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Body identified as Summerland man

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Penticton Vees look for bounce back win in first meeting with Wenatchee

PAY PARKING COMING Mark Brett

Kathy MIchaels

Western News Staff

Black Press

Adding pay parking all along Lakeshore Drive and nearby parking lots won’t have any effect on Penticton tourism, according to Mayor Andrew Jakubeit. “Anytime I have looked at going somewhere, the price of parking has never been a factor,” said Jakubeit, who noted both Kelowna and Osoyoos have pay parking along their beaches. “I think we have a lot of amenities and offerings. Some of our tourists, perhaps they will leave their car at the hotel … it’s a beautiful walkway along lakeshore, perhaps they will walk through downtown, so that might mitigate the tourist backlash,” said Jakubeit. According to a new parking strategy introduced at council’s Jan. 11 regular meeting, over the next two years, pay parking will be implemented along the commercial section of Lakeshore Drive, and off-beach parking lots at Lakawanna Park, the SS Sicamous and the youth park on Riverside Drive. Parking lots at Skaha Lake Park will see pay parking introduced in 2017, along with on-street metered parking on select streets around the park. Planning manager Blake Laven said the rationale for the new strategy is to gain parking revenue for heavily used parking areas, which will help pay for park and waterfront revitalization, and to better utilize an important city asset to its fullest

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The young Summerland man whose body was found in a car on a remote West Kelowna road is being remembered by friends for his sense of humour and big heart. “I never met anyone who made me laugh as much as you did,” said one entry on the 200- Summerland man Tula plus member Face- Stephen mcCarty was book group, In Lov- found dead in a vehicle in West Kelowna on Jan. ing Memory of Tura 6. McCarty that was Submitted photo opened Jan. 8. Another woman wrote that she would miss, among other things, the 22-year-old’s enormous smile, lessons on “cool lingo,” and his fascinating knowledge of all movie trivia. McCarty’s body was found on Bear Creek Road, approximately two kilometres past Parkinson Road, at 11:23 a.m. Jan. 6. The discovery was initially deemed suspicious, but upgraded to a homicide Monday. While friends and family seek solace, police are offering the community reassurances that it is still safe. “The RCMP strongly believes that this was not a random attack, and recognizes how crimes of this nature are disturbing to the members of the community,” said Supt. Nick Romanchuk. They’re also looking for any and all information that could lead to an arrest. Anyone with information regarding this incident or who had been in contact with Tura Stephen McCarty during the evening of January 5, 2016 and early morning hours of January 6, 2016 is asked to call Cpl. Clayton Wiebe, of the West Kelowna RCMP at 250-768-2880.

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ParKing meTerS (like those in the 100-block of main Street) or kiosks may be implemented along lakeshore drive and Skaha lake, according to the new parking strategy introduced at the city council meeting on Jan. 11.

mark Brett/Wester news

potential. The city already earns about $430,000 per year from parking revenue. According to Laven’s report, expanding the pay parking will generate an additional $165,000 per year, plus ticket revenue. “Some of this is guessing,” said Laven, explaining the projections are based partly on the usage of areas of Lakeshore Drive that already have meters and usage rates in other parts of the city. “We have been monitoring, over the past year, the parking lots around the SS Sicamous and Lakawanna, how full they are. A lot of this is just looking at it and trying to make the best guesstimate of where we are at.” Coun. Judy Sentes said she was aware of the city’s need to generate more revenue, but was

concerned that only a portion of the projected parking revenue would be generated during the tourist season. She feared local users would end up being the main contributors, but said the arguments were convincing her. “I am sensitive to the fact that we do need revenue generation,” said Sentes. “You are kind of dragging me along, kicking and screaming here, because it is part of the package.” Possibilities include shutting the machines down in the winter season, but Tina Seibert, bylaw services supervisor, said that might be onerous, depending on the number of machines. There are ongoing costs associated with the parking meters, she explained. “We need to charge enough to pay the operational costs of that technology and still make a bit of profit,” said Laven.

“Whether they are being used or not, you have to pay an operating cost. We have to make sure we are generating revenue.” Coun. André Martin downplayed the impact on tourism, suggesting that paying $5-$6 to park for the whole day down on the beach wouldn’t inhibit people from coming to Penticton. His position was echoed by Coun. Max Picton, who suggested that many of the people traveling here are coming from larger metropolitan areas, where they are used to pay parking. “They probably pay a hell of a lot more than what we are asking them to pay, and the scenery is probably not as nice as well. I don’t think most of our tourists are going to have a problem. I think we will see more of a backlash from our locals, said Picton. Council voted unanimously.

