FORESTRY GROWTH | Improved market conditions allow Vernon-based Tolko to re-open Alberta mill [A7]
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Foothills plan stalls
WINNING STYLE
RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff
DON WEIXL PHOTO
Jennifer Stew, 28, of Kelowna races to first place in the women’s category with a time of 1:15.82 in the 32nd Annual Dundee Wealth Over The Hill Downhill Sunday at Silver Star Mountain Resort. Luke Keenan of Seattle won the men’s division with a time of 1:09.37 and a top speed of 115 kph in the Vernon Winter Carnival event.
Council refuses to ban pet sales RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff
“It wouldn’t have a huge impact to ban.” — Juliette Cunningham
Coun. Juliette Cunningham. “Only one pet store does that and it’s minimal.” Along with seeking action from the provincial government, the city will refer the issue of large-scale breeders to
$10,000
the Regional District of North Okanagan because many of the operations are in rural areas. “I’d like them (RDNO) to put pressure on the federal and provincial governments because not enough is being
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Opposition to puppy mills is widespread but pet sales will still be allowed. Instead of banning the retail sale of dogs, cats and rabbits from backyard breeders, city council decided Tuesday to demand the provincial government establish regulations that ensure human and ethical breeding of dogs, cats and rabbits. “It wouldn’t have a huge impact to ban pet sales,” said
done.” The issue of animal breeding arose after two residents asked the city to ban the retail sale of cats and dogs originating from puppy mills. They expressed concern that many of the animals are often mistreated. However, a local pet store recently went before council and indicated that there are few animals sold by the retail sector in Vernon and stores can help identify questionable breeders.
Land use planning for a Vernon neighbourhood is getting a rough ride. City council was highly critical of a draft Foothills neighbourhood plan presented by staff Tuesday. “There’s too much of a gap between what the community wants and what the plan gives them,” said Coun. Brian Quiring. “We’re not there yet with the plan. Residents are feeling that they haven’t been heard as much as they felt they should have been heard.” Prior to Tuesday’s meeting, council members received Brian Quiring a letter from some Foothills residents expressing concerns about the draft plan. “They think we have missed critical elements — a large park and one of the medium density areas being in the wrong location,” said Coun. Patrick Nicol. A primary concern is a shift from singledetached housing to multi-family units. “With the community against row housing, is there another way to achieve density? We don’t want to lose the look and feel of the community,” said Coun. Mary-Jo O’Keefe. Staff insisted that the draft plan was developed based on input from Foothills residents. “Is it everything the public wants, no. Is it what we believe is the best compromise to provide services and amenities, yes it is,” said Kim Flick, community development manager. Staff says that residents have asked for transit and there is a need for sewer and water lines, but a higher population base is required to make those services financially viable for developers and city taxpayers. Ultimately, council instructed staff to go back to the drawing board and hold another public input session before a bylaw process begins. “Having one more meeting with the residents will be a benefit. If we don’t, a public hearing could be a gong show,” said Quiring. O’Keefe believes more needs to be done to address residents’ concerns. “I’d like visuals to show how the density being proposed will fit into their community,” she said.
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