BX-SWAN LAKE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

February Blogpost

2012-02-03T12:33:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Month,

Just an informal post to inform anyone who is intrested in attending the "B.X./Swanlake Community Association Annual General Meeting", it will be tentatively held in April, 2012. More details (Date, Location and Time) to be announced when verified. Membership fee is $5.00/person. The directorship appreciates present and past membership support and looks forward to more attendance. The Association specifically pertains to "Electoral Area B" and "C", however other concerns or issues of other areas are also considered and/or discussed.

Although it isn't Spring per se. The weather seems to feel different. All of us that have 'green thumbs' are starting to feel the Spring 'itch'. Seeds could possibly be started indoors for this growing season. Some local garden centers that are good sources of information and products are linked below:
http://www.artknapps.ca/ - Art Knapp Plantland and Florist
http://www.myswanlake.com/ - Swan Lake Fruit and Garden Center
http://www.briteland.com/ - Briteland
If anyone has a particular favorite (that isn't listed here), please let us know in the comments below.

Previous topics are welcomed to be commented on. I.E. Parks/Trails, Water issues. Just no real new posts have addressed these, due to this last year being an election year. Stay tuned for more information.

First in the new year...

2012-01-14T12:52:00.000-08:00

Greetings everyone,
Happy New Year to all, this posting is a short one for this month. Another may be added as information or issues arise at the next meeting. It is scheduled for January 24th. Any comments or inquiries are welcome. May this year be prosperous for all. Stay tuned...

Wow the end of 2011 is near...

2011-12-03T14:11:00.000-08:00

It's already December, and this post will have a few items...
First, Season's Greetings and Warm wishes for the Holiday Season. As it is seemingly approaching quite expediently. Best of luck to all in the new year.
Second, congratulations to all those who were elected in the recent municipal elections. Thanks to those previous representatives who served on various councils or in their jurisdictions. We look forward to working with the present and newly elected representatives, in the next year.
Regional District: http://www.rdno.ca/

City of Vernon: http://www.vernon.ca/

Municipality of Coldstream: http://www.districtofcoldstream.ca/

Others can be included in comments, if anyone feels like some were missed.
Of course, comments and suggestions left below are passed on to the directorship.
We welcome all comments, regardless of subject.

Fall Update and Minutes

2011-11-05T14:16:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone is enjoying the vibrant fall foliage colors.

The Annual General Meeting minutes are available to view here for all who are interested. If you would like a copy emailed to you, please email bxslca@hotmail.com and the corresponding secretary can process your request.

Don't forget to set your timepieces back 1 hour this evening, for Pacific Standard Time.

November "Rememberance Day" ceremonies will be held the 11th of this month. Our condolances to all who have lost members of families, past and present. Comments are welcomed on these or your own topics.

Municipal Candidates Election Workshop 2011

2011-09-07T15:06:00.000-07:00

Greetings: Hope everyone has had an enjoyable summer (despite the varied weather). The information below is presented for people interested in participating in local government.

----------------------------------------------
2011 Prospective Electoral Area Director Candidates Information Session
The Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) is hosting an information session for individuals who may be interested in running as an Electoral Area Director candidate in the November 19, 2011 General Local Election.
The information session will be held as follows:
Date: Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Time: 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Place: RDNO Boardroom, 9848 Aberdeen Road, Coldstream, BC
RDNO staff and the Board Chair will be available to provide an overview of the responsibilities of an Electoral Area Director and to answer any questions.
For further information regarding this information session please contact:
Christy Malden
Deputy Corporate Officer

250-550-3752
christy.malden@rdno.ca
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Congratulations to the "Interior Provincial Exhibition" on another successful year of activities and festivities. We look forward (with anticipation) to next year's fair.

Also, We would appreciate comments (on this blog) regarding the local trails, their conditions, your use of them and anything else you would like to share. This link below lists the trails (and parks).
http://www.greatervernonrecreation.ca/parks_trails/

Thanks.

July 5th, 2011 Emergency Management Info.