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Stabbing ruled not self-defence

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An Osoyoos teen accused of stabbing a 33-year-old man outside of a house party was found guilty of aggravated assault last week in Penticton court. The teen, whose identity is protected by the Youth Criminal Justice Act, was 16 at the time. On Oct. 15, 2014 the teen was at a house party where attendees were between 15 and 19 years old. The stabbing victim, Phillip Webber, was intoxicated when he met the teen and his friends for the first time at the liquor store and decided to join the party. Webber was described as “very drunk” by multiple witnesses during the trial in September, and was antagonizing those at the party. After a minor altercation, Webber and another guest at the party left to get cigarettes. After some time had passed, the teen in question, who was also intoxicated at the time, left to search for his friend. The teen ran into Webber a short distance from the residence where a fight took place, ending with the stabbing of Webber. Defence counsel James Pennington argued for self-defence during the trial. “Calm and detached reflection

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A break-in at the Pentagon Boardshop capped off a week of property crimes in the area. RCMP say break-ins and truck thefts in the South Okanagan have risen since the start of the new year. A total of eight break and enters were reported to police from Jan. 5 to Jan. 12.

A news release from the RCMP says that Ford F250 and F350 pick-up trucks appear to be targets, the crimes occur in the early morning hours between 2 and 6 a.m. while some residential break-ins have been occurring during the day. A break-in at Pentagon was reported Tuesday Morning and police said multiple Nixon brand watches were stolen.

On Jan. 5 a break-in occurred at a residence on Apex Mountain Road. Suspects caused damage to the front door. Video surveillance showed three individuals in a truck, one male tried to pry open front door with a crowbar. The residence next door was entered through an open window. It is unclear what was taken at this point and an investigation is ongoing.

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that given Mr. Webber’s highly intoxicated state, he could have easily done so,” Koturbash said. The teen said at trial that due to his intoxicated state he didn’t consider it as an option. “The option of retreating for (the teen) was enhanced by the presence of (the teen’s) friends and Mr. Webber’s high degree of intoxication,” Koturbash said. “There was nothing in the way of (the teen) simply running.” Koturbash noted the residence where the party was being held, a safe refuge, was nearby as well. Koturbash said the teen was given a knife by a friend at the party prior to leaving and did not refuse it or say that he didn’t need it. A pre-sentence report was ordered, as well as psychological and psychiatric assessments, which take approximately eight weeks.

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is not required when a person is under attack,” said Judge Greg Koturbash during the reading of his decision in Penticton Provincial Court on Jan. 8. “Although there is no general duty at law to retreat from an unprovoked assault, there is no explicit retreat rule in Canada, like those that exist in Florida or other states.” “In Canada, the availability to retreat remains a factor that can be considered in assessing the reasonableness in the accused’s actions.” The teen testified that Webber was eight to 10 feet away with both his hands at his sides prior to the stabbing. However, Webber was approaching and telling the teen to stab him according to testimony at trial. “When (the teen) was asked why he never ran, he said that he did not know why. He testified

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Several residences in Penticton and Okanagan Falls were broken into from Jan. 6 to 10 with thieves making off with mountain bikes, jewelry, trucks, a rifle and other items. RCMP say the recent rash of thefts and break-ins are believed to be connected. Police are looking for anyone that may have witnessed any suspicious activities that may lead to the arrest of the perpetrators. Areas of interest are Princeton, Oliver, Osoyoos, Keremeos and Okanagan Falls. The RCMP is reminding owners of Ford F-Series pick-up trucks to take precautions to ensure your vehicles are secure, making it more difficult for them to be stolen. RCMP recommend an engine immobilizer as one of many ways to deter a theft. “If you notice someone or a vehicle that looks out of place take note of descriptions and record license plate numbers and contact your local RCMP or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477 with any information regarding these crimes or any other crimes,” said Cpl. Dan Moskaluk.

Penticton Western News Wednesday, January 13, 2016

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Council gets update on aging facilities Steve Kidd Western News Staff

Penticton is a long way from replacing Memorial Arena or getting out of the convention business, according to the city’s mayor. A report on the city’s inventory of facilities, according to Mayor Andrew Jakubeit, was more about raising questions than providing a firm plan for the future of aging facilities in the city. Replacing Memorial Arena and consolidating other city buildings is being considered, but Jakubeit said the possibility is just a remote idea at the moment. “We are looking at 25 standalone facilities throughout the community, the average age is about 40 years old. Over the next 10 years, we have projected about $31 million dollars in upgrades,” said Jakubeit. “We need to start making some decisions on whether we repair or replace those facilities and does it make sense to consolidate some of the buildings and services under one roof to gain some efficiencies.” As a first step, council has asked city staff to prepare a more detailed

Replacing aging facilities such as Memorial arena is being considered, but the mayor said it is just a “remote idea” at the moment.

