Hello all,
The pre-holiday and holiday season was very busy this year. Consequently, this blog finds itself here, with no specific topics, but mention of a couple that came up over the last finite period of time.
The news of the local municipality agreement on the 'parks model' was welcome news. Although we aren't going into specific detail, the lands proposed for parks are all generally desirable. We shall have more information in the new year as more is determined from the process that is underway. Revisitation to the O.C.P. will be blogged here in the new year among other subjects.
In regards with the meat regulations, it is disappointing to not have any official publication from the Provincial Minister of Agricultural, Mr. Norm Letnick. (Concerning the "Class D & E" licenses issuance, in the Okanagan Valley.) Although nothing has come in 2012 we hope that it is one of the newly written topics of 2013.
As the minister himself encourages "buyling local" produce (including "meats".) http://www.kelownadailycourier.ca/letters-to-the-editor/buying-local-is-the-best-deal-122412.html (dated Dec.24th, 2012.)
From the Morning Star - Nov. 2012
http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/news/177974421.html
From the Morning Star - from Oct. 2012
http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/news/174856031.html .
These two topics are the ones we have blogged about for now. We shall 'sign-off' in 2012 with best wishes for the holiday season. May everyone have an enjoyable, safe, "Happy New Year".
See you in 2013...
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Thursday, November 22, 2012
November's Entry
Greetings again bloggers,
Amazing how fast the year goes by, we welcome the blogspot "poster" back from her holidays from the Southern Hemisphere.
Issue of recent development is the "BX Ranch Property" that has been listed for sale.
http://www.bennetto.ca/index.php/listings/lots-acreages/4122-east-vernon-road
It is significant in size at 166 acres of flat, irrigated (although one corner has birds that visit in the 'marsh-like' area which implies a water source.) It is in the Agricultrual Land Reserve but this wouldn't stop urban development (of some sort in our personal opinion.)
Many possible uses of this land area as a park could include:
Regional District of the North Okanagan: http://www.rdno.ca/index.php/contact-us
City of Vernon: (Land Use Dept.) http://www.vernon.ca/services/pde/
District of Coldstream: http://www.districtofcoldstream.ca/contact/index.php
Comments or thoughts on other subjects are always welcome as well.
Safe wishes for this winter season's activities.
Stay tuned for more blogs......
Amazing how fast the year goes by, we welcome the blogspot "poster" back from her holidays from the Southern Hemisphere.
Issue of recent development is the "BX Ranch Property" that has been listed for sale.
http://www.bennetto.ca/index.php/listings/lots-acreages/4122-east-vernon-road
It is significant in size at 166 acres of flat, irrigated (although one corner has birds that visit in the 'marsh-like' area which implies a water source.) It is in the Agricultrual Land Reserve but this wouldn't stop urban development (of some sort in our personal opinion.)
Many possible uses of this land area as a park could include:
- Some land for Community Gardens use;
- Land for People's recreation (walking, jogging, picnics, bandshell??? etcetera);
- Portion for equestrian exercise;
- Portion (near 39th Ave) for the wild birds (and Frogs) which could be viewed at a distance with binoculars.
Regional District of the North Okanagan: http://www.rdno.ca/index.php/contact-us
City of Vernon: (Land Use Dept.) http://www.vernon.ca/services/pde/
District of Coldstream: http://www.districtofcoldstream.ca/contact/index.php
Comments or thoughts on other subjects are always welcome as well.
Safe wishes for this winter season's activities.
Stay tuned for more blogs......
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
October's Blog
Greetings again bloggers,
This post would have been done sooner, however, the fall season has left many of us busy with the usual expectations (fall leaves, seasonal harvests, etc.) and then the unexpected expectations (high fire risk, dry conditions etc.) as well. Unfortunately this blog will be 'short and sweet' as some directors have been busy, however, we will have more information after this month's meeting.
The "TDTree Day" at BX Ranch Park went well from our information. That event had transpired last month (Sept. 2012) and will probably be done again next year as well. If you have any comments/thoughts on this, please feel free to leave them below in the "Comment" section.