2011-07-05T15:33:00.000-07:00

Hello all,

Here is some information to all residents who live in the Area C, Area B and BX/Silver Star Mountain Corridor. Pertaining to assorted natural disaster preparation. The following website can explain more in better detail. http://www.pep.gov.bc.ca/index.html

Association publication information: Also, the 2011 (unapproved) minutes will be posted when available. Here is some infomation on another bee species. The name of them is 'Blue Orchard Bee' that are very beneficial to orchardists and all 'flower lovers' as they are efficient pollenators. Link is below http://www.al.gov.bc.ca/apiculture/factsheets/506_osmia.htm

Some other general information on bees, wasps, etcetera can be found here (link is below) There are more websites available through an internet search.) http://www.thebeehunter.com/types-of-bees.html

AGM Minutes ...

2011-05-31T14:35:00.000-07:00

Since the Annual General Meeting, there have been comments about the availability of the AGM minutes. Below this are the minutes of the 2010 AGM. The 2011 minutes of the AGM will all be posted when they become available. ****************************************************** Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of the B.X./Swan Lake Community Association held March 24th 2010 at 7.00p.m at the B.X. Elementary School.Chair: Ray Ivey Present: Members of the executive, Electoral Area B rep Mike Gavinchuk, Electoral Area C rep Mike Macnabb, Speakers Dale Sibilleau (B.X firehall), Karmen Morgan (waste management RDNO), Anthony Kittle (Coordinator of Regional Growth Strategy project) and 35 -40 members of the public. 1.Call to order at 7. 00 p.m. 2.Guests introduced, Agenda presented. Question procedure explained. 3.MSC agenda be approved (Marg Bomford, Paul ) 4.MSC Minutes from AGM March 4th 2009 were approved as circulated.(Paul ? /Dennis?) NEW BUSINESS 5.Dale Sibilleau from B.X Firehall showed new address signs. Numbers are larger and stand on a stake on the roadway at the end of a driveway by. Can be ordered cost $ 40.00 including tax. Monies raised by the sale will be used to purchase an Automated Defibrillator 6.Mike Gavinchuk spoke to his past 15 months as the Electoral Area B Representative and upcoming projects particularly the installation of fire hydrants. He noted that many issues he has been dealing with have been going on for many years. 7.Mike Macnabb, Rep. for Electoral Area C outlined the major issues of concern at present – possibility of water devolution, and devolution of the parks in the area. Mike spoke to the concerns of constant annexation by the City of Vernon of areas within the electoral areas. Explained the electoral areas have no power to prevent the annexation while it is undermining the areas tax base etc. He stressed the need for local residents to have a voice in their community and he needs to hear their concerns. 8.Annexation. Mike Macnabb explained the process. The City of Vernon determines whether annexation can proceed. The City is using a “bundling process” and does not adhere to its stated annexation policy. B.X/Swan Lake residents have no voice since the governance structure favors the City. This City expansion is at the expense of the electoral areas while also penalizing City of Vernon taxpayers. Mike intends to take the initiative and after gathering solid data on the economic costs to the electoral areas will present the data to the Provincial Govt. Meanwhile he asked people to write letters and talk to their friends if they are opposed to annexation. Only other option is to incorporate. 9.Regional Growth Strategy. Anthony Kittle explained the project was designed as an action plan for the next 20 years. Phase 1 completed, Phase 2 2/3rds completed, Phase 3, the bylaw approval process is scheduled for 2011 completion. Several B.X./Swan Lake Association directors participated in various working groups. 10.Composting/Recycling. Karmen Morgan talked about composting. Earth Machine composters can be pre-purchased after March 26th and picked up April 24th. The cost will be $35.00. Any not sold will be available that day for $40.00. There is a free composting workshop May 1st at Xerindipity Gardens. RDNO has purchased a Styrofoam Densifier which reduces material 90 to 1. The end product is saleable. There will be drop off locations once the machine is in operation. 11.Greater Vernon Water Summary. Ray outlined history of water amalgamation since 2000 referendum. Goal was a single water utility delivering the same quality of water at the same cost to all residents of City of Vernon, Coldstream and electoral areas B and C. 2006 City of Vernon requested a service review due to dissatisfaction with water issues and lack of control. Indicated they wanted to withdraw from water distribution outside of the City. Matter went to arbitration. Arbitrator determined that he could not rule on partial devolution. City of Vernon has initiated a judicial review of the Arbitrator’s ruling. 12.Ray’s Rant. Ray fervently expressed his concerns re waste of taxpayers’ dollars in this water situation. Also the City of Vernon’s constant annexation of Areas B and C properties and lack of adherence to its own policies and bylaws. Ray requested residents bring issues and concerns to the Association. 13.Question Period. A variety of issues were raised and answered. 14.A.G.M. Business. Financial Report. Emmy submitted a report (on file). Balance on hand as of December 31st 2009 was $2,266.06. MSC that the unaudited financial statement for the period Dec 31 2008 to Dec 31 2009 be accepted.(Wayne Duncan/Al Bylsma) MSC that the Association not appoint auditors (Wayne Duncan/A Bylsma) MSC that existing Directors be reinstated. (Wayne Duncan/Karl Peter). Call for people interested in becoming Directors. 15. Meeting adjourned at 9.15p.m. ******************************************************

