SUMMERLAND REVIEW THE VOICE OF OUR COMMUNITY SINCE 1908
VOLUME
66
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ISSUE
NO.
21
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S U M M E R L A N D,
WWW.SUMMERLANDREVIEW.COM
B.C.
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T H U R S D AY,
M AY
WHAT’S INSIDE:
Spreading a message
30,
2013
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24
PA G E S
by John Arendt Two new grant in aid requests, worth $25,000, have been denied while a decision on a third request, worth $5,000 will be considered later. The requests were presented at the municipal council meeting on Monday evening. Council denied a $20,000 request from the Summerland Recreational Society, Lakeshore Racquets Club to cover the repair costs and upgrades to the parking lot. A request from the Museum and Heritage Society for $5,000 to move items to the RCMP station for storage was also denied. Council members said Lakeshore Racquets Club is on one of Summerland’s most valuable
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Bridging the generation gap
Summerland is one of many communities across Canada which is recognizing Intergenerational Day.
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Speech skills
High school students took part in a public speaking competition last week.
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Track and field excellence
Summerland athletes have qualified for provincial competition in track and field events.
$1.15
INCLUDING
Funding requests rejected
Applications for grants in aid exceed budget by more than $30,000
In order to speak out about mental illness, a Summerland man paid for a billboard off Highway 97.
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GST
and most highly taxed properties. In addition, the racquets club has not increased its rates for several years. “I don’t see why staff should have to work with this organization to get its house in order,” said Coun. Lloyd Christopherson. Mayor Janice Perrino said the municipality had earlier turned down funding requests for the Summerland Badminton Club and therefore must reject the request for Lakeshore Racquets Club. “It’s not fair to give to one and say no to another,” she said. “What we did for the badminton club we do for the racquets club. We treat our groups the same.” The motion to deny this funding request was passed unanimously. The request for the Museum and Heritage Society was also questioned by council. See COUNCIL Page 8
Property tax notices mailed
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Summer arts
Children will receive an introduction to the arts through a series of courses and workshops this summer.
Payment must be received by July 5
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by John Arendt
YOUR SMILE Don’t feed the bears. They wouldn’t feed you.
Firefighting skills
John Arendt Summerland Review
Bryan Magwood of the Summerland Fire Department hones his skills at a training session at the Summerland Rodeo Grounds. The Summerland and Penticton Fire Departments hosted the British Columbia Fire Training Officers Conference last week. More than 200 participants from around the province attended.
The municipality has sent out its 2013 property tax notices which must be paid in just over a month. The tax notices are due Friday, July 5 at 4 p.m. and the homeowner grants, if eligible, must also be claimed by that time. For those who are late with their payments, the consequences can be significant as a 10 per cent penalty will be added to the outstanding current taxes after July 5. Taxes must be paid at Municipal Hall or online or through telephone banking.
There are property tax deferment programs in place. Those older than 55, widowed or receiving a disability allowance under the Disability Benefits Program Act may qualify. Families supporting a dependent child under the age of 18 may also qualify. If an unpaid tax bill remains outstanding the property can be put up for sale for the amount outstanding. The addresses and prices will be listed on the municipal website and in the Summerland Review by mid September. The property is sold to the highest bidder, but the purchaser has no legal rights to the property until one year after the date of the sale.