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NORTH WESTSIDE RATEPAYERS ASSOCIATION RESURRECTED

LAST UPDATE
May 06, 2014
Click on your refresh button in the top menu, to
be sure you see any updates.

North Westside Ratepayers Association (NWRA)
Meetings are held
7:00 PM
10390 Pinecrest Road at Westshore Estates
*** NOTE ***
Don't go up Westshore Road or Pinecrest Road. You drive into the parking
lot at the mailboxes next to Westshore Road then drive to the back of the
parking lot and take the easement (back lane) up to the octagon house (4th
house) overlooking the highway. If you need further directions please call
Diane Baldwin.
As of July 22, 2010 the current North Westside
Road Ratepayers Association membership consists of the following
members:
Diane Baldwin 542-8461 (President)
Dave Robertson 545-0871 (Vice-President)
Allastair Fergusson 542-0027 (Director)
Val Trevis (Director)
About the
Ratepayers

Taxpayer Fairness and Service Code

Why is it that if we want to know anything about our water, garbage,
fire dept, etc. that we have to pay for the information through freedom
of information? That is just plain wrong!
How about if someone asks for information that the information is posted
to RDCO's website?

The North Westside Road Ratepayers Association is now publishing the
SugarLoaf Express Community Newsletter
Autumn 2010 Edition
This is the first edition of the old SugarLoaf Express. It was delivered
by Canada Post to all the subdivisions along North Westside Road except Valley
of the Sun.
In the old days there was a SugarLoaf Express but it hadn't been published in
ages. The North Westside Road Ratepayers Association decided to start
publishing the SugarLoaf Express again.


September 23, 2013 Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting
Agenda
Item 9.1 Directors Item Response Fintry Provincial Park
Item 9.2 Rose Valley Regional Park Section 80 Roadway Application
*Note* This is only a snippet, please click links above
for entire content
Mr. Robert Hobson, Chair
Central Okanagan Regional District
1450 KLO Road
Kelowna, B.C. VIW 3Z4
July 22, 2013
Dear Mr. Chair/Board Members:
Re: Fintry Provincial Park Land Swap for Agricultural Purposes
Board Highlights from the July 18th Meeting stated in part: "The Regional
Board has adopted a resolution to approach the Provincial Government to initiate
discussions regarding a possible land swap within Fintry Provincial park. In
1995, in an agreement with the Province, the Regional District contributed $2
million to purchase a 129.5 hectare property above Westside Road which is
included as part of the Provincial Park. The Regional Board has asked staff to
begin talking with the Province to see if that property could be exchanged for a
lowland field property within the park in order to explore a possible
agricultural use that would be in keeping with the history of the former
Dun-waters Estate."
We (North Westside Ratepayers Association) immediately sent some initial
emails asking basic questions but they were not answered. The NWRA is requesting
the following information.
1) .Is this 129.5 hectare parcel the "Fintry Protected Area?"
2) How many hectares could you possibly trade for this 129.5 hectares? The low
field area is quite small particularly if you take into account the private
property and the camping area which frankly could be expanded. Would thi.s be a
129.5 hectare trade for say 10 or 20 hectares?
3) What would it cost to keep a farm going on the Delta? You would need farm
hands, machinery, etc. etc. Who would do the health testing and what would that
cost be? Would it interfere with the drinking water supply? Fintry is a delta
afterall.
4. Is this motion even valid? There was no documentation nor was this item even
on the Agenda. We understand that it was a "Directors' Item" but has far too
many ramifications to be dealt with so lightly. We feel this issue needs to be
given far more forethought and analysis before it is discussed with anyone.
I do not need to remind each of you that Fintry is one of the largest and
most used parks in Western Canada. People come to Fintry to boat, swim, hike and
yes to take in the history. I believe that is presently being accomplished.
The idea of dairy cattle is benevolent however what would you do with the
manure, flies and even mosquitoes particularly if irrigation is needed.
Mosquitoes are already problematic at Fintry Park. Of course there is also
the odor associated with farming particularly in the stifling heat.
From the audio I get the sense that this "agriculturism" of Fintry park has
already been discussed with politicians, bureaucrats and even UBCM We are asking
the Board to revisit this item as an Agenda Item with supporting documentation
and that it be given more forethought before beginning even initial discussions
with anyone political. We also wish to remind all Regional Directors that this
129.5 hectare property (presumed to be Fintry Protected Area) needs to remain
under the stewardship of the RDCO for its intended purpose.
The NWRA has sent this letter to each of you as it appears initial
discussions have already taken place by some Board members and we feel we need
to act expeditiously.
Yours truly
Diane Baldwin (for) Board
NORTH WESTSIDE RATEPAYERS ASSOCIATION
cc Mary Jane Drouin
Ron Fralick
====================
Conclusion:
It appears that after considerable study on the matter, both BC Parks and the
Friends of Fintry would like to move in a different direction when pursuing
possible revenue streams for Fintry Provincial Park, such as heritage and
recreational opportunities. Furthermore, the immediate neighbourhood does not
appear to be supportive of agricultural pursuits on the Fintry Delta.
Finally, BC Parks has previously communicated to the Friends of Fintry that
the proposed agricultural venture is inconsistent with Park legislation and
management objectives, thus deeming it unlikely to receive approval for a
protected area boundary adjustment. In light of these facts, it is recommended
that no further discussion be initiated regarding a possible land swap within
Fintry Provincial Park.
-------------------------------
September 23, 2013 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (30.2
MB)
September 23, 2013 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item
9.1 Directors Item Response Fintry Provincial Park - .wma (12.2
MB)
September 23, 2013 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item
9.1 Directors Item Response Fintry Provincial Park
Motion - .wma (707 KB)
September 23, 2013 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item
9.2 Rose Valley Regional Park Section 80 Roadway Application - .wma (12.6
MB)
|

September 23, 2013 Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting
Minutes9. REGIONAL PARKS
9.1 RDCO/Province of BC Land Swap in Support of a Friends of Fintry
AgriTourism Venture at Fintry Provincial Park (All Directors - Unweighted Vote)
Further to the July 18, 2013 Board meeting staff were directed to initiate
discussions with the Province for consideration of a land swap within the Fintry
Provincial Park including whether the Regional District's park component could
be exchanged for the lowland field property for the purpose of reintroduction of
active agriculture farming on the land.
Staff report dated September 11 th outlined the background of an agreement
with BC Parks, and the contribution of $2mil to purchase a portion of 129.5
hectare property above Westside Road (Fintry Provincial Park). Under the
agreement the parcel is operated and managed by BC Parks as part of Fintry
Provincial Park. It was noted the RDCO has no direct relationship in the ongoing
annual operation and management of the Park. Further, BC Parks has previously
stated that an incubator farm or other such agri-tourism venture is inconsistent
with management direction for the Park as well as park legislation. BC Parks and
the Friends of Fintry, after considerable study on the matter, would like to
move in a different direction when pursuing possible revenue streams for the
Park, such as heritage and recreational opportunities. Further, the immediate
neighbourhood (North Westside Ratepayers Association) is not supportive of
agricultural pursuits on the Fintry Delta and BC Parks has previously
communicated to the Friends of Fintry that the proposed agricultural venture is
inconsistent with management objectives and legislation.
In discussion, it was questioned whether more could be accomplished for
visitors and those living in the area and if there is a role the RDCO would have
in terms of operation of the park? Staff noted that RDCO entered into an
agreement and a covenant on the property--that BC manages the park. RDCO staff
has been invited at an administrative level to work with BC Parks and
Friends of Fintry. The Heritage Development Plan (2013) agreed to by the BC
Parks and the Friends of Fintry has been agreed to. Staff will circulated the
Plan to the Board for their information. It was noted that the RDCO funds the
Friends of Fintry in an annual contribution for staffing and welcome Friends of
Fintry welcome to come to the Board if they have further discussions on funding
proposals.
EDGSON/GIVEN
THAT the Regional Board NOT pursue further discussions with BC Parks in regards
to a possible land swap between the RDCO and Province of BC for lands currently
identified as Fintry Provincial Park.
And further that RDCO supports the 2013 Heritage Development Plan (2013) agreed
to by BC Parks and the Friends of Fintry.
CARRIED
-------------------------------
September 23, 2013 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (30.2
MB)
September 23, 2013 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item
9.1 Directors Item Response Fintry Provincial Park - .wma (12.2
MB)
September 23, 2013 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item
9.1 Directors Item Response Fintry Provincial Park
Motion - .wma (707 KB)
September 23, 2013 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item
9.2 Rose Valley Regional Park Section 80 Roadway Application - .wma (12.6
MB)
|