Websites for garden and agriculture information

2011-04-28T08:59:00.000-07:00

(1) http://property.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/property/gardens/article1602890.ece (2) http://www.growveg.com/growguides/growing-in-small-spaces.aspx?gclid=CLzt48WDpagCFSYZQgod3V9GHg (3)http://www.veggiegardeningtips.com/growing-vegetables-in-a-small-garden-plot/ (4) http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/busmgmt/budgets/index.htm

NOTICE OF OUR ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

2011-03-15T22:08:00.000-07:00

The BX-Swan Lake Community Association will be holding their Annual General Meeting. Where? Hillview Elementary School Gym 1822 Francis St When? April 28 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM Information will be provided on the following; Water Rates Parks, Recreation and Culture Drought Response Growing Your Own Food Followed by Question period and AGM business.

WHAT’S WRONG WITH PARKS?

2011-03-11T19:49:00.000-08:00

The BX/Swan Lake Community Association represents residents of Electoral Areas B & C and we believe there has been a lack of clarity in the information provided by/to the press regarding parks. We have been gathering public information about the current situation regarding the Greater Vernon Parks, Recreation and Culture Service (GVPRC) and trying to understand what issues prevent the service review from resolving these issues and constructing an agreement that will work for all four participants, those being The District of Coldstream, The City of Vernon, and Electoral Areas B & C. From the information we gathered as recorded and presented by Allen Neilson-Welch who has been the facilitator for the service review which has been on-going for a year now, there are ten categories that have been identified. There is general consensus on some of these categories, there is qualified consensus on some and then there are deal breakers. Because the City of Vernon has not responded to us we have not been able to determine The City of Vernon’s position on some of the categories which has resulted in a lack of clarity. The remaining three participants have responded and indicated their positions on all of the following categories: 1)Service Scope, 2)Local Parks, 3)Recreational Facilities, 4)Arts & Culture Facilities, 5)Arts Culture &Youth Programs, 6)Scheduling & Programming, 7)Service Governance, 8)Service Operation, 9)Service Costs, 10)Deal Breakers. The District of Coldstream along with the Electoral Areas B & C have indicated that in order for negotiations to continue, there has to be agreement on the future voting structure of the GVPRC Service Conversion and Service Establishment bylaw #1648. Currently, Coldstream and Electoral Areas B & C each have one vote, while The City of Vernon has 3 votes. As a result, currently, no one participant has control. However, if the 2011 Census determines Vernon’s population to be 40,000 or greater, then The City of Vernon will receive one more vote for a total of four. This fourth vote creates an imbalance that will force a detour away from the spirit of the original agreement . If all four of the representatives from the City of Vernon vote the same way, the City could control the outcome of every motion that required a vote. It is the wish of Coldstream and Electoral Areas B & C to introduce a method whereby fairness and a balance of power would be maintained throughout the life of the Service. If a sense of fairness and a balance of power can not be achieved, the service as we know it will probably cease to exist. No relationship will last without a sense of fairness, be it corporate, governmental or personal. The Excel spreadsheet with all categories and the positions of each participant that we were able to determine can be downloaded by clicking on "What's Wrong With Parks"

NOVEMBER ELECTIONS WILL BE HERE SOON!!!!

