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Update: March 26, 2011: This year's Regional District budget is complete. District ratepayers in Central Okanagan East will see their taxes decrease by more than 2%.

Update: Feb. 9, 2011: I'm happy to announce that John Collinson has agreed to be my alternate. John grew up in Kelowna and has extensive knowledge of the area. Here is his bio.
 
Update: December 11: The Board has asked that a report on secondary suites be brought forward in the future after results are received from proposed studies into water sources in the Joe Rich area. Click here for Capital News article.   

Update: October 28: Proposed amendment to Ellison OCP
The Regional Board has given first reading to a proposed amendment to the Ellison Official
Community Plan. The change would see the addition of a new Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction
Strategy to the existing bylaw, which governs development and planning applications in the Ellison
area of the Central Okanagan East Electoral Area. A Public Hearing will be scheduled and advertised for a later date.

 

Update: October 28: The issue of secondary suites in Joe Rich is in the midst of an open public hearing. Why? Because there is currently no control over illegal suites in the Joe Rich area. With the introduction of this bylaw amendment, the Regional District can make sure all secondary suites are up to code and meet safety standards. Some have expressed concern that additonal suites will strain the water supply while others have indicated secondary suites should be legal. Here are the details.

Update: Sept 20, 2010: Joe Rich Rural Land Use Bylaw Amendments
The Regional Board has given first reading to proposed amendments to the Joe Rich Rural Land
Use Bylaw. Three key changes are suggested for the bylaw that guides land use and development
decisions in the Joe Rich area. The first would see a new Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Strategy added to the bylaw as required by the Province. Two other amendments would ensure the bylaw conforms to the RDCO Zoning Bylaw No. 871. A new section would be added allowing consideration of secondary suites on rural residential lots while the other amendment would restrict development of small Recreational Vehicle parks on rural designated properties located within the Agricultural Land Reserve. A Public Hearing will be scheduled and advertised once comments are received from the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands and the Agricultural Land Commission.

 

Update: Aug. 4, 2010: The new Welcome to Joe Rich sign has been installed along Highway 33.

 

Update: July 26, 2010: Curbside Collection Equipment Upgrade
The Regional Board has approved a proposed upgrade to the residential curbside wheeled cart collection system for the Central Okanagan East and Central Okanagan West Electoral Areas. The upgrade will provide computer software and equipment for collection trucks completing the Radio- Frequency Identification system. The system will automatically record detailed information such as when garbage, recycling and yard waste carts are emptied into collection trucks, whether illegal materials were deposited and a photo image of the offense. The cost for this upgrade ranges between $1.50 and $1.70 per household in each of the remaining six years of the collection contract. Each participating municipality will be asked to consider approving the program for its residential collection customers.

 

Update: July 26, 2010: Joe Rich Rural Land Use Bylaw Amendment
The Regional Board did not give first reading to a proposed site specific text amendment to the Joe
Rich Rural Land Use Bylaw. The applicant requested the amendment for their 5.1-hectare property
adjacent to Highway 33 east in order to allow storage of up to 40 recreational vehicles on site. Staff
suggested that the proposed use would impact the rural character of the area and might interfere with
neighbouring properties, doesn’t fit into the secondary home-based business category since it is
not located within a building and that such a commercial use would be better suited to areas
within the Regional District designed for commercial or industrial activities.

 

Update: July 26, 2010: Ellison Fire Engine Purchase
The Regional Board has approved a contract to purchase a new fire engine for the Ellison Fire
Department. Hub Fire Engines of Abbotsford was the second lowest and highest scoring of five qualified bids received to supply the new engine. The contract to supply the new fire vehicle is worth $450,269. When the new engine arrives, the existing engine will be available to the four Regional District fire departments as a spare for training or for use during wildfires emergencies.

Update:July 10, 2010: New Special Events Bylaw Deferred
The Regional Board has deferred readings of a proposed new bylaw that would regulate Special
Events within the Central Okanagan East and Central Okanagan West Electoral Areas. Instead, the Board has given staff additional direction about changes it would like included in the proposed bylaw. Staff will redraft the bylaw and present it for consideration at a future date. The existing bylaw has been in place since 1974 and requires updating to make it consistent with others around the Province.

Update:July 10, 2010: Liquid Waste Management Plan Adopted
The Regional Board has adopted the Central Okanagan East Electoral Area Liquid Waste
Management Plan which has now received approval of the Ministry of Environment. The Plan was
developed with extensive public consultation and technical support over a two year period to identify
and plan options for cost effective and environmentally sustaining management of liquid
waste in the electoral area. The Board has also authorized staff to pursue funding in order to
implement water quality monitoring measures that were identified in the plan.

