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.

Merry Christmas to Everyone

Hello Bloggers,

     Hard to believe the end of another year is fast approaching.  However, the directorship and membership of the BX/Swan Lake Community Association would like to wish everyone "Merry Christmas" and all the best in the upcoming year ahead.

     This month a couple that are completely deaf were given a true gift, when their daughter signed the lyrics of her Christmas concert.  (She is the young blonde girl in the middle of the picture.)  She conveyed the emotion of the lyrics with her facial expressions as well.  So the link is below for all to peruse. 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQeygYqOn8g
(only 3 minutes and 41 seconds in length.)
Even in the comments the appreciation is shared as one writes:
"They've just showed this video on national Brazilian television, over 150 million people in the country have seen it... Just great !"

Of course the local station had a follow up:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6F303aNXec
"I wanted my whole family to understand me." - Claire Koch

Such a great gift (and no line up waiting required.)
Merry Christmas indeed.

Further discussion on Amalgamation

Hello Readers,

The following letter is posted for all to read.  It is written by one of the directors of the BX/Swan Lake Community Assoc. and is being posted because it wouldn't be as easy to read in the 'comments' section.
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ANNEXATION

     While searching for information on annexation, I came across a post in the Morning Star written by a former Vernon councillor. The post was about a property owner in the Regional District whose property borders the boundary with the City of Vernon and had made application to the city to be annexed into the city so he could get connected to City Sewer services and hence get relief from problems he was having with a septic field.

     The former councillor’s post appears to be in support of this resident and at the same time is taking a swipe at the Regional District.  He goes on to say “perhaps annexation would relieve some hardship ie, replacement of a failing septic field by a hookup to Vernon’s sanitary sewer”.

     Now let us be clear about what would perhaps provide some relief. If the property owner is indeed having some septic field problems, getting hooked up to Vernon’s sewer services may well provide some relief, although it certainly will not be accomplished without considerable cost to the property owner. You will notice that the possible relief would come from being hooked up to the sewer service, and certainly not from the “annexation” into the City.  This so-called “relief” as a result annexation would come in the form of a 20 to 30% tax increase to the property owner in all likelihood.  Don’t you just love that kind of relief?

The writer goes on to say that the City realizes  “Piece meal annexations do create planning issues and that is why Vernon bundles such applications to be submitted annually to the province. To some measure it makes the problem more manageable. These requests are to join Vernon, not leave it”

     Now let us be clear about this last point too. The writer may or may not be aware that the City has no mechanism by which a property may be extricated from within the municipality. That would explain why there are no formal requests to leave Vernon . . . . You can’t get your property out of the City’s confines once you are legally part of it. I found this out when a number of unhappy property owners just east of Tekmar on Silver Star Road had been annexed into the city of Vernon kicking and squealing as they were dragged into the city by the annexation process, which was apparently being driven by a Realtor/Developer, which is usually the case. They wanted to appear as a Delegation to Vernon City Council to get their property out of the city and back into the Regional District, and were told “There is no formal process in which Vernon Council can consider your request”. So, all these property owners got for their annexation relief was a 20 to 30% annual increase in taxes, and a quarterly sewer charge even though they were not hooked up to the sewer service. But they could pay several thousand dollars to get hooked up to the service if they wished to. I wonder if they are experiencing this wonderful feeling of relief.

     So when someone says Vernon gets few requests to have property removed from that Municipality,  you now know why. There is no mechanism by which they are able to present their wish to City Council.

     If the writer thinks everyone is happy being inside the City of Vernon, give the residents of former Electoral Area A (The Landing) a choice and watch the exodus.

     The writer points with the finger of blame at the Regional District for the continuing plight of the property owner with the sewer problems. I think if we look at the policy of the City of Vernon whereby if you want sewer services, you must join the city, we may find a key to resolution. Why not provide the sewer service at a cost to the property owner, for which they will have to pay anyway, leave the property in the Regional District and everyone should be reasonably happy.

     This either/or attitude regarding sewer services seems unfair, punitive and certainly divisive, and the sewer issue seems to be the beginning of the larger problem, that being annexation. Neither of these matters are based on fairness. The City of Vernon has enough land within their boundary for 25 years of development. Why do they need more?

Surely some common ground can be found here. The “policy” is where the blame should be placed.

Ray Ivey
BX resident.
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As usual, readers are invited to leave their comments/thoughts in the comment section below.

Public Letter Requirement

Greetings Bloggers,

     In the post before last there was the petition Re: BX Gravel Pit.  Now, more than just a petition signature is required.  As the following text states...
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We had previously told you about our battle against the Gravel pit in our neighbourhood.  

