FOND FAREWELL | Veteran school trustee Bill Turanski wraps up 21 years of service [A10]
Morning gStar
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Wednesday, December 17, 2014 P R O U D L Y
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Buy any 200 or 400 Series Chainsaw and get 4 years of combined warranty protection. PLUS: 3 cans of Pre-Mix Fuel and a Husqvarna Special Edition Hat* *Retail value $45.96. While Supplies Last!
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3202 29TH St, Vernon • 250-545-0627 • savoyequipment.com
HAMMER DOWN JENNIFER SMITH/MORNING STAR
Doc Walker (above) rocks the Kal Tire Place stage in Vernon Saturday as part of the Bands on the Run Tour. Noll Billings, lead singer of redneck rock group Blackjack Billy, opened the concert, which drew 1,300 fans out to the Vernon arena, while Road Hammers’ Jason McCoy (far right) and Clayton Bellamy sound off on stage as they finish the show. For more photos visit www.vernonmorningstar.com for a link to The Morning Star’s Facebook page.
Vernon vacancy rate takes a nose dive RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff
The search for housing is more challenging. Vernon’s rental vacancy rate dropped from 6.6 per cent in October 2013 to 3.7 per cent last month, according to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. “We’re hearing that it’s getting more difficult to find units,” said Annette Sharkey, Social Planning Council executive director. CMHC says the average rent for a twobedroom unit in October was $788, up from $783 a year ago.
For many residents, including those who are employed, coming up with the monthly rent is a struggle. “With rent costs, there is less money for food and transportation and that can be stressful for families and seniors,” said Sharkey, adding that some residents have to Sharkey turn to social agencies for help. The lower vacancy rate is directly related £
to supply and demand. “There has been an increase in housing demand in the Interior,” said Sarena Teakles, a CMHC market analyst, adding that there isn’t a significant supply of available rental housing in Vernon. While some new rental housing may be constructed, the current trend will likely continue through 2015. “There won’t be a dramatic change next year,” said Teakles. Sharkey has worked with the City of Vernon, developers and community agencies to try and promote affordable housing.
“This community has tried to track this problem but we can’t address the issue without senior government funding,” she said. “We need more money towards supported units.” Sharkey insists that providing people with stable housing reduces the tax dollars needed for health care and law enforcement. “It’s not about charity. It’s about a better use of resources.” In nearby communities, the vacancy rate is one per cent in Kelowna, 1.4 per cent in Salmon Arm and 3.9 per cent in Kamloops.
BANNISTER HONDA “A Family Business, with Family Values ”
6425 Hwy 97 N, Vernon BC • bannisterhonda.com 250-545-0531 • 888-545-0531
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†The CR-V is the #1 selling retail SUV car in BC in 2014 based on Polk 2014 October YTD report. ‡In order to achieve $0 down payment, dealer will cover the cost of tire/battery tax, air conditioning tax (where applicable), environmental fees and levies on the 2015 CR-V LX 2WD only on behalf of the customer. ΩLimited time weekly lease offer based on a new 2015 CR-V LX 2WD model RM3H3FES. ¥1.99 % lease APR on a 60 month term with 260 weekly payments O.A.C. Weekly payment, including freight and PDI, is $69.89 based on applying $400.00 lease dollars (which is deducted from the negotiated selling price before taxes). Down payment of $0.00, first weekly payment and $0 security deposit due at lease inception. Total lease obligation is $18,171.40. Taxes, license, insurance and registration are extra. 120,000 kilometre allowance; charge of $0.12/km for excess kilometres. ‡‡$500 Consumer Incentive Dollars “Holiday Bonus” (“Holiday Bonus”) available on any new 2015 CR-V model, purchased or leased and delivered by January 2, 2015 and can be combined with advertised lease and finance rates. “Holiday Bonus” includes GST and PST, as applicable. Visit a participating Honda dealer for eligible products & services applicable to “Holiday Bonus” redemption. Offer ends January 2, 2015 and is subject to change or cancellation without notice. £For more information about the 2015 Motor Trend Sport/Utility of the Year® award, visit http://www.motortrend.com/oftheyear/suv/2015_honda_cr_v_is_the_motor_trend_suv_of_the_year **MSRP is $27,685 including freight and PDI of $1,695 based on a new 2015 CR-V LX 2WD model RM3H3FES. ‡/Ω/¥/**/‡‡/ Prices and/or payments shown do not include a PPSA lien registration fee of $30.31 and lien registering agent’s fee of $5.25, which are both due at time of delivery and covered by the dealer on behalf of the customer on the 2015 CR-V LX 2WD. Offers valid from December 2nd, 2014 through January 2nd, 2015 at participating Honda retailers. Dealer may sell/lease for less. Dealer trade may be necessary on certain vehicles. Offers valid only for British Columbia residents at BC Honda Dealers locations. Offers subject to change or cancellation without notice. Terms and conditions apply. Visit www.bchonda.com or see your Honda retailer for full details.