share. Two days ago I made an appointment with the Director of Financial Administration of Coldstream to discuss issues relating to the water devolution (the issues arising from the City of Vernon's decision to pull out of water distribution). Today my appointment was canceled. Reason? No candidate should have more information than the rest of them.

Of course, there are five incumbents in the race for Council. How are we taking the information they already have away from them? Don't they have a tremendous advantage over the rest of us by having all sorts of in-camera information not shared with the rest of us?

Obviously, the consequences of the devolution are significant for Coldstream and the Electoral Areas with respect to cost sharing of infrastructure construction and possible differential water rates.

Had we followed the time tested route of financing infrastructure through taxation, there would be no problem. All jurisdictions would continue contributing their share of financing through taxation and each jurisdiction would decide how much they should charge for water based on the treatment and delivery to the customers. The problems arising from combining infrastructure costs into water rates just hit home with this problem.

When we examine how we constructed the fire halls, the Multiplex, the Theatre, and even the sewer extension from McClounie to Aberdeen Road using taxation one wonders why this method was not used for the water infrastructure.

The main beneficiaries of the water infrastructure to date are the new developments on the Rise, Turtle Mountain and others. Yet, they are contributing almost nothing to this new infrastructure as the empty (but expensive) lots do not use water. Had we used taxation based financing they would also contribute to the burden. Incidentally, since we only borrowed $13 million to date our taxes would be relatively insignificant and only would have started in 2005 (see taxation).

Even though my appointment was canceled the Director agreed that had we used taxation financing our problems would be greatly reduced (with regards to the resolution of the devolution).

Now, since I have this extra knowledge through due diligence I am sharing the information with the rest of the candidates (if they care to read it) so I would have no undue advantage in the race. Thank you for your interest.

Gyula

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Readers write -- John Hegler provides his platform.

John Hegler

—>Candidate for Coldstream Council
—>57-year resident

He will work towards:

-Open and honest government, accountable to the taxpayer.

-He will be there for all residents of Coldstream with a strong voice.

-He will work to solve the problems and dealing with morale issues in the fire department. Bring back freedom of speech.

-uphold the OCP.

-modest growth but not at the expense of the environment. We must protect our environment and watershed for future generations.

-more enforcement by the police and bylaw enforcement officer in Coldstream.

-more accountability for taxpayers from Council and Administration.

-keep taxes in line with inflation.

-work with all levels of governments to find a solution for the loss of Consumer Glass.

-solve the Kalavista boat launch problem. Reduce conjestion in their area and deal with their safety concerns.

-sewer issues: treat existing sewer users more fairly. No more hundreds of thousands of dollars to developers for latecomer fees at the expense of existing sewer users.

-it would be an honour and a privilege to represent you on Coldstream Council.

If you are as compassionate about Coldstream as I am, I hope you vote John Hegler for Council/ You will not be disappointed.

Yours truly,

John Hegler

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This is a courtesy service to candidates so they can provide information to the electors about themselves and their platform.

Gyula (another candidate).

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