 

Update: July 8, 2010: The 3rd Annual Joe Rich Community BBQ hosted by the Joe Rich Fire Department July 24th at the Community Hall. All residents, family and friends welcome. Click here for details.

Update: July 8, 2010: The owner of the Three Forks gravel pit in Joe Rich, Kevin Bird, recently met with a small group of Three Forks Road residents and indicated that, after operations were suspended because of equipment infractions in 2008, the pit is now up to code. However, he states that operations will likely not resume this year because of weak demand for aggregate. Mr. Bird says he may resume operations next year. When hauling does begin, he anticipates one truck every 15 minutes and operations will be between May and October of each year. The pit's lifespan is until 2025. When hauling does begin, Mr. Bird indicated that he will notify Three Forks Road residents via mail and that proper signage on the highway will be installed and as dictated by the Ministry of Transportation. CHBC News report.

Update: June 28, 2010: ELLISON COMMUNITY HALL annual OPEN AIR DANCE and LATE EVENING SUPPER (catered by BUNCHES BISTRO) Saturday July 24 at 8:00pm featuring THE FABULOUS FLYING WEEKENDERS, tickets $20.00 CALL 250 807 2803.

Update: June 23, 2010: I recently met with staff from the Ministry of Environment to explore the idea of spraying the Joe Rich area with BTK to combat the spruce budworm. Items discussed included: Evaluation of the effectiveness of spring 2010 spray program on mostly Crown land in the Joe Rich area and establishing a communication network with the various stakeholders including water purveyors and local health authority.  Once data has been collected and the lines of communication between the various stakeholders are established, officials will revisit the possibility of a spraying program in the Joe Rich area for budworm on private land at owner's expense. "It is important to evaluate the need for treatment measures to be taken at any site. The process for deciding whether treatment is necessary includes identification of the pest, monitoring the levels of the pest or pest damage, and consideration of a suite of treatment options( which includes pesticides) based on thresholds for the pest or pest damage," says the Ministry of Environment.

 

Update: June 2, 2010: The Ministry of Forest and Range has plans to spray Crown land this month for the Spruce Budworm in the Central Okanagan East area including Joe Rich -- woodlots, some of which are adjacent to private property.  Although there are no plans to include private land in the Joe Rich area in this upcoming spray, there may be consideration for this area next year if Douglas-fir tussock moth increases in the Joe Rich area.  "We do not spray for budworm on private lands unless it is within a Woodlot.  Plans are in place for the 2010 program and cannot be changed at this point except for minor deletions in area should the populations of budworm be lower than expected.  It takes about 8 months to plan a program so starting in August we will start the process all over again," says the Ministry.  It says that in this case, personal notification of private land owners is not necessary. "The spraying is on Crown land and does not infringe upon private property. Notification signs will be posted on access roads into the blocks prior to the date of spray.  We only notify private property for the tussock moth program because in that program we spray private land which is often more adjacent to, or within, our operations." Click here for map of spraying area provided by the government.  

Update: May 29, 2010: The Regional District of Central Okanagan plans to begin an aerial pesticide spray application program to manage an infestation of the Douglas-fir Tussock Moth, weather conditions and insect development permitting, on June 3rd or on the next subsequent day that conditions allow. Link

Update: May 21, 2010: In anticipation of the Tussock Moth spray program in the Ellison area in June, I have booked the Ellison Hall for Thursday, May 27, 7 p.m. to help answer questions residents may have.

Update: May 20, 2010: The public hearing for two subdivision applications in the Bata and Farmer's Way areas of Ellison has been postponed to a later date. The date will be posted on this site when it becomes available.

Update: May 7, 2010: The Ministry of Environment has issued a Pesticide Application Permit to the Regional District for a proposed aerial spraying program against the Douglas Fir Tussock Moth including a residential area in Ellison. Click here for details.

Update: May 1, 2010: More info on pest control management in Central Okanagan East. First, the Ministry of Environment is planning a Budworm spray program in the Joe Rich area on Crown land. Click here for details. Meantime, the Regional District is organizing a Tussock Moth spray program for affected areas of the Central Okanagan including Ellison. Click here for details. And, an attempt to spray private lands in the Joe Rich area this summer has been postponed. Click here for details.

