October 29th, 2014

Hi Everyone,

We are getting this entry in after a small hiatus.  So the entries of topics are as follows:

1)  Obviously, the election is a major event.  Some areas have more candidates than others.  However, if you support your local representative then do so by voting, not necessarily for the them but the issues that also appear on the ballot.  (Borrowing for the Master Water Plan, School District representation, etcetera.)

2)  The status of the proposed gravel pit, near the BX Creek has been halted.  However, this whole application process could be restarted, details aren't yet known.  The "Soil Extraction" By-Law came up for third reading at the last R.D.N.O. meeting and was passed.  The By-Law requires permit approval from the District before topsoil (and/or aggregate) are removed or added.

3)  Water referendum is this November and the history of this issue is longer and convoluted to be entirely covered in the space of this blog.  For more official information on the master water plan please refer to the link.  http://www.rdno.ca/index.php/services/engineering/water/greater-vernon-water/master-water-plan and more information on the referendum itself is at this link http://www.rdno.ca/index.php/services/engineering/water/greater-vernon-water/water-vote .

4)  For Area C constituents the proposed expansion for the BX Fire Hall was discussed at the last meeting.  The executive is unanimous in support for this proposal.  For the location of the fire hall provides faster response times for many locations within the Electoral Area C.  Also, the general opinion (during discussion) was this upgrade was requested (and needed for operational improvement) from the Fire staff.

So if anyone would like to leave comments or suggest topics for future blogs, please do so in the comment section below.  Also if you would like more information, the assoc. can be emailed at 'bxslca@hotmail.com'.

Until next time, keep blogging.

September Post

Greetings Bloggers,

Recently the Morning Star had an article Re: the Soils and Gravel Removal Bylaw which would only apply to areas "B" and "C".  Numerous quotes were cited in the article so here's the letter in it's original form for everyone's perusal.  (Also if you would like to leave a comment below that would be informally recognized.)

If you save the file and open it with a graphic program or JPEG viewer then the size is much easier to read.  I will try and get this more readable on the page when time permits.

As always, readers are encouraged to leave their comments below or contact the Association through the email address.

Until next time, keep bloggin'

Re: Brentwood Rd Update

Greetings Bloggers,

Although the Association has been on a small hiatus (Month of August 2014) there has been a development Re: the proposed gravel pit on Brentwood Road.  The meeting was reported in the Morning Star recently,  if anyone had missed it, the link is below.
http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/news/272220811.html

The Association is pleased that the local directors (of the R.D.N.O.) voted (on a motion) to not forward the application to the A.L.R.  The process was followed to come to this decision.  This sensitive (or emotional) issue has many facets to it and a lengthy history.  We are grateful for the residents of Brentwood Road as well as all those whom signed the petition, to voice opposition to a commercial development in a pristine ecological corridor (for almost all wildlife.)  Also, the view for the Grey Canal Trail will also be left as planned, a picturesque scene that many tourists will photograph.

As like the case of "BX Falls" can be found on youtube...(the link is the list of videos available.)
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=bx+falls

This ends our short entry while the Assoc. was on it's 'break' and we will blog about any future developments.

July/August Entry

Greetings Bloggers,

This entry finds all of us busy with our gardens, holidays, and the GREAT summer weather.

This entry will start and be centered around the information provided to the BX Swan Lake Community Assoc. from the Brentwood Rd. residents.  The ones that are concerned about the possibility of the "BX Gravel Pit" going ahead and starting operations.  Below is the information provided to us (in condensed format.)

• The location of this pit has environmental considerations due to the close proximity to the BX Creek.  Run-off of silt and other particulate as well as the riparian area consideration.  The road (that would need to be upgraded for industrial traffic) is only 6 M away from the Creek.  Also private wells owners near this site are concerned about possible impact.
• Concerns for Air Quality and Audio Pollution.  Despite the adjacent neighbours to this property/enterprise, some residents of the Foothills subdivision complained about increase of dust and noise when this property was worked last year.
• The electoral area this pit could be in is one of the densest in the local area.  There are 476 households within 1 KM of this site.
• The Elementary School will be passed by the increased traffic that this pit would generate (by dumptrucks with trailers.)

Regional District of the North Okanagan has this application cited for review at their August 20th meeting @ 4 PM.  There will be no submissions allowed at this meeting.  So, if you are opposed to this site for a gravel pit, you can email, send or drop off letters to the N.O.R.D. Board of Directors BEFORE August 20th, 2014.

