There is growing support to honour a North Okanagan photographer.
The Regional District of North Okanagan board will write the provincial Geographical Names Office and ask that a lake in Monashee Provincial Park be named after Doug Kermode.
In 1946, Kermode, who died in 2001, visited the Peters Lake area of the Monashee Mountains. After that, he lobbied to have the area declared a provincial park, which officially occurred in 1962.
The Vernon-born Kermode also captured the history of the North Okanagan through 1,500 photographs and he was involved in activities like Vernon Winter Carnival.
“He was quite an exceptional person,” said Patrick Nicol, RDNO chairperson.
Also wanting a lake named for Kermode are the Cherryville Historical Society and RDNO’s Electoral Area Advisory Committee.
Politicians want a role
Elected officials are demanding more of a role in the development of Greater Vernon’s sports facility.
While administration had suggested that staff, consultants and user groups play a role in the facility design and going to tender, Regional District of North Okanagan board members want a seat at the table.
“The people who are going to wear it, the politicians, should have direct input,” said director Bob Fleming.
A recent referendum allows RDNO to borrow $7.5 million for the facility at Okanagan College.
Cherryville forest supported
There is regional support for economic development in Cherryville.
The Regional District of North Okanagan is backing the Cherry Ridge Management Committee’s bid to have its allowable annual cut expanded to 7,500 cubic metres in the Cherryville community forest.
“They will only remove the wood that is dying or dead and keep the area natural,” said Eugene Foisy, RDNO director, adding that the forest helps create jobs.
The increase in the allowable annual cut must be approved by the provincial government.