2011-02-25T12:20:00.000-08:00

As you all know, in November we will have the opportunity to vote for our individual choice of who we want to represent Electoral Areas B & C. Currently, Area B is represented by Director Mike Gavinchuck while Area C is represented by Director Mike Macnabb. Each Director appoints an Alternative Director to take his place when the Director is unable to attend for whatever reason. Currently, the Alternate representative for Area B is Dale Winskowski and for Area C, is Leith Skinner. Come November, we may find that all or none of our current representatives wish get back into the harness for another term. The functions in these positions are not easy and they are time consuming. They require people with good sound practical logic, devoid of personal interests. They require people that understand the wishes of their Area residents and bring those wishes and positions to the Regional Board table with clarity. They must also be team players when required to do so, while also being able to act alone. They must possess a sense of fairness. Again, this is not easy, however it is VERY important. This next term is a crucial one with both Parks, Recreation and Culture, along with the Water Service facing the possibility of devolution. We think is is VERY important to get people informed and interested in these positions as quickly as possible so that there will choice amongst capably qualified individuals to assume these positions. If you are interested or if you know someone that is interested, please contact us at bxslca@hotmail.com or hivac@hivac.com and leave the appropriate contact information so we can get be in touch with you. Please give this very serious consideration so we will be prepared in November!!!!!!!!

FREE!ONLINE LOCAL FOOD DIRECTORY OPPORTUNITY!

2011-02-24T11:36:00.000-08:00

FREE!ONLINE LOCAL FOOD DIRECTORY OPPORTUNITY! www.foodaction.ca This spring, Food Action is launching a Local Food Directory for the North Okanagan region. This Directory, which will be promoted widely, will feature listings of local food-related businesses that can easily be entered and updated by the business owners themselves, as well as a Map showing their location. The Directory is located at the Food Action website: www.foodaction.ca. In advance of this launch, we are contacting local food producing and processing businesses, to ask you to sign up for a free listing on this Directory. Food Action will be holding a training session for people interested in learning how to add and manage their own business listing on this Directory. This session will run from 9:00-10:30 am, on Thursday, March 17th, at the North Okanagan Employment Enhancement Society (NOEES) on 102-3201 30th Street (across from the Vernon Library, beside Service BC). If you would like to attend, please RSVP by Friday, March 11 to: Mary Stockdale/Shayne Wright Tel: 250-503-2506 Email: fasnowebsite@gmail.com If you cannot attend the training and/or would like to know more about this Directory, please contact us about how we can support you in getting your listing up and running. Membership to the Food Action Society not required, however we would welcome your support as we strive to improve food security in the region. Thank you!

The Regional Growth Strategy

2011-02-17T19:14:00.000-08:00

The Regional Growth Strategy Bylaw No. 2500, 2011 received first reading from the RDNO Board of Directors on Feb. 16, 2011. RDNO will officially begin public consultation on Feb. 25, 2011. Links to the RGS Bylaw, the news release that will be going out tomorrow and the public consultation schedule will be available soon. The Regional Growth Strategy is available at www.rdno.ca/rgs and the survey will be up by Feb. 25, 2011 on the RDNO website

GREATER VERNON WATER HISTORY

2010-01-17T08:11:00.000-08:00

During the past year, we have seen and heard a lot of information about Greater Vernon Water. Most of the information made available to us has been incomplete at best. We have attempted to put together an information package showing what took place that led up to the formation of Greater Vernon Water and what has happened since. There is a lot of information in this presentation and it is somewhat complicated. As such, it will take some time to view it. If you click on the "Greater Vernon Water" link to the right, it will open the Power Point Presentation. You can move from slide to slide by usung the Page Up and Page Down buttons on your computer keyboard. Please note that we have taken great effort to assure accuracy in this presentation. If anyone can demonstrate we have made any errors, we welcome the information. Happy Viewing!!!

