Vernon News

Construction on the Highway 6 realignment by the Coldstream Ranch should be able to proceed this summer, but some issues are still being worked out.

Project manager Ken Aura says they're getting close to finalizing the design and hope to put the contract out to tender by late June, with construction by mid to late summer.

Completion is still on schedule for sometime in 2013.

He says they're still working on environmental approvals, and with Kelowna Pacific Railway on plans for a new crossing.

Aura says they've purchased some of the properties, but have yet to finalize a deal with the Ranch.

The 11 million dollar upgrade will realign two kilometers between Grey and Ricardo roads, along with safety upgrades.

Photo: MLA Eric Foster, Transport Minister Blair Lekstrom and Coldstream councillor Richard Enns anounce go ahead for Highway 6 realignment in February 2012.

Four Vernon Rec Centre employees have been honoured for helping save the life of a woman who was using the facilities.

36 year old Shelly Greenlaw -- who was visiting from Killarney Manitoba -- collapsed from cardiac arrest while using a treadmill in January.

The staff members responded immediately beginning chest compressions and preparing the Centre's automated external defibrillator, which Greenlaw admits, saved her life.

"I'm very,very thankful, I mean, if they weren't there with a quick response, I probably wouldn't be here, so thank you is just not enough words. I know it's their job, but at the same time, they saved me, and they saved a mom, an aunt, sister and wife, so I appreciate it."

Head lifeguard Gary Lefebvre was among the four given a community award from the BC Ambulance Service.

He tells Kiss FM, "When you've trained to do something for 18 years and you finally do it, and to have it be a success the first time, is just an overwhelming relief."

The other staff honoured were Norlene Keller, Lauren Hitchen and Rae Kievet. Kievet was not able to attend the ceremony.

Hitchen also helped save a choking infant two weeks before at the Rec Centre.

Shane Code, BC Ambulance Service Superintendent, says the awards recognize people who do things they may not be expected to do.

"Folks who have stopped to provide care, provided CPR, and contributed to saving a life, as we've seen here today, we feel that's powerful and significant. We can't do this without those people."

Greenlaw says all she remembers before she fell off the treadmill was everything going white like a snowy TV screen.

"I have a condition known as Sudden Death Cardiac Arrhythmia Syndrome, or Sudden Death Syndrome. Less than one per cent of the population who have it survive. I can't thank all these people enough. I have no physical damage and now I have my very own implanted cardiac defibrillator (ICD)."

Photo: Rec Centre life savers: (L-R) Norlene Keller, Gary Lefebvre, Shelly Greenlaw who was resuscitated by the staff, Lauren Hitchen and paramedic Cathy Hooper at award ceremony. Rae Kievet could not attend.  (P McIntyre photo)

More than 80 B-C mayors start a three-day meeting today in Penticton, but Vernon's civic leader won't be on hand.

Mayor Rob Sawatzky says he won't be able to attend as he has to deal with local issues, specifically meetings to discuss the Greater Vernon Parks and Rec service review.

He tells Kiss FM, "I've got local obligations. I can't walk out of the process."

The Penticton event is billed as the first-ever BC Mayors' Caucus will see the civic leaders discuss common issues, and try to forge policy agreements to bring forward to the provincial and federal governments.

Rob Sawatzky, Vernon Mayor

Limited job action will continue in 16 library branches throughout the Okanagan as library workers will continue to not collect fines or work any overtime.

CUPE 1123 president Rose Jurkic says they want to continue to keep libraries running with as few interruptions as possible.

About 150 library workers have been without a contract since December 31, 2010.

They are seeking improvements to their extended health benefits, some of which have seen no improvements in over 20 years.

The Okanagan Regional Library board is meeting today, and the union leaders says she hopes  the board will  come back with a fair offer.

"Our position is financially responsible and is within the ORL's budget," notes Jurkic. "Our members feel undervalued and disrespected by management, a fair offer would send a message of respect to members."

Jurkic adds that while management insists that front-line library workers must choose between modest wage increases and benefit improvements, they already receive 100 percent coverage of extended health benefits.

CUPE 1123 will consider further job action following the  board meeting.

The ORL board has offered the workers a 4.5% wage increase over three years or improved benefits or a combination of the two.

The union has indicated it is seeking a 5% wage increase over three years.

We've heard lots about the province downloading costs onto municipalities, but how about a city doing it to a business group?

That's what Vernon councillor Mary-Jo O'Keefe feels has happened with downtown cleaning costs which the city transferred to the Downtown Vernon Association a few years ago.

She says the costs have gone up, but the city's grant has remained the same.

"I think it's almost a form of downloading to get the DVA to hold the contract and do our beautification, and then we don't keep up with the ongoing costs."

O'Keefe got support for her concern from councillor Catherine Lord.

"I agree. The contract is increasing and we're not coming up, so now it's coming out of the DVA," said Lord

Council passed a motion to get the finance committee to look at finding an extra $1,787 in the budget to compensate the association.

Mary-Jo O'Keefe, Vernon city councillor