Coldstream residents can expect their tax bill to go up a couple more percentage points this year.
A two per cent tax hike is on the books for 2014, which works out to an extra $20/year for the average home (valued at $447,000).
The slight increase is needed to help cover operational costs and future parks capital works, but also allows the district to save some funds for the future.
The 2014 budget includes road maintenance for the year which was also recently awarded to Okanagan Aggregates.
The $926,024 price tag will cover work on Cypress Drive, Petworth Road, Husband Road, Springfield Road, Aberdeen Road, Creekside parking lot and surfacing of the Regional District of North Okanagan parking lot.
Greater Vernon Water will be contributing to Petworth and Springfield Roads and RDNO will be paying for works in their parking lot. These projects were included in Coldstream’s tender to benefit from the economies of scale.
Banner Support
Coldstream is waving the flag for two upcoming events.
The district is offering banner support, literally in the form of banners, to Unplug and PLaY week (April 26 to May 4) and the RBC Cup (May 10 to 18).
The North Okanagan Optimists Club is bringing back Unplug and PLaY week back following its introduction to the area last year.
“It’s purpose was to introduce children and their families to activities that do not require access to technology and encourage active participation in recreational pursuits,” said June Kerr, with the Optimists Club.
“There were over 90 local community activities, in excess of 4,000 participants including parents and it was deemed a resounding success on all fronts in exposing these young citizens to fun alternative activities.”
Coldstream is permitting the club to place a banner along the chainlink fence at Kalamalka Beach to help promote Unplug and PLaY week.
Coldstream also is getting behind the upcoming RBC Cup.
Banners are being raised along 32nd Street and 30th Avenue featuring the slogan “The Excitement Returns.”
Coldstream is sponsoring a banner.
“It’s not expensive,” said Mayor Jim Garlick of the banner sponsorship.
Building increases
Construction continues to climb in Coldstream.
Building starts remain on an upward trend, compared with the same numbers last year for January and February.
“The number of housing units in 2014 to date is five more than 2013,” said Bob Bibby, building official, in his report. “Total construction value to date exceeds the 2013 year-to-date total by more than $2 million.”
February alone saw 11 permits issued – three single family dwellings, four renovations, one accessory garage, one swimming pool and two demolitions, with a total construction value of $1.4 million. That compares to a construction value of $558,800 and eight permits in February 2013.
“They have increased considerably,” said Mayor Jim Garlick.