Mark Brett/Western news

report over the next three months. “No decisions have been made. This is just the start, I would argue, of a long process, and as we get a bit more information, the next step would be going out to the community and saying ‘here are some monumental changes to our facilities, what are your thoughts?’” said Jakubeit. “I would think 2016 will be a year of getting that information and going out to the community and 2017 onwards is where we

would start to budget for it.” Of that $31 million, one of the biggest costs is Memorial Arena, which is expected to need about $6 million in repairs and retrofits, but a new rink could be built to replace it for $812 million. “Do you bite the bullet and replace it with a new structure? That’s obviously very sensitive and controversial, because of the storied history and memories of Memorial Arena,” said Jakubeit, adding that

the public might decide preserving the iconic building and extending its life another 10 or 20 years was the way to go. Another suggestion was to re-purpose the Trade and Convention Centre, which needs about $4 million in repairs, and consolidate the Penticton Library, museum, art gallery and even City Hall within its walls, eliminating annual subsidy of about $200,000, and avoid problems of declining convention business and increased competi-

tion in the form of an expansion to the private convention facilities at Lakeside Resort. Jakubeit said that is an option council will consider, but pointed out there is more involved than looking at the facilities efficiencies contained in the report from operations director Mitch Moroziuk. Nor, he said, is council ready to make a decision about getting out of the convention business. “The convention centre model is changing slightly, what is go-

Wine in grocery store before end of 2016 Steve Kidd Western News Staff

Penticton shoppers may be able to purchase wine in a local grocery store before the year is out. Steve Moriarty, a director with the Overwaitea Food Group, told council Monday that the company has marked the Penticton Save-On Foods outlet for a wine aisle that may feature about 900 B.C. Wines. Moriarty said they already have wine aisles operating in four of their stores: two in Surrey, one in South Delta and an-

other in Langley. The wine aisle, he explained, will take up about 1,200 square feet in the store, with the capability to feature up to 1,400 different wines at the height of the season. The reaction to the selection in others stores, Moriarty said, is usually “wow, I never knew this many wines existed.” Moriarty also assured council that Save-On Foods was dedicated to introducing wines “safely, morally and ethically.” They have no intention, he said, in catering to high-risk customers looking

for alcohol as a replacement for food. Liquor sales will be limited to 100 per cent B.C. produced VQA wines. Save-On Foods, according to Moriarty, has no intention to sell vodka along with flats of beer or to morph into a liquor store. There would be premium wine selections or unique winery offerings, but no “cheaply-priced intoxicants.” We want to sell wine as a component of a meal, said Moriarty. Moriarty also downplayed the effect on existing private

liquor stores. Each of the stores where the Overwaitea Food Group has developed a wine aisle, he said, has a nearby private liquor store, at least within half a kilometre. In at least one case, he said, the private store has experienced significant growth. “The products we sell are not what they sell in private liquor stores,” said Moriarty. VQA wine sales, he continued, account for less than four per cent of sales in private stores, seven per cent in government stores, but will be 100 per cent of their liquor sales.

ing to be the greatest utilization, or how else can we make the facility more multipurpose?” said Jakubeit. “If consolidating the convention centre is good structure wise, is it good from an economic impact? It is an economic driver, we need to look at it from that lens, not just facilities.” Jakubeit suggested another option could be moving the library into the city hall building, and build a new civic tower in the lot behind it, with room for not only city hall, but the museum and art gallery on the lower floors, with residential condos above. “To me, if you are going to combine facilities,

it should be downtown,” said Jakubeit, adding that it would help with the ongoing downtown revitalization. The report, which was delivered at a committee of the whole meeting Monday, was intended to give council an update on the aging facilities and the need to start addressing them, according to Jakubeit. “We typically spend $1 million a year on facilities, when we should be spending over $3 million,” said Jakubeit. “We don’t have to make a decision today, but come tomorrow, there are some realities we have to deal with and we need to start planning how we are going to deal with them.”

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Please be advised that the 2016 Regular Meetings of Council held in Council Chambers, City Hall at 6:00 p.m. will be as follows: January 11 & 18, February 1 & 15, March 7 & 21, April 4 & 18, May 2 & 16, June 6 & 20, July 4 & 18, August 2 & 15, September 6 & 19, October 3 & 17, November 7 & 21 and December 5 & 19. To view agendas for upcoming meetings or minutes from previous meetings please visit www. penticton.ca/council. Taking action to attract and retain skilled labour for the South Okanagan On behalf of the City of Penticton, please join us to set the action plan for finding and keeping the skilled labour needed to ensure business prosperity and growth. Have your say on what we should be doing first. Our consultant will present a proposed action plan to tackle the challenges and priorities identified by our employers and local stakeholders this past fall. At the meeting, we will prioritize our next steps. To help us make something happen quickly, we will identify who needs to be involved, what