Fintry goes back to its roots with farm
By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star -
July 21, 2013
There are plans to reinvigorate Fintry’s heritage buildings
by turning back the clock to agriculture.
The Regional District of Central Okanagan will apply to B.C.
Parks for a land swap so farming can take place and generate
funds for the Friends of Fintry Park Society.
“We want to get the farm back to what it was when James
Dun-Waters (Fintry founder) was operating,” said director
James Baker.
“It’s quite conceivable to get something going on the lower
farm that would generate revenue and support the activities
of the Friends of Fintry.”
Among the assets Friends of Fintry are responsible for are
the site’s heritage manor and barn.
RDCO has offered to swap 129.5 hectares of land above
Westside Road, which is part of Fintry Provincial Park but
is owned by the regional district, for a lowland field. The
field is part of the park but not used by B.C. Parks.
If RDCO owns the field, commercial farm sales could occur
because B.C. Parks’ policies currently don’t allow items to
be taken out of a park. Under the rules, that could pertain
to vegetables and fruit grown there.
Director Jim Edgson supports the land swap and says a farm
could make more people aware of Fintry Provincial Park.
“It would be part of the historical ambiance for the park,”
he said.
Dun-Waters purchased the Short’s Creek delta in 1909 and
named it after his Scottish home of Fintry. He was known for
his keen interest in agriculture, including apples and
livestock. |

North Westside
Ratepayers Assn.
10390 PINECREST ROAD
Vernon , B.C. V1H 2B1
PHONE +1.250.542.8461
FAX +1.250.542.8461 (call first)
EMAIL zoeandus "at" telus.net
Mr. Robert Hobson, Chair
Central Okanagan Regional District
1450 KLO Road
Kelowna, B.C., V1W 3Z4
July 22, 2013
Dear Mr. Chair/Board Members:
Re: Fintry Provincial Park/Land Swap for Agricultural
Purposes
Board Highlights from the July 18th Meeting stated in
part: “The Regional Board has adopted a resolution to
approach the Provincial Government to initiate discussions
regarding a possible land swap within Fintry Provincial
park. In 1995, in an agreement with the Province, the
Regional District contributed $2 million to purchase a 129.5
hectare property above Westside Road which is included as
part of the Provincial Park. The Regional Board has asked
staff to begin talking with the Province to see if that
property could be exchanged for a lowland field property
within the park in order to explore a possible agricultural
use that would be in keeping with the history of the former
Dun-waters Estate.”
We (North Westside Ratepayers Association) immediately
sent some initial emails asking basic questions but they
were not answered. The NWRA is requesting the following
information.
1) Is this 129.5 hectare parcel the “Fintry Protected
Area?”
2) How many hectares could you possibly trade for this 129.5
hectares? The low field area is quite small particularly if
you take into account the private property and the camping
area which frankly could be expanded. Would this be a 129.5
hectare trade for say 10 or 20 hectares?
3) What would it cost to keep a farm going on the Delta? You
would need farm hands, machinery, etc. etc. Who would do the
health testing and what would that cost be? Would it
interfere with the drinking water supply? Fintry is a delta
afterall.
4. Is this motion even valid? There was no documentation nor
was this item even on the Agenda. We understand that it was
a “Directors’ Item” but has far too many ramifications to be
dealt with so lightly. We feel this issue needs to be given
far more forethought and analysis before it is discussed
with anyone.
I do not need to remind each of you that Fintry is one of
the largest and most used parks in Western Canada. People
come to Fintry to boat, swim, hike and yes to take in the
history. I believe that is presently being accomplished.
The idea of dairy cattle is benevolent however what would
you do with the manure, flies and even mosquitoes
particularly if irrigation is needed.
Mosquitoes are already problematic at Fintry Park. Of course
there is also the odor associated with farming particularly
in the stifling heat.
From the audio I get the sense that this “agriculturism” of
Fintry park has already been discussed with politicians,
bureaucrats and even UBC! We are asking the Board to revisit
this item as an Agenda Item with supporting documentation
and that it be given more forethought before beginning even
initial discussions with anyone political. We also wish to
remind all Regional Directors that this 129.5 hectare
property (presumed to be Fintry Protected Area) needs to
remain under the stewardship of the RDCO for its intended
purpose.
The NWRA has sent this letter to each of you as it appears
initial discussions have already taken place by some Board
members and we feel we need to act expeditiously.
Yours truly
Diane Baldwin (for) Board
NORTH WESTSIDE RATEPAYERS ASSOCIATION
cc Mary Jane Drouin
Ron Fralick
Link to .pdf of this letter |



June 24, 2013 Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting
Minutes5. DELEGATION
5.1 Opposition to the proposed RDCO Water Systems Fees and Regulations
Amendment Bylaw
Ian Kilpatrick/Harry Pospolita, on behalf of a petition submitted in
opposition to changes to the water system fees, addressed the Board.
Residents can ill afford the rate proposed. They now have 201 signatures on the
petition. They believe the statistics are flawed as only an 18 month billing
period is used. Comparison does not take into consideration high
interface fire zone.
Diane Baldwin, President, North Westside Ratepayers Association spoke
in opposition to the increase. No mention is given that the area is a semiaired
area. Fear won't be able to afford to water gardens. Concerned
consumption tax will continue to increase. Why increase the rates now when
statistics are only over a short period of time. Asked the Board to reconsider
the water consumption threshold.
Marsali Maciver, President, North Westside Communities Association
spoke in opposition to the increase. Does it have to be such as drastic
reduction in the threshold? Believes the people who are trying to conserve will
bear the brunt of the increase.
===================
With Board consensus 9.5 was moved up on the agenda
Environmental Services:
9.5 Regional District of Central Okanagan Water Systems Fees and
Regulations Amendment Bylaw No. 1328 1st, 2nd and 3rd readings and Adoption
(Stakeholder Weighted Vote [Central Okanagan West (3 votes) and Central Okanagan
East Electoral Areas (1 vote)])
Staff report dated June 14, 2013 outlined the bylaw amendment which is a
reduction in the RDCO water consumption fee threshold to >90m3 /billing period
from >235 m3/billing period effective July 1, 2013.
Establishing a new Consumption Fee threshold of 90 m3 for all RDCO water
utilities is supported by several factors:
• Many RDCO customers have been demanding that the Consumption Fee threshold be
significantly reduced to encourage water conservation and ensure that heavy
water users are paying for the extra costs associated with heavy water use.
• A 90 m3 quarterly threshold is in line with the second tier Consumption Fee
threshold within our member municipalities, with the exception of the District
of Peachland.
• The 90 m3 quarterly threshold (360 m3 annualized) is close to Environment
Canada's average household water consumption estimate for British Columbia of
325 m3/year
• Based on a scatter plot of the 4,978 quarterly water consumption values for
RDCO water utilities over the last 1.5 years, 90 m3 per quarter threshold
represents a clear transition between heavy water users and average to below
average water users.
Peter Rotheisler addressed the bylaw amendment:
In March 2012, new water rate structure was approved. Since that time, there
has been feedback from customers to reassess the consumption fee, Current fee
reviewed - only exceeded on 3% of utility bills in 1.5 years.
Supporting factors - user pay structure, conservation is critical, the cost of
water will increase, 90m3 threshold is in line with conservation by other member
municipalities.
Financial implications - it is difficult to estimate due to short record and
behaviour change but it is estimated there will be between $3-$5,000 in
additional revenue in 2013.
Staff will continue to review the water rate.
Misconception that the proposed change will result in a significant fee
increase.
Discussion:
- There are consumers who have requested this change and there is a
responsibility to move toward conservation of water.
- The actual implications are very minor. If a water waster will need to pay.
- This same discussion happens at every municipality across the valley and
residents oppose rate increases.
- Is the base rate set high enough to cover what it really costs to operate the
systems? That was the basis for running a financially sustainable system.
- Would it be feasible to change the billing system so not to hit the threshold
in the summer? It is important to ensure users are paying for the water they use
and not hiding the water used. Billing frequency is set quarterly and provides
the opportunity for information to be provided on the water system. It also
provides an opportunity to determine any possible leakage detection.
- 80-85% of fees are fixed fees whether threshold is changed or not.
- Cannot customize water rates based on individual needs.
- How many users are there in the electoral areas? There are six separate
systems, 869 users throughout the electoral areas (approximately 580 users in
the two North Westside electoral area).
- Staff noted the protest petition represents incorrect information and
therefore they do not believe it is a valid petition.
-The idea that water is free is a long past - it is a scare commodity in the
region. It costs to provide and administer a water service and it will only
increase over time. IHA requirements continue to be a concern and will cost all
water users in the future.
- What is the actual impact on a user? The worst impact would be just over $200
per year. Those exceeding 235 m3 costs will be about $50 per quarter.
The average consumer uses approximately 54.7 m3 per % billing. Base rate is base
rate regardless.
EDGSON/HANSON
THAT the Regional Board endorse a reduction in the RDCO Water Consumption Fee
threshold to >90m3/billing period from >235 m3/billing period effective July 1,
2013;
AND THAT Regional District of Central Okanagan Water Systems Fees and
Regulations Amendment Bylaw No. 1328, 2013, be given first, second and third
readings and adopted this 24th day of June 2013.
CARRIED
-------------------------------
June 24, 2013 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (44.1
MB)
June 24, 2013 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 5.1
Delegation Re: Water Rates and only about Item 9.5
Water Systems Fees And Regulations Amendment Bylaw - .wma (30.9 MB)
|