We would like to thank everyone who signed our petition!!

To date we have collected more than 1100 signatures on our petition.  Now we need your help again please.

The Gravel pit owner, Klayton Mertion has sent a ‘Notice of Work’ application to the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM) submission date Nov 11, 2013.  Klayton then placed a ‘Notice of Proposed Sand and Gravel’ in the Morning Star Nov 22, 2013 stating that the community had 30 days to get letters of concern to MEM.  The notice was published in the Morning Star Nov 22 and 24 2013 in the Classified Section on the 2nd to last page under “Legal Notices”.

The full proposal is available to anyone at the Vernon Library, upstairs from the reference desk.  They will make you a photocopy of the entire proposal for your own use.  MEM has just confirmed that the deadline date for these letters is Dec 24th.

We are quite concerned that we get enough letters sent.  We would appreciate it if you would send a letter to the email address below and also encourage all your friends & neighbours to as well.  Each person can put their own spin on it but it is important that they get multiple letters. We are also sending our whole brief to MEM with copies of all 1100 + signatures on the petition.  

Please also be aware that there will VERY LIKELY be a community public meeting in the near future, with Klayton and someone from the Ministry of Energy and Mines present.  We will let you know the minute we know of the date for this meeting so that all interested will come out to voice their concerns and opposition to this Gravel Pit.

The email address  to send your letter is: 

mmd-kamloops@gov.bc.ca 
       
Please refer to the Klayton Mertion - MSG Pit application
aka BX Creek Pit of Klayton Mertion, 5801 Brentwood Road, Vernon BC

or a letter by post mail:

Chief Inspector of Mines,
Ministry of Energy and Mines South Central Region,
2nd Floor, 441 Columbia Street,
Kamloops, B.C.
V2C 2T3

Any letters will be effective, they don’t have to be complicated or eloquent, but honest and sincere.
Just be sure to clearly state that you don’t want the Mertion gravel pit in the most inappropriate location, the BX Ravine beside the BX Creek and ask them to deny him a permit.

Appreciatively,
Elaine Vanderwal
                        5674 Brentwood Rd Vernon BC
                        250-545-3536
                         tevanderwal@telus.net
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     So please write and send your own letters containing your concerns, comments and thoughts on this proposed development.  Re: Mailing of letters, please do so as soon as possible to avoid any mail delays due to the increased volume near Christmas.  The email option is most likely faster but less formal.
     The deadline for letters to the Ministry of Energy and Mines is DEC. 24th, 2013.

Any assistance (in letter format) will be greatly appreciated. 
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As noted from our earlier post:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPmElng5uUk&feature=youtu.be
Resident generated video
http://www2.worksafebc.com/i/construction/Toolbox/pdfs/TG07-42_dangers_silica_dust.pdf
http://www2.worksafebc.com/i/posters/pdfs/2009/ws_09_04.pdf
Dangers of crystalline silica produced in the gravel industry.
http:/www.tourismvernon.com/index.php/activities/hiking
Vernon Tourism "Top 10 Hiking Trails" (pit site is near #1.)

November Follow-Up

Hello Everyone,

     This post has just a couple of entries that are as follows:

     Firstly, the assoc. has written and submitted a letter to the Morning Star paper.  Specifically, the editorial letter column.  As we are anxiously anticipating it's publication, here it is on the 'down low'.
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Re:  Unification
     Recently, a lot of media focus has been on a petition to amalgamate the District of Coldstream, Regional District Areas "B" & "C" with the City of Vernon, or to create a new municipality, under the guise of streamlining regulations when dealing with more than one of the above jurisdictions.  The Society for the Future Governance of Greater Vernon is the body that is forwarding the results of this petition to local and provincial authorities for their consideration to undertake a study to examine these possibilities.
     While the dream may be entertaining, in reality, it would be a nightmare.  For the most part, people live in different jurisdictions by choice.  People who feel more comfortable by what a city may afford them live in the city.  Likewise, people who prefer a rural lifestyle live in the country.  There is no recognizable gain for residents of Electoral Areas to amalgamate with the City of Vernon or any newly formed facsimile.  Taxes would certainly increase and services provided would probably not change very much, if any.  There is far too much history about both small and large annexations, by the City of Vernon, in the recent past to come to any other conclusion.  Also, if there are policies within these four jurisdictions that are truly hampering investment in this area, they can probably be streamlined, without the need to re-invent the municipal wheel.
     Mr. Peter Moore stated in one article in the Morning Star,  "It would be wise for them to ask to have the question on the ballot so they can vote no once and for all."  Well, I would like to point out that the residents of the Regional District Areas have said no before, regarding annexation, when it was put to a referendum back in 2008.  As published in the Morning Star article that year "Area B (BX/Swan Lake) reported 76% of respondents were opposed to a change in governance while 24% were in favor.  Area C (BX/Silver Star) the question resulted in 74% being against any change while 26% were if favor.  For Area D (rural Lumby) 85% wanted to keep the current system while 15% want a change.  Area E (Cherryville) residents were the loudest in their support for status quo - 95% - while only 5% wanted change."  I understand that Areas D and E are not being sought in this unification petition question.  However, the percentages reported are worth mentioning while on the governance topic.
     The petition is estimating approximately 4000 signatures to be considered a success.  The City of Vernon has a population of 38,150, while its metropolitan region, Greater Vernon, has a population of 58,584 as cited from the Canada 2011 Census.  So if the 4000 residents come from all areas as claimed, then it is only 6.8% of the population desiring this change in governance.  Hardly a majority and less than 1 in 10.  As reported on Monday, November 4th 2013 by "107.5 KISS FM" radio station "they had 1,637 online supporters, with an estimated 1000 written at last count."  This actually comes to only 4.6% of the Greater Vernon population.
     In conclusion, Re:  Unification.  All residents should exercise a measured, pragmatic approach rather than an emotionally reactive response.  And if the Society for the Future Governance of Greater Vernon desires for more direct input, then possibly they should consider a run for Mayor and/or Council of the respective jurisdictions.

Chris Edwards
President, B.X./Swan Lake Community Association
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One detail that isn't in the letter is the published numbers from the S.F.G.G.V. was a total of approximately 2900 or so.  The published result turns out to be an even 5% of the Greater Vernon area population.  As for the published percentages, just because some property owners didn't vote doesn't mean they didn't pay the taxes.

If anyone would like a copy of the above letter.  Please email the assoc. at 'bxslca@hotmail.com'.

     Secondly, the G.M.O. issue is generating a lot of discussion.  Recently, the British Columbia Fruit Growers' Assoc. has "asked the federal government for an immediate moratorium on the genetically modified apple, known under the trademark Arctic apple."  ( http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/news/232053381.html )  Also, in the article the President of the B.C.F.G.A. comments "“If 76 per cent of people say the Canadian government has not provided adequate information to the public on GM foods, how can the government then approve these products for introduction to an unprepared marketplace?” said Dukhia.  Also the (2012 national) survey carried out by the B.C.F.G.A. and the Quebec Apple Producers Association resulted in "69 per cent of Canadians are not in favour of GM food and 91 per cent said GM labelling should be mandatory."

Please leave your comments/thoughts below in the comment section.  As we generally accept and leave all comments (except those that may be inappropriate due to profanity or liability.)

Of course, the second issue could be paraphrased in thirty words or less by the old addage "You are what you eat."

Until next time,

November Update

Greetings Bloggers,

     This will be short and sweet.  Update on the gravel pit petition.  The petition drive now has approximately 1000 signatures and there is an online petition available for anyone that is interested.  It is at the link below:
http://www.change.org/en-AU/petitions/agriculture-land-commission-of-bc-turn-down-the-request-to-allow-nonfarm-use-a-gravel-pit-on-the-agricultural-land-known-as-5801-brentwood-rd-in-the-bx-ravine-vernon-bc 
     There are 30 signatures out of 70 needed.  I am not sure how the total number of 70 was arrived at, but if your interested please fill out the required information.  One signer, the farthest away is out of Lakeland, Florida. Others cite Calgary and others cite Langley as their locale.
     There is more information or developments ongoing and we will post the information when available.

      Speaking of the A.L.C., the "Globe and Mail" article http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/sacrosanct-agricultural-land-commission-eyed-for-breakup/article15306864/?cmpid=rss1  is quite concerning.  As the points below were reported to be from "confidential government documents"

•     Create two A.L.R. areas with different rules.

•     Change the A.L.C.’s legislative mandate, in one or both ALR areas

•     Remove some decisions from the A.L.C.

•     Community growth applications decided by local governments.

•     Modernize A.L.C. operations by moving the A.L.C. into the Ministry.

From the link within the article ( http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/bc-government-documents-summarize-proposal-to-dismantle-agricultural-land-commission/article15322690/ )
The proposed changes, if approved, will:

     1) Dismantle the Agricultural Land Commission – staff and their functions will move into the Ministry of Agriculture. There will be regional panels but decisions will be able to be appealed to a third party and overturned.

     2) Change the mandate of the ALC – the ALC will be required to give equal weight to economic development as well as agriculture.

