HISTORIC CHAPTER | Aboriginal Education Enhancement Agreement signed [A16]
Morning gStar
The
Friday, May 29, 2015
P R O U D L Y
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Water plans put to public RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff
JENNIFER SMITH/MORNING STAR
RCMP investigators check out a crime scene at the intersection of Okanagan Landing and Fulton roads Wednesday morning. For a video of the scene visit www.vernonmorningstar.com
Scene linked to stabbing Morning Star Staff
The mystery of blood found near a Vernon elementary school Wednesday morning appears to be solved. RCMP officers from the VernonNorth Okanagan detachment spent most of Wednesday investigating a report of blood on Fulton Road in front of Ellison Elementary School and a report of a man at Vernon Jubilee Hospital with serious injuries.
“Their investigation has determined that the two reports were in fact linked together,” said RCMP spokesperson Gord Molendyk Thursday. The 32-year-old man who was taken to hospital suffered stab wounds. He underwent surgery Wednesday, remains in hospital and is expected to make a full recovery. Through their investigation, offi-
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cers arrested a 32-year-old male suspect who was expected to appear in Vernon Provincial Court Thursday. Fulton Road was closed off Wednesday as police conducted their investigation. Students at Ellison and Fulton Secondary were able to get to school via Okanagan Avenue. Police continue to investigate the file.
The public will play a role in the future of Greater Vernon’s water utility. The Greater Vernon Advisory Committee voted Thursday to form a public committee to review information and provide feedback on the master water plan. “It can create frustration in the public if we stonewall. We need to start the process,” said director Jim Garlick. The committee could consist of various stakeholders, such as large water users, and possibly individual Jim Garlick residents. “It’s important that with the concerns we are hearing from the public, that they are addressed,” said Juliette Cunningham, chairperson. GVAC’s handling of the utility, and long-term planning, has generated significant criticism among some residents, particularly since a $70 million borrowing referendum was defeated in David Sewell November. Also on Thursday, a decision was made to investigate a communications strategy for the master water plan. The goal would be to keep residents up-to-date on any actions taken and any changes to the plan. “We need to draw people in and make them interested,” said Garlick. A number of possible objectives have been identified, including meeting water quality standards, the community’s ability to manage capital costs, current daily and projected demand by source and classification, maximizing quantity of supply and minimizing the use of treated water by agricultural customers. “Yes there is a cost to putting treated water on crops but there’s also a cost to not putting it on crops and that’s separation (of pipes),” said David Sewell, Regional District of North Okanagan chief administrative officer. Director Gyula Kiss insists one issue is paramount above all others. “What is the most secure water source at the lowest cost for treatment?” he said. Kiss wants domestic use to switch from Duteau Creek to Okanagan Lake, but some staff question that concept. “We have not done any water quality studies on the north end of Okanagan Lake,” said Dale McTaggart, general manager of engineering.
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