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Summerland Review Thursday, May 16, 2013
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Hospital expansion to benefit economy by John Arendt An expansion to the aging Penticton Regional Hospital would provide a boost to the region’s economy as well as an improvement in
health care. The ambulatory care tower at the hospital has a projected cost of $300 million, with 60 per cent of the funding to come from the province and the rest from
regional taxpayers and the local hospital foundation. Mayor Janice Perrino, who is also the chair of the Regional Hospital District for the Regional District of Okanagan
Similkameen and the executive director of the South Okanagan Medical Foundation., said the expansion is badly needed. “The hospital is desperately outdated and needs to
be expanded,” she said. “This was built before televisions were in our homes.” At its peak, the expansion would provide 600 jobs. Once it is completed, the hospital would need to
The Early years
attract skilled, trained people to fill technical jobs resulting from the project. Around 40 per cent of the jobs will come from outside of Penticton. Perrino said she
will work to ensure the hospital tower will be constructed now that the provincial election is over. “It’s what is right for our region,” she said of the expansion.
Council report The regular meeting of municipal council was held on May 13 in council chambers. The mayor and all councillors were present.
Resolutions
Zoning amendment prepared
Municipal staff will prepare a zoning amendment to add Recreation Service Indoor as a permitted use in the CB1-Central Business Zone. The zoning change is needed to accommodate an applicant wishing to set up a fitness centre in the downtown area. Water rates adopted Council approved a plan for residential and commercial/industrial water rates. Mock bills, based on the proposed trial rates, will be sent until the end of September. In late October, an open house will be held to hear community opinion on the rates. The agricultural metered water rates will be delayed until 2014.
Bylaws
Fees and charges amended
Council gave first three readings to amend its fees and charges bylaw to reflect the revised development application fees. The previous fees were lower than the costs of providing the services. Even with the adjustments and increases, the fees are still equal to or lower than those charged in many other Okanagan communities.
Zoning change adopted
Crank it up and go
A zoning amendment at 26405 Garnett Valley Road was adopted. The zoning is amended from FG-Forestry Grazing to A2-Agricultural Large Acreage Zone. The bylaw first came before council in February.
Photo courtesy of the Summerland Museum
Industrial zone added
Mr. and Mrs. Aoki and their sons, Nobukatsu and Masao, look like they are about to go somewhere. If it weren’t for the fact that the photo was taken in 1927, we’d have a suggestion for them. Since May is Asian Heritage Month and May 18 is International Museum Day, this is a great time to head over to the Summerland Museum and enjoy our new exhibit featuring the Japanese Community. The museum is open Wednesday to Saturday from 1 to 4 and there’s plenty of room to park.
Council gave first reading to a bylaw which will amend the zoning bylaw to create the M1-A Business Industrial Zone at 10918 Rennie St. A public hearing on the bylaw be held on May 27.
Summerland roofer receives green designation A Summerland construction company has received Certified Green Roofer designation from GAF, the largest roofing manufacturer in North America.
Valley Wide Home Improvements Ltd. received the designation last week. As part of the designation process, the company participated in training on
Brenda Hamilton Manager/Funeral Director
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green roofing technology including the contributions the roofing system makes to a green home, techniques for improving indoor air quality through proper attic
ventilation, preparing a roof for solar energy and asphalt shingle recycling. “Achieving Certified Green Roofer status is another proud accomplish-
Caring Professional Staff Reception Facilities Celebration of Life Services Grief Counselling 24 hour Service Cremation and Burial Options Available Full Range of Pre-arrangement Services
ment for us here at Valley Wide Home Improvements Ltd. in our continuing drive to raise the bar of professionalism in the Okanagan roofing industry,” said David
Gottwald, president of the construction business. He said some of the green roofing methods, such as separating his wastes for the landfill, are
more expensive and time consuming, but will be better decisions. “It comes with more effort, but it will serve me well in the long run,” he said.
Providence
“Every Life Tells A Story”
Summerland’s Rosedale Chapel Nico Altena Funeral Director
250-494-7752 13205 Rosedale Avenue, Summerland