It's that time of year

Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay  (melodic)

It's tax-increase warnings day.

The first warning (of many over the next four months) appeared today in The Morning Star, headed "Hospital taxes climbing 13.8 per cent", with an amused--or embarrassed--photo of Councillor Dirk providing article symmetry.

"That translates to

 $10 an average house."

 Doug Dirk, Coldstream Councillor

Residents should dust off the property tax abacus and start with $10.00 as a tax increase.  Leave it on the coffee table as the next four months will be chock full of additional tax increase warnings. 

This time politicians are starting with something residents (and hospital staff) had been promised--and clamoured for--for years.  We have a new hospital and it's apparently now time "to begin paying off the debt."

...despite the two top floors remaining unfinished.

"The beads aren't only for counting...they can double as prayer beads," offers Kia.

The stage is set.
Fade to black, as Kia heads out to find an "average house" in Coldstream. 

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 Next installment:

Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay  (melodic)

Parks, Recreation and "Culture" taxes:   1.87 per cent, announced in The Morning Star Dec. 21/12.

"That isn't enough to buy Coldstream that new mower..." sighs Kia.

"Bio-Solids" on Coldstream Ranch

To be blunt, I didn't care.
At first, anyway.

The Coldstream Ranch has certainly had more than its share of interference, I felt.
Especially with Coldstream Council's excessive and continual demands concerning the public charge of over-mining its Rosebush Gravel Pit, demands that--despite the provincial Right to Farm Act--placed huge reporting burdens and the monumental expense of having to retain an environmental consultant, Summit Environmental, for regular reporting to both the municipality and the Agricultural Land Commission.  Neighbours had complained about dust from the gravel pit for years, even a neighbour two doors west of my residence--who was certainly NEVER in the dust's path because my residence didn't receive the dust, and my residence was closer to the gravel pit than his! But I digress...

I was not going to be one of the numerous Buchanan Road residents who placed more obstacles in the ranch's operational path. 

While that may be a symptom of the insiduous societal disease known as "I'm all right, Jack"--and perhaps that's true to a point--there were two factors that piqued my interest late last winter when tanker trucks began rumbling past my residence, several times a day, as they would all summer long.

One factor was the widely-reported declining health of Coldstream Creek as it meanders westward from Noble Canyon in Lavington through Coldstream to spill into Kalamalka Lake, the drinking water supply for most of the City of Vernon.  Water quality studies are now conducted regularly since the 1977 reports, with considerable pollution reported:  "Mike Sokal, an impact assessment biologist with the Ministry of Environment, stated that there were several times during 2010/11 when nitrate levels exceeded guidelines, as did levels for the e.coli bacteria.  “There is a chronic issue throughout the year,” he said...Something really should be done about that,” as reported in a Morning Star story June 15th, 2011.

The second factor didn't come into play until I was visiting a Buchanan Road friend last winter who lives not far from where the tanker truck's contents were being spread.
As she and I exercised the dogs and enjoyed the late winter sun's warmth--steaming coffee mugs gripped in gloved hands--a tractor-drawn boom sprayer chugged along the field opposite Buchanan Road, spraying what can only be described as liquid tar.

It was, in fact, so black in colour that it looked thick, and we wondered aloud how it could be emitted as a liquid from the boom sprayer's nozzles.

Within moments of the tractor plying its way along the still-frozen field, the smell hit us.
Literally hit us.
A smell so foul we both immediately spun around, turning our backs to the field, as though the move had been choreographed. 

It was immediately reminiscent of what all Vernon residents will recall...that of years ago driving past Vernon's sewage treatment plant on 25th Avenue, whose open-to-air tanks had drivers gagging and rolling windows up.  The unlucky ones didn't make it through the intersection before the light changed and had to endure the smell waiting for the light to return to green, all the while pitying the residents whose nearby homes ensured their constant exposure.

It wasn't the smell of cow poop on that field...it was the smell of people poop!

Stunned, we looked back at the field, whose previously thin cover of late winter snow was now covered in a black shiny goo.
Yes it was shiny.
Yes it was goo.

We both recalled the previous January's rare rain-on-frozen-ground event which led to severe flooding in East Coldstream valley and the contamination of drinking water supplies at Antwerp Springs.  "What if it rains hard again," we wondered aloud, "all that stuff is going to head downhill into the creek and, ultimately, Vernon's drinking water supply."

My friend said "there's a sign about the spraying on the fence".