Steve Kidd Western News Staff

Taxpayers in Penticton are going to have to wait a while longer to find out how big the property tax increase is going to be this year. At their Jan. 11 regular meeting, council considered a number of fee increases brought forward by staff to generate additional revenue for the city. In total, the fee changes would have reduced the city’s deficit by about $235,000 and, in turn, reduce the projected tax increase from 6.36 per cent to 5.4 per cent. Council felt they didn’t have enough information to approve some increases, and balked at some of the increases, which fell into four broad categories: admission and booking fees at recreation facilities, building fees and fines, increases in the bylaw services and business licenses. Coun. Helena Konanz objected strenuously to increasing admis-

Woman killed in Highway 97 accident identified

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2016 Regular Council meeting schedule

Revenue ideas delay budget

success will look like, and how we measure that success to know we are making progress. This project is nearing completion – and that means we move away from planning and get down to taking action – your input is essential to determining these future actions! Looking forward to moving from data collection and analysis to planning and implementation! Date: January 14, 2016 from 5:30 – 7 pm Location: Convention Centre 273 Power Street (Entrance 3, Meetings rooms 6-7) To RSVP please visit: http://taking-actionfor-south-okanaghan.eventbrite.ca Board of Variance now accepting applications The City of Penticton will be accepting applications for the Board of Variance. Individuals interested in serving in a voluntary capacity for the Board of Variance are invited to submit a “Council Advisory Committee/Board Application Form” which

sion fees for public swimming, which budget analyst Deb Clipperton said were already higher than any other community in the Okanagan. “We have to keep our kids active, we have to keep our people active in our community,” said Konanz. Council agreed not to increase the public swimming fees, projected to add $23,500 in revenue. The biggest stumbling block, however, was a schedule of increases to building fees and fines, projected as a $145,325 revenue increase. Coun. Campbell Watt wanted more information about the increases before voting, saying it was important not to stifle new investment in the community. “We are looking to develop, to densify. I don’t think it is prudent for us to be increasing the cost,” said Watt. “Right now, I think it is very important for us as a city to be open-armed.” After discussion, council decided the best way forward was to

send the schedule of fee increases to the city’s Development Services Committee for consideration. “That means our budget is finalized for potentially another month,” said Mayor Andrew Jakubeit. Council did approve several fee increases, which Clipperton reported reduced the projected tax increase to 6.05 per cent. Watt, echoing an earlier comment from Coun. Tarik Sayeed, suggested council should also take time to reconsider the $500,000 they approved as part of the capital budget for a colored LED light canopy over a short portion of Main Street. “I think we may have to reevaluate that,” said Watt. Clipperton pointed out that wouldn’t have any effect on the tax increase, since it was part of the capital budget, not the operating budget. The discussion of the light canopy and finalizing the budget is expected to occur at the first council meeting in February.

Western News Staff

The 42-year-old Summerland woman who was killed in an accident on Highway 97 has been identified as Elena Sagario Holly. Holly was driving southbound on Highway 97 on Jan. 4 near Sage Mesa Drive in a Honda CRV which went off the highway and into Okanagan Lake. Road conditions at the time were extremely icy.

can be found on the City of Penticton website at www.penticton.ca/committees or picked up at reception at City Hall, 171 Main Street. Please return completed applications on or before January 22, 2016. For further information or to view the Board of Variance Guide, visit www.penticton.ca/ committee or call Lorraine Williston at 4902473. Public Hearing Notice A Public Hearing will be held at 6:00 pm Monday, January 18, 2016 at Penticton City Hall, 171 Main Street, Penticton, BC to consider the following amendment to Zoning Bylaw 2011-23. Zoning Amendment Bylaw 2015-61 - 511 Forestbrook Drive Rezone Lot 2, DL 249, SDYD, Plan 3350, located at 511 Forestbrook Drive, from R2 (Small Lot Residential) to RM2 (Low Density Multiple Housing). The applicant is proposing to construct two duplexes with a secondary suite per principal unit (8 units total). Any person whose interest may be affected by the proposed amendment

may appear in person, by petition or by attorney. Delegations and submissions will be received no later than 9:30 am on Monday, January 18, 2016 to Attention: Corporate Officer, City of Penticton, 171 Main Street, Penticton, BC V2A 5A9; Email: publichearings@penticton.ca. No letter, report or representation from the public will be received by Council after the conclusion of the Public Hearing. Please note that all submissions are a matter of public record. Those persons with special hearing, language or access needs should contact City Hall at 250-490-2400 prior to the meeting. The above mentioned bylaw and supporting information will be available for public inspection up to and including Monday, January 18, 2016 at the following locations during hours of operation: Development Services and Corporate Administration (City Hall,171 Main St.), Penticton Public Library (785 Main Street) and the Penticton Community Centre (325 Power St.); or online at www.penticton.ca/publicnotice.