The Town that Food Saved

2009-09-25T11:38:00.000-07:00

Attention all local farm & food businesses and local food system supporters! Would you like to see more collaboration among local food and farm business in order to improve small farm viability, the local economy, and the long term sustainability of our local food system? Please consider attending the presentation and pass the word along! Also – learn about the new local food directory developed in partnership with UBC-O and how to use it to increase consumer awareness of your locally grown or produced food products. The Town that Food Saved Hardwick, Vermont underwent tremendous economic development adjustment after its granite quarries closed and the town was faced with empty stores and high unemployment. Hardwick is a town that was “saved by food” as agricultural entrepreneurs are expanding aggressively, reaching out to investors and working together to create a collective strength to revitalize the town’s economy. Over 100 jobs have been created through innovative local food enterprises and now these entrepreneurs are investing in a Center for an Agricultural Economy, a non-profit industrial center for agricultural businesses. The goal for the Center is to lead the way in generating a comprehensive food system that creates healthy communities and a revitalized economy. Mr. Tom Stearns, President of High Mowing Organic Seeds and President of the Center for Agricultural Economy, will discuss the transformation of the community, the local food initiatives developed, and the value of the partnerships that were formed. MONDAY, OCTOBER 5TH, 2009 7-9pm Presentation by Tom Stearns Includes a Discussion: “Revitalizing our local food system” Location: ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN CHURCH 3205 – 27TH St VERNON Phone 250-542-6920 for more information Free! Sponsored by the Food Action Society of the North Okanagan and the City of Vernon Economic Development

Building Sustainable Communities

2009-02-05T15:37:00.000-08:00

This 3 day conference will include more than 100 speakers from public, private, non-profit and academic sectors. Featured topics include sustainable agriculture, sustainable business, commmunity and sustainability (for local governments) The conference will take place in Kelowna February 24 to February 26, 2009 in the Conference Centre at the Delta Grand Okanagan Resort. For more information, contact host and facilitator, Fresh Outlook Foundation through their website at www.freshoutlookfoundation.org or by email at jo@freshoutlookfoundation.org, or by phone at 250-766-1777.

Winter tire requirements on BX/Swan Lake area roads

2009-01-20T14:31:00.000-08:00

This is a reminder about the importance of winter tires and driving appropriately for road conditions. The snowflake inside the mountain symbol is given by tire manufacturers indicating a tire is designated as a winter tire and appropriate for use in snow. Not all roads in the BX area require winter tires or chains, and thus not all are viewed the same by the new regulations of posted roads stating you must have either. The RCMP has done much educating and advertising in this regard, and in nearly every issue of The Morning Star over the last few weeks, the importance of winter tires and driving appropriately for the road conditions has been stressed. Silver Star Road, Hwy 6, Hwy 97, Hwy 97A, Hwy 97B are all affected by this mandatory regulation. All other roads that are not posted are recommended to have snow tires installed for winter driving. Roads such as Hartnell Road are of concern, however are not signed. ICBC has additional information on buying snow tires in this fact sheet: www.icbc.com/road_safety/pdf/Road_Safety_Buying_Better_Tires_PI222A.pdf. For more information, you may contact: Kathryn Birnie Regional Programs Coordinator City of Vernon/RCMP Safe Communities Unit 101 - 3334 30th Avenue, Vernon BC, V1T 2C8 250.308.6591 Fax: 250.260.5866 Email: kbirnie@vernon.ca