The sign, tacked to a fence where the snow had yet to be covered with the goo:

Sun-Rype in Kelowna, 35 miles south?

Wastewater treatment plant?

That brings the story up to the present, roughly 8 months after our late winter dog exercise day.
   
Today a District of Coldstream letter was received.  Council had directed the letter to residents on Buchanan Road "located 200 metres on either side of the field on Coldstream Ranch where the biosolids were spread."

Here then, verbatim, is the report to Council from Bob Bibby, Building Official, dated October 22, 2012:

"SUBJECT:  Spreading of Siosolids on Coldstream Ranch
1.  Purpose:  to provide information to Council regarding the spreading of biosolids on Coldstream Ranch property.
2:  Origin:  At the April 23, 2012 regular meeting, Council passed the following resolution:
Request for Information from Coldstream Ranch:
THAT staff be directed to contact Coldstream Ranch and inquire as to composition of the biosolids being spread on Ranch fields;
AND THAT  staff be directed to prepare a report for Council's information regarding the regulations for the spreading of biosolids on agricultural land.
3.  Background/Discussion
At the May 14, 2012 regular meeting, Council passed the following resolution:
Coldstream Ranch Spreading of Biosolids
. Report from the Building Official dated May 4, 2012
Moved by Besso, seconded by Kiss,
THAT staff be directed to invite representatives from Sun-Rype Products Ltd. and the Interior Health Authority to a future meeting of Council to provide information regarding the spreading of biosolids products on Coldstream Ranch property. 
Before the question was called it was:
Moved by McClean, seconded by Cochrane, 
THAT staff be directed to contact Sun-Rype Products Ltd. via the telephone number provided on the signage located at Coldstream Ranch and request, on behalf of Council, information regarding the spreading of biosolids on Coldstream Ranch property.

At Council's request, I have been in contact with Sun-Rype, who directed me to Rob Kupchanko, P.Ag Senior Environmentalist of Summit Environmental Consultants Inc.

Summit Environmental Consultants has been hired by Sun-Rype to attain a permit from the Ministry of Environment (MoE) to discharge Brant's(sic) Creek Trade Waste Treatment Plant (BCTTP) Biosolids and Sun-Rype's Plant Waste Juice on the Coldstream Ranch."   (Ed. note:  Kelowna's drinking water source protection report is here, and a photo from 2009 of the waste treatment facility is here). 

"He (Kupchanko) has been hired by Sun-Rype to attain a Land Application Plan (LAP prepared in accordance with, and fulfillling the requirements of the Organic Matter Recycling Regulation (OMRR).  Summit provides project management, field and technical support throughout the duration of the plan, which is designed to be implemented between 2012 and 2014.

I asked Rob to explain why wording on the mandatory signage was so restrictive stating:
   ' livestock must not be grazed on the site or 60 days after sludge application' and 'food for human consumption cannot be produced for 18 months on the site if harvested parts are above ground and for 38 months if harvested parts are below ground'.

The following is Rob's email response:
  "Sludge and Waste Juice Characteristics (Summit, 2012): 
The sludge is generated following treatment of the waste stream from the Sun-Rype and Andrew Peller facilities in the BCTTP.  The waste stream consists of wash water and other liquid wastes generated on site from the processing of organic materials at Sun-Rype and Andrew Peller (primarily fruit and vegetables but may also include grains and other organic materials).  The waste stream does not include domestic sewage (emphasis theirs) which enters the City of Kelowna's sewer system directly.  The second waste stream, waste juice, is the result of carton breakage or spoilage at the Sun-Rype plant.  This residual is stored on-site and removed for land application periodically.
The slude and waste juice are mainly organic in nature (emphasis theirs).  The sludge meets OMRR Class B fecal coliform standards and Class A trace element standards.  The waste juice meets OMRR Class A standards for pathogens and trace elements.

"The observed high fecal load was found in one of seven samples, which came from the treatment Plant and not from sewage."  Kupchanko, Summit Env.

