Here we go again. Water rates could be going up 20 per cent — outrageous and ridiculous. Do they think we have a money tree in the back yard. If we did, we would not be able to afford it at this rate, it would die from lack of water as we could not afford it. The average family cannot afford anymore hikes in water-power-telephone and groceries as well as gas, etc. The seniors even less as they are on fixed income and barely meet their expenses as it is and they do not even get any raises.
This will only make people cut back on the usage of water and then what — another hike in cost to cover the shortfall. I think they put the horse before the cart. Money should be put aside for future expenses that are necessary such as our water and not wasted on frivolous items such as roundabouts, etc. The essentials for living should come first. Another thing, there will be closures for small businesses, such as underground sprinkler operators and irrigation, as there will be no work for them. Is the North Okanagan Regional District going to give them jobs to compensate their loss.? I think I can remember when the water meters were put in that we were told that our water bills would be less — what a laugh. All they do is go up and now this. I think many home owners and businesses will agree with this.
I. Walker
giving community
The realtors of the North Okanagan would like to thank the residents of Vernon, Coldstream and area for their tremendous generosity and support of our 33rd annual Salvation Army food drive Dec. 1.
Thank you also to the many volunteers and participants who helped make the food drive such a success.
Special thanks to Betty Gallant and her teams from the Royal Bank, Scotia Bank, Valley First Credit Union, Prospera Credit Union and Interior Savings Credit Union.
The teams of volunteers from the North Okanagan Early Childhood Educators also deserve special mention. Thank you also to the groups of students for all of their hard work unloading groceries at the food bank on the night.
Many thanks to the individuals who offered help in their neighbourhoods, ranging from Lavington to Parker Cove on the Westside, and those gated communities which co-ordinate the grocery collection themselves.
For their continuing support, a big thank you to the Best Western Vernon Lodge Hotel, the ladies auxiliary at ANAF #5, Canada Safeway-Vernon Square and Save-On Foods. Many thanks to the local media, including The Morning Star, Kiss FM and Sun FM for all the fantastic publicity.
Lastly, but certainly not least, we would like to thank the realtors of the North Okanagan and their families and friends, plus the many volunteers at the Salvation Army for making this 33rd annual food drive such a success.
Thanks too goes out to everyone who helped the realtors food drives in Enderby, Armstrong and Lumby reach or exceed their goals as well.
Rob Shaw
Food Drive Co-ordinator
