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Land values targeted

Coldstream is going to send BC Assessment a request to take another look at its agricultural numbers.

Coldstream is hoping to persuade the powers that be to get with the times.

Following a discussion on farm assessments, it was determined that the province’s land values are outdated.

“If I read this correct, the land values were set in 1984 and haven’t changed since,” said Coun. Pat Cochrane, reading a staff report.

“It just seems ridiculous.”

Therefore Coldstream is going to send BC Assessment a request to take another look at its numbers.

“It seems to me that someone at the provincial level should be deciding that it’s time for a provincial review of the land values,” said Cochrane.

Land rates range from $50/acre to $2,400/acre in Coldstream.

There are 413 properties with farm assessment within Coldstream, with a net value of $9.1 million. Of those properties, 106 are owned by Coldstream Ranch, with a net value of $3.3 million.

Equipment finds new homes

Some aging fire fighting vehicles are being put to good use in the North Okanagan.

Coldstream is donating a 1988 International pumper truck to O’Keefe Ranch and is selling a 1980 International tanker truck to the Interior Provincial Exhibition for $5,125.50.

“Fire protection is based out of Armstrong/Spallumcheen which from previous calls is an estimated 45 minutes away,” said ranch manager Glen Taylor in a letter to council.

The ranch has two hydrants but the difficulty is covering the 50 acres of grounds. The ranch currently has a water truck, but it is more than 55 years old and has seen better days.

“We are not looking to get into the fire protection business. However, we are looking for a means to deal with wild land grass fires which may pose a threat to the 20 plus buildings we have on site,” said Taylor, who is also a Coldstream councillor, but did not take part in the district’s decision.

 



Jennifer Smith

About the Author: Jennifer Smith

Vernon has always been my home, and I've been working at The Morning Star since 2004.
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