  Signage:
Fecal coliforms are the main distinguishing factor with respect to signage requirements under OMRR.  I spok with Mike Reiner about this and he advises against changing of the wording.  According to MoE, OMRR as a precaution assumes all sludge's(sic) with a high fecal load are the result of contamination with human wastes, which means that this material is to be handled more restrictively than manure hence the signage.  The observed high fecal load was found in one of seven samples, which came from the treatment Plant and not from sewage. (emphasis blog author) Unfortunately these anomaly exceedences happen from time to time, and the term 'Biosolids' becomes misinterpreted, despite unrelated and low risk wastes like Sun-Rype's fruit processing waste from their treatment plant."
4.  Conclusion:
In summary the ranch has met all provincial regulations and the fruit processing waste from Sun Rype is of low risk to the environment.
5.  Recommendation:
THAT the report "Spreading of Biosolids on Coldstream Ranch" be received for information.
Respectfully submitted by:  Bob Bibby, AScT, C.R.B.O.  Building Official"

"Turns out the sludge was 'Vintage 1959'," offers Kia, "a fermented liquid made up of juice, wine and grains, which is all the sign really had to say."

Still wondering how a high fecal count can come from a treatment plant, yet not from sewage.

Will leave that to be mulled over by others.

"Looks like Mr. Floatie can stay in Victoria," concludes Kia, "but who will end up paying for the massive damage to Buchanan Road?"

Who indeed! 

Coldstream's new Dog Park

Buchanan Road will have a dog park!

Or, soon will have, once the Regional District installs some fencing and dedicates a name, according to Coldstream Council.

Title to the former Vi-Mor Meadows dog agility property at 8312 Buchanan Road has officially been bequeathed to the District of Coldstream, as specified in the owner's will.

The 1.40 ha (~3.5 acre) south slope property was last used for dog agility trials about 10 years ago.

Events were held once or twice a year (usually over long weekends in summer) and appeared well attended.  Countless motor homes, campers, trucks and vans were parked for the weekend on Buchanan Road's wide and grassy (unditched) south shoulder for a half mile in both directions of the site entrance.

Lavington Park and Armstrong's Interior Provincial Exhibition grounds have been recent venues for sanctioned trials, and are very popular with the public.  Locally, Dog-O-Pogo is responsible for registrations and memberships for sanctioned events.  Their website confirms a May 2013 event will be held at Armstrong, with a June event in Lavington.  Several clinics and fun matches are also held each year.

Perhaps one will be located here at the new Dog Park!  The immediate benefit would be that the District of Coldstream would presumably have grounds maintenance help from the group's membership.

A few photos, taken today, of Coldstream's newest Dog Park: 

the entrance at 8312 Buchanan Road, Coldstream

Needs a bit of work:

Maybe we'll see these fun events again on Buchanan Road.

Dog agility events are fun for the whole family to watch.

More photos, taken today:

     The previous owner had levelled several areas into terraces.    

    

                 

          Another terrace on the new dog park property.                    

  Alongside the second terrace, an old travel trailer abuts the slope, and an old port-a-potty is seen.                            

       The view south from the top terrace.  This terraced area is gravelled.    

                   

    Some of the area's long-time residents recall this building being moved here about 30 years ago)...I remember it was moved, but can't recall whether it was a school building as some people thought.                          

      An odd place for property line boundary posts...this appears to bisect the property, providing a second access (paved) to the residence East.                        

This is the paved driveway with iron pins marking property boundaries (that appear to dissect the property from east to west) which leads to the residence East of the new dog park. Very odd configuration....probably explained by a covenant on the land title.

     Stairs connect terraced areas.  Power and water connections are  located in several places on the property.                     

A new residence nears completion on the west:   

The new owner will likely discover the proposed use when he sees the District of Coldstream's Development Permit Application posted on the roadfront...(maybe local governments don't need to follow development rules for land use.)

Perhaps the residents of Coldstream will show their gratitude for this land gift by keeping the name the owner had chosen for the site...Vi-Mor Meadows. 

"Or Vi-Mor Dog Park," offers Kia, "to show they're welcome there."

Just Ban It

It's simple...just ban trucks from Buchanan and adjacent roads.

                   Signs went up on Buchanan and adjacent roads end of November 2012            

The District of Coldstream has found the easy way to make rural roads last longer.

Never mind that the Coldstream Ranch needs to haul silage from its numerous fields that abut Buchanan Road...nah, they won't mind being barred from the road THEY THEMSELVES built.

Heaven forbid our Council would actually look into what caused the monumental deterioration of Buchanan Road this year...a chip sealed rural road...(albeit this pic is from Nova Scotia *grin*)

• Could it have been this (similar) truck (minus the Arabic script) hauling twice-daily from February (yes...February) through October the biosolids from BC Tree Fruits from Kelowna to the Coldstream Ranch fields on Buchanan Road?

•  Or how about this (exact) truck also from Kelowna plying the lengths of Buchanan Road--also twice-daily--all summer long?

• Or how about this (similar) outrigger-equipped truck that replaced numerous Hydro poles over the summer months?