Have Your Say on Rural Transportation Needs

2009-01-18T13:00:00.000-08:00

The Regional District of North Okanagan, with the assistance of Boulevard Transportation Group, is undertaking the Transportation Options for Rural Residents Study, a community visioning and planning exercise to improve transportation options for North Okanagan’s rural residents. The study will involve exploring programs and infrastructure to improve transportation options for rural residents. Potential improvements will work toward increasing mobility, but also seek to make rural transport more socially equitable, universally accessible and environmentally sustainable. The study will address transportation options within rural areas as well as connections to existing regional and municipal transportation systems. Community Survey As part of the Study, the Regional District has developed a community survey to better understand travel behaviour in the North Okanagan and identify barriers to more efficient, sustainable transport. The survey is available to be completed on-line at www.rdno.ca or paper copies can be sent to you by contacting the Regional District of North Okanagan, (250) 550 3700. The survey is open until February 27th 2009. Your assistance in completing the survey would be greatly appreciated. Community Mapping Workshops North Okanagan electoral area residents are also encouraged to attend a series of workshops held by the Regional District in mid-February. The workshops will be an open forum where rural residents can work with the project team to identify and prioritize future transportation infrastructure improvements. Workshop date and location is as follows: Ø Electoral Areas B & C BX Elementary School,Wednesday, February 18th, 2009, 7.00PM For more information please visit the Regional District of North Okanagan’s website at www.rdno.ca or contact the Regional District of North Okanagan’s Sustainability Coordinator, Anna Page at (250) 550-3700.

Results of governance questionnaire

2008-12-24T14:08:00.000-08:00

At the September 3, 2008 meeting, the Regional Board authorized the preparation and distribution of a questionnaire to all residents of the electoral areas of the Regional District of North Okanagan. The results of the questionnaire are non-binding and for information only, and are hereby presented to the Regional Board. Although the Electoral Area Directors recognized that, without the completion of a restructure study, only general, non-specific information could be provided to the residents about the concepts of incorporation and amalgamation, they believed it was important to conduct an informal poll to confirm the general opinion of their residents with respect to whether they wish to see a change in the way they are currently governed. The Electoral Area Residents Questionnaire consisted of a questionnaire and an informational sheet that outlined the purpose of the questionnaire and provided general information about three governance options - remaining as part of an electoral area within the regional district, joining an existing Municipality, or creating a new, separate Municipality. Specifically, the questionnaire posed the following two questions: 1. Do you want to change the way your Electoral Area is governed, either by joining an existing Municipality or becoming a separate Municipality? _YES _NO 2. lf change happens, which option would you prefer: _ Join an existing Municipality _ Create a new Municipality ln addition, links to more information were provided on the RDNO website at www.rdno.calgovernance. A total of 5,709* questionnaires were successfully delivered to residential addresses in the electoral areas. A total of 1,103* responses were received, for an average response rate of 19%. * as of December 1, 2008 Electoral Areas B and C results: Question I was answered by 97.5 % of respondents, of which 75% were not in favour of change. Question 2 was answered by nearly 70% of respondents (slightly higher than the average of 65%), of which 56% favoured joining an existing municipality. All of us at the BX-Swan Lake Community Association wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year. We look forward to continuing our efforts in 2009.

RDNO Slide Presentation

2008-12-05T20:22:00.001-08:00

Under "LINKS" below right, you can view the RDNO slide presentation that was shown by Greg Betts at the informational meeting held at BX Elementary School on October 21, 2008. I'm sure we are all looking forward to seeing the results of the questionnaire that was sent out to the Electoral Areas regarding Incorporation, Amalgamation and Status Quo. My understanding is that the response rate was more than 20% which is very good! More later

