Final details are being hammered out on Greater Vernon’s new parks structure.
Representatives from Coldstream, Vernon and the electoral areas have general consensus on operating sub-regional parks, or those which have broad use and all jurisdictions contribute towards.
“The partners are trying to make the process work from a financial standpoint,” said Richard Enns, a Coldstream councillor.
“People want to see a continued level of service.”
Under the draft agreement, the City of Vernon will maintain the sub-regional parks in Vernon and Coldstream.
“There would be a contract with Vernon that provides stability of costing and they have the (labour/equipment) resources,” said Enns.
Areas B and C would determine how their sub-regional parks are maintained.
“This allows us to go to the open market or to tap into volunteers,” said Mike Macnabb, BX-Silver Star director.
“We will save $300,000 a year for our residents in Areas B and C.”
All jurisdictions will be responsible for maintenance of what are classified as local parks.
The number of sub-regional assets has grown with the inclusion of Creekside Park in Coldstream and the swimming pools at Lakeview and Lavington parks.
Rob Sawatzky, Vernon mayor, says the city is looking forward to continuing with maintenance of sub-regional parks in the city and Coldstream.
“We will deliver the service at the 2013 cost with a cost of living change,” he said, adding that the operations agreement benefits all jurisdictions.
“There is more control of parks, a certainty that there will be no increase in costs and it (maintenance) will be more responsive.”