Regional District of North Okanagan
9848 Aberdeen Road
Coldstream, BC V1B 2K9

Phone: 250-550-3700
Fax:      250-550-3701
Email:    info@rdno.ca

Office Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm

Here is the link to the directors and their respective areas http://www.rdno.ca/index.php/about/directors .
In order to ensure all directors are aware of the resident's concerns, please "cc" ('carbon copy') or send an email to stopbxcreekpit@outlook.com Also, use this email to contact the residents if you have not signed the petition.

The assoc. can be emailed @ 'bxslca@hotmail.com'

We hope to see support for the residents at the aforementioned meeting or at least in letter form.

P.S. The association will not be meeting in the month of August but will resume in Sept. 2014.  

P.S.S. Crow intelligence test   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVaITA7eBZE

Last Post in June

Greetings,

So Canada Day is tomorrow.  We wish everyone a safe and a spectacular "Canada Day".  However your celebrating this national holiday.  As John G. Diefenbaker once said “I am a Canadian, free to speak without fear, free to worship in my own way, free to stand for what I think right, free to oppose what I believe wrong, or free to choose those who shall govern my country. This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold for myself and all mankind.”

Hopefully everyone's garden is now a 'growing concern'.  If not, get some plants in the ground!

From the last meeting, the idea has gained support for some promotional 'bumper' stickers to reflect support for the area known as the "B.X."  Some local history can be found through a local area cidery.  The link for the history (and their farm) is as follows:  http://thebxpress.com/the-bx/  Although only one page, it covers a large portion of the history of the "B.C. Express Company".


(Barnard’s Express At Yale. Provincial Archives)

So if anyone has any suggestions for the 'bumper stickers' that they think would reflect or support the local area we live in (Electoral Areas "B" & and "C".) Then please email them to bxslca@hotmail.com, (Thank-You in advance.)  If the slogan is chosen we will post the author's name (with their permission) on this blog (as space on the sticker is at a premium.)

Lastly, for something completely different.  Here's one for all the fisherman out there
"Whale of a Tale" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcXU7G6zhjU

Until next time, keep bloggin'

March Recap/Update

Greetings again,

Kinda tardy on this entry but it feels like summer and the garden calls (but no more hail, thanks.)  Anyways, the items for conversation are as follows:

I) Water Presentation by Zee Marcolin and John Bartell from Greater Vernon Water Service.  The presentation approx. 2 hours.  We thank them for the plentiful information provided and look forward to further discussion on inquiries/questions that membership generates.
Power Point presentation outlined:
· The history and development of Greater Vernon Water.
· Current separation plans for potable/agricultural water
· Efforts in conservation, penalties for over users, equity for all users
· Agricultural and home rates.
· Monitoring of unmetered standpipes
· Monitoring of home/garden use of agricultural water
· Exploration of innovative irrigation practices
· Investigation of unaccounted water (about 30%)
· Development of water rates
· The need for Cross-Connection Valves to prevent contamination of potable water.
· Drought protocol
Questions/concerns were raised by members:
· Lack of clarity of memos etc sent out by Greater Vernon Water.  Request that information  be provided in reader friendly language (I.E. plain English)
· Mounting costs involved in applying for, metering and maintenance of Cross-Connection systems for the small holding residents.
· Low water pressure during summer for some residents
· Frequent loss of water when power cut to pumps
· Lack of understanding for residents who had purchased irrigation rights at considerable cost prior to the current water authority changes
· Lack of monitoring of unmetered water users causing resentment among paying users

Please leave your questions (if different than above) and comments in the section below.  If we get enough inquiries, we may ask to see if the presentation is available for public sharing/viewing.

II)  Adopt-A-Trail Information which is being discussed by the directorship.  Here's the full application form for everyone'e perusal.

http://www.rdno.ca/forms/Adopt-a-Trail-Application.pdf

We implore comments/inquiries regarding this opportunity.  Some comments have been voiced but not all compiled yet.  Comments can be emailed to 'bxslca@hotmail.com' or left in the section below.

Water Rate Info. (Greater Vernon Water)

Hello Everyone,

     For your information, there will be two staff (from G.V.W.) with a presentation on "Vernon Water - Agricultural Water Service."  Specific information from the presentation isn't available to us currently but this presentation will be approx. 20 min with question period to follow.  Meeting will be May 20th, 2014 @ 7 PM (Room T.B.A.) at the "People Place" (#101 - 3402, 27th Ave. Vernon, B.C.)