Petition fails to drop North Westside water rates
By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star -
October 28, 2012
North Westside residents are being told it’s too late to
change water rates.
The Regional District of Central Okanagan board has received
a 300-name petition opposing water rates, which were adopted
in March.
“We are already spending the money,” said director Jim
Edgson, who questions why the petition is just coming
forward now.
RDCO has implemented both a consumption rate, a user fee and
an asset renewal fee for the Killiney Beach, Westshore and
Upper Fintry/Shalal Road/Valley of the Sun utilities.
That has led to a 190 per cent increase to fees.
“Where was the impetus to keep these taxes at a reasonable
rate?” said Diane Baldwin, with the North Westside Ratepayer
Association, in a letter to Bill Bennett, B.C.’s community
development minister.
“Ratepayers remain outraged and consider this an unnecessary
tax grab.”
The association is asking Bennett to look into the method
for resolving bylaw disputes, to encourage RDCO to meet with
residents and negotiate water rates and to review RDCO’s tax
policies and administrative fees.
“Review why parcel taxes, called asset renewal fees, were
introduced on every lot, with or without residents, absent a
parcel tax bylaw,” said Baldwin in her letter.
Baldwin questions the regional district’s communication
process with residents.
“Clearly the regional director and RDCO staff knew, or ought
to have known, well in advance these increases would be a
huge burden on affected taxpayers,” she said.
Edgson insists the process was completely open and public
information meetings were held.
“Nobody is happy about the rates but we have to keep in mind
that people had been complaining that the water system needs
upgrading. I warned people it was going to cost quite a
bit,” he said.
“The systems are old and getting to the point where they
need to be maintained and upgraded. There wasn’t a plan in
place.”
While the water rates bylaw won’t be reversed, Edgson says
RDCO may look at how user fees are implemented.
“We will have to continue to look at what we’re doing,” he
said. |



October 22, 2012 Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting Minutes
7.4 North Westside Ratepayers Assn - Petition Against RDCO (Central Okanagan
West) Water Rates Bylaw No. 1307 (for information)
The North Westside Ratepayers Assn provided a letter dated September 26, 2016
and petition signed by individuals regarding increased water rates to the area
of Westshores, Killiney Beach, Valley of the Sun and Upper/Fintry/Shalal Road
that was approved earlier in 2012 with the adoption of Bylaw No. 1307.
Staff noted that information was provided to residents prior to the bylaw being
approved. In addition in April there was an open house. In June, further
information was provided and residents knew at that time the rates had been
approved and seemed to be accepting of the situation at that time. Staff were
surprised this would come back at this time. The Board was reminded that this is
a regional responsibility of which the Board has an obligation to ensure water
utilities are in good shape and protected for the future. Nobody is happy about
increased rates but residents need to realize this is what is required to ensure
clean, safe water. The rates are similar to other local governments. It was
noted that some petitioners signed the petition multiple times.
EDGSON/BLANLEIL
THAT the September 26, 2012 letter from the North Westside Ratepayers Assn and
petition regarding the new water rates (Bylaw No. 1307) be received for
information.
CARRIED -------------------------------
October 22, 2012 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (265
MB)
October 22, 2012 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 7.4
North Westside Ratepayers Association - Water Rates Bylaw
Petition - .wma (5.73 MB)
October 22, 2012 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 9.1
Upper Fintry, Shalal Road, Valley of the Sun Water Service Area Establishment
Amending Bylaw - .wma (138 KB)
|


February
27, 2012 Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting Agenda
Item 6.1 North Westside Ratepayers Association - BC Hydro Smart Meters.pdf
Agenda No: 6.1
Mtg Date: January 31, 2012
Mr. Robert Hobson
Central Okanagan Regional District
1450 KLO Road
Kelowna, B.C V1W 3Z4
Attention Chair and Board
Dear Mr. Hobson:
Re: BC Hydro Smart Meters and UBCM Resolution B174
The North Westside Ratepayers Association is in agreement with the resolution
that was passed by UBCM in September of 2011 with respect to a moratorium on
smart meters until more research and consultation could take place.
As you are aware, the installation of smart meters is a politically driven
decision a $900 million project with no public consultation or any independent
assessment of the cost and benefits. In fact, the Government of the day passed
legislation that prevented the B.C. Utilities Commission from assessing the
smart meter project and determining if it was in the best interest of B.C. Hydro
customers.
One has to question such a decision. If it was a sound, cost effective
initiative, then a B.C. Utilities Commission review would have been in the
Government's best interest. However, in our opinion, they chose to leave doubt
in the minds of the residents of this Province.
Many issues remain unresolved: surveillance and the subsequent possibility of
"hacking" of our personal information; health concerns around radiofrequency
electronic magnetic fields particularly in young children and seniors; as well
as reported fires/explosions and "blown" appliances in smart metered
jurisdictions.
In the cases we have researched B.C. Hydro has taken no responsibility for these
damages and the owners have had to pay for repairs.
As you can see there are many issues that need to be investigated before this
Government pushes ahead with the installation of smart meters. Therefore, we ask
that the Board put forward a resolution asking B.C. Hydro to adhere to the
moratorium that was agreed to at the UBCM (B174) and not to install smart meters
in the Central Okanagan Regional District until further consultation, research
and liability concerns are addressed.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Yours truly,
Diane Baldwin (for)
Board of Directors
NORTH WESTSIDE RATEPAYERS ASSOCIATION
-------------------------------
February 27, 2012 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (206
MB)
February 27, 2012 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item
6.1 North Westside Ratepayers Association - BC Hydro Smart Meters - .wma (364 KB)
|


