Hello all,
Sorry for the delay, our August meeting was cancelled. The September meeting was quite informing. Discussion orientated around the "Society for the Future Governance of Greater Vernon" petition. The Association's members and directors were skeptical that this would be beneficial at all to any of the parties proposed. Some members felt that it was a non-starter topic. Others, felt that this initiative should be met with empirical and historical information. This will require more blog postings as the information is quite involving and lengthy. For interested individuals, the Amalgamation of the 'former' Electoral Area "A" (a.k.a. the Okanagan Landing, down by the Vernon airport) is a prime example. Other local examples, are the "Middleton Mountain" area, which was rezoned by the City of Vernon for "light industrial" and now sits nothing but subdivisions. Ironically, new buyers of the aforementioned houses complained about the businesses in the 'light industrial' area despite their predating the homes' construction.
The "Society for the Future Governance of Greater Vernon" last article in the Morning Star was quite surprising, shocking and in our opinion quite contradictory. Previously, the impression was for the Amalgamation of all Greater Vernon areas. However, in the most recent article Mr. Peter Moore (Society Director) said there was a major misconception regarding the Society's aims. It isn't for just the amalgamation of Greater Vernon Areas but "We are looking for a new municipality and not just an absorption by Vernon of the other jurisdictions." ( http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/news/225575722.html )
Wow.
So the obvious question that leaps to mind is. What total costs are entailed in creating a completely new jurisdiction, involving all Electoral areas, District of Coldstream and the City of Vernon??! Pardoning the old cliche this sounds like 'throwing out the baby with the bath water.'
Additional questions include, to remove all existing agreements and personnel would require elections for the new positions, changing of stationary/logos, negotiation for taxation, as well as the 100% funding for road maintainence (which would be alot more in fiscal costs vs the status quo.) Unless, somehow the quote above means something else? Also, could rural property owners (of 3 acres or more) be taxed at City of Vernon levels (on per square foot basis ??) Would the new entity honor the agreement for "Agricultural Rates" for water as well?
For brevity sake, the plethora of additional questions will be added later. But before the question is put to a referendum, perhaps these questions and others should have pragmatic answers first and not be based on emotional rhetoric. Of course, we appreciate all comments on this matter so please feel free to write and leave them in the comments section below.
Of course, this blog entry accompanies the wishes for everyone to have a enjoyable Thanksgiving. Local produce that is season is quite enjoyable and flavorful for meals. Additionally, best wishes for a entertaining, scary but safe Halloween.
More to come (on the concerns and history) on the Amalgamation/New Municipality creation.
Stay tuned for more to come...