Some other things in the works (tentatively) are:
Lastly, the end of this month sees the annual tradition of "Halloween" (so despite it being early), a reminder for everyone to plan their activities (no matter what your age) and give yourself some extra time (for unexpected developments), so that everyone can have a creative, enjoyable, festive and (most importantly) safe Halloween.
So if you have any comments/suggestions for the topics above (or any others that are on your mind) please leave them in the comment section below.
Thank-you for your time and comments.
This post would have been done sooner, however, the fall season has left many of us busy with the usual expectations (fall leaves, seasonal harvests, etc.) and then the unexpected expectations (high fire risk, dry conditions etc.) as well. Unfortunately this blog will be 'short and sweet' as some directors have been busy, however, we will have more information after this month's meeting.
The "TDTree Day" at BX Ranch Park went well from our information. That event had transpired last month (Sept. 2012) and will probably be done again next year as well. If you have any comments/thoughts on this, please feel free to leave them below in the "Comment" section.
Some other things in the works (tentatively) are:
- A seed/plant swap that is being thought about for next spring.
- A youtube channel so that more can become aware of the the association's activities.
Lastly, the end of this month sees the annual tradition of "Halloween" (so despite it being early), a reminder for everyone to plan their activities (no matter what your age) and give yourself some extra time (for unexpected developments), so that everyone can have a creative, enjoyable, festive and (most importantly) safe Halloween.
So if you have any comments/suggestions for the topics above (or any others that are on your mind) please leave them in the comment section below.
Thank-you for your time and comments.
Friday, August 31, 2012
Weekday Questionnaire Results
Hello again,
Here's the weekday results now tabulated. They are below for review.
once a month = 4 (11%), once every couple weeks = 9 (26%)
once a week = 2 (6%), multiple times per week = 17 (49%)
multiple times per day = 4 (11%)
2) What riding/electoral area do you live in?
City of Vernon = 25 (71%), District of Coldstream = 8 (23%)
Regional Area "B" = 3 (9%), Regional Area "C" = 3 (9%)
Other = 0 (0%)
3) Do you bring your dog(s) to the park?
Yes =35 (100%), No = 0 (0%)
4) Do you like access to a dog permitted park?
Yes = 33 (94%), No = 0 (0%)
5) Do you think Dogs should be on a leash their entire time at the Park?
Yes = 0 (0%), No = 34 (97%)
6) Would you like to see a fenced "picnic" area?
Yes = 19 (54%), No = 14 (40%)
7) What equipment or facilities do you feel could be added to the Park?portable toilets = 23 (66%) , garbage containers = 21 (60%)
picnic tables = 21 (60%), 'playground' equipment = 9 (26%)
open air shelter = 11 (31%)
8) What feature of this Park is your favorite?
Creek = 17 (49%), Trails/Open Area = 5 (14%)
Off Leash = 7 (20%), Picnic Table(s) = 1 (3%)
'All of it' = 5 (14%)
9) As a Park User, what is your primary use?
exercise = 27 (77%), picnics = 0 (0%), relaxation = 15 (43%)
10) How many family members access the park?
one = 8 (23%), two = 14 (40%), three = 8 (23%)
four or more = 3 (9%)
11) What is your opinion of the park's condition?
Excellent = 12 (34%), Very Good = 16 (46%)
Satisfactory = 4 (11%), Poor = 2 (6%)
12) Would you like to see or attend a summertime community event at the BX Ranch Park?
Yes = 21 (60%), No = 11 (31%)
13) Would you like to see a Light installed in the Parking lot of the Park?
Yes = 22 (63%),No = 10 (29%)
14) Were you aware that this Community Park is a "multiple use" park?
Yes = 23 (66%), No = 8 (23%)
15) As an area resident/taxpayer, would you support these possibilities through municipal taxation?
Yes = 27 (77%), No = 3 (9%)
-------------------------
Thanks for all those who participated. The results are quite interesting. If you would like to leave a comment, please do.
Lastly, if anyone would like PDF's, please email the assoc. at the email address: www.bxslca@hotmail.com, thanks.
