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.