• Or how about that legal axle loads are NEVER restricted (let alone posted) on Buchanan Road during spring's freeze-thaw periods?

Then add the fact that any fatality along the adjacent 5-mile stretch of Highway 6 has always led to a detour of all traffic onto Buchanan Road for the duration of the accident re-enactment/investigation ... and you'll quickly see what Coldstream's administration doesn't understand:  a truck ban can't work.

Yup...a ban is what Coldstream plans as a solution to this year's deterioration of Buchanan Road.

"Thank goodness Coldstream doesn't have a population problem," quips Kia.

Pissing Taxpayers' Money Away

Literally.

The November 13, 2012 Agenda Package for Coldstream Council's meeting included a shocking item under the monthly report of building permits issued.

Seems the Regional District of North Okanagan has received a permit to renovate a bathroom.

So what?, you say.

The value of the bathroom renovation is $200,000.00!
Yes, two hundred thousand dollars.

For a bathroom renovation!

Plus the permit fee.

"That'll be quite the crapper," asserts Kia, wide-eyed.

Will Hansma Deserves Kudos

The municipality of Spallumcheen's former mayor, Will Hansma, has announced that he'll let his name stand for the provincial Liberal nomination in Shuswap.

But that's not why he deserves kudos.

One of the largest municipalities in British Columbia, last year's Census gives the population of Spallumcheen as 5,055 (approximately half of Coldstream's.)

So you'd expect Spallumcheen to have approximately half of Coldstream's debt load.

Not so.

Spallumcheen has NO debt, compared to Coldstream's approx. $3 million (and growing) debt.

"I'm very proud of that," said Hansma in the local paper on November 14th.

So is Coldstream concerned about their debt?
More correctly, their taxpayers' debt?
Nope.

According to Councillor Kiss, there's room for more debt.
Six times more.

So...just a warning to Will Hansma as he pursues the nomination where the provincial Ministry of Finance allows that much debt...you wouldn't fit in.

"And be happy about that, Mr. Hansma," offers Kia.

DoC Control Freaks

No lack of fodder from Coldstream's Mayor and Council.

Seems it's the Coldstream Ranch's turn...again.

This from the Agenda for the November 13, 2012 council meeting:

"THAT staff be directed to send a letter to Coldstream Ranch, advising that

parking of transport trucks on the property at the southeast corner of the

Kalamalka Road and Highway 6 intersection, legally described as Lot A,

Plan 29697, is not a permitted use in the Rural Two (RU.2) Zone and that the

appropriate process to legitimize such use is through the Ranch making

application for a temporary use permit."

"...is not a permitted use in the Rural Two Zone"?

Huh?

Let's do a little quiz here...

How does Coldstream's Mayor and Council think the Coldstream Ranch has moved their cattle to market in the past?

The past being referred to is the time before the list of permitted uses in Rural Two.
Indeed, the past refers to the time before zoning designations.


These control freaks, formally known as the District of Coldstream's elected officials, have forgotten the Coldstream Ranch also predates the District!

"The Ranch should revert to moving their cattle west along the meandering cattle-trail called Highway 6," suggests Kia.

A temporary use permit!
How moronic!
 
Anything to keep paperwork moving back and forth on bureaucrats' desks, eh?

Coldstream Council's Fear: Snow!

Their 13-day fear anyway.

One key to diagnosing a phobic disorder is that the fear must be excessive and disproportionate to the situation, according to ThePhobiaList. 

In the case of Coldstream, it certainly is disproportionate to the situation.
Because Council doesn't admit what the situation actually is.

To those of us who know how this local government manipulates information--or has the newspaper do it for them--this Mayor and Council's fear of snow, as reported in The Morning Star, Oct. 28/12, entitled "Coldstream considers cutting staff overtime costs" is a smokescreen that belies the fact their finances are going in the wrong direction.

Seems that Coldstream's district office will be closed 13 days beginning December 22nd, and Mayor and Council are scrambling because of maintenance wages.  

Snow in the Okanagan?
Bet on it.
On average, our area--in a winter period spanning 40.8 days--can expect 40.5 inches (102.9 cm) of snow.

So, in THE understatement of her term "...if there's a snowstorm we'd have to pay overtime," said Councillor Besso, pretending that this Council is the first to consider such an earth-shattering topic in the community's history.

