CHERRYVILLE DEBATE | Residents concerned about future of Okanagan Regional Library branch [A7]
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Friday, January 30, 2015
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Heroin seizure leads to charges
BIRDS OF A FEATHER
Morning Star Staff
CARLA HUNT PHOTO
A trio of eagles hang out on snow-covered branches in the Vernon area. Environment Canada is calling for a daytime high of 2 Celsius today, 1 Saturday and 2 Sunday.
Greater Vernon water costs could climb RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff
It may cost more to turn on the taps. On Thursday, staff presented the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee with a proposed 2015 water utility budget that calls for a four per cent hike in rates. “No one likes to see an increase but it’s reasonable,” said Juliette Cunningham, chairperson. In a report, staff says the water utility’s long-term capital program must focus on replacing aging infrastructure, expanding to provide additional capacity and improving water quality to meet provincial regulations. “A modest rate increase of about twice the rate of inflation is proposed,” said Stephen Banmen, general manager of finance for
“No one likes to see an increase but it’s reasonable.” — Juliette Cunningham
the Regional District of North Okanagan. “The rate increase provides for an improved capital program funded from current revenue and provides for reserves to be set aside for years when the capital funding needs are greater.” If the rate hike goes ahead, the current revenue funding of the 2015 capital program would increase from $4,5 million to $4.7 million. Among the possible projects
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this year are a water main replacement on Highway 6 for $66,000, a low-level outlet repair at Aberdeen Lake for $400,000, water main upgrades on Pleasant Valley Road for $490,000, a meter replacement pilot program for $250,000 and a water main on Venables Drive for $600,000. The rate increase would also provide additional funds for future capital projects through a $736,000 increase in transfers to reserves.
“We should be building up reserves so we can replace assets when they need to be replaced,” said Banmen. Director Bob Spiers doesn’t support pumping money into reserves for long-term capital projects because he believes the financial onus is placed on existing customers and not future users. “The ones benefitting should pay,” he said. The overall proposed 2015 water utility budget is $15.07 million while it was $14.1 million in 2014. A decision on 2015 water rates may occur when GVAC directors get together Feb. 5. “It will be an interesting discussion at the meeting,” said Cunningham.
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A Vernon man is facing numerous charges relating to an investigation that began with the seizure of a large amount of heroin at the Vancouver Airport. Canada Border Services Agency air cargo officers at Vancouver International Airport intercepted a large quantity of heroin originating from Thailand. CBSA referred the matter to the RCMP’s federal serious and organized crime (FSOC) members whose investigation quickly led them to a Vernon residence. On Jan. 13, a search warrant was executed at the residence and several items were seized, including four loaded handguns, more than $10,000 in cash, along with various types and amounts of both prescription and non-prescription drugs. “This matter remains under investigation but the successes so far are the result of efficient collaboration between CBSA, RCMP federal policing, Vernon RCMP and Kelowna RCMP,” said Insp. Brian Gateley, of FSOC. “Public safety is a priority and in this case the rapid coordination of our law enforcement resources was critical in preventing a substantial amount of heroin from reaching the streets of our local communities. Dangerous and illegal firearms have been seized and the flow of harmful drugs in the area has been disrupted.” Vancouver International Airport district director Sari Hellsten said the interception triggered an investigation which led to significant charges. “We are proud to work with our partners on this case,” said Hellsten. Ronald Charles Learning, 31, remains in custody and is facing 17 charges relating to weapons offences, possession of stolen property and breaches.
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