OCTOBER 21 MEETING REPORT

An informational meeting was held by the BX-SWAN LAKE Community Association on October 21, 2008 7:30 PM at the BX Elementary school to provide information regarding the proposed ultimate annexation of most of Electoral Areas B & C into the City of Vernon as outlined in their Official Community Plan. Thanks and recognition were given to Mr. Stan Field and Mr. Cliff Kanester for their service and dedication to the concerns of residents in Electoral Areas B & C respectively, neither of which are seeking re-election. Mr. Mike Macnabb and Mr. Mike Gavinchuk were introduced as the new representatives. Presentations were made by Mr. Greg Betts, General Manager Electoral Area Services for Regional District of North Okanagan. Mr. Betts provided information on current our current governance regime (regional district) as well as some possible options. Mr. Betts used a slide presentation, which can be accessed at www.rdno.ca/notices/081021_governance_presentation_bxslca.pdf Ms. Kim Flick Manager of Planning and Building for City of Vernon then responded to the purpose and proposed timing of the proposed annexation as outlined in their OCP Alan Hill, Resident of Okanagan Landing, formerly Electoral Area A, outlined his perspective on what took place prior, during and since the annexation of Area A. Written questions from the floor were then directed by the chair to the appropriate presenter/s in order to clarify or to provide more information. Just prior to adjournment at 9:15 PM, the chair asked for a show of hands of those yet present to indicate those in favour of joining the City of Vernon and also those who were not. There were none who indicated they were in favour of joining the city, while approximately 95% indicated they were not. It must be noted that some people had left the meeting prior to this show of hands. Many of the questions from the floor involved issues pertaining to lands within the Agricultural Land Reserve. There was no one present to knowingly speak to these issues, so we are trying to arrange for someone to attend a local meeting to provide more information on these matters. Since the meeting, there have been some concerns surface regarding fire fighting/rescue services and the current jurisdictions within which these different entities are considered “First Responders". It appears, and I stand to be corrected on this, that the City of Vernon Fire Department would respond to incidents on Silver Star Road and The Foothills, while the BX/Swan Lake Fire Department would respond to incidents on both sides of Silver Star Road above Butcher Boys Store and areas around The Foothills. I hope that the welfare of those involved in an incident is not being superceded by some line on a map or some political whim. There is more involved in this issue and we will try to provide more information when we are able.