Penticton Western News Wednesday, January 13, 2016

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Recommendations for potential school closures will come to the Okanagan Similkameen School District this week. A special board of education meeting at 7 p.m. on Wednesday will be a review of the 2015 facilities plan, which was directed to be completed in the fall to update the 2010 facilities plan. At the meeting, staff will be providing recommendations for potential school closures. When asked, the school board declined to comment until after they had reviewed the recommendations at the meeting. Factors included in the recommendations will be the school Facility Condition Index ratings, enrolment projections, savings by closing a school and necessary cost to upgrade schools. The 2015 plan forecasts an enrolment decline for the next 10 years. An audit of each building in the school district shows that out of seven schools, five were given the rating of poor. It defines that rating as not meeting requirements, needing immediate attention required to buildings systems that are meeting the end of their life cycle and a high risk of failure of some systems. This includes Cawston Primary, Okanagan Falls Elementary, Oliver Elementary, Osoyoos Secondary and Tuc-El-Nuit in Oliver. The report states Okanagan Falls Elementary is approximately 50 years old and given the enrolment and the condition rating, government funding to improve the facility is “unlikely.” The report said the school generates a small community grant of $150,000 that would not continue if the school was closed and there is potential for existing students to transfer to Oliver or Kaleden/Penticton. The school district is currently in a structural deficit of $530,000 and the executive summary of the 2015 report said “if it does not take proactive steps to reduce operating expenses, it could have a structural deficit of $1.4 million by the 2017-2018 school year.” In the 2010 report it was recommended that Cawston Primary “close soon” and students be sent to Similkameen Elementary Secondary School, Similkameen Elementary Secondary convert to a kindergarten to Grade 12 school, Osoyoos Secondary close in a few years and send students to South Okanagan Secondary School, Okanagan Falls to close soon, and Oliver Elementary renovate. The plan suggested no changes to Osoyoos Elementary and Tuc-el-Nuit (but to re-evaluate in five years).

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The man facing charges for allegedly assaulting a senior in the parking lot of the Cherry Lane Shopping Centre prior to a standoff with police was sent for a psychiatric evaluation last week. Danny Douglas Ross, 31, is facing charges of assault, possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose and wilfully resisting or obstructing a police officer related to an incident on Jan. 3. RCMP reportedly received a 911 call from a witness who said Ross had punched a 78-yearold man in the back of

the head before separating a pair of scissors which he allegedly used to threaten people in the parking lot and police. Ross appeared in Penticton court via video from the Kamloops Regional Correctional Centre on Jan. 8. Crown counsel Vernon Frolick read from prior psychiatric assessments of Ross, noting that he has substance abuse issues. A 30-day psychiatric assessment at the Port Coquitlam Forensic hospital was ordered for Ross, who was lying down on the bench for much of the hearing and threatened “If I hurt anyone else it’s on your [expletive] heads.”

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Wednesday, January 13, 2016 Penticton Western News

Published by Black Press Ltd. on Wednesdays and Fridays in Penticton at: 2250 Camrose St., Penticton B.C. V2A 8R1 Phone: (250) 492-3636 • Fax: (250) 492-9843 • E-mail: editor@pentictonwesternnews.com

EDITORIAL

opinion

Keep everyone in the loop It’s become a go-to phrase for all levels of government — local, provincial and federal. When faced with fallout from an unpopular decision — or simply dissatisfaction with the way that a certain sequence of events shakes out — politicians and bureaucrats seem to all have the same default position: “In hindsight, we could have done a better job with communication.” The fact is, no matter how large or small the public-relations budget, a culture that keeps taxpayers in the loop on evolving decisions is something that comes from the top down. Suspicion of politicians and bureaucrats runs so rampant these days that it is far from wise policy for anyone in government to allow such a situation to continue — particularly when much criticism could be averted simply by taking a more inclusive approach. Naturally, in the process of governing or administrating, there is some information that is sensitive for reasons of confidentiality or legality, and which cannot be shared indiscriminately. The public, generally speaking, is not asking for this. Nor is the public asking for glossy brochures, dazzling photos or press releases giddy with spin. Straightforward summary of progress on issues would be good, however. As well, we would welcome a sense that those in office believe public consultation is about more than the legally required meetings. It may come as news to some, but we PENTICTON WESTERN don’t elect politicians or hire bureaucrats to act in a vacuum. It is called “public office” and “public service” for a reason.

NEWS

– Black Press

NEWS PENTICTON WESTERN

2250 Camrose Street, Penticton, B.C. V2A 8R1 Tel: (250) 492-3636 Fax: (250) 492-9843 Publisher: Shannon Simpson Editor: Kristi Patton Sales Manager: Larry Mercier Production Manager: Steve Stoochnoff

The Penticton Western News is a member in good standing of the Canadian Community Newspapers Association and the British Columbia & Yukon Community Newspapers Association. The Penticton Western News is a member of the British Columbia Press Council, a self-regulatory body governing the province’s newspaper industry. The council considers complaints from the public about the conduct of member newspapers. Directors oversee the mediation of complaints, with input from both the newspaper and the complaint holder. If talking with the editor or publisher does not resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment, you may contact the B.C. Press Council. Your written concern, with documentation, should be sent to B.C. Press Council, P.O. Box 1356, Ladysmith, B.C. V9G 1A9. For information, phone 888687-2213 or go to <www. bcpresscouncil.org>. This publication reserves the right to refuse any material — advertising or editorial — submitted for publication and maintains the sole right to exercise discretion in these matters. Submissions by columnists and guest writers do not necessarily reflect the opinion of this newspaper. All material contained herein is copyright.