Here's the weekday results now tabulated. They are below for review.
Weekday Questionnaire Results
(Aug. 27th, 2012)
(Total = 35: Degree of error +/- 1%.)
1) As a Park User, how frequently do you use the Park?once a month = 4 (11%), once every couple weeks = 9 (26%)
once a week = 2 (6%), multiple times per week = 17 (49%)
multiple times per day = 4 (11%)
2) What riding/electoral area do you live in?
City of Vernon = 25 (71%), District of Coldstream = 8 (23%)
Regional Area "B" = 3 (9%), Regional Area "C" = 3 (9%)
Other = 0 (0%)
3) Do you bring your dog(s) to the park?
Yes =35 (100%), No = 0 (0%)
4) Do you like access to a dog permitted park?
Yes = 33 (94%), No = 0 (0%)
5) Do you think Dogs should be on a leash their entire time at the Park?
Yes = 0 (0%), No = 34 (97%)
6) Would you like to see a fenced "picnic" area?
Yes = 19 (54%), No = 14 (40%)
7) What equipment or facilities do you feel could be added to the Park?portable toilets = 23 (66%) , garbage containers = 21 (60%)
picnic tables = 21 (60%), 'playground' equipment = 9 (26%)
open air shelter = 11 (31%)
8) What feature of this Park is your favorite?
Creek = 17 (49%), Trails/Open Area = 5 (14%)
Off Leash = 7 (20%), Picnic Table(s) = 1 (3%)
'All of it' = 5 (14%)
9) As a Park User, what is your primary use?
exercise = 27 (77%), picnics = 0 (0%), relaxation = 15 (43%)
10) How many family members access the park?
one = 8 (23%), two = 14 (40%), three = 8 (23%)
four or more = 3 (9%)
11) What is your opinion of the park's condition?
Excellent = 12 (34%), Very Good = 16 (46%)
Satisfactory = 4 (11%), Poor = 2 (6%)
12) Would you like to see or attend a summertime community event at the BX Ranch Park?
Yes = 21 (60%), No = 11 (31%)
13) Would you like to see a Light installed in the Parking lot of the Park?
Yes = 22 (63%),No = 10 (29%)
14) Were you aware that this Community Park is a "multiple use" park?
Yes = 23 (66%), No = 8 (23%)
15) As an area resident/taxpayer, would you support these possibilities through municipal taxation?
Yes = 27 (77%), No = 3 (9%)
-------------------------
Thanks for all those who participated. The results are quite interesting. If you would like to leave a comment, please do.
Lastly, if anyone would like PDF's, please email the assoc. at the email address: www.bxslca@hotmail.com, thanks.
Weekend Questionnaire Results
Hello all,
The participating directors thank everyone who took the time to fill out the questionnaire at the "BX Ranch Park". The responses were very interesting. Now, since they are tabulated, they are here for all to review.
1) As a Park User, how frequently do you use the Park?
once a month = 15 (9%), once every couple weeks = 16 (10%)
once a week = 34 (21%), multiple times per week = 85 (53%)
multiple times per day = 12 (7%)
2) What riding/electoral area do you live in?
City of Vernon = 104 (64%)
District of Coldstream = 20 (12%)
Regional Area "B" = 13 (8%)
Regional Area "C" = 11 (7%)
Other = 12 (7%)
3) Do you bring your dog(s) to the park?
Yes =156 (96%), No = 6 (4%)
4) Do you like access to a dog permitted park?
Yes = 162 (100%), No = 0 (0%)
5) Do you think Dogs should be on a leash their entire time at the Park?
Yes = 2 (1%), No = 160 (99%)
6) Would you like to see a fenced "off leash" area specifcally for dog use?
Yes = 49 (30%), No = 95 (59%)
7) What equipment or facilities do you feel could be added to the Park?
portable toilets = 84 (52%), garbage containers = 102 (63%)
picnic tables = 49 (30%), 'playground' equipment = 22 (14%)
open air shelter = 43 (27%)
8) What feature of this Park is your favorite?