North Westside
Ratepayers Assn.
10390 PINECREST ROAD
Vernon , B.C. V1H 2B1
PHONE +1.250.542.8461
FAX +1.250.542.8461 (call first)
EMAIL zoeandus "at" telus.net
URGENT
October 19, 2011
Mr. Peter Lishman
Service Centre Manager, NRO
441 Columbia Street
Kamloops, B.C. V2C 2T3
Re: Westbank First Nations /Canadian
Aggregates (WFN/CAI) Proposed Gravel Pit on Westside Road at
Fintry - Application No. 3412092
We understand you will be making the decision with respect
to whether or not this land is transferred to WFN for gravel
quarrying purposes for a tenure of up to
50 years.
We fear you will be making your decision on
inadequate/erroneous information as follows:
The water source is in question as there is currently a
dispute between the strata owners and E. Stewart with
respect to ownership of the LaCasa water utility. This may
well end up in court and is well documented in the Strata
Council Minutes. I can tell you the strata owners I spoke
with today are not in favour of supplying water for this
pit. Ben Stewart, MLA, we believe, erroneously assumed the
majority of people at the Wilsons Landing Meeting (April
2010) were in favour of a gravel pit if the road were
improved. Based on this, we understand he went forward to
MOTI and began to negotiate on behalf of WFN. We were in
attendance at the same meeting and although people discussed
the need for road improvements, most were more interested in
bringing officials out to the Westside (in a bus) and have
them experience the dangers of Westside Road. Does Ben
Stewart only care about this very small portion of his
constituents? Who was guiding him?
Jim Edgson, Regional Director also advocated for WFN and
this gravel pit based on his understanding of the same
meeting at Wilsonʼs Landing. Again, we do not believe the
majority of people at that meeting were in favour of this
gravel pit and even if that was the case, it would be a
fraction of the North Westside residents. We, in fact,
petitioned at the Traders Cove Recycling Station and there
was strong opposition. In fact, I would say 99% of the
residents that visited the recycling depot signed our
petition. Jim Edgson also attempted to convince his
colleagues at RDCO (meeting on audio) that only the
residents from LaCasa south would be affected by gravel
truck traffic. Is he so out of touch with his riding that he
does not realize that many of his constituents travel daily
to work in Kelowna? Many retired residents also travel to
Kelowna to do business at our Regional District, to attend
meetings, to shop, to attend medical appointments, to visit
friends and relatives, or just to reach Highway 97 and
travel south to the Coast, Summerland, Peachland, Penticton
and Osoyoos. Ludicrous! Also LaCasa is situated directly on
the north property boundary of this gravel pit and they will
be most affected by it - there are 500 strata lots there.
The proposed Rockchild
development will be on the south boundary of this property
with a proposed 70 homes.
We estimate the gravel truck traffic from the WFN/CAI pit to
be 1 truck every 6 minutes. However, the Burnco pit has now
opened up Bear Creek Main. Burnco will also be using
Westside Road and this could well result in 1 truck every 3
minutes when both pits are fully operational.
Also there is now the Provincial Government/WFN land swap
which, in part, will be “swapping” (?) 115 acres of land up
Bear Creek Main (near Tolko logsort). Apparently this 115
acres is gravel. As far as the public knows the deal has not
even been ratified! More open Government I am sure. Is it
possible this 115 acres will also create gravel truck
traffic for
Westside Road?
We recently heard of road improvements on Westside Road -
“pullouts.” No one is convinced “pullouts” will make the
worst sections of Westside Road safer. Government
spokespersons and politicians told us these “pullouts” had
nothing to do with WFN/CAI gravel pit. The question was
asked several times at the Road Improvements Meeting chaired
by Murray Tekano. Time will tell.
Are you or your staff aware there is no policing on Westside
Road? Is this even a consideration?
We have supplied petitions, emails, letters, bulletins and
attended meetings in an attempt to stop this gravel pit. We
wish to reiterate the following points in opposition to this
gravel pit:
a) noise and air pollution (diesel and crusher)
b) exceptionally strong winds continually blowing
particulate matter through the Valley (public health
issue)
c) environmental damage to Fintry Historical Park and
Fintry Protected Area (particulate matter is corrosive)
d) public health and public safety
e) conflict with Official Community Plan and present
zoning
f) conflict with wildlife corridors to the Lake, more
traffic more dead animals
g) Draft Management Plan, Section A, Project Overview
speaks of 50 or more years of operation - what then?
h) decrease in property values in the immediate area and
along the corridor
i) environmental damage to proposed RDCO park
immediately south - 92 hectares
j) WFNʼs brochure says a minimal levy will go to upgrade
Westside Road, how much will taxpayers pay? What
percentage are WFN and Canadian Aggregates paying?
k) Small upgrades to Westside Road will only be the
beginning as the road will deteriorate under the extra
stress
l) Who will monitor the traffic and pollution? Govt.
cutbacks leave no staff to monitor gravel pits (Van. Sun
Art.) dated June 25/10 re unmaintained dams due to
layoffs in Govt. staff (Osoyoos dam)
m) 249k tons per year traveling down Westside Road.
Notice of Work states that if estimated extraction for
sand/gravel production is 250k ton/yr. an application
must be made to the Environmental Assessment Office
(interesting?)
n) Who will pay for the extra maintenance and
surveillance required to maintain Westside Road because
of this gravel pit operation?
o) many signatures and letters were supplied in
opposition
p) Unlike other areas, all wildlife crosses this traffic
corridor to get to the Lake - they must have water -
there have been no provisions to protect any species
including the bighorn sheep.
q) Westside Road is a narrow, winding, mountainous and
scenic road used by tourists in motor homes, cars,
trucks pulling 5th wheels and on motorcycles many months
of the year. They already vie for position.
r) Environmental damage as specified in several letters
from the Ministry of Environment and were submitted to
ILMB.
s) Noise and dust pollution to tourist accommodations
bordering this proposed site.
The proposed amount of tandem gravel trucks and the
instability and geography of Westside Road will create a
lethal combination which will ultimately lead to fatalities
and lawsuits against the MOTI. Anyone in authority who is
complicit in the decision to open this quarry will bear some
responsibility.
In light of the foregoing we ask that you give this file
your utmost consideration and do the right thing - deny
Application # 3412092.
Yours truly,
Diane Baldwin, President
for:
Board of Directors
NORTH WESTSIDE RATEPAYERS ASSOCIATION
cc Ben Stewart
Robert Hobson & Board
Ron Fralik
Wilsons Landing Community Association
LaCasa Strata Owners
Blair Lekstrom/Rich Coleman/Steve Thomson/Terry Lake
Link to
.pdf of this letter |

North Westside Ratepayers Assn.
10390 PINECREST ROAD
Vernon , B.C. V1H 2B1
PHONE: +1.250.542.8461
FAX: +1.250.542.8461 (call first)
EMAIL: zoeandus "at" telus.net
October 3, 2011
Honourable Christie Clark Premier of B.C.
P.O. Box 9041, Stn. Prov. Govt.
Victoria, B.C. V8W 9E1
Dear Premier Clark:
Re: Westbank First Nations/Canadian Aggregates - Proposed
Gravel Pit on Westside Road, 27 km. North of Hwy. 97, ILMB
Application #3412092. I have had time to reflect on our
letter dated July 8, 2011 re the above noted subject and
wish to bring some additional information forward when
considering your response.
In March 2011 Murray Tekano, Regional Director, Ministry
of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI), Ben Stewart,
MLA and Jim Edgson, Regional Director, Central Okanagan West
called a meeting at LaCasa Resort on Westside Road to advise
of road improvements. Mr. Tekano was the speaker for the
evening. He was asked several times if there was any
particular reason for the improvements (pullouts) and he
responded in the negative. Following the meeting residents
asked Murray Tekano and Ben Stewart directly if this had
anything to do with WFNʼs proposed gravel pit and they
answered in the negative. We felt then and continue to feel
that they were being less than truthful.
Subsequent to this meeting I had a phone conversation
with Ben Stewart wherein he advised that he attended a
meeting at Wilsons Landing in the Spring of 2010 and it was
clear to him that the attendees wished the road to be
improved. He believed the residents were telling him that if
the road was improved the gravel pit would be acceptable. We
believe he, based on his perception of the meeting, went
forward to the MOTI and started negotiations for road
improvements and the WFN gravel pit. We also believe that at
that time our Regional Director, Jim Edgson was acting in
conjunction with Ben Stewart in advocating for this gravel
pit. By copy of
this letter we are asking Mr. Edgson to respond to us
letting us know if this was indeed the case.
Several from our Association were at the Wilsons Landing
meeting and we can tell you that a very small percentage of
attendees took this position. Most of the residents who
attended believed, and logically so, that when Government
officials toured Westside Road, a gravel pit would be out of
the question. Most of the attendees were from Traders Cove
and after personally petitioning that area, we can tell you
they are not in favour of a gravel pit. There is already a
new pit being opened on Crown Land above Traders Cove which
will create heavy truck traffic. . . a private company from
Alberta. This traffic will travel through Traders Cove along
Westside Road. If the Westbank First Nations pit is approved
traffic will also travel through Wilsons Landing and Traders
Cove to Highway 97. Traders Cove in particular will be
inundated with gravel truck traffic. We suspect one every
few minutes.
Ben Stewart also ignored, or is unaware of the petitions
and emails that went to the ILMB against this gravel pit -
vastly more than all the attendees at the Wilsons Landing
Meeting. It is incomprehensible to me how our elected
official could come out of this meeting believing small road
improvements would be an acceptable tradeoff for gravel
trucks on Westside Road. I can tell you it is not the case
and sadly for a process that started in 2009, we remain
uninformed, skeptical and looking for answers. We feel our
elected and Ministry officials were, and are, evading the
issues around this gravel pit and the condition of Westside
Road. No amount of improvements to Westside Road will make
it safer with tandem gravel trucks pounding up and down
every few minutes.
We wish to remind you of the increased dangers gravel
trucks will pose on this already dangerous road. Is your
Government prepared to be held accountable when even more
deaths occur because of a decision to allow this quarry to
go ahead.
Murray Tekano and Ben Stewart are the same players that
were seen on television recently in an attempt to justify
the proposed WFN land swap (separate from our issue). They
claimed 700 acres traded for 8 acres is equitable to both
parties and that Government can do what they want in these
issues. I am sure you have heard there is a huge outcry over
this proposed land swap which is soon to become a political
football for your Government. As Premier you have the
responsibility of being guardian of our Crown Land. Crown
Land belongs to all residents of B.C. and any agreements
over tenure and ownership of such valuable assets needs to
be dealt with in an open and honest manner.
I received confirmation from your office with respect to
our previous letter (no file reference number) and wish this
information included. We look forward to your response.
Yours truly,
Diane Baldwin, President for:
Board of Directors
NORTH WESTSIDE RATEPAYERS ASSOCIATION
cc: Ben Stewart
Jim Edgson
Murray Tekano
Rich Coleman
Terry Lake
Robert Hobson
Ron Fralik
Friends of Fintry
LaCasa Strata Owners
Steve Thomson
Wilsons Landing Association
Doug Findlater
link to a .pdf copy of this same letter |

