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!!)