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Coldstream air quality role on hold

Council won't join the Lavington air shed management committee at this time
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Air quality has been an going concern in Lavington.

Coldstream is hesitant over an air quality process, but it may ultimately come to the table.

Council will advise the Ministry of Environment that it’s not interested in taking over the administration of the Lavington air shed management committee at this time.

“The province and Lavington Life came up with the idea that a committee would be a great idea but they didn’t talk to us about it,” said Coun. Richard Enns.

The committee was established as part of a memorandum of understanding that resolved Lavington Life’s concerns about the Pinnacle Pellet plant.

While not a full player at this point, council wants to have an observer at the meetings.

“We need to see how they are organized,” said Enns.

Future participation will be considered by the district in late 2017.

“This shouldn’t just be closed off,” said Coun. Pat Cochrane of the district possibly joining the process.

Multi-use vision promoted

A Coldstream politician insists long-term vision is needed for recreation.

The North Valley Gymnastics Society has asked the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee for a building, but GVAC has decided that a multi-use facility must be considered.

Coun. Glen Taylor supports GVAC’s process but says the review shouldn’t just be limited to gymnastics-related activities.

“There are so many groups that need a place to go,” he said.

“You can have indoor sports or an indoor pool. There can be all kinds of things.”

The NVGS wants GVAC to identify a site where an 8,000-square-foot building could be developed for its activities.

Action sought

Coldstream wants its regional partners focused on some key issues.

Mayor Jim Garlick met recently with Bob Fleming, the new chairperson of the Regional District of North Okanagan.

The primary discussions were on Greater Vernon water and parks.

“They need to get moving along. I hope we can get these items put to the head of the line and completed,” said Garlick.