I am encouraged by the comments of Director Michael Brydon (RDOS) in the Western Feb 1 (Penticton on the hook for 911 funding changes).
Penticton as well as Summerland is responsible for upgrades to the 911 system, 38 and five per cent respectively, of $1.6 million, even though neither need upgrades.
Based on a usage model for fire only, the West Bench figuring into the Penticton stats, 70 per cent of the calls are generated in Penticton. This would not quite double Penticton costs on a usage basis.
Smaller communities such as Penticton only thrive when the community model is a two-way street. Unless and until the directors surrounding Penticton understand and remedy the unfairness, Penticton taxpayers will continue to carry the unfair burden of supplying services and infrastructure for those that insist on riding free.
Brydon is undoubtedly looking after his constituents and doesn’t want the 911 infrastructure upgrade costs carried only by the outlying districts. Brydon’s comment, “Let’s not get too scientific with something when it benefits us all,” is self-serving.
Nevertheless, it opens a door of opportunity of what Pentictonites should hope would be more understanding that our small tax base cannot indefinitely support the free-riders from the outlying communities. Kaleden, Naramata, West Bench, Heritage Hills and West Bench rely on us for services. They remind me of the people that go to a restaurant for dinner with you then excuse themselves to go to the bathroom when it comes time to pay the bill.
I would congratulate the RDOS for its intention to attain one-can garbage limits. Penticton had the opportunity to meet this standard during the last contract. Dirty diapers were recently named as the cause for sticking to two can limits by Coun. Garry Litke.
Dirty diapers don’t belong in the landfill where they take somewhere around 50 years to break down. Someone needs to start a diaper service in Penticton. How about some of the environmentalists in this area getting together and doing something about this?
Elvena Slump
Penticton