OCTOBER 21 MEETING REPORT

2008-11-10T13:07:00.000-08:00

An informational meeting was held by the BX-SWAN LAKE Community Association on October 21, 2008 7:30 PM at the BX Elementary school to provide information regarding the proposed ultimate annexation of most of Electoral Areas B & C into the City of Vernon as outlined in their Official Community Plan. Thanks and recognition were given to Mr. Stan Field and Mr. Cliff Kanester for their service and dedication to the concerns of residents in Electoral Areas B & C respectively, neither of which are seeking re-election. Mr. Mike Macnabb and Mr. Mike Gavinchuk were introduced as the new representatives. Presentations were made by Mr. Greg Betts, General Manager Electoral Area Services for Regional District of North Okanagan. Mr. Betts provided information on current our current governance regime (regional district) as well as some possible options. Mr. Betts used a slide presentation, which can be accessed at www.rdno.ca/notices/081021_governance_presentation_bxslca.pdf Ms. Kim Flick Manager of Planning and Building for City of Vernon then responded to the purpose and proposed timing of the proposed annexation as outlined in their OCP Alan Hill, Resident of Okanagan Landing, formerly Electoral Area A, outlined his perspective on what took place prior, during and since the annexation of Area A. Written questions from the floor were then directed by the chair to the appropriate presenter/s in order to clarify or to provide more information. Just prior to adjournment at 9:15 PM, the chair asked for a show of hands of those yet present to indicate those in favour of joining the City of Vernon and also those who were not. There were none who indicated they were in favour of joining the city, while approximately 95% indicated they were not. It must be noted that some people had left the meeting prior to this show of hands. Many of the questions from the floor involved issues pertaining to lands within the Agricultural Land Reserve. There was no one present to knowingly speak to these issues, so we are trying to arrange for someone to attend a local meeting to provide more information on these matters. Since the meeting, there have been some concerns surface regarding fire fighting/rescue services and the current jurisdictions within which these different entities are considered “First Responders". It appears, and I stand to be corrected on this, that the City of Vernon Fire Department would respond to incidents on Silver Star Road and The Foothills, while the BX/Swan Lake Fire Department would respond to incidents on both sides of Silver Star Road above Butcher Boys Store and areas around The Foothills. I hope that the welfare of those involved in an incident is not being superceded by some line on a map or some political whim. There is more involved in this issue and we will try to provide more information when we are able.

DO YOU WANT INPUT INTO THE FUTURE OF AREAS B & C???

2008-10-14T21:06:00.000-07:00

The BX-SWAN LAKE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION will be hosting an informational meeting on Tuesday October 21 at 7:30 PM in the gymnasium of the BX Elementary School. At our Annual General Meeting of January 2008, we had a presentation of local governance options pertaining to amalgamation, incorporation or status quo by Mr. Greg Betts from RDNO which generated considerable interest and discussion. The Provincial Government was in the process of exploring and evaluating valley wide governance options at the time, and it was felt that we should hold off on further discussion of the options available to Areas B & C until the dust had settled on the valley wide governance issue. Nothing has yet been decided pertaining to this matter yet, so we are pressing forward with informing our residents on what our options may be pertaining to local governance. As you know, annexations by the City of Vernon of properties within Electoral Areas B & C have been ongoing. The City of Vernon has put forward an Official Community Plan which ultimately includes Areas B & C within it's boundaries. We know that some residents of Areas B & C are in favour of this action, some are not and others want to know if there are other options which may be explored. On Tuesday Oct 21, presentations will be made by Greg Betts from RDNO, Kim Flick Manager of Planning from the City of Vernon and Mr. Alan Hill, a resident of Okanagan Landing, formerly Area A and annexed by the City of Vernon. After the presentations are completed, written questions from the audience or questions that have been received prior to the meeting will be addressed to the appropriate presenters for the purpose of acquiring more information or clarifying some issues. All written questions will be processed through a moderator. Written questions will be accepted by email prior to the meeting by sending them to "hivac@hivac.com" with "Oct 21 questions" in the subject line of the email message. We hope to see you there!!!

What is currently happening with Meat Inspection Regulations?

2008-04-23T14:42:00.000-07:00

Taken from Page B13 Morning Star April 23 "The B.C. government is still allowing farmgate sales of meat to consumers as it attempts to bring rural areas up to new federal health standards. Meat is being sold as "uninspected" and is only for local consumers, not for retail or restaurant use" Please read the article for more complete information.

Amalgamate or Incorporate

2008-04-03T08:04:00.000-07:00

Residents in Areas B & C continue to see land being annexed by the City of Vernon for more development. Under current regulations, there is little the residents can do to oppose annexation. More development means more traffic, less privacy, more water usage, more waste, more noise pollution, more light pollution and in general, more destruction of the way of life most of us wish to preserve. The link below "Amalgamate or Incorporate" outlines some of the options to consider for the protection of our lifestyle. You may email hivac@hivac.com if you have any comments on this or any other matter relating to the BX-Swan Lake Community.

