SUMMERLAND REVIEW THE VOICE OF OUR COMMUNITY SINCE 1908
VOLUME
67
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ISSUE
NO.
31
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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,
J U LY
31,
2014
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16
WHAT’S INSIDE:
Organizers of Summerland’s Meals on Wheels program would like more volunteer drivers to assist with deliveries.
$1.15
INCLUDING
GST
by John Arendt
Page 9
Parent picket
A parent is asking for immediate action to resolve the ongoing teachers’ union dispute.
Page 3
Rainfall
Cool, rainy weather last week brought some temporary relief to firefighters.
Page 6
Fastball
Summerland hosted a provincial fastball championship tournament on the weekend.
Page 8
Bobsleigh action
An Olympic bobsleigh athlete will participate in a summer event in Europe.
Page 11
It was hot the other day. I saw a dog chasing a cat — and they were both walking.
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Domestic metering structure will come to council in August
Drivers wanted
YOUR SMILE
Water rates ready PA G E S
Fresh fruit
John Arendt Summerland Review
Narinder Hundle of Sandhu Fruit Farm in Summerland shows some of the season’s fresh fruit at the Summerland Country Market on Tuesday morning. Markets are held each week on Tuesday morning on Kelly Avenue and on Friday evening on Victoria Road North.
The rate structure is in place for Summerland’s domestic water metering, although minor adjustments may be needed. The metering bylaw is expected on the next municipal council agenda, at the Aug. 25 meeting. The domestic metering system, which comes into effect on Jan. 1, has water rates based on the size of the property and the amount of water needed for irrigation at various times of the year. “We’ve created an absolutely unique system.” said municipal administrator Tom Day. “We’re at the very forefront of water metering.” Creating this system has been a long and complex process. The municipality has been working on a water metering system since at least 2009 and during that time, several metering models have been considered. The municipality has also had numerous open houses and information sessions about the metering options. “It is the finest rate structure I have seen,” said Don Darling, director of engineering and public works for the municipality. He said he has noticed a decrease in water use since the meters were installed, even though homes are still billed for flat rate water use. At present, around 20 residential properties still do not have meters installed. Day urges homeowners with questions about metering to contact the municipal public works department. Those who do not have the meters need to get them installed this year. “By Jan. 1, all water needs to be metered,” he said. “If you have unmetered water, someone else is paying for it.” Mayor Janice Perrino said the process has been long and difficult. “To say this is an uncomplicated issue is just wrong,” she said.
Summerland wines honoured by John Arendt
Two Summerland wines were among 12 recognized in the 2014 Lieutenant Governor’s Awards for Excellence in
British Columbia Wines. On Friday, Lieutenant Governor Judith Guichon made presentations at 8th Generation Vineyard for Riesling 2012 and at Okanagan Crush Pad Winery
for Haywire Canyonview Pinot Noir 2011. “The outstanding quality of wines in British Columbia impresses our wine judges each year and makes the selection
increasingly difficult,” Guichon. said. “This year’s winners represent the best of the exceptional wines from our province.” This is the 12th year the
wine awards have been presented. Jamie Hammond, private secretary to Guichon, said the entries were all of a high quality. See WINES Page 2