North Westside Ratepayers Assn.
10390 PINECREST ROAD
Vernon , B.C. V1H 2B1
PHONE: +1.250.542.8461
FAX: +1.250.542.8461 (call first)
EMAIL: zoeandus "at" telus.net
URGENT
July 8, 2011
Honourable C. Clark Premier of B.C.
PO Box 9041, Stn. Prov. Govt.
Victoria, B.C. V8W 9E1
Honourable Christy Clark:
Re: ILMB Application No. 3412092: Joint Venture between
Westbank First Nations & Canadian Aggregates (37 hectares of Crown
Land, 27 km. North of Kelowna on Westside Road)
We are appealing to you for help in denying this application for
a gravel pit located along scenic - but dangerous - Westside Road
overlooking Okanagan Lake.
We are opposed to this use of Crown Land and have submitted our
concerns through all the proper channels, including a petition of
some 800 signatures (within a short timeframe) to the Integrated
Land Management Bureau (ILMB). We understand there were also
approximately 200 emails received against this application as well.
The Regional District of Central Okanaganʼs Planning staff have
not supported this application, and the Ministry of Environment
considers the development of a quarry at this location to be a high
risk activity. In fact, several significant issues have been
identified by the Ministry of Environment, by the Environment
Advisory Commission (RDCO), the Advisory Planning Commission and
Regional District Parks staff (see attached Report to RDCO Board
dated June 21, 2010). As well, both the exploratory permit and the
proposed quarrying activities are inconsistent with the Central
Okanagan Regional District Zoning Bylaw and the North Westside
Official Community Plan.
In spite of all this opposition, the ILMB saw fit to issue a
permit for exploratory drilling and is now considering allowing this
consortium to begin quarrying operations for a 50 year tenure with
an estimated 40 trips daily 6 days a week, year round on this
challenging road. The returning empty trucks in fact double this
estimate to 80 trips. There are several productive gravel pits in
the vicinity and the need for another is questionable.
The following summarizes residentsʼ and property ownersʼ
concerns.
Road/Public Safety: Westside Road is a scenic,
narrow, winding and eroding secondary road with few safety features.
In many places there are no shoulders with straight drops to the
Lake below with no barriers. Planned minor improvements will not
make it safe enough for gravel trucks to share it with school buses,
commuters, holiday traffic, wildlife and open range cattle. If this
gravel pit is approved there is a high likelihood there will be more
fatalities on Westside Road creating a huge liability issue for the
MoTI and the Province. Where pullouts are needed most, there are no
shoulders. Furthermore, no amount of “pullouts” will make Westside
Road safe. Ongoing cost of maintenance (from gravel truck traffic)
will be borne by the taxpayers of this Province with little or no
remuneration.
Location: This beautiful, scenic piece of Crown
Land overlooks Okanagan Lake and is the last large contiguous parcel
not in private ownership. It runs from above Westside Road down to
the shores of Okanagan Lake and provides a natural wildlife corridor
from Fintry Protected Area. The west side of the property in
question borders on Fintry Protected Area which is part of the
historic Fintry Park. The north side of the proposed site borders on
LaCasa Resort with over 500 strata lots/cottages. Visitors to Lake
Okanagan Resort, Bear Creek Provincial Park, Bear Creek Motorized
Park, Evely Park, Traders Cove Regional Park, Killiney Regional Park
use this road continually during Spring to Fall. As you can imagine
there is a steady stream of motorhomes, trailers and vehicular
traffic making driving Westside Road challenging without gravel
trucks. This piece of Crown Land is also in close proximity to 3
subdivisions: Muir, Valley of the Sun, Fintry Delta and a 4th - the
proposed Rockchild Landing subdivision which has passed 3rd reading
before RDCO. (These subdivisions alone represent approximately 475
properties). Rockchild Landing has also tentatively agreed to
dedicate 92 hectares of hiking trails to the Regional District - the
proposed gravel pit will border this property on the south.
Cultural/Heritage/Archaeological Sites: There are
also cultural and heritage sites known in this area. There have been
9 known archaeological sites recorded within 1 km of the DL4501 and
2 sites located in DL 4501 (Rockchild Landing) relating to the
Hudsonʼs Bay Fur Brigade Trail also known as the Okanagan Brigade
Trail. (See Report to the RDCO Board dated June 21, 2010.)
Environmental Concerns: The Ministry of Environment in their letter
dated April 29, 2009 to the ILMB states on page 1:
“The Ecosystem Section (ES) considers the
development of a quarry at this location to be a high risk activity.
Sensitive ecosystem mapping of the area identified the potential for
several rare ecological communities.
There is potential for several provincially and federally species
at risk to occur in the area as these ecological communities provide
critical habitat for many species at risk. Known species at risk
that occur in the general area include the flammulated owl and
bighorn sheep. In addition the site provides mule deer winter range
values under the Forest and Range Practices Act. Our concern is for
any development, that results in the permanent loss of rare
ecological communities, species at risk habitat, and ungulate winter
range habitat.”
Air/Noise Pollution: It is well settled fact that
dust increases corrosion and is harmful to vegetation. Sand and
gravel quarries produce corrosive dust (silica) and diesel exhaust
that is dangerous to humans, animals and vegetation. Residents on
both sides of Okanagan Lake remain concerned regarding noise and air
pollution. Water will conduct and amplify sound coming from the
crushers, gravel haulers and other ancillary equipment. Anyone
living along this corridor (west side of Okanagan Lake) knows the
winds are constant and strong coming from the water side as well as
off the mountains to the west. These winds will move the fine
particulate matter across, and up and down the Lake as well as into
the surrounding park lands, resort areas and Fintry Protected Area
causing damage to vegetation that wildlife depend upon. The
flammulated owl and bighorn sheep have already suffered habitat loss
because of the pine beetle epidemic and the catastrophic fires we
have had recently (COSEWIC Press Release, Page 2).
We are aware that the Westbank First Nations (WFN) is a powerful
lobby and we applaud their business successes generally. However,
there is growing sentiment in these communities that because this is
WFNʼs application, it will be approved regardless of any public
safety or environment factors or residents/property ownersʼ
considerations. The North Westside is appealing to you Premier Clark
to put public safety and protection of the environment before
commerce and show us that you do indeed care about these issues.
We therefore respectfully submit the following requests:
That you consider the Regional Districtʼs Official Community Plan
for this area, which is designated Parks & Recreation and the
Ministry of Environment Planning Sectionʼs role in ensuring future
development of both Crown and private lands is consistent with
municipal/regional land use plans and zoning policies.
That you consider removing gravel quarrying from the Mine Act.
Generally speaking gravel pits are miniscule in size when compared
to mines and there is an abundance of private land that could be
used for this purpose. We feel the use of Crown Land for gravel pits
is an unfair practice in as much as Crown Land is not required to go
through any rezoning processes while privately held property does.
This makes Crown Land an easily accessible “land grab.”
That you investigate the application in question (ILMB #3412092)
and reassure the residents, property owners and tourists that this
proposal for quarrying will not be approved.
We thank you for your time and consideration in this matter, and
we look forward to your response,
yours truly,
Diane Baldwin, President
NORTH WESTSIDE RATEPAYERS ASSOCIATION
emails:
Ben Stewart, MLA
T. Lake, MoE
Friends of Fintry
Blair Lekstrom, Minister of Highways
S. Thomson, NRO
R. Coleman, MoEM
M. Tekano, T & I
J. Edgson, Regional Director
R. Hobson, Chair, Okanagan Aggregates Committee
R. Fralik, RDCO Planning
La Casa Strata Owners Assoc.
enclosures (letters)
Bulletin Boards: Westshores, Killiney Beach, Estamont Beach,
Aspen Shores, Fintry Provincial Park, Wilsons
Landing, Valley of the Sun, Traders Cove, Bear
Creek Provincial Park, Evely Provincial Park
Source:
The North Westside Road Ratepayers Association emailed us this
letter (.pdf) to post here |
PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SEND YOUR OWN LETTER TO PREMIER CHRISTY CLARK

