FOOD DRIVE | Realtors collecting donations today for North Okanagan food banks [A7]
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Wednesday, December 3, 2014 P R O U D L Y
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Y E A R S
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Flood forces mission out of service RICHARD ROLKE
Morning Star Staff
A Vernon agency that serves hot meals to residents in need has been flooded out. A sprinkler pipe burst at the Upper Room Mission at about 10 p.m. Monday, sending a torrent of water through the building. “We are out of service until further notice,” said Lisa Anderson, URM spokesperson. The mission provides upwards of 300 meals a day to residents facing financial challenges, including seniors, the disabled and the homeless. “Our main concern is feeding everyone. We’ve contacted other agencies to see if they can help,” said Anderson. Save-On Foods served lunch in the URM parking lot Tuesday. It’s not known how long the mission will be closed as damage is repaired. “It’s cold outside for people and we’re kind of in shock,” said Anderson. The sprinkler pipe broke in an upstairs office. “The water went straight through to the bottom,” said Anderson, adding that there was six inches of water in the basement, where the women’s centre is located. “We have large fans trying to dry everything. The carpets are ruined.” The equipment in the kitchen is being inspected to determine if any damage occurred there. “We should be covered by insurance but we’re looking into that,” said Anderson.
JENNIFER SMITH/MORNING STAR
Kyle Vriesinga, with Okanagan Restoration Services, rips up flooring damaged from Monday night’s flood at the Upper Room Mission.
Agreement to purchase rail line on track RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff
There’s a deal to buy an abandoned chunk of rail line, but there’s still considerable uncertainty. A coalition of jurisdictions, including the Regional District of North Okanagan and Lake Country, have agreed to purchase a 47.5-kilometre corridor between Coldstream and Kelowna from Canadian National. The negotiated price is $22 million. “The funding still has to be finalized,” said David Sewell, RDNO chief administrative officer. During a 120-day due diligence process to lift conditions, the jurisdictions will determine how much each will provide for the purchase. It’s anticipated Kelowna will pick up a majority of the cost. There is also the hope that the provincial government will come to the table with funds.
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There is a deal to purchase the rail line between Coldstream and Kelowna for $22 million. “We are trying to generate other grants,” said Sewell. Presently, RDNO’s funds will come from £
the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee but other communities may be approached to participate.
Also complicating matters is that while some of the jurisdictions have funds in place already, Lake Country must seek public approval to borrow its financial contribution. It’s anticipated that an alternate approval process would be held during the 120 days. Through an AAP, if 10 per cent of voters sign a petition in opposition, borrowing cannot proceed. “We do have a lot of people supporting it but there are others who say we shouldn’t be spending money on a specific recreational activity,” said James Baker, Lake Country mayor. The other potential complication for acquiring the rail corridor is the fact that 2.5 kilometres go through the Okanagan Indian Band’s Duck Lake reserve. It is not part of the deal. “We have to look at what we intend to do with the rail bed,” said Chief Byron Louis.
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