Update: April 23, 2010: There has been much discussion about spraying for the Tussock Moth in the Central Okanagan. Officials are planning a spray program in the Ellison area but say that the Joe Rich Valley is not affected. However, the Spruce Budworm has made an appearance in the Joe Rich Valley and officials say they're monitoring the situation. Here is the latest from the Regional District:

"There are two new insect invaders leaving visual evidence of their presence in Central Okanagan forests.The Western Spruce budworm and Douglas fir Tussock Moth have been found by the Ministry of Forests and Range in parts of the regional district. Both are native species and have been responsible for past forest health infestations.  However, the Douglas fir Tussock Moth is of particular concern as it not only defoliates and kills trees very quickly, but can also cause health issues with humans, dogs and horses through a condition known as Tussockosis.  Approximately one in three humans have allergic type symptoms ranging from general itchiness, watery eyes and skin rashes to full anaphylaxis in extreme instances. The Ministry of Forests and Range is responsible for pest management on Crown Lands, completing aerial surveys looking for new outbreaks and determining the severity of damage.  It uses these assessments to determine and conduct an aerial spray control program. While the Ministry is presently mapping the extent of Tussock Moth infestation in the Central Okanagan, preliminary data shows infestation in the Trepanier, Ellison and Glenmore areas.  Additional information is also being compiled as to the extent of any presence in the Joe Rich area. "

 

Update: April 23, 2010: There has been loads of activity at Highway 33 and Pyman Road in Joe Rich -- the site of two gravel pits. The one closest to Highway 33 is NOT the Pyman pit. It is controlled by the Ministry of Highways. Here is an update on from the Ministry on the latest activity.  "The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure ’ s pit is at Highway 33 and Pyman Road.  When you turn onto Pyman Road, the ministry’s pit is on the left side. For the Walker Hill Climbing Lane project , the ministry tendered a crushing contract out of Pyman Pit for granular materials .  The contract was completed was completed by March 31, 2010.   The material is stockpile d in the pit awaiting placement on the fill.  It will be hauled to the Walker Hill site this summer.  As part of the climbing lane project , a brake check is being constructed just west (downhill) of Pyman Road.  Material from this construction is being hauled to and stockpiled in Pyman Pit , as it is good granular material that can be utilized in the future."  Meantime, the Pyman pit is gearing up for full extraction this summer.  

Update: April 17, 2010: Two separate subdivision applications in the Ellison area go to public hearing May 17th at CORD (Postponed to a later date). The first one is a proposal for 15 lots adjacent to Farmers Drive in upper Ellison Estates. The other is a 31 lot proposal adjacent to Bata Forest Service Road in upper Ellison Estates.  

Update: April 12, 2010: The Regional District has produced three samples of the new Welcome to Joe Rich sign, which includes the option of changing lettering at the bottom for community messages. Please select one of the designs and email me your response. The option that receives the most votes, will be the winner. The deadline is April 30, 2010. Sign#1, Sign#2, Sign#3

Update: March 31, 2010: The Targa race scheduled for May in the Central Okanagan including Joe Rich has been cancelled.

Update: March 22, 2010: I have received several complaints from residents who would be directly impacted by the proposed Targa road race in the Joe Rich area in May. I have informed the organizers that, based on these complaints, I cannot support the event.

Update: March 20, 2010: The Pyman pit has been approved -- see Capital News article.

Update: Feb 20, 2010: Targa Canada West, which is organizing a road rally in the Central Okanagan in late May, is holding an open house March 4 at the Joe Rich Community Hall between 6-9 p.m. Click here for details.

Update: Feb 11, 2010: The issue of trapping on Crown land surfaced recently with the death of a dog belonging to a Philpott Rd. resident. The dog was killed by a fur-trap near the 10 km mark on Philpott in Joe Rich. Technically, the trapper was not breaking the law even though the trap was only metres from the road. The trapper, who is from Vancouver, has contacted the dog's owner and apologized. He as agreed to move his trap-line up to the 23km mark on Philpott and further away from the road. The dog's owner is convinced this tragic incident will repeat itself if the laws regarding trap-lines are not changed -- primarily with the proximity to roadways. Here is the link to the BC government's legislation on trapping (Link)   Meantime, please be aware that there are legal trap lines along rural roads. Link: BC Trappers Assocication

Update: Feb 6, 2010: Rural residential subdivision proposal in Ellison consisting of 15 lots adjacent to Farmers Drive in Upper Ellison Estates. CORD Referral click here. Environmental Impact Assessment click here.   

 

Update: Feb 5, 2010: Application for trail maintenance in the Gillard Road area in Central Okanagan East by the Mountain Bikers of the Central Okanagan Association. Click here.

Update: Feb 4, 2010: Nice to Know information dealing with logging trucks. Some Goudie Road residents have been complaining about excessive noise from logging trucks operating at night. CORD bylaw officer Rhoda Mueller investigated. Click here for findings.

Update: Jan 31, 2010: The Philpott Woodlot Committee met with Richard Toperczer of Ministry of Forests. Outcome of the meeting: Tim Gilles ( forestry geo tech ) will be studying the mountain in the spring ( a date has not yet been set ), the committee will be meeting with him afterwards to discuss his findings.

