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Vernon MLA disappointed by arena ‘hiccup’, says minister is on it personally

VERNON - Vernon’s MLA isn’t happy about ongoing delays surrounding a referendum for a new ice sheet.  The provincial government rejected, for a second time, a referendum proposal from the City of Vernon and the North Okanagan Regional District, putting the initiative even further behind schedule. Vernon-Monashee MLA Eric Foster says he’s ‘disappointed with how...

Performance audit looks at City of Vernon purchasing practices

VERNON - B.C.’s auditor general has pulled back a curtain on the City of Vernon’s purchasing activities. Acting auditor Arn van Iersel took a look at the city’s purchasing practices over a two-year audit period, from 2010 to 2012, and released the findings this week in a report. The performance audit reviewed whether the city...

HELSTON: Improving Stickle Road needs to be a two-way street

Anyone who’s waited five minutes to make a risky, left-hand break for it off Stickle Road onto Highway 97 towards Vernon knows something needs to change before someone gets killed. Agreeing there’s a problem is the easy part. Finding a solution is where the road rage sets in. Right now, we’ve got the Ministry of...

New Vernon mayor and council sworn into office

VERNON - Vernon’s new council members officially took their seats for the next four years Monday evening. Mayor Akbal Mund, incumbents Bob Spiers, Juliette Cunningham, Catherine Lord, and Brian Quiring, along with new councillors Scott Anderson and Dalvir Nahal were sworn into office by Justice Mayland McKimm to a packed room at City Hall. “Collectively,...

City questions regional district over unpaid fire bill

VERNON - There’s some financial confusion between local governments about an unpaid firefighting bill. The City of Vernon invoiced the Regional District of North Okanagan for $78,777 in relation to fire protection services at a devastating landfill fire in August 2013. “The bills are still not paid,” Vernon mayor Rob Sawatzky says. “I’m a bit...

ELECTION 2014 FORUMS: Time to quiz your candidates

VERNON - Dates have been set for area voters to learn more about their municipal candidates. The Vernon Performing Arts Centre will host two forums, one for City of Vernon candidates and the other for District of Coldstream nominees. Both will provide an opportunity for candidates to state their platforms, and for the public to...

Given to run for council, not mayor

KELOWNA – First term councillor Gail Given, who has hinted in the past she was considering running for mayor next month, will instead seek to keep her seat on council. Given, who has lived in Kelowna more than 30 years, says with the majority of the councillors leaving she wanted to ensure there will be...

Westlake Road to open for Thanksgiving traffic

KELOWNA - It’s been under construction since April, but the Westlake Road will partially open in time for Thanksgiving traffic at 5:30 p.m. on Friday. The $5.1 million project still has a section between Caledonia Way and Rosewood Drive under construction. It will be open to motorists on Friday, with single-lane alternating traffic resuming on...

Friday is last day for nominations in civic election

KELOWNA - If you’re interested in running for Mayor, City council or school trustee in Kelowna – Oct. 10 is your last day to file the paperwork. The election will take place Nov. 15. Potential candidates are encouraged to call ahead in order to book an appointment to file before 4 p.m. Those interested in...

DeHart to seek second term on council

KELOWNA – Another councillor has announced she will be on the ballot again this November. Maxine DeHart is the third and most recent sitting councillor to declare her intentions to run as an incumbent in the municipal election next month. In a media release, DeHart says she will focus her campaign on continuing the work...

Vernon council candidate has a legacy to honour

VERNON - The latest person to announce her candidacy for a Vernon City Council seat says she has politics in her blood — after all, her grandfather was an Alderman for the city 50-plus years ago. Kari Gares was born in Vernon and has a degree from UBCO in history and psychology. She describes herself...

HELSTON: Local politics are not boring

I’d like you to list the names of your city councillors. Okay, just one councillor. The mayor? No? Then you’re just like I was before I got paid to know. I’ll be honest; I never used to take much interest in local politics. Like many, I considered it boring, small town, no consequence stuff. But...

There’s a passionate new face in the Vernon election race

VERNON - A passionate newcomer determined to put some personality in local politics has announced she’s running for a seat on Vernon city council. Dalvir Nahal, 38, is a first time councillor candidate. Born in India and raised in Vernon, she’s called the city home for the last 36 years. The energetic and candid breast...

Candidate pro-business, anti-Ajax

KAMLOOPS - A candidate for Kamloops city council says he can provide the fresh eyes needed to help promote innovative ideas for the city. Andrew Miller questions decisions made by the current council, from parking kiosks to the temporary tax office and the pay increase. “I believe it is the duty of each and every...