It's not that Councillor Besso can't think ahead (proof is her willingness to preserve farm parcels--suitable only for forage--for the future, and also this Council's penchant for planning drainage improvements in anticipation of the 100-year storm). 
It's because this Mayor and Council, time and time again, possess an inherent inability to think like business. 

So what would a business owner do?
Apart from wondering whether he should be closed for 13 days, and realizing that he's in big trouble if he is juggling to make wages...(the District of Coldstream is 3+ million in debt for a population of only 10,000), he'd start here:

• A business would recognize the importance of their maintenance department (and not leave day-to-day operational decisions to those holders of "broad powers" holders, who know the least).

• A business would look at previous years' labour costs.

• A business would delegate and have the Maintenance Supervisor provide two holiday plans--a best and worst case scenario:  one for wages based on average snowfall years, and one for wages based on high snowfall, complete with the requisite maintenance supervision that includes a chargehand. 

Come to think of it, would a business close for 13 days?

Coldstream Council's snow-itis is indeed excessive and disproportionate.  Unless they're having trouble making wages...or wondering how to fund their employees' defined benefit pension plan...or...

"Fear makes the wolf sound more important than he is," offers Kia.

Bylaw-ed to Death...

The District of Coldstream says they do it.
They say they act on complaints.
...from neighbours.

But first, a sentiment that sprang to mind when I read the article:

"Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery."  Winston Churchill

Seems the City of Vernon acts on complaints from neighbours too, according to this Letter to the Editor in the October 24th, 2012 issue of the Morning Star:  

 "My husband and I live in a two-level home built in 2010 with a suite in the basement built solely for the purpose of housing my elderly parents.

As a former nurse, I am able to provide support for my father and mother so they can continue to live together in a safe environment.

Not too long ago, someone in the neighbourhood reported that we had an illegal suite and the nightmare began.  True, my basement has a stove.  My father is a very good cook and provides all meals for them both.  Apparently, this was the main concern of the bylaw officer.

Bylaw 1520 may also be cited as the 9-page Rental Unit Standard of Maintenance Bylaw.

First of note is that this bylaw is referring to rental units, ours is not a rental unit.  What it becomes should we sell the house in a few years is of no consequence to us and we should not have to pay to have a rental unit just because one day it might be a rental unit.  Also for interest sake, did you know that bylaw officers have no concern about your rental suite unless someone complains about it?

"it has cost us $200 for an application for a permit for a secondary suite, $90 for the initial inspection, $100 for a building permit and $60 a year for a business license."

Now, from my understanding, all of the renovations we need to make are simply because my mother and father's home has a stove in it.  We are asked to put in two solid, steel fire doors (that makes three doors within three feet of each other) at a cost of $1,400, dampers in all of the vents upstairs and fireboard the furnace room walls (the ceiling of the entire suite has fireboard on it already).

The total cost has not yet been established but it has cost us $200 for an application for a permit for a secondary suite, $90 for the initial inspection, $100 for a building permit and $60 a year for a business license.

I was able to convince city staff we are not a business.  We make no profit off this suite and therefore we are not running a business but are simply providing a place for my parents to live.  They agreed we did not need to pay the business license.

Bylaw 1520 addresses water and sanitation, heat, light, egress, security and mandatory provision of services and utilities.  Nowhere does it address the issue of having a stove in the suite.

Nowhere does it provide direction on how the suite is to be secured because of a stove.  Nowhere does it say that if there is a stove, there needs to be fire doors, dampers, fireboarding or even smoke detectors.

Page eight of the bylaw addresses the notice to comply standards and once again it is referring to a rental premise.

So why is the city making it so difficult to keep relatives, especially elderly family members in our own homes?  All of the requirements made to us by the bylaw officer were based on the fact that there is a stove in my parent's suite.  Where does it say in this bylaw that we need to make all of these costly changes because of a stove?

To add insult to injury, they now say we need to pay separate water, sewer and garbage for the suite.

I guess that means we pay the base rate twice.  Not sure on that one.

I hope this will help someone else navigate the muddy waters of bylaw 5120 of the City of Vernon.

Be prepared.  Someone wants your money and don't make your neighbours upset because they obviously have more power than you do.

No grace for those who are trying to do the right thing and keep their relatives safe and comfortable. 

Debbie Sparrow"

Many know exactly how you feel, Debbie, getting caught up in the bureaucratic maze that seeks firstly to empty your wallet and, secondly, for your remaining cash to provide economic stimulus to the community (buying new doors, vent baffles and fireboard, etc. etc.)

And the impact of a neighbour's complaint doesn't go away anytime soon.

