Coldstream is dousing the idea of allowing artists to sell their wares at Kal Beach.
Greater Vernon Parks recently approved an Artisan Vendor pilot program at Polson Park and Kin Beach, but it won’t be making its way onto the sands of Kal Beach.
With the exception of Councillors Maria Besso and Pat Cochrane, Coldstream is against the program at Kal.
“What’s being proposed here is not wholesale Mexico,” said Besso, urging her colleagues to reconsider.
Emergency prompts protocol review
Sunday’s cliff jumping incident has spurred concern over access for emergency response crews.
Search and Rescue crews launched a boat at the Kalavista boat launch Sunday to assist an injured cliff jumper.
But being one of the busiest launches in the area, congestion quickly increased at the launch and adjacent Kalavista Road.
“It seems emergency services chose the wrong boat launch to use – the busiest boat launch on one of the busiest weekends,” said Coun. Richard Enns.
Mayor Jim Garlick suggests emergency services perform a practice (such as those which take place in Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park) and determine the best location to launch at.
Coun. Maria Besso suggests Coldstream help the various emergency response groups examine their protocol.
But Coun. Gyula Kiss notes: “This type of thing doesn’t happen very often – maybe once a year.”
Mechanic shop complete
Coldstream managed to hammer out its newest project on time and under budget.
Construction is complete and the district’s new mechanic shop is now in operation.
The shop was budgeted at $1.4 million but the actual cost came to just over $1.2 million.
“I’m happy that we came in under budget,” said Coun. Maria Besso. “But I’m a little disturbed.”
Along with architectural costs, Besso questions why a bioswale was not constructed to mitigate the impact of storm water on the creek.
But additional drainage works were completed to reduce the need for a bioswale.
“All the storm water goes through this storm sector which filters out the oil, grease and debris,” said Michael Baker, director of engineering, adding that biodegradable detergents will also be used in the outside car bay.
Some of the remaining funds from the project will be used to cover last-minute costs as well as installing a perimeter fence around the public works yard.