Avatar sequel bombs in Walbran Avatar, the futurefantasy blockbuster that beat Titanic as all-time Hollywood box office champ, has finally been unseated by the latest Star Wars space opera. I watched Avatar on TV over the holidays for the first time since its 2009 release, and was able to see past the bombastic special effects to examine it for what it is, an anti-capitalist propaganda film. Psychopathic military commander teams with evil mining executive to blast and slaughter their way to a chunk of rare mineral, ridiculously named “unobtainium.” Giant tree, home of highly evolved Na’vi people and their delicate jungle ecosystem, is toppled for sadistic fun and profit, before nature’s collective strikes back. Canadian director James Cameron helped the global anti-development network use the movie in its celebrity attack on the Alberta oil industry. Now the story line is being employed

again in B.C., in an effort to revive the 1990s “war in the woods” that led to the creation of Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park on Vancouver Island. Protest tactics are being reﬁned. Targeting just outside the boundary of the vast park established 20 years ago, giant trees are named and an Avatar-style narrative of unbridled greed is spoon fed to urban media. There’s a “Tolkien Giant” now, although I’m reliably informed it is not one of those trees that gets up and walks around in the Lord of the Rings movies. This tree is also protected from logging, as are most of the poster trees used for propaganda and fundraising. The network uses multiple front groups. Vancouver-based Wilderness Committee stages urban protests and issues news releases, while Ecojustice lawyers ﬁght forest company injunctions against direct

Tom Fletcher

BC Views

actions that disrupt legal logging. An employee of the B.C. branch plant of Sierra Club lurks, apparently coordinating media and protesters. A 1990s remnant called Friends of Carmanah-Walbran issued a statement Nov. 9 announcing “autonomous action” by three protesters to disrupt logging. Not their guys, you understand, just masked individuals willing to lock themselves to equipment or wander into a roadbuilding blast zone, forcing work to stop for safety reasons. These are among the actions that forced the logging company to go to court for an injunc-

tion. Cast in the role of evil corporation is TealJones Group, a B.C. forest company trying to operate in what is now the most environmentally restricted forest in the world. It keeps about 2,000 people employed in logging and its sawmills in Surrey, where investments have been made to handle secondgrowth coastal timber as well as what little oldgrowth they are allowed to harvest. Protesters have dubbed their latest target, the tiny 3.2-hectare cutblock 4424, “Black Diamond Grove” for media and fundraising purposes. Teal-Jones forester Chris Harvey provided me some information to counter protester claims. Block 4424 isn’t being logged, although it was permitted last fall. Protesters are targeting other operations, none of which are in the contentious Walbran “bite” area next to the park. Teal-Jones has not

only received permits and worked with environmental organizations, its operations are independently certiﬁed by the Canadian Standards Association. A B.C. Supreme Court judge granted an extension of the injunction protecting TealJones’ operations on Jan. 4. The judge wasn’t swayed by protesters packing the Victoria courtroom, and upheld a 50-metre safety zone around working equipment in the Walbran Valley until the end of March. A Wilderness Committee spokesman with no evident forestry qualiﬁcations was appalled. He will no doubt continue to issue news releases and write his own version for left-wing fringe publications that seek to perpetuate an urban culture of revulsion for logging. Tom Fletcher is the legislature reporter and columnist for Black Press.

Penticton Western News Wednesday, January 13, 2016

www.pentictonwesternnews.com

letters

If casino doesn’t fit then quit consideration Once again, a previous mayor, Jake Kimberly has come up with a common sense approach to a situation. He was involved and instrumental regarding our water treatment in the Greyback plant, as well as the much needed South Okanagan Events Centre. His current concern, regarding the casino situation, is a logistical consideration to purchase the El Rancho motel for a proposed $7 million. This would be a smart fit as it is adjacent to the convention centre, and right across Westminster Avenue where a previous hotel was proposed, but could not happen because the land was dedicated for parkland in perpetuity. The El Rancho motel is a large land area in an ideal location relative to the convention and events centre. It would be large enough for a casino, as well as a hotel, and it is only one block from the beach. The casino and hotel would fund the bulk of the land cost, either by re-sale or lease.