Update: Jan 14, 2009: The Ministry of Mines informs me that a decision on the Pyman gravel pit will come no later than February 28th. "A permit will not be issued until CRC submits their security to the agricultural land commission. From an MEMPR perspective, no new technical issues were raised last night, so it is a matter of reviewing mitigation strategies which can be incorporated into the permit and obtain approval from our Regional Director.  MOT has indicated they need a decision by February 28th so they can proceed with letting their contracts for the Hwy 33 upgrade."  

 

Update: Dec 30, 2009: The public meeting for the proposed Pyman Road gravel pit is set for Wednesday, January 13 at Rutland Centennial Hall beginning at 7 p.m. If you have any concerns about the pit, now is the time to speak up. Meantime, I have taken out a radio spot on AM1150. Click here to listen.

Update: Dec 30, 2009: Public meeting with Forestry official dealing with concerns about proposed logging in the Philpott Road area. Starts at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 7. Joe Rich community hall on Highway 33. Click here to view CHBC News video of 1990 fatal landslide.

Update: Dec 4: Pyman pit. This is a letter from Huckleberry Road resident Egon Andreasen to Ministry of Mines concerning the proposed Pyman pit. The following is the Inspector of Mines' reply essentially defending the proposal.

 

Update: Dec: 1: The Joe Rich Fire Department is holding its annual food drive Sunday Dec. 6 from 12:00 - 4:00. Members will be going door to door or you can drop off donations at the  Fire Hall and the Community Hall.

 

Update: Nov 26: Logging Philpott Road.  There are concerns about logging in the Philpott Road area. The lot is #2020, including District Lot 3902.  It's 11,000 hectares in size and could have an impact our creeks and trails. (See CORD letters, 1,2, 3, 4)   Anne Howell, who lost her parents in the 1990 Philpott Slide, wrote this letter to the Ministry. The bureaucrats insist that "no decision" has been made and are proposing a meeting with affected residents. (See letter)   Also, here are the findings of a report done shortly after the 1990 slide. MLA Norm Letnick contact info.

Update: Nov 8: Pyman Pit letters: The Pyman pit applicant (CRC Developments Ltd ) is sending letters to affected residents. Here is a copy sent to one of my constituents Nov. 2. Letter.

Update: Oct 24: Pyman Pit: The 30 day window for written representation to the government expressing your thoughts and concerns is now! Write: Chief Inspector of Mines, Ministry of Energy and Mines, South Central Region, 162 Oriole Road, Kamloops, BC V2C 4N7. The deadline is November 29. Also, here is the Ministry of Mines web site with the minister's phone number.

Update: Oct 23, 2009: Pyman Pit: The proponent of the pit, Tom Weisbeck of CRC Developments, says there is no fixed date yet on holding a public meeting. He has to wait 30 days from the last newspaper ad (Oct. 29)."And then a public meeting requires 7 days notice in the paper, and there is probably some time in between to deal with things CRC has learned during the first 30 days."

Update: Oct 21, 2009: The Joe Rich Fire Department is hosting a Halloween party for kids Sunday, Nov.1 at the community hall between 12-3 p.m.

Update: Oct. 20, 2009: Pyman pit: The consultant reports have been deposited in the Rutland Branch of the Okanagan Regional Library. The notice of the gravel pit application will be published in the Kelowna Daily Courier on Thursday, Oct. 22 and again on Oct. 29.  It will be published in the Gazette on Thursday, Oct. 22.

 

Urgent Update: Oct 7, 2009: I recently met with Tom Weisbeck of CRC Developments, the proponent of the Pyman Road gravel pit. It was our third meeting over several months. Mr. Weisbeck says that all the paperwork is done - meaning the application is moving to the public stage. Mr. Weisbeck will advertise a public meeting -- possibly by November, 2009. He has promised to inform the community, through myself, when the advertising will take place. Because it's a free paper, the meeting will not be advertised in the Capital News. Likely Courier and the government's gazette. The application will also be available for viewing at the local library. Mr. Weisbeck says that he plans on holding the public meeting in Rutland. Place and date to be announced. Mr. Weisbeck is of the opinion that the application is thorough and all that's missing are the conditions set by government, based on the public input.   Meantime, there's been some actitivity at the Three Forks gravel pit.  The following information provided by Inspector of Mines, Frank Besinger:  "Only minor repairs took place on the section of Foolhen Road leading into the gravel pit entrance. The gravel pit operation and associated remediation work is now complete and signed off by the proponents suitably qualified person. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure advise that the increased traffic on Highway 33 from gravel trucks travelling to and from Three Forks Pit is not enough to increase their warrant criteria for improvements to the intersection.  The pit is now shut down until next year where gravel extraction activities are expected to resume. I will request that the proponent advise residents along Three Forks Road in advance of gravel extraction activities for next year."  It's the pits link  

 

Update: Sept 27, 2009: After much lobbying, the provincial government has agreed to strike a gravel pit committee with the goal of implementing a 3 Zone pilot project in the Central Okanagan, headed by Kelowna MLA Norm Letnick.  Link

Update: Sept 19, 2009: Changes to garbage pickup days in Joe Rich and Ellison. Document.