If anyone would like to R.S.V.P. (as seating is limited,) please do so through 'bxslca@hotmail.com'.

More information will be provided as we receive it.

April 22nd, 2014

Greetings bloggers,

Hopefully everyone had a enjoyable Easter.  Hard to believe April is almost over and the recent amount of 'liquid sunshine' is a temporary condition.  "April showers bring May flowers."  (Helps in the water bill dept.)
Speaking of water, there's been some mention of the "Master Water Plan" http://www.rdno.ca/index.php/services/engineering/water/greater-vernon-water/master-water-plan despite the length, if people have questions about various subjects (rates, distribution, allotments, criteria, etcetera)  The subjects are linked on the left side of the webpage.

Next Year's compliance for "Backflow Valve Tests"  (Necessary for water turn on.)
http://www.rdno.ca/index.php/services/engineering/water/greater-vernon-water/cross-connection-control-program

For Agricultural Customer(s)
http://www.rdno.ca/index.php/services/engineering/water/greater-vernon-water/agricultural-customers 

Of course we welcome comments or questions, please leave them in the comment section below or email the association at bxslca@hotmail.com.

Directorship election went smoothly.  Some old faces in new seats but most remain the same.  Any interested members that would like to seek directorship status may do so by attending the meetings and meeting society's constitutional requirements.  However, members are invited to attend meetings without being interested in directorship.

Once the sunny days return, a good physical activity is hiking and the trail system has various options.  Link from RDNO:  http://www.rdno.ca/index.php/services/recreation/greater-vernon-parks-recreation-culture/parks-trails

This concludes this blog entry.  Hope everyone stays dry and warm!!!

Post A.G.M. 2014

Hello All,
     We would like to thank all that attended the Annual General Meeting at the Best Western Vernon Lodge.  The meeting was well attended with approximately thirty renewing or new members and a few guests.  (Almost filled the small meeting room to capacity.)  Which we like to see of course, not complaining.

     Laura Frank presented the Official Community Plan at it's current stage.  Information was collected previously from residents and the main comments centered around the rural lifestyle being maintained as well as the rural areas remaining 'clean' and open from development.  It is not fully completed and for more information and the 112 page report can be found at this link http://www.rdno.ca/index.php/services/planning-building/planning-projects/official-community-plan-for-electoral-areas-b-c-review 
Please share comments through the R.D.N.O. website above.

     The proposed gravel pit seems to be at an impasse due to the R.D.N.O. and the A.L.C. needing to review the plan before the Ministry of Mines and Energy can approve it.  The owner still has been somewhat active, but the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure has weight restrictions on the gravel road to access the site.  So, although it isn't totally done in process, it seems this one may be slowed in development vs the proposed gravel pit in Spallumacheen area.

     Parks agreement is completed, and the change is substantial for the areas involved.  To summarize, Area "B" concludes with 3 parks under their"sub-regional" jurisdiction (which is down from partially funding seven to eight parks previously.)  Area "C" acquires control of parks in their jurisdiction, specifically "BX Ranch Park" now can have maintenance done (contracted) by whom is chosen by the R.D.N.O. and not the Greater Vernon Parks Staff.  This saves both regional areas considerable funds, we can post the total savings value once the minutes of this meeting are released.  We think you will be surprised but we don't want to post inaccurate figures. 

     The Swan Lake Corridor was discussed and there will be more to come on this subject.  Ministry of Highways needs to complete their "new" survey before the "Stickle Rd." can be improved.  Improvements include a lane for speed reduction when turning onto the road and a merge lane (much like the left turn near Vernon Square) for getting onto the highway.  Presently, drivers have about 50 ft to get to highway speed.  We remain optimistic that these changes will reduce the number of fatalities that have occurred at that location.

     Annexation is an ongoing topic that had plenty of discussion.  The proposed annexation of properties along Pleasant Valley Road includes Butcher Boys.  This may impact the store's planned renovation due to the increased costs of services and taxes re: Regional District vs City of Vernon.  We hope they can have a choice in this decision, however, time will tell what actually will transpire.  It was noted that the City of Vernon (we will post the numbers in the next blog entry,) over time (since 2006) the total area annexed from Area "B" and "C" (and sections of the "Commonage" area) total the current size of the City of Vernon currently.  So since the study from 2008, one option to stop the 'piecemeal' land annexations by the city would be becoming a "township" (so that would mean Area "B" and "C" have election of a mayor and a couple of councilors, the meeting place would be rented from R.D.N.O. at the Aberdeen location.)  If one is interested, you can see the results in our (quite early) posts.

