Coldstream is making a neighbourly gesture to help Vernon with some costs associated with the new Okanagan Regional Library.
The district was asked to pitch in $86,044 to help the city pay for the new library furnishings.
Coldstream has agreed to pitch in $48,987 – the amount it currently has saved in its library operating reserve.
While it is not the amount asked for, several Coldstream politicians suggest Area B and C should contribute funds to assist with the costs.
“It was always expected that Vernon, Coldstream and Areas B and C would contribute equally based on their population,” said Coun. Pat Cochrane. “It’s our library as well.”
Mayor Jim Garlick points out that there is no requirement for any jurisdiction other than Vernon to contribute, even though each of the area residents use and have access to the library.
“The City of Vernon asked for more but they never included the electoral areas in their calculation,” said Garlick.
Vernon has since put in a request for Areas B and C to contribute.
Open house fails to attract crowd
Despite a record number of attendees, Coldstream’s budget drew minimal community interest.
An open house last week outlining the 2013 budget, which includes a 4.12 per cent tax increase, only had eight people show up.
“It was a record number,” notes Mayor Jim Garlick.
Public comments on the budget can still be emailed to treasurer@district.coldstream.bc.ca. There is also a comment form at www.districtofcoldstream.ca.
Public comments will be considered for the March 11 council meeting (in Lavington), as the district prepares to adopt its financial plan before May 15.
Log house upgrades investigated
There could be some improvements in store for a Coldstream park facility.
The district is looking into the costs of modifying the existing laundry room in the Kalavista Road log house into a handicap-accessible washroom.
Cost factors will also be determined for constructing a ramp or lift into the kitchen.
A local resident has suggested Coldstream also look into other enhancements to the park-like area.
“A cheap solution to improve pedestrian safety is to build a gravel pathway between the fence and willow trees,” said Craig Broderick, Coldstream’s former planner.