March 10, 2011 Regional District of Central Okanagan Governance and
Services Committee AgendaThis letter is not on the
Regional District of Central Okanagan's website.
North Westside
Ratepayers Assn.
10390 PINECREST ROAD
Vernon , B.C. V1H 2B1
PHONE +1.250.542.8461
FAX +1.250.542.8461 (call first)
EMAIL: zoeandus "at" telus.net
FOR G & S MEETING - MARCH 10, 2011
March 7, 2011
Mr. Robert Hobson, Chair
Regional District of Central Okanagan
1450 KLO Road
Kelowna, B.C. V1W 3Z4
Attention: Chair and Board Members, Harold Reay, Dan
Plamondon, Rod Miller
Dear Mr. Hobson:
Re: Purchase of a Fire/Rescue (?) Boat for North Westside
Fire/Rescue
The North Westside Ratepayers Association (and 260
petitioners) again unequivocally says “No” to the purchase
of a fireboat for the North Westside.
There is little new information that we are privy to
except
the boat has
increased from the original $120,000.00 to $220,000.00 which
is close to double the original cost.
Jim Edgson emphatically stated this (fireboat issue) had
gone on long enough. Frankly we concur. What needs to be
discussed here is “why?” We believe this issue has gone on
so long because the “efficacy” of the fireboat has never
been proven. We have moved from Fireboat to Marine Mobile
Water Supply and finally to Fire/Rescue Boat.
Again we wish to reiterate that the fireboat purchase IS
subject to Fire Chief Technical Committee (FCTC) approval.
However, in 2010 someone at RDCO declared that Rod Miller
could make decisions regarding equipment purchases.
The NWRA maintains the original criteria which was a)
Board approval; b) Fire Chief Technical Committee and; c)
Community approval; put in place in 2008 should be followed.
Does the Fire Services Coordinator, Rod Miller question the
FCTCʼs views that purchase of new equipment should be based
on actual response figures not on one or two dispatch
incidents; their concerns re training requirements and
available personnel; that fireboats were not meant to fight
structures, they were meant to fight fires on docks and
boats; concerns re liability and maintenance issues; and
floater pumps being used as alternatives.
This is all on record in the FCTCʼs minutes.
A fireboat was not used on the Terrace Mountain Fire or
the Kelowna Fire due to the lack of technical feasibility of
the unit. This would have been the call of very experienced
Fire Chiefs from Kelowna and Regional Operations. High winds
are also a consideration as it is difficult to control
fireboats in heavy waves which is often the case on Okanagan
Lake. During high fire season when a “911” call goes in and
it is determined to be an interface situation the Ministry
of Forests Protection Branch dispatches water bombers,
helicopters and ground crews.
The extra money to purchase this fireboat appears to have
come from funds (leftover) from the Terrace Mountain Fire.
Monies from the Terrace Mountain Fire belong to the
taxpayers and after expenses are paid monies remaining
should be put in reserves for future needed expenditures
such as a new truck 2014.
Mr. Miller also claims that there are many homes on the
Lake that are inaccessible by conventional fire trucks. This
is nonsense . . . how many homes on Okanagan Lake were built
by barging materials in? I am not disputing that some homes
on the Lake have steep access just as homes in Westshores
and Killiney Beach have steep accesses. Perhaps a 4 wheel
drive fire truck would better serve the needs of all the
people on the North Westside.
We will attempt to put some of our arguments against this
purchase in point form as follows:
- It is not the fire departments nor the Communityʼs
mandate to provide cheaper insurance rates to one part of
the Community.
- The North Westside Fire Department services is small -
supporting approximately 2500 people.
- The North Westside Fire Department has not been trained
adequately nor does it have the staff to man this
fireboat/rescue boat and attend to the first responder and
fire issues beyond the Lake.
- Rod Miller by his own admission did not have expert
knowledge on fireboats and their capabilities.
- the rescue service is already provided to us through
Regional Rescue so will we be paying for 2 rescue services?
- the fireboat at Okanagan Landing is still available should
the need arise, Vernon Search and Rescue also responds to
calls on this end of Okanagan Lake initially utilizing the
Okanagan Landing rescue boat which is close by until they
can transport their larger, more sophisticated one.
- floater pumps are a much cheaper option, they could be
moved down narrow, steep hills and roads using the new 4
wheel drive Mule (atv) that was purchased last year.
- $30,000 is a conservative estimate for the fireboat
housing as it has to be a 24/7 operation. We look to see
these costs rise. Killiney Beach is very congested during
the summer months with parking at a premium so access
problems are a concern. Will the location affect Killiney
Beach and Park that is so heavily utilized now? We feel the
cost of ancillary equipment and training have been minimized
as well.
- Rod Millerʼs report to the Board February 22, 2010
completely left out any discussions on alternatives such as
floater pumps. Floater pumps are easily transported and can
be purchased under $10,000. Some homes on the Lake already
have their own pumps. His report spoke of “manning issues”
which we have already addressed.
The NWRA did not just simply send a letter saying we did
not support the fireboat and in one weekend collected 260
signatures against it. We feel it is not enough for a
community group to write a letter saying that they support
or do not support an issue, they must demonstrate it and we
have.
Jim Edgson invited a spokesperson
for the “Concerned Citizens” to speak in favour of the
fireboat. She was questioned vigorously by Mayor
Shepherd as to the name of the group and how many were
represented. She could not answer all the questions
adequately and there has never been any evidence of
signatures supporting her position or the legal legitimacy
of this group. In one weekend we collected 260 signatures
against the fireboat and this petition is on record at the
Regional District.
In closing we would like to say this is a very well
equipped volunteer fire department with a full time fire
chief which is almost unheard of in volunteer departments.
There are 2 fire halls and 8 large pieces of equipment. The
full time salary of the Fire Chief alone puts a large dollar
commitment on the taxpayers of this area. Residents on the
North Westside generally accept that equipment purchases
must be made; however, surely common sense must prevail. We
ask you: “how many times in a year do you really think this
fireboat will be needed?” If there is a surplus (Terrace
Mountain fire) what would be wrong with our fire taxes going
down? Fire taxes are a large percentage of our entire tax
requisition.
Jim Edgsonʼs comments from the Governance and Services
Committee Meeting audio when addressing the Fire Department
were: “no more flaky ideas.” We concur and this statement
should be taken into consideration when making this
decision.
yours truly,
Diane Baldwin, President
Allastair Fergusson, Director
NORTH WESTSIDE RATEPAYERS ASSOCIATION
cc Mary Jane Drouin (email and regular mail)
----------------------------------------------------
February 10, 2011 audio of RDCO Governance and Services Committee meeting only
about
COW Director Jim Edgson talking about the fireboat
- .wma (3.18 MB) |

Fire boat placed on backburner
Vernon Morning Star - By Richard Rolke -
September 23, 2010A contentious fire boat
won’t be acquired this year, but plans continue to ignite
heated debate among North Westside Road residents.
The Central Okanagan Regional District board has decided not
to purchase a mobile water supply boat but it will be
considered among other fire department priorities during
2011-2015 budget talks.
“For me, it was a financial issue. The decision was made in
light of the cost,” said Jim Edgson, North Westside
director.
CORD had $150,000 set aside to purchase the vessel, but all
responses to a request for proposals were over budget. It’s
believed the boat could cost about $196,000, with $50,000
needed for a boat house.
Edgson says the next step is for the regional district to
determine the long-term needs for the North Westside Fire
Department and whether the fire boat is included.
“There’s no guarantee it will rise to the top,” he said.
Fire chief Wayne Carson isn’t surprised by CORD’s decision,
but he insists the need for a mobile water supply boat is
increasing.
“It’s absolutely the top priority for this community,” he
said.
“A lot of areas don’t have water systems rated (they don’t
meet insurance requirements for flows) and there are single
accesses to properties and dead trees all over.”
Because of limited road access to some areas, Carson
believes a house fire or wildfire poses a significant risk.
“We’re trying to elevate the level of protection,” he said.
Acquisition of the boat has been opposed by the North
Westside Ratepayers Association.
“We would have been more pleased if the regional district
motion said the fire boat won’t proceed but it says it won’t
proceed in 2010. It’s not over yet,” said president Diane
Baldwin.
“Instead of looking at a five-year plan, they need to look
at whether there is a necessity for this fire boat.”
The association believes other methods could be used to
fight fires in the community.
“To buy a piece of equipment for a what-if situation is
extravagant,” said Baldwin, adding that taxes have been
climbing for North Westside residents.
“A lot of people are on fixed budgets and for a lot of
people, the situation is getting critical.” |

