A downed power line can be deadly Learn why at fortisbc.com/downedlines
15-269.2-Elec-safety-powerlines-hanging-print-ad-P2.indd 1
THE
www.keremeosreview.com PM Agreement #40012521
Review 11/9/2015 1:03:44 PM
Vol.17
We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage
Number 46
Thursday, November 12, 2015
$1.15 including GST
Serving the communities of Keremeos, Cawston, Okanagan Falls and Kaleden
Students at Similkameen Elementary Secondary School paid tribute during a Remembrance Day ceremony held at the school Tuesday morning.
Tara Bowie photos
Taxpayers can turn page on library budget shortfall Tara Bowie Review Staff
The story of the small community library facing staffing cuts reached an anti-climactic end Friday night as attendees at a meeting at Victory Hall discovered there was a tentative plan that would see local taxpayers pay a little more to ensure they receive the same level of service. Keremeos Mayor Manfred Bauer and Area B director George Bush told the Review just a few minutes into the meeting that if supported by the public Keremeos, Area B and Area G (excluding Hedley) residents would see an increase of about $8 to $10 per household on their tax bill. The money collected would be used to offset the shortfall in the Keremeos Library budget now that
there is a new funding formula used by Okanagan Regional Library (ORL). “Of course it’s important we receive good public input and that will give us an idea of the public’s wishes,” Bauer said. “We’re looking into it and it’s a likely solution,” George Bush said. If the plan goes ahead a bylaw will need to pass at the Regional District Okanagan-Similkameen. Within the month local politicians will receive a report based on information collected during Friday night’s meeting at Victory Hall. The matter will most likely be brought to Keremeos council for discussion during its December meeting. Bauer said he also plans to speak
with the province about funding library boards. The province has not increased funding in 10 years. About 100 people came out to hear more about potential service cuts and to provide their thoughts on the subject. Stephanie Hall, executive director of ORL said more people attended the Keremeos meeting than the other three similar meetings that were held in Kelowna, West Kelowna and Revelstoke. Details of the agenda of the twohour meeting were unknown to the public until it started Friday night. When participants realized the meeting would be a visioning and workshop type meeting about 20 Tara Bowie people left. About 80 people participated in a workshop about the future of the Continued on page 7
Keremeos library Friday night.
HELPING YOU STAY WARM AND COZY! Drop on by, we’ve got what you need!
Hours: Mon - Fri, 8 am - 5 pm Saturday 8:30 am - 5pm
250-499-5322
• Spray in Foam • Weather Stripping • Seal ‘n Peel Removable Sealant • Storm Window Vinyl 3, 4, 5 & 6’ • Window & Door Expanding Foam Sealant • Heat Tape 3 - 30’ 620 - 8th Ave., Keremeos • Pipe Insulation