     So, a appreciative "Thank-You" to all who showed interest and attended.  We always welcome more members and from the membership, those who would be able to become directors.  Stay tuned for more info.

     Before we forget, we would like to wish everyone a "Happy Easter" and welcome the sunny spring weather!

March (Almost Spring)

Greetings again,

     As per the last post, some topics keep re-emerging.  Particularly the annexation, amalgamation/unification, etcetera.  Recently, March 14th, 2014 article in the Morning Star "Governance Study Sought" (Area "B" & "C")  The directors "state they do not support an amalgamation study or...to have the question placed on the Nov. 15th ballot."  Despite comments to the contrary (in the article,) this letter is supported by a previous study back in 2008 when area residents were asked about the governance structure.  The exact results won't be listed here for brevity, but suffice to say, there was no appetite for amalgamation with the city.  If there was going to be change, the choice would be Incorporation.  Also, that survey also included more than just one question, it included a multiple choice with three options if it (governance structure) "had to change."
     For anyone interested for more information on the subject, they can peruse and/or save the "Annexation Impact Study":
Phase II report, at http://www.rdno.ca/docs/RDNO_Annexation_Study_Phase_II_Final_Report_-_February_2014.pdf
Phase I report http://www.rdno.ca/docs/2012-01-13-RDNO_Annexation_Impact_Study_Phase_I_-_Final_Report.pdf
Despite their length, there is a good amount of information on this subject that isn't 'emotionally based' or speculative.
     Ironically, to summarize some of the information on annexation.  The City of Vernon, to date, through the process of annexation has acquired enough property equal to the current size of the City of Vernon.
     Also, the city (Vernon) commented that their policy wouldn't change, regarding the individual property owners "waste treatment" services (http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/news/249060531.html.)  So you have to be annexed by the city to be eligible for connection to the sewer service.  Yet other municipalities in the province have policies that (properties) don't need to be fully "annexed" to acquire/pay for these particular services.  Perhaps if more discussed this (and made it an election issue) there would be a completely different strategy/process.
     Regardless, interested individuals can refer to the articles through the links and find out the information for themselves.

     Annual General Meeting is coming next month.  April 8th, 7-9 pm at the Best Western Vernon Lodge.  See the official notice in the morning star (Sun. publication.)  As well as the posters on the green paper boxes soon.  Membership is $5.00 per person, but general public is welcome to the meeting, if seating is available (due to a 50 person limit.)  The five topics scheduled are:

• BX Gravel Pit,
• Official Community Plan,
• Swan Lake Corridor,
• 'New' Parks System Agreement and 
• Continual/ongoing annexation of Electoral Areas.

R.S.V.P. can be made through the email address 'bxslca@hotmail.com'.  Please leave any ideas and comments in the comment section below.
 

Feb. 22nd, 2014

Hello Bloggers,

     This post is a general conversation on some topics that apparently keep re-surfacing...

1)  Annexation:  There has been considerable amount of discussion on this topic recently, which one can look to recent posts for that.  A couple points that should be considered (for electoral areas) is that:
a) when properties are 'taken' into the municipality, the tax revenue goes to the city and not the Regional District.  So as more annexations occur, it basically increases the tax for all remaining property owners.
b)  Once annexed, there is no "vehicle" (Provincially or Municipally) to ever get out of the 'city' (or back into the Regional District, in the case of former Electoral Area "A" et al.)

2)  Membership:  As always the assoc. depends on local resident support.  When issues arise that personally effect residents, we hear about it in a timely manner.  However, some initiatives (from 'umbrella' organizations like "Greater Vernon Water Authority") effect all areas.  Or, like the "BX Gravel Pit" individual rural areas have to deal with these occurrences.  The association represents Electoral Areas "B" and "C".  So ANYONE that lives in these areas can join as members, or as directors and become more involved with the direction of our governance or other local issues.  This may seem time consuming, or labour intensive but the price of not being involved is sometimes higher than not (as history indicates.)  The BX/Swan Lake Community Association's Annual General Meeting is (tentatively) scheduled for Apr. 8th, 2014 @ The Best Western Vernon Lodge, 7-9 P.M.  (There is a $5.00 membership fee.)  There will probably only be about 4-5 topics for discussion as the two hours passes quite quickly.