     3) Create two classes of ALR – one area will be status quo – this will be the Okanagan and Fraser Valley-Vancouver Island. The other area will cover the Interior, Kootenays and everything north of the Okanagan, where the rules will be “anything goes.”

     4) Change what local governments can and can’t do around land use decisions.

     5) Make oil and gas decisions the priority land use decisions and the Oil and Gas Commission the primary authority.

Please share your comments below or with your provincial representative (M.L.A.) as this doesn't really help the agriculture culture in British Columbia.

Thanks for your interest, until next time.

Stop B.X. Creek Gravel Pit

Hello Bloggers,

     It has come to our attention that a property owner is starting up a gravel pit.  Nearby residents / property owners have started a petition and informational campaign to let everyone know what this means to them and the nearby creek.  As per their handout (see below.)
_________________________
     A property located at the end of Brentwood Road, off East Vernon Road, and bordered by B.X. Creek on the west, the Grey Canal Trail on the east, and B.X. Falls Trail on the North may become a GRAVEL PIT!  The BX Falls Trail is listed by Vernon Tourism as the number one trail in the N. Okanagan and the 19.1 acre property is zoned Country Residential and is in the Agricultural Land Reserve.

     The property owner has applied for Non-Farm Use to the Agricultural Land Commission (A.L.C.) in order to develop a gravel pit.  Because of complaints about use of the land in the past year (operating a pit without a permit) the A.L.C.  hasn't made a decision yet.  This gives area residents an opportunity to voice their concerns.  A petition campaign has begun and letters from concerned citizens and groups affected are being collected.

     North Okanagan Regional District (N.O.R.D.) recently passed motions to disallow the extraction of sand/gravel from Country Residential properties in Electoral Areas "B" and "C" (there are 476 properties within a 1 Km radius of this proposed gravel pit.)  Regional Director for Area "C", Mr. Mike Macnabb and the Mayor of Vernon, Rob Sawatzky are lobbying the Minister of Energy and Mines to squash any application for mineral extraction on the B.X. Creek ravine.

     We are supported by N.O.R.D., the Naturalist Club and have spoken to the Sierra Club, Friends of BX Creek Society, Ribbons of Green, Vernon Tourism, Foothills Community Association, Allan Brookes Nature Center, B.X. Elementary School, School District 22 and others.

     Beyond the incompatibility of a gravel pit within proximity to B.X. Elementary School are concerns with the narrow country roads and lack of sidewalks, the constant dust and noise that a commercial operation generates, the danger of wildlife in the treed ravine and the disruption of the wildlife corridor.  Bears, bobcats, deer, owls and many other birds find habitat in the B.X. Ravine.  Orchards, a Bed and Breakfast, a therapeutic riding center, hay and timothy fields, cattle/horse farms and gardens surround the property.

     If the A.L.C. says No to allowing Non-Farm use, the permit goes no further.  It dies.  Please help us demonstrate THAT A GRAVEL PIT HAS NO PLACE IN AN AREA AS UNIQUE AS THE B.X. RAVINE.

How can you help?

• Sign the petition and/or ask for a petition to be emailed to you and then canvas your neighbourhood, church or groups you belong to.
• Write a letter of concern to the Morning Star Paper.
• Check out: http://www2.worksafebc.com/i/construction/Toolbox/pdfs/TG07-42_dangers_silica_dust.pdf for dangers of crystalline silica produced in the gravel industry.
• http:/www.tourismvernon.com/index.php/activities/hiking  for Trail information.
• Email your concerns to stopbscreekpit@outlook.com . Your comments will be passed onto the A.L.C. when we present our brief.
• For pick-up of petitions or letters, call Sue at (250) 545-5624, Elaine at (250) 545-3536, Louise at (250) 542-7687, Peggy at (250) 542-1661 or drop them off at any residence on Brentwood Rd.

We need to act quickly.  PLEASE HELP.

____________________________________________________

     Here is the youtube link that the residents made

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPmElng5uUk&feature=youtu.be

     Additionally, we would like to add http://www2.worksafebc.com/i/posters/pdfs/2009/ws_09_04.pdf with regards to Silica Dust.

     In conclusion, the residents diligent work shows the threat that this part of the B.X. Creek (and ravine) is facing.  Any and all support in this endeavour will be greatly appreciated.

     Lastly, I am reminded of what Thomas Jefferson wrote to Benjamin Rush in April 21, 1803.

"It behoves every man who values liberty of conscience for himself, to resist invasions of it in the case of others; or their case may, by change of circumstances, become his own."

 Until next time, keep bloggin'!!