Voting change deserves input
Vernon Morning Star - Letters - September
19, 2010This letter is to address the article
in The Morning Star entitled: “Recall dashed, but shorter
terms sought.”
The North Westside Ratepayers Association (NWRA) too has
concerns that civic terms could be extended from three to
four years. If you recall, civic terms at one time were two
years and were subsequently extended to three-year terms.
Although much of the work of the task force for local
elections sponsored by the Ministry of Community Development
has been positive, it has made a recommendation to extend
terms for civic leaders to four years from three years.
The NWRA is opposed to tenure for civic politicians going
from three years to four years without direct public input
or vote. Four-year terms without recall provisions is
unacceptable. We realize there could be some monetary
savings as there would be fewer elections; however, the
result could be unwanted politicians for four years without
any applicable recall legislation.
To quote Councillor Patrick Nicol: “This is a slam-dunk by
the insiders. The public didn't have any input.” Councillor
Spier's attempt to have his colleagues push the government
for a mechanism so voters could remove a civic leader they
are unhappy with midway through a term is also commendable.
At the conclusion of this meeting, the City of Vernon voted
to urge the provincial government not to change the terms
for municipal positions from three to four years, while the
prospect of voters recalling mayors or councillors did not
get support.
Do the taxpayers of the province want terms for civic
elections extended to four years? Should there be recall
provisions for local politicians? Obviously, it is far
easier to not vote a candidate back into office than to
effect a recall. Residents of B.C. need to know this
initiative is headed to the Legislature in the spring to
enable civic elections for November 2011 be extended to four
years. Ensure your concerns are made known to your MLA.
Allastair Fergusson, director
North Westside Ratepayers Association |

Gravel activists thank Peachland at rally
Saturday, September 11, 2010
A vintage car displays a 'Thanks to Peachland' sign Saturday
on Beach Avenue from the North Westside Ratepayer's
Association. (Dave Preston photo)

News. . . Peachland's reluctance to accept an activist
stance against the mighty Ministry of Energy, Mines and
Petroleum Resources and embrace rallies in the town may
backfire in the future. While a couple of dozen proponents
of local control over gravel mining met at Heritage Park
Saturday to protest the ministry's heavy hand, it was quite
clear from the behaviour of the group that many thought
Peachland was, well as one person put it, "As cute as a
peach."
"You've got a beautiful little place here," remarked Glen
Thompson, a member of Friends of the Chilliwack River
Valley, which is fighting a proposed massive gravel pit.
Thompson happily munched on a Peachland peach as many of the
visitors signed petitions asking for the ministry to allow
local government control over pit placement.
The group, assembled from along the north westside of
Okanagan Lake and throughout the Fraser Valley, didn't come
with an air of confrontation or activism. They appeared, by
all accounts, to be everyday visitors to Peachland, taking
time to stop and ogle at the view from Heritage Park.
"All the groups are trying to get together," said Dora
Stewart, who as a board member of the Peachland Residents
Association, welcomed the visitors.
Representatives were on hand from Lake Errock, Abbotsford,
Chilliwack, Pitt Meadows, Fintry and the Petterson Road area
of West Kelowna.
Mayor Keith Fielding, who publicly stated he would not
attend the function and who asked rally organizers to stay
away, apparently had a change of heart. He briefly met with
organizers prior to the rally's start.
The fight against gravel pits is, "A saga within our town,"
said Stewart. "It seems Peachland has attracted attention."
"Although this rally is a little bit small, it came from a
big idea," said Walter Neufeld, who hails from the
Abbotsford area.
Neufeld has been an activist for more than a decade,
speaking out against the ministry's cart blanche stance on
approving gravel pits.
"We drove 300 kilometres to say thank you Peachland, thank
you Mayor Fielding," said Neufeld.
Individual municipalities and areas within them have fought
their own fights over the years when it comes to gravel pit
placement but Neufeld told the crowd there has been a lot of
change in the last year as individual groups became
interlinked and began supporting each other.
The ministry has indicated that it wants to give local
communities control over pit placement, said Neufeld, who
cautioned the crowd that the move is a red herring.
"Their idea is to review the (local) bylaws and add severe
restrictions," said Neufeld.
Peachland is unique in the province because its Earthworks
Control Bylaw predates the ministry's new mandate, Neufeld
said.
"Peachland people can fight too," said Pat Ryder, who
brought a small basket of peaches for organizers.
Thompson came from the Chilliwack River Valley and he said
his community has only about 1,200 people spread over a
40-kilometre long area. The group he represents is fighting
a proposed gravel pit that wants a 100-year permit to remove
30 million tons of aggregate from property that is currently
in the Agricultural Land Reserve.
"People should have control over where they live," said
Thompson.
The rally lasted less than hour, after which the group drove
up Princeton Avenue to have a look at a controversial gravel
pit on McDougald Road. That operation was shut down by the
operator while both sides head to court over the town's
Earthworks Control Bylaw. |

Is it a tax or a regulatory
charge?
*** This is just a snippet
Judgements of the Supreme Court of Canada
Citation:Westbank First Nation v. British Columbia Hydro
and Power Authority, [1999] 3 S.C.R. 134
Date:September 10, 1999
Docket: 26450
Indexed as: Westbank First Nation v. British Columbia Hydro
and Power Authority
File No.: 26450.
Hearing and judgment: June 21, 1999
Reasons delivered: September 10, 1999
Section 125 of the Constitution Act, 1867 is one of the
tools found in the Constitution that ensures the proper
functioning of Canada’s federal system. It advances the
goals of federalism and democracy by according a degree of
operational space to each level of government, free from
interference by the other. It prohibits one level of
government from taxing the property of the other. However,
it does not prohibit the levying of user fees or other
regulatory charges properly enacted within the government’s
sphere of jurisdiction.
Although in today’s regulatory environment, many charges
will have elements of taxation and elements of regulation,
the central task for the court is to
determine whether the levy’s primary purpose is, in pith and
substance: (1) to tax, i.e., to raise revenue for general
purposes; (2) to finance or constitute a regulatory scheme,
i.e., to be a regulatory charge or to be ancillary or
adhesive to a regulatory scheme; or (3) to charge for
services directly rendered, i.e., to be a user fee.
In
order to determine whether the impugned charge is a “tax” or
a “regulatory charge” for the purposes of s. 125, several
key questions must be asked. Is the charge: (1)
compulsory and enforceable by law; (2) imposed under the
authority of the legislature; (3) levied by a public body;
(4) intended for a public purpose; and (5) unconnected to
any form of a regulatory scheme? If the answers to all of
these questions are affirmative, then the levy in question
will generally be described as a tax.
The levies are properly described as being, in pith and
substance, taxation enacted under s. 91(3) of the
Constitution Act, 1867. They are enforceable by law, imposed
under the authority of the legislature, and levied by a
public body for a public purpose. The appellant has not
demonstrated that the levies are connected to a “regulatory
scheme” which could preclude the application of s. 125. The
charge does not form any part of a detailed code of
regulation. No costs of the regulatory scheme have been
identified, to which the revenues from these charges are
tied. The appellant does not seek to influence the
respondent’s behaviour in any way with these charges. There
is no relationship between the respondent and any regulation
to which these charges adhere. Although the Indian Act is
legislation in relation to “Indians, and Lands reserved for
the Indians”, this does not, in itself, create a “regulatory
scheme” in the sense required by the Constitution.
As these taxes are imposed on the respondent, which it is
conceded is an agent of the provincial Crown, s. 125 is
engaged.
The taxation and assessment by‑laws are accordingly
inapplicable to the respondent.
Source
http://scc.lexum.umontreal.ca/en/1999/1999scr3-134/1999scr3-134.html |

The North Westside Ratepayers are opposing the
proposed Gravel Pit south of La Casa.
The North Westside Ratepayers are doing a mailout through Canada Post of
this poster to people living on the North Westside of Okanagan Lake.
You should be receiving something in the mail shortly.