Update: Sept 1,2009: The Joe Rich and Ellison areas are being hit by not only the Mountain Pine Beetle but also the Tussock Moth and Western Spruce Budworm. The Regional District is addressing the issue and is working with the provincial government on a spraying program for the area -- likely summer 2010. A more detailed report is expected this fall. More information about tree removal as a result of the Moutain Pine beetle can be found here.

Update: Aug 1, 2009: The Liquid Waste Management Plan report, including the preferred options, for Central Okanagan Area East has been endorsed by the Regional Board. Next, the report will go to the Ministry of Environment for final approval. The Stage 1 and Stage 2 reports can be found here.

 

Update: July 18, 2009: I recently organized a stakeholders meeting including Agriculture Minister Steve Thomson and  Kelowna-Lake Country MLA Norm Letnick. Two councillors from West Kelowna, (Bryden Winsby & Carol Zanon), Peachland Mayor Keith Fielding, BMID and Heather Larratt and Grant Lawrence of ORCAP were present.   The focus of the meeting was to bring our MLA's up to speed on the Regional Board's new policy on gravel pits in the Central Okanagan including a hold on all new applications until a 3Zone pilot project is adopted in the region. Mind you, the Regional District does not have final say.   Meantime, the Pyman pit application is still before the beauraucrats and the Three Forks pit remains dormant pending proper paperwork and alterations to the site at the request of the provincial government.    

 

Update: June 24, 2009: Joe Rich has a variety of talented individuals including Martin Mallison. Martin is a hi-tech guy who produces revolutionary microchips. His thirst for science and wanting to share it with the community is reflected in his side-show presented at the Joe Rich Community Hall in June, 2008. Click here to download it.

Update: June 23, 2009 Heartland special events permit application turned down by Regional Board. Highlights of June 22 meeting. CHBC News report

Update: June 29, 2009: CORD Chair Robert Hobson sends letter to new Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, Blair Lekstrom, reminding him of the Board's position on gravel pits in the Central Okanagan. Letter

Update: May 30, 2009: Heartland announces Rod Stewart concert in Joe Rich, pending Regional Board's approval under the new special events bylaw. As Regional Director, I'm opposed to Heartland's application primarily because it's in contradiction to the Joe Rich Rural Land Use Bylaw and my Advisory Planning Committee (APC) has raised some serious concerns about the integrity of the application.  See APC minutes. See CHBC video. Capital News article.

 

Update: May 28, 2009: After a brief hiatus, the Ellison residents society is back up with a brand new board led by president Sylvia Flemming. Former president, Carol Meis, has been generous enough to stay on as director. However, the society is looking for a treasurer. The Society recently received a small grant to help with the distribution costs of the new-and-improved Ellison newsletter. Election of a new board was critical in the continued administration and upkeep of the Ellison Hall. Otherwise, it would have been turned over to the Regional District. Click on photo.

Update: May 26, 2009: We are not amused. The issue of illegal dumping is discussed at the Regional Board. See Capital News article.

Update: May 26, 2009: The Regional Board's new policy that calls for a halt to all gravel pit applications until a three-zone pilot project is implemented in the Central Okanagan, has survived its first test. The WFN is applying for test drilling off Westside Rd. to investigate a potential gravel pit. The board did not support the application, primarily based on its new policy. See Capital News article.

Update: May 25, 2009: Update: A motion was brought before the Board requesting that Joe Rich be excluded from the Automated Waste Collection program. The motion was defeated. The new bins are due to arrive in mid-June.

Update: May 3, 2009: Annual Joe Rich community clean-up was organized by Vanda Manllinson. Judging by the amount of garbage picked up along our roads, it's obvious that some are not getting the message that Joe Rich is not a dumping ground. Lesley (my wife) and I concentrated on Goudie Road all the way to Hall 52 and were amazed by the amount of debris being tossed out the window. Beer bottles and fast food wrappers were the most common find. Thanks to Vanda for taking the lead in this dirty endeavour. See photos.

Update: April 28, 2009: Update on Pyman pit proposal. Click here

Update: April 25, 2009: The BC election candidates forum at the Joe Rich hall was well atttended, not including the eight candidates from the Kelowna-Lake Country and Kelowna-Mission. The Capital News and CBC TV covered the event. See Capital News article.

