April's Blog / Post AGM

Hello Bloggers,

     The AGM held at the Best Western Vernon Lodge was a success.  The turnout was a little less than expected however, all participants were cordial, informative and interested.  Some questions were outside of the proposed agenda however, this didn't detract from the overall timeline provided.

     Laura Frank's presentation Re: O.C.P. for the R.D.N.O. was quite informative.  I shall refer you to the links below for more information.

• Overview of the Official Community Plan Review Process = http://www.rdno.ca/index.php/services/planning-building/planning-projects/official-community-plan-for-electoral-areas-b-c-review
• Survey for completetion by area residents = http://www.rdno.ca/docs/area-b-c-ocp-survey.pdf
• Area Map (this pertains to areas within the purple borders) = http://www.rdno.ca/docs/electoral_area_b_c_plan_boundary_map.pdf

     Huguette Allen's presentation Re: Genetically Modified Organisms was very informative.  Some comments heard were in slight disagreement.  However, the majority of attendees agreed that proper "labelling" of these ingredients/products would be better for the consumers to make an informed choices.  She also mentioned the "BeeSAFE" group, which support local farmer's growing non-GMO produce; which is also more safe for bees and other pollinators.  For more information please visit  http://www.beesafemonashees.org/

We are always welcoming new members and/or directors.  It doesn't take as much time as one might think and the information is very worthwhile.  Please email the assoc. if your are interested.

Lastly, due to the President's short memory, the ammended "President's Report" is below, if you would like a copy emailed to you, please let us know through an email to bxslca@hotmail.com .

Stay tuned until next time.
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BX/SWAN LAKE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

President's Report

Apr. 2nd, 2013

     Greetings, It is hard to believe how fast a year goes by. But here is a number of items the association was involved with in the past year. It should be noted here that these are not in chronological order but rather, the order that generated discussion.
     There was the letter that was sent to Mr. Letnick (Re: Meat Regulations) to request that the issuance of Class "D" & "E" licenses, specifically here in the Okanagan valley, occur as soon as possible. The article in the "Morning Star" about Mr. Letnick's announcement was diappointing. In my opinion, five licenses is rather limiting and finite for the geographical area considered. However, more people sending their comments may help make this an issue in the upcoming election.
     Related to that indirectly, is the Provincial Government's changes to the "Agricultural Waste Regulations". The provincial documents with the information (which is considerable reading) are in the publications that are entitled "BC Environmental Farm Plan Reference Guide" & (for use with the) "Canada - BC Environmental Farm Plan: Planning Workbook". Some opinions regarding this subject are that they are expensive, onerous and ill conceived with regards to requirements. Basically it seems like a more reactionary response rather than having a symbiotic approach.
     Also, there was alot of previous references to the "BX Ranch Park" being called or titled "BX Dog Park" in 2012. Some directors showed and interest and wrote a questionaire which had numerous responses from the park's users. The secondary sign that contravened local by-laws (regarding "Parks") was removed by the R.D.N.O. (not in connection with our disagreement with it.) Some things learned from the first (weekday) questionaire include:

• 52% of all park users name the creek as their favorite feature of the park,
• 68% of park users would like a light installed in the parking lot,
• 63% would like a garbage container placed farther in the park,
• These above items being possibly supported through municipal taxation was supported by 78% of park users. Total number in these two days was one hundred and sixty-eight respondents.

     Related to previous subject was the "T.D. Tree Day" that was financially supported by the "T.D. Tree Foundation". Despite a modest turnout, Area C director, Mr. Macnabb, helped with planting with the other particpants that day. Unfortunately, at the time of this report, I had misplaced my few notes on the subject and can't really give any more details.
     Lastly, there was the issue of the road washout in the previous spring. The two sites were known to be problematic during years of flooding. New repairs took longer than previous in history (within the last two decades,) didn't involve the use of temporary bridges, but seem to be more robust and/or secure.  These repairs have future consideration of flooding that occur within five-fifteen years or so. Currently the corner (near BX Elementary School) is complete.

Thank you for your time,
Chris Edwards, President
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