March (Almost Spring)

Greetings again,

     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.

R.S.V.P. can be made through the email address 'bxslca@hotmail.com'.  Please leave any ideas and comments in the comment section below.
 

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!!)

In Memmorandum: Mr. Nicol

Hello all,

     It is now commonly known around town about the passing of Mr. Nicol.  The blog today will mention his great legacy left by him.  This will be in general as to list all his interactions would take a great length of time.  The Electoral Area Directors of "B" and "C" had lots of contact and working experience with Mr. Nicol.  Both commented that he was nominated as Chair of R.D.N.O. for a second consecutive time as well as sitting on City (of Vernon) council.

     All that remember him, mention his great demeanor and he worked in co-operation with many local government and non-profit groups.  Besides "Canada Day" celebrations, he was also heavily involved with the "Remembrance Day" organization and execution.  He also traveled to different area's meetings, I.E.  Grindrod and Cherryville meetings even though he wasn't expected too.  Also mentioned, was that Mr. Nicol didn't claim all the expenses that he was allowed to.  He felt that using his own fiscal resources for his own list of expenses was better representation to his constituents.

     Although he ran and didn't win any mayoral elections (he did run twice,) the comments from local representatives published in the Morning Star, indicate the level of involvement that he personally had.  As the Morning Star article mentions (http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/news/240648271.html) 

• "Nicol was known for tirelessly reading reports, taking phone calls at all hours and speaking on behalf of residents he felt weren’t getting full attention." 
• “He acted with dignity and respect for others and we, the members of his family at the City of Vernon, extend our condolences to his family and friends.”
• “I really believe in the regional district and we represent all of the region. I’ve never believed in a segmented version," - Mr. Nicol

     A man always to speak his thoughts, he also would comment on issues he found important (or the representation,) as noted back in 2012 with the Petition over the "Landing Fire Hall".  (http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/news/183074921.html)

     As for the R.D.N.O., “I’m hopeful the significant issues that come before us will be done in a sense of co-operation,” said director Patrick Nicol, who was elected chairperson.  “This organization deserves strong co-operation and leadership from all of us.” - Patrick Nicol, Dec.9th, 2011. 
(http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/news/135283068.html?mobile=true)

      As Mr. Roger Knox wrote in 2011, (http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/opinion/116938268.html) "...this is a man who has given his heart, soul, blood, sweat and tears to the community and, in particular, radio in the North Okanagan."  He also was influential in assisting in people's personal development as Knox mentions some C.J.I.B. alumni:  Bruce Ritchie, Melanie O’Hara, Steve Durant, Jason Armstrong, Scott Russell - all remember him fondly and personally.

     In conclusion, the BX/Swan Lake Community Association will greatly miss this true "Statesman" and hope one of equal calibre, integrity, indulgence, tolerance and perseverance be elected to represent the people.

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...
--------------------
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
--------------------
     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. 
----------------------------------------
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.)