Update: April 18, 2009: BC election 2009 all candidates forum for Central Okanagan East will be held Wednesday, April 22 at the Joe Rich Community Hall on Highway 33 beginning at 7 p.m.

Update: April 10, 2009: Important upate on Pyman Pit application. Click here

 

 

Update: April 8, 2009: The video worked! Kelowna-Lake Country MLA, Al Horning, local MP Ron Cannan, and Kelowna Mayor, Sharon Shepherd, have announced that a 2 kilometre stretch of Highway 33 known as Walker Hill will be getting a truck climbing lane at a cost of $5 million with completion set for 2010. Photo1, Photo 2

Update: March 28, 2009: The tax rate for Central Okanagan East based on the 2009 budget is set at 1.62 per cent, meaning a home valued at $456,000 will be paying roughly $8 less in property taxes this year compared to 2008. Budget on line.

Update: March 13, 2009: CORD Waste Reduction has decided to postpone the launch of the new Automated Waste Collection system to early June. The next public information meeting will take place May 6 at the Joe Rich Community Hall. Prior to that, CORD staff and myself will attempt to visit some of the residents who identified themselves at the earlier JRRATS meeting.

Update: March 11, 2009: A handful of volunteers have agreed to re-launch some of the events at The Ellison Hall with the goal of getting the community more involved. A Jam session is set for May 2, followed by a celebration of the Ellison Fire Department's 30th anniversary this summer. A proud moment for the community, but volunteers are in demand. Date to be announced.

Update: March 10, 2009: Meeting with Waste Reduction staff this week to discuss options for the Automated Waste Collection system. Background: Some residents are concerned about the size of the carts and handling them in rural, snowy terrain. Public meeting date to be announced. JRRATS is organizing the event.

 

Update Feb 25, 2009: The latest Regional Board report from Feb 23rd meeting. Of note, the Heartland referral application from the Agricultural Land Commission for outdoor concerts received conditional approval. The Central Okanagan East Electoral Director voted against the application. Capital News article

Update Feb 17, 2009: The Waste Reduction Office will be making an automated collection presentation at the next Joe Rich Ratepayers and Tenant’s Society meeting on March 4 at 7pm at the Joe Rich Community Hall.

 

Update Feb 14, 2009: I have booked the Ellison Community Centre for an informal Meet and Greet. February 25, 2009, 5-8 p.m. Please drop by and say hello. Kel

Update Feb 8, 2009: Letter from Big White regarding its concerns with the Pyman pit proposal. Letter

 

Update Feb 7, 2009: Here are the minutes from the Central Okanagan East Advisory Planning Commission meeting dealing with the Heartland concert application.

 

Update Feb 6, 2009: Recently met with CORD staff dealing with the new Automated Cart Waste Collection System. Here is a synopsis:  A public "information session" is being planned but no firm date has been set. Some rural residents have indicated they have some concerns about the new system. CORD says it is looking at an opting out clause, however, the carts will be delivered and is asking residents to give it a try. Those who pursue opting out will have to haul their waste to the landfill.  The carts will be delivered to residents of Central Okanagan East during the first week of April, 2009.

 

Update Feb 1, 2009: Dialogue with the proponent of the Pyman Road gravel pit application has begun. Click here for details.

 

Update Jan 29, 2008: The application from Heartland in Joe Rich (formally Eight Mile Ranch) to hold a series of outdoor concerts has been deferred. I  have asked CORD stafff to contact residents who would be immediately affected by noise from the events. See Capital News article for more details.

 

Update Jan 28, 2009: The Joe Rich Fire Department held a special budget meeting in late January to address some financial challenges. In an effort to show some degree of transparency, the JRFD has agreed to release the minutes of that meeting. In summary, the JRFD is struggling to maintain the current service levels and its sustainability must be addressed. Those concerns will be further discussed at the Regional District budget meetings in March. See minutes

 

Update Jan 23, 2009: "There are two applications before the board involving Central Okanagan East. One is a subdivision referral application at 5675 Anderson Road, Ellison. The owners want to subdivide their 10 acre lot into two five acre parcels and are applying to have the land removed from the ALR. The application has the support of the Advisory Planning Committee because it conforms with the OCP (Official Community Plan). It also has the support of CORD's Planning Dept. The other application deals with Heartland (formally Eight Mile Ranch) in Joe Rich. It's a referral application for non-farm use within the ALR with the hopes of holding a series of outdoor concerts. The two aforementioned applications appear before the board for the first time Monday, January 26 and it is a public meeting." 

