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Amalgamation study hits dead-end RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff
Efforts to reform Greater Vernon’s governance structure have collapsed. Coldstream council and the directors for Areas B and C have blocked calls for a study into merging those jurisdictions with Vernon. “If they won’t request it, nothing happens,” said Bruce Shepherd, Greater Vernon Governance Society president. The only jurisdiction that has not responded to the society’s request for a study is Vernon and city council will make a decision Jan. 27. The society recently collected 3,160 names on a petition, including 816 in Coldstream, asking local and provincial authorities to develop a plan to combine regional governments into a single entity. However, before a large crowd of largely amalgamation opponents, Coldstream council voted unanimously Monday not to endorse the process. “It’s not in the best interest of Coldstream to proceed with this,” said Coun. Pat Cochrane, who made the motion to turn down the request from the society. “It’s not just financial. It’s about lifestyle and agricultural land.” Councillors stated that amalgamation would dilute Coldstream residents’ say over major issues and likely lead to increased taxes, while a study would consume financial resources and staff time. “All measurable information already exists,” said Coun. Doug Dirk of comparing how the jurisdictions operate.
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The Greater Vernon Governance Society petition contains 3,160 names calling for a plan to combine local jurisdictions into a single entity. “I don’t see any value in pursuing it (study).” Coun. Maria Besso told society members that all of the jurisdictions have gone to great strides to co-operate and find efficiencies. “Some of the problems you perceive are things of the past. We’ve tried to change things,” she said of agreements on water, parks and recreation. The representatives for Areas B and C were also at Monday’s Coldstream council meeting and they were also clear on where they stand. “The phone calls I’ve had are from people asking, ‘How do I vote against this?’” said Bob Fleming, BX-Swan Lake director.
Fleming says a regional district survey in 2008 also indicated electoral area residents were overwhelmingly happy with their form of governance. “This question has been asked and answered.” Mike Macnabb, BX-Silver Star director, believes the current model provides residents with accountability. “You would lose local autonomy (through amalgamation) that reflects the neighbourhoods in which you live,” he said. Shepherd admits he is disappointed with the decision made by Coldstream and Areas B and C. “We found a lot of people want more
information on the topic and that wasn’t accomplished tonight,” he said. Shepherd wouldn’t speculate on the society’s next steps, such as running candidates in November’s civic elections, or if it will promote a governance change in the future. “Perhaps down the road, it may surface again,” he said of the issue. While Vernon council hasn’t formed a position yet on a governance study, Mayor Rob Sawatzky anticipates the matter has hit a dead-end. “It would be illogical to ask the government to fund a study if there are no partners,” he said, adding that Victoria should not mandate a study. “You should never force these things on to people in a democratic society.” Sawatzky had called for a study without indicating where he stands on amalgamation. “If someone else is funding a search for more information, I’m always in support of that,” he said. Eric Foster, Vernon-Monashee MLA, reiterates that the government will not force a new governance model. “We have been clear that this isn’t driven by us. This is locally driven. It doesn’t look promising for a study,” he said. But while Coldstream and the electoral areas are opposed, Foster says he is waiting to see what Vernon does with the study request. “I am not sure what would happen (if the city votes in favour of a study). That response would come from the ministry,” he said.
Vernon politicians open to governance review RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff
Other jurisdictions are firmly opposed, but most Vernon politicians favour a governance review. The Greater Vernon Governance Society asked city council Monday to call on the provincial government to fund a study into the pros and cons of a single entity encompassing Vernon, Coldstream and the two electoral areas. “With more than 3,000 people signBrian Quiring ing (a petition), this thing has some life,” said Coun. Brian Quiring just a few hours before Coldstream and the electoral areas announced they would not back a study,
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appears stalled given the decisions made by Coldstream council and the rural directors. “You need a partner to agree to it,” said Coun. Patrick Nicol. The society collected 3,160 names on a petition supporting a governance study. “Most of us want to know the facts so an informed decision can be made,” Peter Moore, society director, told Vernon council Monday. The society says a new municipal structure could create efficiencies and conserve dollars for infrastructure, economic development and cultural amenities. “There is no downside to researching the options,” said Bruce Shepherd, society president. “It’s the only way, once and for all, to deal with the question.” U T H A N K YO! VERNON rd for making Fo
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While there was a move for city council to take a stand Monday, officials will hold off until Jan. 27 because the procedures policy says no action should occur until two weeks after a delegation. But even with the delay, it appears like there is broad support at city hall to investigate a possible merger. “Look at the (society) directors and how many are not from Vernon,” said Coun. Catherine Lord. Coun. Juliette Cunningham believes a study would provide residents with necessary information on a contentious issue. “I want to do it once and for all. We don’t know what the ramifications are,” she said. Mayor Rob Sawatzky has previously stated he also favours a study as a way of making the public more aware. But even if Vernon council endorses a study, the process
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