Creek = 85 (52%), Trees/Open Area = 28 (17%)
Off Leash = 26 (16%), Walking Area = 23 (14%)
Dog viewing = 2 (1%), Socializing = 5 (3%)
9) As a Park User, what is your primary use?
exercise = 133 (82%), picnics = 8 (5%), relaxation = 60 (37%)
10) How many family members access the park?
one = 32 (20%), two = 73 (45%), three = 25 (15%)
four or more = 32 (20%)
11) What is your opinion of the park's condition?
Excellent = 39 (24%), Very Good = 70 (43%)
Satisfactory = 39 (24%), Poor = 13 (8%)
12) Would you like to see or attend a summertime community event at the BX Ranch Park?
Yes = 96 (59%), No = 55 (34%)
13) Would you like to see a Light installed in the Parking lot of the Park?
Yes = 113 (68%), No = 39 (24%)
14) Were you aware that this Community Park is a "multiple use" park?
Yes = 96 (59%), No = 65 (40%)
15) As an area resident/taxpayer, would you support these possibilities through municipal taxation?
Yes = 127 (78%), No = 24 (15%)
Some Comments:
* Some questions (#7, #8 & #9) are multiple answer questions.
** Also any discrepancy in percentages is attributed to some answers being left blank.
The participating directors thank everyone who took the time to fill out the questionnaire at the "BX Ranch Park". The responses were very interesting. Now, since they are tabulated, they are here for all to review.
Weekend Questionnaire Results
Weekend Survey (July 28th & 29th, 2012)
(Total = 162: Degree of error +/- 1%.)1) As a Park User, how frequently do you use the Park?
once a month = 15 (9%), once every couple weeks = 16 (10%)
once a week = 34 (21%), multiple times per week = 85 (53%)
multiple times per day = 12 (7%)
2) What riding/electoral area do you live in?
City of Vernon = 104 (64%)
District of Coldstream = 20 (12%)
Regional Area "B" = 13 (8%)
Regional Area "C" = 11 (7%)
Other = 12 (7%)
3) Do you bring your dog(s) to the park?
Yes =156 (96%), No = 6 (4%)
4) Do you like access to a dog permitted park?
Yes = 162 (100%), No = 0 (0%)
5) Do you think Dogs should be on a leash their entire time at the Park?
Yes = 2 (1%), No = 160 (99%)
6) Would you like to see a fenced "off leash" area specifcally for dog use?
Yes = 49 (30%), No = 95 (59%)
7) What equipment or facilities do you feel could be added to the Park?
portable toilets = 84 (52%), garbage containers = 102 (63%)
picnic tables = 49 (30%), 'playground' equipment = 22 (14%)
open air shelter = 43 (27%)
8) What feature of this Park is your favorite?
Creek = 85 (52%), Trees/Open Area = 28 (17%)
Off Leash = 26 (16%), Walking Area = 23 (14%)
Dog viewing = 2 (1%), Socializing = 5 (3%)
9) As a Park User, what is your primary use?
exercise = 133 (82%), picnics = 8 (5%), relaxation = 60 (37%)
10) How many family members access the park?
one = 32 (20%), two = 73 (45%), three = 25 (15%)
four or more = 32 (20%)
11) What is your opinion of the park's condition?
Excellent = 39 (24%), Very Good = 70 (43%)
Satisfactory = 39 (24%), Poor = 13 (8%)
12) Would you like to see or attend a summertime community event at the BX Ranch Park?
Yes = 96 (59%), No = 55 (34%)
13) Would you like to see a Light installed in the Parking lot of the Park?
Yes = 113 (68%), No = 39 (24%)
14) Were you aware that this Community Park is a "multiple use" park?
Yes = 96 (59%), No = 65 (40%)
15) As an area resident/taxpayer, would you support these possibilities through municipal taxation?
Yes = 127 (78%), No = 24 (15%)
Some Comments:
- "Lots of land that deserves more than just being thought of as a "Dog Park.""
- "I am visiting from Calgary & Google states that there are washrooms. I was disappointed that that there wasn't."
- "More Parks that have shade for the summertime!!!"
