Improved air quality is attracting some regional interest, but not everyone has confidence in the system.
Coldstream has indicated it is interested in joining the Regional District of North Okanagan’s air quality service. Armstrong, on the other hand, is not interested in joining.
“They’re just revisiting and finding the same results and not doing anything about it, it’s a waste of time in my opinion,” said Armstrong Mayor Chris Pieper. “Everyone wants good air quality.”
Meanwhile Coldstream Coun. Doug Dirk sees the service as necessary for all to be a part of.
“If there’s anything to be achieve in air quality it’s going to be achieved as a whole, not by individual jurisdictions because we share the airshed.”
Let the Games begin
Greater Vernon is getting pumped for the 55+ BC Games.
The 2017 Games get underway Sept. 12 to 16 and a board of directors has been established. But there are a couple of vacancies needing to be filled.
Both a communications and a promotions director are needed.
Vernon hosted the first ever B.C. Seniors Games (now called the 55+ BC Games) in 1988. An estimated 3,500 to 4,000 athletes will take part in the Games.
Rain ready
Some attempts are being made to curb flooding in Coldstream.
A culvert on Aberdeen Road (the property at the corner of Kal Road) will be removed and reinstated to an open ditch.
After checking out the rainfall situation over the long weekend Mayor Jim Garlick was convinced the work is necessary.
But some neighbours have suggested that additional work is still needed to prevent localized flooding in the area.
Noisy neighbours
The balance between residents and farming is getting some assistance in Coldstream.
Noise concerns have been raised by residents in Coldstream over some agricultural practices, which has left the district reviewing its noise bylaws.
A Ministry of Agriculture representative will be coming to council in July to give an overview on best practices.
Coldstream staff has also been asked to review noise bylaws from other communities and any best practices with respect to creating and enforcing noise bylaws.
“Our noise bylaw is not that effective,” said Coun. Doug Dirk.