Pick up after your dog

I am absolutely positively disgusted at seeing the amount of dog feces that laden the Uplands Elementary school field. It is appalling and dog owners that frequent the Uplands school grounds after hours should be ashamed of themselves. Period. The Uplands Elementary School field is not a dog park! It’s a place of play for children in kindergarten to Grade 5, a place for children to build snow forts, have fun, slide down the hill and to make snow angels. Our children deserve better, they shouldn’t be playing in a field with more dog crap then one would find at the actual dog park. It’s Simple - pick up after your dog. Cara Garnett Penticton

Global warming

I, like Brian Gray wrote in his letter to the editor, don’t believe people cause global warming (Penticton Western News, Jan. 8, Climate change psychosis). I acquired my belief from history thousands of years ago there was an ice age when the world was turned into a huge ice cube with out any help from humans the ice melted and the earth warmed enough to support life. This warming is still going on causing glaciers to keep melting. The only help the earth had was the sun. I also believe 200-plus delegates to Paris to talk about global warming just went to a gala party at tax payers expense attitudes wont change until people have the courage to ignore political correctness. Ralph Wand Penticton

Money-maker

What? Just when I thought things couldn’t get any crazier at City Hall, council is considering relocating the library, museum, art gallery, and even City Hall itself, to the convention centre in order to save money. The casino is set to move out of the downtown core in 2017, so why not take everything

The development will not be a dream come true, but more of a logistical nightmare. – Dan Apolzer

The site currently under construction is adjacent to the curling rink, the old arena and the BC Wine Centre would be strained for parking when there is a sell-out crowd program at the events centre or one or more of the other facilities. There seems to be a state of desperation to locate the future casino that will provide a substantial kickback in funds

else with it? What a great idea, but first spend millions on ‘revitalizing’ the downtown core, including a Vegas-style light show, before moving everything away. I have what I believe to be a better idea. If the city has too many facilities then why not turn this big money-loser into a money-maker? Subdivide and sell the convention centre to a developer who is willing to convert/expand the existing facility into a hotel/convention centre complex. The proceeds of such a sale could then be used to update the other existing public facilities, and in the process a $200,000 annual loss would be eliminated. Going forward, the city would collect taxes on the property to increase their annual revenue. David Korinetz Penticton

Protest turned into battle

The Mayor of Penticton likes to remind us that he and our councillors were elected on a platform of change, as if this entirely justifies council’s unwavering determination to proceed with commercialization of Skaha Park without seeking approval of the electorate. Pursuing a change agenda does not give council carté blanche to bulldozer ahead with anything they choose to do without permission of the electorate. This raises the question: When do you need permission for change? Answer: When you re-purpose what it is you’re changing. Using my home as an example, if I wanted to turn it into a B&B, that would be re-purposing and I’d need to get my partner’s permission first (or risk a divorce!). A Google search for the meaning of re-purpose turned up this delightful Wiktionary entry: “To alter to make more suited for a different purpose: The church was re-purposed as a nightclub by lighting changes and removing the pews, but it never opened.” What a stunningly appropriate analogy this example is for our Skaha Park fiasco. For, indeed, this natural open park is a kind of sanctuary — a respite from stress and a place of restoration. No matter how hard the mayor tries to

have negotiated a very generous deal with the Penticton Indian Band (again behind closed doors) — that will give the Band $150,000 to $200, 000 a year just as a good will gesture — we trust that the archeological study requested by the band on Skaha Lake Park will still be performed by an independent body and will not be forgotten or completed in the near future to the satisfaction of the mayor. Enough said, the plot thickens, you be the judge.

Gerry Karr Penticton

Skaha study

Now that the Penticton mayor and council

Reader’s poll at

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Do you believe Penticton city council’s first year in office has been successful? Results:

Bernie Strohmann Penticton

We want to hear from you The Penticton Western News welcomes letters to the editor for publication. We suggest a maximum length of 400 words and reserve the right to edit letters for length, brevity, clarity, legality, abusive language, accuracy and good taste. All published letters remain the property of the Penticton Western News, which is the sole judge of suitability for publication. Letters must include the writer’s address and daytime phone number, which will not be published. Letters should be signed with the writer’s full name and be sent by e-mail to letters@ pentictonwesternnews.com; mailed to the Penticton Western News, 2250 Camrose St., Penticton, B.C., V2A 8R1; or faxed to 250492-9843.

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1. No — 78.5%

2. Yes — 21.5%

• NEW DENTURES • RELINES • REPAIRS • NEW PATIENTS WELCOME Denture Specialist

Don Apolzer Penticton

claim otherwise, the Trio waterpark agreement re-purposes Skaha Park by converting it from a restful natural space to an amusement park — once done there will be no turning back. The waterpark will occupy just under 20 per cent of the green space, but it will create a Coney Island ambience that changes the peaceful character of the entire park. Our public is sending a loud and clear message to mayor and council: “don’t commercialize natural parks without our permission.” This is far more than a disagreement on park amenities, such as a concession. It’s about public ownership of public space, and it’s about democratic process. Our council should have recognized their obligation to seek permission long before the lease agreements were presented to council last June. And the mayor’s stubborn refusal to listen to resounding public rejection of this plan and to reconsider the decision while he still could is why this has changed from a protest into a battle.