3)  Water Rates:  Over time rate increases have been attributed to various considerations.  Over the last few years the Interior Health Authority have mandated certain increases.  The latest article, published in the Morning Star, http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/news/246402931.html indicates an increased water rate for all users.  This implies more rate hikes will be in the future.  Whatever costs are incurred for infrastructure, the area residents will be the ones 'footing the bill' (as usual.)

We do appreciate all comments/thoughts on these issues, in the blog.   You can leave your comments in the comment section below or email the association = bxslca@hotmail.com.

Lastly, we wish all competitors at the Olympics all the best in there participating events.  (Go Canada!!)

In Memmorandum: Mr. Nicol

Hello all,

     It is now commonly known around town about the passing of Mr. Nicol.  The blog today will mention his great legacy left by him.  This will be in general as to list all his interactions would take a great length of time.  The Electoral Area Directors of "B" and "C" had lots of contact and working experience with Mr. Nicol.  Both commented that he was nominated as Chair of R.D.N.O. for a second consecutive time as well as sitting on City (of Vernon) council.

     All that remember him, mention his great demeanor and he worked in co-operation with many local government and non-profit groups.  Besides "Canada Day" celebrations, he was also heavily involved with the "Remembrance Day" organization and execution.  He also traveled to different area's meetings, I.E.  Grindrod and Cherryville meetings even though he wasn't expected too.  Also mentioned, was that Mr. Nicol didn't claim all the expenses that he was allowed to.  He felt that using his own fiscal resources for his own list of expenses was better representation to his constituents.

     Although he ran and didn't win any mayoral elections (he did run twice,) the comments from local representatives published in the Morning Star, indicate the level of involvement that he personally had.  As the Morning Star article mentions (http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/news/240648271.html) 

• "Nicol was known for tirelessly reading reports, taking phone calls at all hours and speaking on behalf of residents he felt weren’t getting full attention." 
• “He acted with dignity and respect for others and we, the members of his family at the City of Vernon, extend our condolences to his family and friends.”
• “I really believe in the regional district and we represent all of the region. I’ve never believed in a segmented version," - Mr. Nicol

     A man always to speak his thoughts, he also would comment on issues he found important (or the representation,) as noted back in 2012 with the Petition over the "Landing Fire Hall".  (http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/news/183074921.html)

     As for the R.D.N.O., “I’m hopeful the significant issues that come before us will be done in a sense of co-operation,” said director Patrick Nicol, who was elected chairperson.  “This organization deserves strong co-operation and leadership from all of us.” - Patrick Nicol, Dec.9th, 2011. 
(http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/news/135283068.html?mobile=true)

      As Mr. Roger Knox wrote in 2011, (http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/opinion/116938268.html) "...this is a man who has given his heart, soul, blood, sweat and tears to the community and, in particular, radio in the North Okanagan."  He also was influential in assisting in people's personal development as Knox mentions some C.J.I.B. alumni:  Bruce Ritchie, Melanie O’Hara, Steve Durant, Jason Armstrong, Scott Russell - all remember him fondly and personally.

     In conclusion, the BX/Swan Lake Community Association will greatly miss this true "Statesman" and hope one of equal calibre, integrity, indulgence, tolerance and perseverance be elected to represent the people.

1st Post of 2014

Greetings Bloggers,

Already the 12th of the new year, 2014.  The directorship would like to wish the membership and everyone all the best this New Year.  A number of topics have been discussed and observed and some will continue this year.  Some are listed below:

•   The Annual General Meeting of the Association will (most likely) be in Apr. 2014.  If this changes we shall post it here forthwith.  New members (and renewing members) will have a $5.00 annual fee.  If anyone would like more information, please email bxslca@hotmail.com and we can answer the inquires.
•  The "Annexation" topic also is being discussed.  We have noticed the "Coldstream Ratepayers Association" meeting recently ( http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/news/239688191.html ) about the genuine feelings of the majority of the population.  There are two letters below this posting on the blog that address this topic.

• The proposed gravel pit beside BX Creek will also be an issue that we are greatly concerned with.  As the articles in the "Morning Star" have been quite informing.  However, we will keep readers apprised of new developments, I.E. any Public Meetings, etcetera.

These are just a small sample of issues that we are discussing and seeking input on.  Please feel free to leave comments below or send an email to the address above (in the first bullet point.)

So from all of us at the Association, we hope this new year finds you, your family, friends and acquaintances all in favorable circumstances.