Coldstream taxes are climbing 3.5 per cent.
Additionally, council approved a decrease in the tax multiplier for class 9 – farm.
“Together, the average residential home assessed at approximately $491,473, (4.4 per cent increase over 2015) it is estimated that the average property will pay an additional $62 (or $1.19 per week),” said Pat Higgins, director of financial administration, in her report.
Raising the Roof
The Lavington Community Association is looking to raise a roof over Jeffers Park.
But it will be costly, therefore grants are being sought to help with the expense.
“We were advised that a flat roof spanning 55’ x 115’ would run in the vicinity of $200,000,” said Lyn McPherson with the LCA.
The roof would be constructed over the multi-use pad at the park.
Coldstream is providing a letter of support to help the LCA if needed to obtain grants.
Park problems
Coldstream has some concerns with the fact that Vernon is in charge of event bookings in the district.
The issue arose following a recent event where horses were brought into a Lavington park, which is a violation of Coldstream’s bylaws.
“If Vernon is booking the parks for us then who is overseeing what happens?” questioned Coun. Doug Dirk. “Does anybody on our staff know exactly what’s happening?”
Coldstream staff is sent a listing each week of bookings and if there is a request for something out-of-the-ordinary the chief administrative officer is notified.
The difficulty comes when someone books an event and says one thing is happening when in fact plans change.
“I’ll have to follow up with the city to see if there was any negligence on their part,” said Trevor Seibel, CAO, in terms of the horse incident.