- "Do not dump snow - it contaminates soil & water."
- "Mutual respect of users is very important. Mowing more often would help us find feces to pick up. Appreciate being able to have off leash area this large for my dog. Thanks to the volunteers for collecting this information. Park boundary by bridges is not very clear for where your allowed to go, some people can't read map board well & a sign saying leaving park may help with keeping the neighbors happy."
- "Truly believe that dogs past the bridge certainly NOT the biggest worry."
- "Grass cut, cut the weeds and fix the bridge."
* Some questions (#7, #8 & #9) are multiple answer questions.
** Also any discrepancy in percentages is attributed to some answers being left blank.
Thanks again, if you would like to leave a comment below on this (or other subject matter) please do!
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Early August Blog
Hello Bloggers et al,
This month's blog will be a brief one as the summertime activities are all back to normal. So please mind the campfires as the area as the conditions for fires have increased. Onto recap a few subjects...
1) The East Vernon Rd section that BX Creek had washed out is temporarily repaired. So traffic can now traverse the creek but it is bumpy and caution is advised. As far as we know, Tillicum Rd. hasn't been fixed yet. If anyone has information about that area please place it in the comments section.
2) The association's directors have been at the "BX Ranch Park" for a couple days with informal questionnaires. The response from these has been impressive. A total to date is 162 completed questionnaires. The directors will be at the park sometime during the weekday evenings. This was a suggestion from a few park users that weekday evenings are when others (who don't use it on the weekends) are in attendance. The specific day isn't decided yet, but we are estimating a window of 5-8pm (approximately) to make the questionnaires available. Thank you all for the participation and comments. Kudos to the park users who help maintain the cleanliness of the park. Will keep bloggers informed of the results after they are all filled out and collected. After the results are tabulated, the questionnaires will be forwarded to the Regional District of the North Okanagan for consideration on what ammenties the park could use (as suggested by park users.)
3) The 'seed swap' is still being considered as a park event in the next spring. More to follow once it has been worked out. One question in the questionnaire was "Would you like to attend a summer event at the BX Ranch Park?" So if there are suggestions for an event, please leave them in the comments section below.
4) Alas, the berry season is apparently finishing. However, the apricots and peaches are next and the apples will be ready in Sept. The harvest will be eagerly anticipated.
Thanks to all who view the blog and we will post more soon.
This month's blog will be a brief one as the summertime activities are all back to normal. So please mind the campfires as the area as the conditions for fires have increased. Onto recap a few subjects...
1) The East Vernon Rd section that BX Creek had washed out is temporarily repaired. So traffic can now traverse the creek but it is bumpy and caution is advised. As far as we know, Tillicum Rd. hasn't been fixed yet. If anyone has information about that area please place it in the comments section.
2) The association's directors have been at the "BX Ranch Park" for a couple days with informal questionnaires. The response from these has been impressive. A total to date is 162 completed questionnaires. The directors will be at the park sometime during the weekday evenings. This was a suggestion from a few park users that weekday evenings are when others (who don't use it on the weekends) are in attendance. The specific day isn't decided yet, but we are estimating a window of 5-8pm (approximately) to make the questionnaires available. Thank you all for the participation and comments. Kudos to the park users who help maintain the cleanliness of the park. Will keep bloggers informed of the results after they are all filled out and collected. After the results are tabulated, the questionnaires will be forwarded to the Regional District of the North Okanagan for consideration on what ammenties the park could use (as suggested by park users.)
3) The 'seed swap' is still being considered as a park event in the next spring. More to follow once it has been worked out. One question in the questionnaire was "Would you like to attend a summer event at the BX Ranch Park?" So if there are suggestions for an event, please leave them in the comments section below.
4) Alas, the berry season is apparently finishing. However, the apricots and peaches are next and the apples will be ready in Sept. The harvest will be eagerly anticipated.
Thanks to all who view the blog and we will post more soon.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
July's Posting...
Hello all,
Hope your enjoying the summer weather that has caught up to the calender.
