b
than a r e t t e b What’s hot tub from… rand new ound s s s e l e Free wir ith purchase! w system Sounds like ER
IRSCHN 1940 K
RD.
SPORTS
COMMUNITY
THE KELOWNA ROCKETS goaltender Jordon Cooke is named the team’s MVP at the club’s annual award banquet held last weekend.
THE NOMINEES have been unveiled for the City of Kelowna’s annual civic awards.
A14
Quality Husqvarna Mowers starting at
29999
$
A8
1892 Spall Rd 250-868-1010 • 1892 Byland Rd 250-769-7355
it’s time to buy a hot tub!
8381 7 1 7 0 25 shinepools.ca
n www.su
TUESDAY March 18, 2014
|
The Central Okanagan’s Best-Read Newspaper
|
www.kelownacapnews.com
▼ AGRICULTURE
Regrets about vote on apple agency being expressed Jennifer Smith STAFF REPORTER
Communications errors are likely at the root of a confusing vote B.C. orchardists turned in this winter, dousing plans for an Apple Research and Promotion Agency in B.C. From November to mid-February, growers were given mailed ballots and asked to vote on whether to accept a levy of $1.60 per apple bin to establish the agency, which could then join counterparts in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia to collect levies from all imported apples and fund national promotion efforts highlighting the benefits of apples. “I think people just didn’t understand some of the ramifications of what was being proposed,” said Fred Steele, president of the B.C. Fruit Growers’ Association and an apple orchardist. Officially, the vote was deemed a draw. While the mandated minimum of 42 per cent of growers did turn in a ballot, the results were split 50/50 for and against establishing the new agency. Ultimately, the BCFGA decided it could not proceed. Ballots cast were tracked throughout the process and the votes collected earlier from those attending meetings and responding to the mail-out were just as divided as those who filed last minute at the BCFGA convention mid-February. For apple associations in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, it’s not good news. “We’re disappointed in the vote because it means we can’t have a national research and promotion agency,” said Cathy McKay, Ontario Apple Growers research chairperson. “…We’re hoping that the British Columbia growers will hold another vote, possibly when more information is available.” In order for counterpart associations to successfully lobby the federal government for a national agency See Vote A5
WADE PATERSON CAPITAL NEWS
GOING GREEN…
Local celebrations were held across the Central Okanagan to mark St. Patrick’s Day on Monday. Joining in on the festivities at O’Flannigan’s Pub in downtown Kelowna were Treanna Delorme, Krista Gielen and Jenna Race.
▼ BALLET KELOWNA
Pirouette on finances creates $30,000 surplus Alistair Waters ASSISTANT EDITOR
Ballet Kelowna says the show will go on next season. Just over a year after announcing it planned to shut down because of a lack of support and money, the local dance company says it will finish its season next month with a $30,000 surplus and three-times the membership support it had in February 2013. Speaking to council on Monday, Ballet Kelowna chairwoman Deborah Ward credited the dramatic turnaround to an outpour-
ing of support across the Okanagan following last February’s announcement. With a renewal of its annual $30,000 city grant on the line, Ward said this past year the city’s money helped her organization raise a further $107,000 in government grants and another $78,000 in private donations. With a deliberately shortened season, a new board in place and a tripling of its membership base, Ballet Kelowna now plans to hire a new artistic director/CEO and general manager to replace retiring artistic director and founder
three simple steps ✔ BANKRUPT ✔ SLOW PAYER
✔ BAD CREDIT ✔ DIVORCE
✔ DISABILITY ✔ CREDIT COUNSELLING
to vehicle ownership & credit freedom
David LeHay and has put together a strategic plan for continued future success. “The last year has been extremely challenging, but because of a lot of hard work by a lot of people we are now even stronger,” said Ward. “We are beginning a new chapter in our history.” Kelowna Mayor Walter Gray said it was nice to see the momentum created after the shock many felt that Ballet Kelowna could shut down. “My appeal to the public is not only should they continue to buy tickets but also make a contribution,” said Gray, 1
Can’t get credit?
noting he and his wife Doreen have committed to donate to Ballet Kelowna for the next five years. Ward said moving forward, Ballet Kelowna will launch a major marketing campaign for its last show of the season scheduled for April 25 in Kelowna, plans to slowly lengthen its season over next three to five years, and increase its budget to between $325,000 and $400,000 from the current $265,000. City council agreed to give Ballet Kelowna a $30,000 grant after hearing Ward’s report.
Don’t Wait! Call Direct Car Credit at 888.440.7215
2
Make an appointment for a credit consultation today for best vehicle selection
3
You’re Approved! Drive home in your new car or truck with a smile!
bonus Receive a VISA credit card with your approval to help you re-establish your credit!