Greater Vernon’s jurisdictions have inked another deal.
Coldstream, Vernon and the two electoral areas have officially signed a five-year agreement that deals with local recreational facilities.
“It’s a really big deal,” said Bob Fleming, BX-Swan Lake director.
“It provides the jurisdictions with certainty.”
Under the agreement, all recreational facilities, such as the recreation complex and Kal Tire Place, are transferred to the ownership of the City of Vernon. Coldstream and the electoral areas will continue to pay annual funds towards operations for access.
“We will have more meaningful say,” said Jim Garlick, Coldstream mayor.
“Every five years, we can say, ‘Will we continue with the deal and our we satisfied?’”
Fleming expects the agreement will provide a level of cost control for all taxpayers.
“We (Coldstream and the electoral areas) will pay a specific amount with a cost of living increase and the city must live within its budget,” he said.
Previously, both the Regional District of North Okanagan and the City of Vernon were involved in making decisions. Now, just the city is involved.
“The agreement streamlines administration and it’s more cost-effective,” said Rob Sawatzky, Vernon mayor.
“We can be more responsive to both the public and elected officials.”
The facilities agreement comes after all of the jurisdictions worked out a process for administration of Greater Vernon parks.
