SUMMERLAND REVIEW THE VOICE OF OUR COMMUNITY SINCE 1908
VOLUME
65
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ISSUE
WHAT’S INSIDE:
NO.
17
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S U M M E R L A N D,
B.C.
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WWW.SUMMERLANDREVIEW.COM
T H U R S D AY,
APRIL
26,
2012
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20
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$1.15
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Drama fest shortened Good Will Shakespeare affected by teacher job action by John Arendt Summerland students will get to experience the
Good Will Shakespeare Festival this year, but in an abbreviated form. Instead of the standard four-day festival, it will be held for one day at the Summerland Middle School, one day at Summerland Secondary School
and one day in Vernon. Linda Beaven, cofounder and organizer of the festival, said the abridged festival came about because of the ongoing teachers’ job action. Teachers had earlier voted to withdraw
extracurricular activities. The festival, which included evening and weekend sessions, was affected as a result. Early this month, festival organizers announced they would cancel the festival for this year.
Later, after meeting with Richa Thorpe, a teacher at Summerland Middle School, they chose to bring the festival back as a one-day event, during regular school hours, in the three schools. See FULL Page 6
Earth Week Summerlanders took part in a variety of events over the past week to mark Earth Week.
Page 11 Road upgrades The rumble strip on Highway 97 south of Summerland was part of a larger series of transportation improvements.
Page 7 Music concert An organ and flute concert will be held at Lakeside Presbyterian Church next month.
Page 10 Riding the train A fundraising train ride will benefit the Agur Lake Camp Society.
Page 13 Winning team Two Summerland players were part of a hockey team which won at the national level in Regina on the weekend.
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YOUR SMILE Nothing is really work unless you would rather be doing something else.
Perusing plants
John Arendt Summerland Review
Danica Yeoman, two years old, and Rachelle Yeoman examine one of the plants during the Earth Day events on Sunday morning. Volunteers took part in a planting project at the Dale Meadows Sports Complex to celebrate Earth Day.
Wharton Street zoning changes by John Arendt A proposed development along Wharton Street is one step closer to becoming a reality after a public hearing was held to consider changes to the zoning of the property. The zoning changes reduce the number of storeys from seven to five. The building height, at 24 metres, likely would not be reached with the first building. The floor area ratio was reduced from 2.95 to 2.5. Speaking at the public hearing, Brian Adams said municipal council must proceed carefully.
“The last time Summerland got involved with this property, it turned into a mess,” he said. Several years ago, another developer was interested in a seven-storey development for the same location. The building was to house the museum and library in addition to residential units. The plan for that project expired on Jan. 15, 2011 with no agreement reached and no work started. Patrick Murphy said he supports the development. “It looks pretty promising and I want it to continue,” he said.
Wilfred Barranoik of Westrand Consulting Group Inc. said the project will be important for the community’s economy. “We want something to develop here and show we’re open for business,” he said. Randy Gibson, one of the developers, said the zoning change is a necessary step in order to have the project move forward. Municipal planner Ian McIntosh said the bylaw was to modify the zoning of the property, not to approve a development. “The issue tonight is on the land use,” he said. “The development is a
separate issue.” Mayor Janice Perrino said at present, there is no deal on the table. Members of council supported the changes. Coun. Bruce Hallquist said the proposed development will benefit the downtown area. “The development of this land will enhance the commercial activity and the commercial development of the downtown area,” he said. “I think we’re going to be looking at a very favourable development,” added Coun. Peter Waterman. “This will bring bene-
fits to the downtown core, and that’s exactly what we need,” Perrino said. Coun. Orv Robson said the project will bring further benefits to the downtown area in the future. The zoning bylaw passed second and third readings at the Monday evening council meeting. Approval from the provincial highways ministry was required before the bylaw could be adopted. The approval was received on Tuesday morning and the bylaw is slated for final reading at the next municipal council meeting on May 14.