The next step in restructuring Greater Vernon governance has occurred.
The Greater Vernon partners of the Regional District of North Okanagan have reached agreement on changes to management of parks.
“The signing of this agreement marks a new era in the delivery of parks in the Greater Vernon area” said Jim Garlick, Coldstream mayor and Greater Vernon Advisory Committee vice-chairperson.
Vernon, Coldstream, and Areas B and C have endorsed an agreement that will see the sports fields and beaches within Greater Vernon transferred to and operated by the municipality in which they are located. This authority will include the future planning and improvement of those parks, along with the responsibility for long-term planning and acquisition of any new sports fields and beaches.
In Vernon, the properties include the DND grounds, Marshall Field and the portion of Paddlewheel Park not owned by the Okanagan Landing Community Association.
Coldstream will take over ownership of Creekside Park.
RDNO will continue to own title to Kal Beach and Kin Beach but Coldstream and Vernon respectively will assume care and control through a licence of occupation.
“The intention of this transaction is to promote increased local autonomy of the sports fields and beaches by the municipalities, allowing for improved operating efficiencies,” said Bob Fleming, Area B director and RDNO chairperson.
The work required to complete the transfer will continue through 2017, with the agreement to be in affect by Jan. 1, 2018.
An initial phase of restructuring led to local parks coming under the control of their home jurisdictions in 2015.