The City of Vernon's bylaws page (not so easy to find, by the way...it was under "Residential Services" heading).  

"They're creating an East German 'snitch-society'," offers Kia, adding, "and look at how that worked out for them."

Good point, Kia. 

 

Water Consultants admit to lack of resources...water woes diary continues

Huh?

Lack of resources?
Staff?  Data?
Yup to both.

A full 10 years (in my case) after installation of three water meters (irrigation, clubhouse, and residence), neither elected officials, nor bureaucrats, nor water consultants have any idea how much water is used by domestic customers on the Duteau Creek Water System.

"What information did we use to design our treatment plant at Duteau Creek?  Simple.      It was a guess."  Councillor Kiss

By extension, they then also don't know how much water is used by commercial, farm, industrial/light industry/institutional.

Nor how much revenue was received from quarterly water billings.

This can't be true!

Proof is in the following correspondence, available on the District of Coldstream website, as a late agenda item to the October 9th, 2012 Committee-of-the-Whole meeting:

"October 5, 2012 memo from Councillor Kiss to Mayor Garlick and Council:
Hi Jim, ...here is a request I sent to David Sewell, copy to Trafford (Hall at RDNO), with the response.
It is beyond me how we can plan if these basic questions can't be answered.  What information did we use to design our treatment plant at Duteau Creek?  Simple.  it was a guess.  In order to design the treatment plant, one should have known what domestic water demand would be placed upon the Duteau source.  Putting in a treatment plant that would supply 2,000-3,000ML a year could have cost a fraction of the $29 million even with a small caliber parallel line to supply domestic users.  Who knows?  There is no evidence that a thorough analysis was carried out to determine the most cost effective plant.
I am perplexed about the reports the consultants are working on.
Tech Memo #2:  evaluation of water supply sources
Tech Memo #3: source storage and supply
Tech Memo #6:  water conservation strategies
... but should not we have had these reports before we built our treatment plant at Duteau?  ... Don't we have the information from the previous water plans?  

MWP (Master Water Plan 2002) produced 14 Technical Memoranda, as follows:
Technical Working Paper No. 1:  Inventory of Existing Systems and Water Demands
TWP No. 2:  Review of Financial Considerations and Strategies
TWP No. 3:  Community Development and Land Use
TWP No. 4: Water Conservation and Reuse
TWP No. 5:  Projection of Water Demands
TWP No. 6:  Water Quality Goals
TWP No. 7:  Evaluaton of Water Supply Sources
TWP No. 8:  Evaluation of Water Treatment Needs and Alternatives
TWP No. 9:  Development of a Separated Water System Concept
TWP No. 10:  Domestic Water System Development
TWP No. 11:  Irrigation System Development
TWP No. 12:  Options for Long Term Water System Development
TWP No. 13:  Implementation
TWP No. 14:  Water Rate Strategy

All we needed was an update of the above information...We need to have a thorough discussion on the water issue to mitigate the financial pressure placed on our taxpayers.  Gyula Kiss"

Councillor Kiss' memo to the Mayor and Council was prompted by this reply from the water consultant:

"October 4, 2012 email from David Sewell to Councillor Kiss, copy to Trafford Hall:
Gyula, As you know, the billing information for the customers of GVWU resides within each of the respective jurisdictions.  As these information systems are not integrated and use different platforms, a calculation of billing volumes and revenue summarized by water source would be an extremely time consuming and challenging process that at the present time we do not have the resources to accurately undertake.  The accuracy is further comprised(sic) by the degree of inter connection being built into the system. 
In discussions with the Administrator, it was suggested that if you would like to see this information gathering project advanced, please bring it forward through either GVAC or as part of the Technical Advisory Committee of the Master Water Plan process for discussion and prioritization relative to other resource draws.   Thanks.  David."

That was received after Councillor Kiss sent the consultant this question:

"October 3, 2012 email from Councillor Kiss to David Sewell, copy to Trafford Hall:
Hi David, I need some information regarding water revenue and volumes billed so I can contribute to the upcoming (District of Coldstream) budget preparations.   
I want to know what was the total domestic volume billed from the Duteau source and what was the revenue  as well as the same info relating to the Mission Hill treatment plant.  Domestic water includes industrial/commercial/institutional as well as home use.  I would appreciate receiving such info as this would help evaluating the cost effectiveness of each plant.  Thank you in advance.  Gyula".