March 27, 2008

2008-03-27T21:37:00.000-07:00

PINE BEETLE

It looks like the BX area NE of Vernon is considered to be in a "high pressure" area regarding the Pine Beetle. What this means is that there is about a 20% chance that the mature Ponderosa Pine in the area will survive over the next five years, with or without Sevin spray or Verbenone pouches. So it seems we must make our own decisions as individuals if we want to spend the money to try to protect them or not.

MEAT INSPECTION REGULATION

There is not much new to report because the minister cancelled the last meeting that was scheduled with his office so he could "read the recommendations" that were put forward by Birgit Johnson in her report. He must be still reading it as the meeting has yet to be re-scheduled. Cabinet shuffle or ????

LOCAL GOVERNANCE

Because more and more of Area "C" land is being swallowed up by the City of Vernon for developement purposes, it becomes increasingly clear that the residents of Areas "B" and "C"

must give purposeful consideration to taking steps to prevent more of this from happening if the way of life is to be maintained that so many of us are here for. See the back page of the Morning Star in last Sunday's issue.

There will be more on this issue on this site in the near future.

WATER

Water is getting to be an issue that also requires attention be paid to it. If the report in the Morning Star Wed March 19 page A21 is correct, the whole Okanagan Valley should be making some plans right now with a conservative eye to the future, particularly to new developement, better water use and management.

NEXT MEETING

Tuesday April 15 7:30 PM Pantry Restaurant, Vernon (meeting room)

More on Meat Inspection Regulation-Impact Report

2008-02-05T10:27:00.000-08:00

There will be a presentation about the report to the Regional District North Okanagan board at 2 pm on Wednesday Feb 6 at the Regional District offices on Aberdeen Road, The Board may discuss the report, although the present resolution is to refer it to staff for comment. The meeting is open to the public. A meeting for producers and processors to review the assessment results, update everyone on meetings with provincial officials, and discuss next steps will be held on Feb 13, Wednesday at 6:30 pm at the Schubert Centre in Vernon. All are invited, and please spread the word.

Final Report On Meat Inspection Regulation

2008-02-03T16:11:00.001-08:00

IMPACT OF THE MEAT INSPECTION REGULATION ON SLAUGHTER CAPACITY IN THE NORTH OKANAGAN REGIONAL DISTRICT (RDNO) (Click on link below right "Meat Inspection Final Report") This is a "must read" for anyone interested in 'Farm Gate' sources for beef, pork, lamb, and poultry and the impact it has had and will have on this industry and how it will impact us as consumers. It is our understanding that this legislation is just the beginning. We hear this will be extended to garden and orchard produce as well. This would seem to be another case of legislation being passed without any consideration regarding how it will impact those involved. More later.

Jan 30 update

2008-01-30T08:40:00.000-08:00

For more information on the valley-wide governance initiative, we urge residents to visit valleygovern.ca and fill in the online comment form. This site is available under "Links" on our website. (Okanagan Valley Governance) For any questions about NORD, please contact their switchboard at 550-3700, or email Electoral Area Services (Greg or Inge) at eas@nord.ca . The final report from Brigitt Johnson on the impact of the new meat regulations will likely be available from the nord.ca website after the February 6, 2008 Regional Board meeting. We will do our best to keep you updated! More later!

2008-01-23T13:54:00.000-08:00

As noted below, the Annual General Meeting for the association will be held on Monday January 28, 2008 from 7:00 to 9:00 PM at the BX Elementary School. Matters to be discussed shall include GOVERNANCE both local and valley wide; MEAT INSPECTION REGULATION; BOSS CREEK DEVELOPMENT plus other issues. Membership is vital to any association, so please give thought to becoming a member and also to becoming a director. Good and diversified input helps create an association with vitality and sound forward thinking. Please be involved. Membership is only $5.00 per year per person. Directorship is free!