@PENTICTONNEWS

Community Denture Centre Ltd. Mr. Leigh M. Hack R.D.

to the city. But, again, we would be providing city land for private enterprise. There should never be another situation similar to the Skaha Lake Park fiasco. The casino, plus possible added restaurant(s) would require a good portion of the available existing space. The parking situation, as described by the mayor, suggest we have tow trucks circulate through the area as a way to deal with problem parking. He has also suggested developing more parking in the proposed area. Take another look around the area. Where can you gain more parking and how, Mr. Mayor, would you mitigate the congestion? This development will not be a dream come true, but more of a logistical nightmare. If it doesn’t fit, you must “quit” this consideration.

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Wednesday, January 13, 2016 Penticton Western News

Penticton Western News Wednesday, January 13, 2016

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opinion

Lots of ways to get involved with hospital fundraising featuring music by the Vancouver band En Karma, attracted a full house. Our thanks to the organizers and all those

who turned out. *** Speaking of fundraisers, circle Feb. 13 on your calendar. Bod-

ies on Power presents its “Sole to Soul” fundraiser for the SOS Medical Foundation. Join Jo Gagne and the

Bodies on Power team at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre from 1-3:30 p.m. for this rocking, fun mass ﬁtness

event. Classes include Zumba, Yoga, Disco and other workouts. What better way to get back into shape after the holi-

days and help out the Foundation’s hospital campaign. See NOTES on PG. 9

opinion

Smile Cookies tally up to over $30,000 for hospital foundation From NOTES on PG. 8

Tickets are $15 before Jan.15, $20 until Feb. 1, or $25 at the door

— available at Bodies on Power on Vees Drive or the Foundation office just inside the front doors at PRH.

*** Penticton Tune-Agers’ conductor Gordon Dawson and treasurer Julia Lipov recently

dropped by our office to present a cheque for $2,781 towards the PRH tower campaign. The donation stems from the

Christmas Extravaganza concert, hosted by the Tune-Agers at the Penticton United Church. Six local choirs per-

formed before a packed, appreciative audience on Nov. 22. The TuneAgers, who have been performing for the love

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We’re just a couple of weeks into a brand new year and the holiday season has all-too-quickly disappeared into the rear-view mirror. But it’s never too late to say “thank you” to all those who donated to the South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation’s 10th annual Tree of Dreams campaign. The foundation received more than $600,000 in donations over the November-December period. Admittedly this includes some pretty big donations, but it mainly consists of smaller contributions of $50, $100, and $200. Individually, these donors may not generate headlines, but their support of Penticton Regional Hospital is also greatly valued. All donations — big and small — come from the heart. The community’s generous response helped boost our overall PRH campaign total to more than $5.8 million. Yes, we still have a very long way to go to reach our $20-million goal by the end of 2019, but it’s a great start. All the money goes toward purchasing medical equipment for the new Patient Care Tower at PRH. The provincial government is expected to announce its P3 private sector partner on the project within the next few weeks and the sodturning will be held this spring. The new tower is due to be completed by late 2019. Phase 2 — a major expansion of the PRH emergency department – will begin soon afterwards. We can’t wait to see the ﬁrst shovel go into the ground. Stay tuned. *** Kudos to the local Indo-Canadian community who organized a special fundraiser for the foundation’s PRH campaign. The Jan. 3 dinner/dance at the South Main Drop-In Centre,

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of music for years, currently have about 65 members. *** Remember those Smile Cookies offered at Tim Hortons back in September? The final tally is now in. The $30,067 generated in Smile Cookie sales at the Tim Hortons restaurants in the South Okanagan has been donated to the PRH tower campaign. Our sincerest thanks to the Stawarz family, owners of the Tim’s outlets in Penticton, Summerland, Oliver and Osoyoos, who have pledged to contribute $100,000 over five years. *** Gateway Casinos is donating $20 for every goal the Penticton Vees score at home during the entire 2015-16 regular season. The current tally, heading into the Jan. 13 game against Wenatchee, stands at $1,660 for 83 goals. Thanks to Gateway Casinos – and the Vees for playing so well. Go Vees go! *** Thanks also to all those who bought tickets on the Penticton Hospital Auxiliary and Summerland HealthCare Auxiliary’s draws for a pair of plane tickets to anywhere WestJet flies. Congratulations to Penticton first prize winner Glenn Haberback and Summerland raffle winner Debby Regensburger. Both auxiliaries are major supporters of PRH. The Penticton group has pledged $250,000 over five years. The Summerland Auxiliary, which operates their incredibly popular Thrift Store on Victoria Road, has pledged $1 million over five years. John Moorhouse is the development and communications officer for the South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation.

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