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Evictions prompt plan
RIDERS RAISE THE BAR
RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff
Community resources are being mobilized to find homes for those about to hit the street. Sixty-day eviction notices have been issued to the tenants of the Green Valley Motel on 25th Avenue, across from Vernon’s Polson Park. “It’s something we always knew that if the Green Valley closed, it would have a serious impact,” said Annette Sharkey, with the Social Planning Council. “As a community, we are going to try our best to help these tenants.” There are 27 units and while about 15 units are currently occupied, the exact number of tenants is not known. Most of them are considered low-income and a lack of financial resources means finding a new home could be challenging. “The question is where do these individuals locate housing?” said Sharkey. — Sharkey Information has been provided to the tenants about services available through the John Howard Society as they look for new accommodations. Other contingency plans are also in place to assist the tenants once they leave the motel. One of the owners, who declined to be identified, says eviction is necessary because the bank has called the mortgage and the hope is the property may be easier to sell if it is vacant. “We have no other recourse but to ask people to leave the place and we may find someone else to take it over,” he said. The property was listed for sale in April for $1,195,000. However, there have been no buyers. The current owner says he and his partners purchased the motel in 2006, and while there was a sense of optimism, the economic downturn and evolving clientele had a negative impact. “The property has been deteriorating for six years,” he said, adding that revenue flow has been challenging given the turnover of customers on a monthly basis. “We don’t have enough money to cover the mortgage and expenses.” The owner admits that eviction will create hardship for those living there, and because of the need for low-income housing, he says he approached service agencies to take the motel over. “I went to the city and asked for a break in taxes and there was nothing.” According to Sharkey, there is a concerted effort among social agencies to ensure housing is available for all income levels. “We know there is limited housing out there so we’re working with all levels of government to address that gap.”
“Where do these individuals locate housing?”
LISA VANDERVELDE/MORNING STAR
Shelby Coe Armour sails over a jump on her horse Heavenly Dynamics at the Vernon and District Riding Centre Hunter Jumper Show Saturday at the centre in Coldstream.
Master water plan making waves RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff
Regional District of North Okanagan officials are trying to calm turbulent waters. During Wednesday’s board meeting, chief administrative officer David Sewell clarified his views on the review of the Greater Vernon master water plan. “I don’t want the impression that directors are being led by staff,” said Sewell. On June 11, the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee members considered 21 assumptions that impact the master water plan. During that discussion, GVAC director Gyula Kiss stated, “Who is directing it? It looks like staff is directing it.”
Sewell insisted that he is not singling out any specific politician but says that while staff provides advice, elected officials will determine the direction of the master water plan. “We (staff) have a role and I want the public to be cognizant that those roles are in place,” he said. Director Catherine Lord expressed concern that Kiss’ comments could undermine the ability to address Greater Vernon’s long-term water system. “We need to make sure everyone is on board because if the impression of this is it’s run by staff, there will be a (public) backlash,” she said. Similar views also came from director Juliette Cunningham, who is GVAC chairperson. “We can’t undermine staff as we
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work through the process,” she said, adding that the suggestion that a final plan outcome has been determined is wrong. “We don’t know what we will do, if we will ask for an independent review.” Kiss stands by his comments. “Is staff not directing the process?” he said. “Staff provides advice and those who do not want to think for themselves accept that advice. I question the advice because that’s what electors want me to do.” Kiss added that an overwhelming majority of voters opposed borrowing $70 million for the master water plan in November’s referendum. “The taxpayers pay for staff and they have a right to request information and I am a representative for taxpayers.”
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