To start off, those of us that travel East Vernon Rd. (& Tillicum Rd.) are still waiting for the roads to be usable. Although alternate routes are available, it is quite inconvenient to not have the full options available to traverse through the BX area. As one observation has been noted in the paper. Letter to the editor here: http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/opinion/letters/161508425.html So, the last time that these areas washed out, (I believe it was in 1996) the road had suffered more damage and the repairs included a temporary bridge and it was repaired in a timely manner (without the extended waiting period.) Some have voiced their displeasure on the length of time that this is taking, as the repair has yet to be done. Anyone and everyone, who may wish to acknowledge their opinions can send an email to the Provicial Minister of Transportation. The website has this as a contact email:
mailto:Minister.Transportation@gov.bc.ca
Phone/Fax: Telephone: 250 387-1978 Fax: 250 356-2290
or a printed/typed letter to be mailed to
"Honourable Blair Lekstrom, PO BOX 9055 STN PROV GOVT, Victoria, B.C. V8W 9E2"
(If anyone has problems with the above link the source website is here http://www.gov.bc.ca/tran/contacts.html#minister)
Just F.Y.I., the "BX Ranch Park" is a heritage park that allows dog use, not an official "Dog Park" as a recently removed sign otherwise indicated. If anyone has thoughts, suggestions or comments on the Park's future direction, please share them in the "Comment" section. Or email the Assoc. at bxslca@hotmail.com .
Look for a couple directors (from the Association) on site with a 'survey questionaire' (in early Aug. 2012) to receive feedback on the park from the users of the park as well as other interested individuals. These questionnaire responses will be forwarded to the Regional Distict for consideration.
Cherries are certainly looking (and tasting) delicious. All other berries in season also are very enjoyable. We look forward to a good apple (and other fruits harvest.) Vegtables are their own schedule, but look equally enjoyable.
Further comments on the improvements near Stickle Rd. should be completed in a couple weeks. The work done to now is a greatly improved image that beautifies the entrance to the Vernon area.
That's all for now, more to follow in a short while...
Hope your enjoying the summer weather that has caught up to the calender.
To start off, those of us that travel East Vernon Rd. (& Tillicum Rd.) are still waiting for the roads to be usable. Although alternate routes are available, it is quite inconvenient to not have the full options available to traverse through the BX area. As one observation has been noted in the paper. Letter to the editor here: http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/opinion/letters/161508425.html So, the last time that these areas washed out, (I believe it was in 1996) the road had suffered more damage and the repairs included a temporary bridge and it was repaired in a timely manner (without the extended waiting period.) Some have voiced their displeasure on the length of time that this is taking, as the repair has yet to be done. Anyone and everyone, who may wish to acknowledge their opinions can send an email to the Provicial Minister of Transportation. The website has this as a contact email:
mailto:Minister.Transportation@gov.bc.ca
Phone/Fax: Telephone: 250 387-1978 Fax: 250 356-2290
or a printed/typed letter to be mailed to
"Honourable Blair Lekstrom, PO BOX 9055 STN PROV GOVT, Victoria, B.C. V8W 9E2"
(If anyone has problems with the above link the source website is here http://www.gov.bc.ca/tran/contacts.html#minister)
Just F.Y.I., the "BX Ranch Park" is a heritage park that allows dog use, not an official "Dog Park" as a recently removed sign otherwise indicated. If anyone has thoughts, suggestions or comments on the Park's future direction, please share them in the "Comment" section. Or email the Assoc. at bxslca@hotmail.com .
Look for a couple directors (from the Association) on site with a 'survey questionaire' (in early Aug. 2012) to receive feedback on the park from the users of the park as well as other interested individuals. These questionnaire responses will be forwarded to the Regional Distict for consideration.
Cherries are certainly looking (and tasting) delicious. All other berries in season also are very enjoyable. We look forward to a good apple (and other fruits harvest.) Vegtables are their own schedule, but look equally enjoyable.
Further comments on the improvements near Stickle Rd. should be completed in a couple weeks. The work done to now is a greatly improved image that beautifies the entrance to the Vernon area.
That's all for now, more to follow in a short while...
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