Repeating Councillor Kiss' question is appropriate:

"...how we can plan if these basic questions can't be answered. " Councillor Kiss

Something else jumps out at this point, and that is Councillor Kiss' statement:  

 "Domestic water includes

 industrial/commercial/institutional as well as home use. "

 
 
Huh? 

So "domestic" includes EVERYTHING BUT FARM USE, including Okanagan Spring Brewery, Vernon Jubilee Hospital, car washes, golf courses, nurseries, water slide, restaurants, gyms, and...oh...residences.

Strange!
All those classifications.
All broad-brushed as "Domestic".

As a taxpayer, I need to know what my taxes and water fees are used for.  Yes, the Federal Government contributed $12 million of the $29 million cost of the Duteau Creek Water Treatment Plant...but the Federal grant is taxpayer money too!

"You forgot the consultant's fee too," quips Kia.

Coldstream Council DOES Listen

They asked for public input concerning the proposed RU10/RU30 re-zoning of acreages.

And they received it...chiefly from the hastily-formed Coldstream Acreage Owners' Association, once it became clear to landowners that Mayor Garlick and his council were seeking to re-write the rules governing acreages in Coldstream.

But would Council back off the plan to rezone people's lands?

                "...taking two steps forward

                     and one step back."

Jennifer Smith's Morning Star story on October 5th, 2012, explains:  "After being met with considerable opposition, Coldstream has scrapped its original efforts to retain larger parcels of agricultural land.

The district had initially proposed to create a 10-hectare (24.7 acre) minimum  for future subdivisions of Agricultural Land Reserve property.

Among others, members of the Coldstream Acreage Owners' Association spoke out against the proposed limitations.  With the current land prices and economic situation, the association points out that many farmers cannot afford to purchase, or manage, large parcels of land.  Therefore smaller parcels are sought and also provide opportunities for aging farmers to cut down their workload while giving interested future farmers the chance to grow their own.  

In light of the concerns over proposed limitations, Coldstream is going back to the drawing board on its agricultural plan.

Instead of rezoning lands, Coldstream is renewing dialogue about the appropriate size for agricultural lands -- as part of an upcoming review of Coldstream's almost 20-year old Official Community Plan.  

The recommendation is for each non-farm use, subdivision or exclusion application to be considered on its own merits and based on a number of factors such as soil capability, land use, topography, utilities and roads, etc.

But not everyone is eager to rework the plan.

'This is like taking two steps forward and one step back,' said Coun. Maria Besso.  'But maybe it's a necessary step back.'

Besso sticks by Coldstream's efforts to retain large parcels of agricultural land, as she points out that there aren't many.

'93.2 per cent of the parcels within Coldstream are already less than 10 hectares.  That's a point that wasn't made clearly enough.'

Coldstream's new director of development services, Mike Reiley, adds:  'It is a bit of a dance but I understand it was a bit of a contentious issue here in the community.'

Coldstream will begin to initiate dialogue with residents and property owners in December and throughout 2013 as part of its OCP review."


Oh yes, Ms. Besso, the point was made clearly enough.
It's the point of the Coldstream Acreage Owners that isn't getting through to our elected officials, and that point is:
DO NOT REZONE OUR LANDS...  

Ignore our point at your peril, Mayor and Council!

And now we landowners get to deal with this Mayor and Council all of next year as they manipulate acreage rezoning into the Official Community Plan. 

"Two steps forward and one back, indeed," sighs Kia, adding "they've been tripping over their feet with the legality of this from the get-go."

UBCM reputation

Their reputation isn't great.

Seems more and more people are noticing that.

         "Many UBCM issues are

          just for media attention"

Political observer, Norm Ruff, explains not all of this year's 200+ resolutions will actually be considered, says a story by Jesse Johnston.

"Ruff says the convention is often more about gaining public support for an idea than swaying the BC government to take action," notes Jesse.

So we'll take a look at the IDEAS that are being presented by North Okanagan elected officials in Victoria this week....in between lavish dinners and taxpayer-funded hotel accommodation.

Resolutions submitted by our area:

Regional District of North Okanagan, 4 resolutions: 

• B12 SUPPORT FOR PROVINCIAL COMMUNITY RECREATION INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING PROGRAMS; 

• B53 REQUIREMENTS TO EXEMPT NECESSARY WATER WORKS PROJECTS FROM ELECTOR APPROVAL;

• B63 PROVINCIAL FUNDING FOR CYCLING INFRASTRUCTURE; 

• B150 TAX BENEFITS FOR VOLUNTEERS.