The North Westside Road Ratepayers are taking this petition (below)
opposing the gravel pit south of La Casa around the North Westside Road
area. The North Westside Ratepayers will have this petition
opposing the gravel pit south of La Casa at the Sugar Loaf transfer
station and possibly at the entrance to Westshore Estates as well.
If you feel you have been missed and wish to sign the petition opposing
the gravel pit south of La Casa, please phone Diane Baldwin the
President of the North Westside Ratepayers to find out where you can
sign the petition and she will arrange something with you. Diane Baldwin 542-8461 (President)

Petition to suppress implementation of a sand and gravel pit on Westside
Road, Integrated Land Management File #3412092, BCGS mapsheet 82L013,
portions of District Lot 3542 and adjacent unsurveyed Crown Lands.
We the undersigned due to environmental concerns, noise and air
pollution, loss of forest and wildlife habitat, infringement of
dedicated park areas and lack of adequate and safe transportation routes
do hereby vigorously oppose the implementation of a Sand & Gravel Pit in
our electoral area (Central Okanagan West, Traders Cove to Westshores)

TRANSFER STATION FEES INCREASING FROM $40 PER YEAR TO
$167.06
March 24, 2010 this poster was put up on the local bulletin boards at the North
Westside Road
subdivisions by the North Westside Road Ratepayers Association.

click letter to read larger print
SUBMITTED BY THE NORTH WESTSIDE RATEPAYERS
March 17,
2010
SUBMISSION TO THE BOARD RE SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT BYLAW FOR
BUDGET MEETING MARCH 26, 2010
Mr. Chair; Regional Directors; Dan Plamondon; Chris
Radford; Peter Rotheisler:
The issue of an increase in rates for the North Westside
Transfer Station first came to light when the North Westside
Ratepayers Association (NWRA) observed a Report to the Board
authored by Peter Rotheisler, Waste Reduction Supervisor
dated December 14, 2009 (attached). This report was a
comparison of the North Westside and Traders Cove Transfer
Stations over the past 5 years. Subsequent to this the NWRA
sent a letter to Peter Rotheisler dated February 10
(attached) expressing our concern with the large increase
without any real costing or explanation to the residents of
the North Westside. We also spoke with Mr. Rotheisler
several times via phone in order to solicit more information
and were told that a more definitive costing was being done
and would be available for the April 14th meeting to be held
on the North Westside on April 14th. Of course this is 2
weeks after the budget and as it turns out after the new
Bylaw was passed.
Because traffic at the North Westside Transfer Station
has increased by about 35% over the past few years the NWRA
also asked that the attendantʼs hours be increased an
additional 4 hours, preferably on a Saturday. Apparently
this increase in hours was not approved, we are continuing
to seek this increase. Did the Engineering staff take into
consideration that water is coming to Valley of the Sun and
Upper Fintry and this will cause more buildout? This will
most certainly increase users at Sugarloaf Transfer station.
Director Edgson and Peter Rotheisler were both aware that
this amendment to the Bylaw was coming before the March 11th
meeting. The NWRA spoke with Peter Rotheisler several times
over the past month and was never advised of the drastic
change being discussed and proposed by Director Edgson and
himself. We are at a loss to understand why our rates would
have to be blended with the East Electoral area (Joe Rich)
who are on automated pickup. Typically their rates would be
$187.00 per year. Traders Cove Transfer Stationʼs rates were
projected to rise to $179.00 per year.
Both of these areas will now see decreases in their
actual rate. However North Westside Transfer Station
(Sugarloaf) will see an increase from our projected increase
of $91.00. We feel blindsided by this sudden change in
direction by Director Edgson and the Engineering Department
and will be making residents in the Sugarloaf transfer
station catchment area aware.
We understand that the bin/cart pickup in the East
Electoral area was not favourably received; however, we the
taxpayers should not be paying for RDCOʼs decisions. One has
to ask why these residents are not paying the same as other
residents for bin/cart pickup?
THEREFORE THE NORTH WESTSIDE RATEPAYERS REQUEST THAT THIS
ILL CONCEIVED BYLAW BE REPEALED TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION
THE FOLLOWING REASONING:
- Report to the Board dated December 14, 2009 where the
recommendations were reported is entirely different than
what was presented at the March 11, 2010 meeting. (As stated
previously the NWRA would have reacted strongly to this on
March 11th had we had been informed of these sweeping
changes).
-The Report to the Board dated December 14, 2010 asked
that staff report back to the Regional Board on “the
proposed user fee increases” prior to 2010 budget
deliberations. These user fee deliberations as passed in the
bylaw were not the same as presented to the Board on
December 14, 2009 and would not be applicable any motion
around this recommendation and report.
-The Report to the Board also states: “AND FURTHER THAT
staff consult with users of the North Westside and Traders
Transfer Stations to explain the need for increased user
fees and gauge interest ........instead of transfer station
service.” This strictly implies that this consultation
should take place before not after a decision is made.
-It is our understanding the residents served by the
Sugar Loaf transfer station have no interest in bin/curbside
pickup if this is where the Engineering Department is headed
with “blending.” We feel we should be responsible for the
costs of our solid waste disposal but should not be required
to subsidize other areas.
-Reasoning in the March 4, 2010 Board Report is seriously
flawed. Think about it please.
Item 3 states: “Due to the $48.00 difference in projected
user fees between transfer stations, fees were going to have
to be blended to prevent residents from the Traders Cove
Transfer Station (more expensive) changing to the NOWESI
Transfer Station (less expensive), which would have further
increased the difference in cost.” Again, please think about
this statement, it is ludicrous to think that residents of
Traders Cove would drive 30 kilometres on Westside Road to
go to the Sugarloaf Transfer Station. Someone pointed out to
the Engineering Department that a handful of residents in
the Sugarloaf Transfer Station catchment area travel to
Kelowna on a
regular basis and therefore elect to drop their garbage off
at Traders Cove. At any rate, it could only assist the
Traderʼs Cove count.
-The Ratepayers had projected this increase to be 175%
before Engineering staff raised the rate to $167.06. Now it
is an increase of 317% with no increase in service.
In closing we again ask that this bylaw be repealed as it
is ill conceived, unfair and possibly illegal. Taxpayers in
one area of RDCO should not be required to subsidize another
area re solid waste management. Living at the farthest end
of RDCO we are subjected to increased costs that areas
closer to Kelowna are not ie., septage removal.
We accept this as we enjoy our rural surroundings. The
cost of our water is also likely to rise when water metres
are installed. We just want to point out there are
differences in the services of particular areas and do not
feel that RDCO should be “blending” rates without
considering all the implications. This is not a
Municipality, it is a very rural area and we wish to keep it
that way.
Diane Baldwin, President
Allastair Fergusson, Director |
Regional District of Central Okanagan Agenda December 14, 2009
Item 6.15 North Westside and Traders Cove Transfer Stations.pdf
Sugar Loaf users will be subsidizing $48 of Traders Cove curbside
pickup 2. Electoral area residents will
pay the same user fee and parcel tax for basic
waste management related services whether they are on
curbside collection or transfer station service.
3. Due to the
$48 difference in projected user fees between
transfer stations, fees were going to have to be blended to prevent
residents from the Traders Cove transfer station (more expensive)
changing to the NOWESI Transfer Station (less expensive), which
would have further increased the difference in cost.
March 11, 2010 Regional Board Agenda
Item 3.1 Solid Waste Management Regulation Amendment Bylaw.pdf |

Like mushrooms, we are kept in the dark and fed poop!

Never doubt the ability of a small group of concerned
citizens to change the world. In fact, it is the only thing that ever has.


To be updated by email on the latest news regarding
the North Westside Ratepayers Association, please send your email address to
President Diane Baldwin
or Vice President Allastair Fergusson.
They will let you know when there are updates, so stay
informed!

SOLUTIONS CONCERNS COMPLAINTS ??
If you have questions, comments, solutions, concerns or complaints
regarding the NORTH WESTSIDE RATEPAYERS ASSOCIATION AND/OR TAXES, please fill out the form
below and your comments will be posted to this website
here.
If you have a comment, you can also email it to
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