Click here for more info

 

Update Jan 16, 2009: One of my campaign promises was more communication. I'm happy to announce that effective this month, I will begin broadcasting audio newsletters on B103 FM in Kelowna. They will be short, informative commercials dealing with news and events in Central Okanagan East. Click on microphone.

 

Update Jan 10, 2009: The Joe Rich Ratepayers and Tenants Society, or JRRATS will be holding its regular election Jan 28th, at the Joe Rich Community Hall. Look for details in the mail.

 

Update Jan 3, 2009: I'm happy to announce that long time Ellison resident Karen Fonseca has agreed to be my alternate as Regional Director Central Okanagan East. Karen brings a wealth of experience including several years as a member of the Advisory Planning Committee. Click here for full bio.

Update Dec 24, 2008: Results from a public meeting dealing with the Liquid Waste Management Plan (LWMP) have been tabulated. The next step is developing stage 2, including "preferred solutions". This affects every Central Okanagan East resident, so please take the time to get informed. Document PDF

 

Hockey! Message from Joe Rich Fire Chief, Curtis Nyuli: "Hi all, Just an update for the skating rink at the community hall. It is now ready for skating, however, only during the daylight hours. The past heavy snow storm brought down one of the light poles shorting them all out. We have a hydro technician as a member of the Fire Dept who has offered to fix the  pole when the weather warms a bit. The skating schedule will stay the same as 2007/8  and a Rink Staff cleaning schedule will be posted in the utility room." Rink schedule

 

Update Dec 20, 2008: First newsletter published on Ellison News Website. Items of note: Sit down with Ellison Fire Chief, Kurt Szalla, and Paul Meise of the Community Association. Meeting with Bob Calder of Sunset Ranch and plans to hold community hall meeting in February, 2009. Link

Update Dec, 15: Inaugural meeting. Robert Hobson has been re-elected as Chair of Regional District Central Okanagan. Vice Chair is Jim Baker, Mayor of Lake Country. The Regional District Waste Reduction Program is facing a glut of plastic due economic realities and there are more applications for meteorological towers. Details

Joe Rich Community Potluck Dec. 2008 at Community Hall

Update Dec. 14, 2008: "I had the pleasure of sitting down with representatives from the Ellison Fire Department, Chief Kurt Szalla and Paul Meise from the Community Association. We primarily discussed having all stakeholders in the community working as a whole and recruiting more volunteers. I will be holding a Town Hall meeting in February at the Ellison Community Hall. Date to be announced."

Update Dec. 12, 2008: Central Okanagan School Trustee Rolli Cacchioni has added his voice to the gravel pit controversy. See "It's the Pits!" for details.

December 7, 2008: "The food drive was a huge success. It was a great community team effort. I would like to send a huge thank you to all those who helped us make it happen. Joe Rich can be very proud. We donated 2100 LBS. of food which translates to approximately $5000.00 in food. We had  cash donations of just under $1000.00." JRATS President, Richard Romolock.  

December 7, 2008: Between January and late spring, wheeled carts will be distributed in phases to neighbourhoods currently receiving curbside collection. This includes the City of Kelowna, Westside District Municipality, District of Lake Country, District of Peachland and the Central Okanagan East and West Electoral Areas. See Regional District website for details.

 

December 6, 2008: The gravel pit meeting on Dec. 3rd at the Joe Rich Community Hall was well attended. Roughly 45 residents showed up as did a number of local politicians including MLA Al Horning, Kelowna City Councillors Brian Given and newcomer Angela Reid. Both also sit on the Regional District Board. Provincial Liberal nominee for Kelowna-Lake Country Norm Letnick was also present as were Murray Tekano,  Senior Project Director for the  Ministry of Transportation - Southern Interior Region and Bill Smith, Project Director -- Okanagan Corridor.

Mr. Tekano and Smith fielded questions from concerned residents who were surprised to hear that the province deems the Highway 97 and Three Forks Road intersection safe for additional heavy truck traffic. Tekano and Smith also defended the ministry's decision to approve the engineering design for alterations to Pyman Road and Highway 33. It should be noted that RCMP and Joe Rich Fire Chief, Curtis Nyuli, were also at the meeting as a show of support. Meantime, I will continue to lobby all levels of government and monitor the situation. On a more inspirational note, a number of school children in the Joe Rich area have taken the time to write a letter to the government, expressing their concern for their safety and wellbeing if the BC Liberals continue to approve gravel pits in the Highway 33 corridor. I will be posting the letters shortly on "It's the Pits". The letters will also be handed to the MLA's office.