Vernon, 5 resolutions: 

• B31 USE OF RECLAIMED WATER; 
• B124 WILDLIFE TRAPPING;
• B129 SCHOOL PROPERTY TAX REBATE FOR CLASS 6 BUSINESSES;
• B138 BUSINESS CLASS EXEMPTION;
• B145 BUILDING REGULATIONS - NON-POTABLE WATER.

Spallumcheen, 1 resolution:

• B102 COMMUNITY WATER SERVICING.

Lumby...to their credit, they sent neither representatives, nor a resolution to the UBCM!

 

Coldstream, 1 resolution:

• B35 BUY BC.

The full UBCM document (183 pages) of 200+ resolutions, by number, is available here:

So let's have a look at what Coldstream's Mayor and Council have decided to send to delegates for their consideration:

     "B35 BUY BC Coldstream

WHEREAS the former BUY BC program has been the most successful food and beverage advertising

program every jointly undertaken by the provincial government and private industry;

AND WHEREAS the current economic climate has created challenges for our agricultural sector:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the provincial government of BC reinstate and fund the BUY BC

program for agricultural products.

ENDORSED BY THE SOUTHERN INTERIOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION

UBCM RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: Endorse

UBCM RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE COMMENTS:

The Resolutions Committee notes that the UBCM membership has consistently supported the promotion of local BC agricultural products (i.e. tree fruits) as well as the promotion of BC products, generally (2007-B175, 2002-B98, 2010-B100). In 2011, members endorsed resolution B56, which called upon the Province to honour its commitments from the BC Agriculture Plan, “Growing a Healthy Future for BC Families”, to invest $2 million annually in an industry-led marketing program that would increase public awareness and branding of BC grown and processed food; and increase support for agricultural extension services by $500,000 annually. In response to the 2011 resolution the provincial government stated (in part):

“The Ministry of Agriculture (Ministry) recognizes the benefits of increased promotion and marketing of local production, both to producers and the public. The BC Agriculture Council (BCAC) and the Ministry have extended the current Buy BC licensing agreement to 2015. In addition, the trademarks associated with this program have also been re-registered for another 15 years. The Buy BC licensing program forms the foundation of the branding program and clearly demonstrates government’s commitment to this initiative. Ministry staff are currently reviewing options to re-instate this program.”

The Province has highlighted promoting BC products abroad as one of the elements of its recently released BC Agrifoods: A Strategy for Growth as part of BC’s Job Action Plan. (March 2012)

Conference decision: __________________________________________"

Yawn!

Why "yawn"?

Because right here at home...not 400 km away from the UBCM meetings, someone is actually DOING something.  The Armstrong Food Initiative Society is hosting a Food and Farm Celebration Tour this Saturday.

Not lobbying bureaucrats and officials on the Coast!

They're promoting local farms!

"This is a chance for residents and visitors to see where our local food comes from," states AFIS rep Lisa Scott.

Today's Morning Star reports: "Among the farms slated to take part in the tour are the Armstrong Community Garden, Village Cheese, Chocoliro Finest Chocolates, Armstrong Farmers' Market, Maw's Orchards, The Tree Farm, Pilgrim's Produce, Roger's Foods and the Pumpkin Patch.  Also included will be stops at Hullcar Hall for an old-fashioned breakfast, followed by the North Okanagan Ploughing Match.

Each stop is free and tours are self-guided.  In addition to the Food and Farm Celebration Series, AFIS hosts two community gardens in Armstrong, facilitates its Food Exchange Program and Gleaning Program and offers an almost-monthly Speakers Series."

Now that's being effective at promoting farming, not asking for a marketing program to be resurrected, as Coldstream's elected officials are doing!

Congratulations, AFIS, on your efforts to promote farming!

Back to the UBCM Resolutions:

Other resolutions that may be of interest to local residents are:

• A2 LOCAL GOVERNMENT INVOLVEMENT IN MUNICIPAL TAXATION
• B8 EXPERT PANEL REVIEW OF BUSINESS TAXATION
• B11 LOCAL GOVERNMENT GRANTS
• B12 SUPPORT FOR PROVINCIAL COMMUNITY RECREATION INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING PROGRAMS
• B13 INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING CRITERIA
• B14 FLOOD PROTECTION INFRASTRUCTURE

So these are the resolutions our elected officials are contemplating during the annual UBCM, as well as ministerial meetings.

"They're spending our money schmoozing on the Coast," sniffs Kia.

Coldstream's Mayor and Council are good at that.