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!