 

November 30, 2008: Emergency meeting! We are holding an emergency meeting Wednesday, December 3 at the Joe Rich Community Hall on Highway 33 to address the growing concerns dealing with the latest activity at the Pyman Road gravel pit (proposed). Meeting starts at 7 p.m. Please make an effort to attend because it affects us all, including Kelowna. Click on "It's the Pits" for more information.

November 28, 2008: The Economic Development Commission releases detailed study on impact of traffic congestion. Link

November 27, 2008: The Joe Rich Ratepayers and Tenants Association is hosting a Christmas Pot Luck early Supper, Sunday, Dec. 14. Click here for details.

November 26, 2008: Judicial recount request rejected by the courts. Capital News article

November 25, 2008: Here are the latest Regional District highlights dealing with the November 24th meeting. One controversial item of note was the Lakeshore Road rezoning application dealing with the ultimate subdivision of six lots. The property in question borders on Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park and is part of the Central Okanagan East riding. The application was defeated. The Director for Central Okanagan East voted in favour of the application despite the objections of local residents. Click here for Capital News article. It was the last major decision for the outgoing board. The new board will be sworn-in December 15.

November 23, 2008: I am in the midst of creating a web page linked from this site dedicated to the Central Okanagan's fight against gravel pits near residential areas. The site, appropriately named "Its The Pits" is in its infancy but will grow as more information and documentation is added. Click here to check it out.

November 16, 2008: "Thank you for your support. Now the work begins. I will create a monthly newsletter informing you about up-to-date events in your community. Meantime, I will begin work on establishing a web site for the electoral area and am looking for suggestions. Send me an email with your contact information and comments." Official Results

Platform:

With more than 4000 residents spread out over an area larger than the City of Kelowna, Joe Rich/Ellison is unique in many ways and has its share of challenges.

First, the environment. Everywhere you look, there is evidence of our environment being destroyed. Illegal dumping must stop. It’s at the top of the list because, quite frankly, Joe Rich/Ellison has to improve its image as a rural entity that takes pride in protecting its ecosystem. Check out the RSS graffiti removal video shot in Joe Rich.

A sustainable water supply is in question. The most comprehensive study to date, (Joe Rich), would suggest that some areas are lacking water and that further drilling in bedrock aquifer must cease. The study concludes that there needs to be further study before more development on bedrock aquifer is permitted, which is in accordance with current land use by-law.

Development is a subject that can divide a community. Proponents and opponents must use the revised Joe Rich Rural Land Use By-Law as a guide. A recent questionnaire (Joe Rich) would suggest that most residents cherish their privacy and do not support further development. Another unique feature to the Central Okanagan's Electoral area is that Ellison has its own official community plan which is independent from that of Joe Rich.

Amalgamation will soon be at the forefront. The provincial government is looking at Valley Governance. There's also been talk of the City of Kelowna 'taking' Ellison -- a move that, some believe, will result in higher taxes and possibly weaken the Regional District as a governing body because of a dwindling population.

Highway 33 and public safety should be at the top of the list. Walker's Hill (Highway 33, Joe Rich) is a perfect example of how we are literally gambling with our lives. This is a provincial responsibility -- one that needs to be addressed.

Fire protection is paramount. It is disturbing to know that there are no evacuation plans in some areas in the event of a major wildfire. I will make it a priority.

No Gravel Pits: I truly believe the community is united on this front. We, the residents of Joe Rich/Ellison, do not want gravel pits in our back yard! There are proposed solutions to the growing demand for aggregate with minimal impact on residents' privacy, health and safety. The Pyman Road pit application is another example of how some developers are trying to make a profit on the backs of rural residents who just want to be left alone.

In my 20 years of journalism, including 12 in Kelowna, I have learned to listen.

I'm listening.

Feedback:

"I do not support the continued development of aggregate operations that have a detrimental on the citizens and environmental context of the Central Okanagan Regional District/Okanagan Valley."  Ellison resident.

"I agree with everything you say you stand for up here.  We are some of the few who have little or no water at any given time, so development up here or a gravel pit is not something we would support.  I also value our privacy so even if we did have water, I still wouldn't be in favour of development." Joe Rich resident.  

A director on JRRATS (Joe Rich Ratepayers and Tenants Society) has launched incessant attacks against me on Internet forums. Reg Volk, who ran in the municipal election, hides under the handle "issueman". Link     Volk has also been conspiring with JRRAT Chris Terry in repeatedly calling for my resignation including this article in the Kelowna Daily Courier over the Heartland affair, followed by an email between the two, proving that they are working in concert.  Ironically, Volk was the target of this email from Chris Terry during the last municipal election. Reg Volk was also the author of another so-called News Release sent to various media calling for my resignation. He included several names on the release including Chris Terry; Deborah J. Cameron (Heartland); Jules Morris (flooding bailout); and Lorraine Penny (subdivision).