Kelowna

The tone was positive as the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce heard first hand from Mayor Walter Gray what City Council's priorities are for the year ahead.

“Kelowna is a great place to do business, a great place to live and we want to make sure everyone knows there is a lot to be positive about,” says Gray.

Photo: Grant Scott - File photo

Kelowna Mayor Walter Gray was optimistic about the the state of Kelowna in his speech to the Chamber of Commerce on Friday.

The Mayor’s annual “state of the city” presentation to the Chamber on Friday emphasized Council’s focus on finding efficiencies at City Hall, addressing transit and housing needs and making capital investments in infrastructure to promote job creation and improve quality of life.

“Through efficiency, saving time and money, we’re looking for results and we’re setting a tone for the community that demonstrates we have our priorities straight, we are paying attention and we’re optimistic about our prospects.”

Bernard Avenue revitalization and the Downtown Plan were cited as major projects that will set the stage for renewed energy in the heart of the city. The Mayor noted two multi-storey building projects on Leon Avenue have been proposed in recent weeks.

Public transit infrastructure and service will be another area of investment this year, with the addition of late evening weekend service to UBCO, service between Quail Ridge and UBCO and direct service to the H2O Adventure and Fitness Centre and the Capital News Centre.

“In this budget year, we’re saving one-quarter of a million dollars by eliminating service where there is very low ridership – sometimes just three riders per bus. Meanwhile, we’ll expand in areas that currently have no service, like the H2O Centre, or where people are being left behind because the bus is too crowded,” says Gray.

Restructuring committees and the review process for secondary suites will result in more efficient and effective decision making, he said. He noted that the City had received more than 160 applications for secondary suites in the past three years, with just four being refused.

“We can develop a review process that makes better use of staff and Council time and resources for these decisions. The new approach would make the approval process more efficient for projects that are not opposed, and the ones that are opposed would still come to Council for a hearing.”

The provisional budget approved by Council in January will see $75 million in capital projects proceed in 2012.

Those include Multi-Age Activity Centre expansion at Parkinson Recreation Centre, new transit exchanges, drinking water and waste water treatment upgrades and plans for Stuart Park expansion, Glenmore Recreation Park and Rails with Trails expansion.

The Kelowna RCMP has issued four images of the man suspected of holding up the Orchard Park ScotiaBank on Friday afternoon.

The pictures, taken from surveillance video, show the man entering the bank with a ball cap pulled low and what appears to be a mask or high collar covering the lower half of his face.

The man is still at large after escaping the scene on a blue mountain bike.

"Were doing a canvas in the area and looking at other video," says Sgt. Greg Woodcox. "Maybe he was walking down the street somewhere without his mask up. Sometimes they do that."

Over the last year there have been a seemingly large number of bank robberies in the area, a crime Woodcox says is all too common. However, the RCMP investigative teams have done a good job catching up with bank robbers who have been working in the Okanagan.

"They've caught nine out of the last 10 guys, which is a pretty good record."

Orchard Park ScotiaBank robbery suspect

Photo: RCMP

Photo: RCMP

Photo: RCMP

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It would appear even crooks need cash for the weekend.

Photo: Wayne Moore - Castanet

Police are looking for a lone male who robbed the Orchard Park ScotiaBank branch late Friday afternoon just before closing time.

RCMP Cpl. Bill Parmar, says the man had his face covered or disguised at the time of the robbery.

"A lone male entered the bank and demanded money from the lone female cashier. He was given an undisclosed amount of money and departed the bank," says Parmar.

"No weapon was produced. No one was injured during the robbery. We are currently making patrols looking for this individual."

Parmar says police were still trying to ascertain whether the robber threatened the cashier with a weapon.

The man fled the scene on what witnesses describe as an older style blue mountain bike around the back of the bank.

Police were searching in Mission Regional Park after witnesses described seeing a man on a similar style of bike.

Every year, the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) releases its annual list of the top 10 most frequently stolen vehicles in Canada.

Photo: CTV

The 2009 Toyota Venza was the most stolen car in Canada in 2011.

An examination of that list shows that it is not usually the newest, biggest or most expensive cars that get stolen.

In 2011, the newest model on the list is the 2009 Toyota Venza 4-door. The Venza debuts on the list at number one, replacing the 2000 Honda Civic SiR 2-door as the most stolen vehicle in the country.

The Civic topped the list for three straight years after placing second in 2007, behind the 1999 Honda Civic SiR 2-door. The 1999 model placed second in 2011, while the 2000 model year was third.

The oldest model on the list is the 1998 Acura Integra.

The Venza, it turns out is suddenly extremely popular among thieves in Quebec.

"We're finding that about 85 per-cent of the thefts of that particular vehicle is taking place in Quebec," says Rick Dubin, Vice-President, Investigative Services, IBC. "Probably, because you've got a port (The Port of Montreal) right there that supports it for export, that shows the involvement of organized crime in that particular case."

However, Dubin says the majority of vehicles on the list are not showing up in high volume at the ports.

"What that tells us is we're seeing a situation of more local activity, which means they're chopped for parts, or they're re-identified an sold to unsuspecting consumers. Once again, much of it organized crime."

There's a strong black market for replacement parts which is why so many older model vehicles make the list.

"The parts themselves are very valuable because on the older vehicles, they do need parts replacement."

Photo: CTV

Police across Canada are finding new and better ways to catch car thieves.

While the list varies in vehicle type, there is one common denominator for them.

"Eight out of 10 do not have an electronic immobilizer, so they are easier to steal," says Dubin, who also pointed out that auto theft rates are falling nationally as the number of immobilizers in use are rising.

"This is the second year in a row that we are seeing a national reduction in auto theft of 15 per-cent."

Along with promoting the use of immobilizers, IBC also works to reduce the number of thefts through other programs. They work closely with the Canada Border Services Agency to help recover vehicles on their way out of the country.

They offer educational programs to teach the public ways to protect their vehicle and what's inside, and police forces in several major Canadian centres have adopted the License Plate Reader Program.

In Edmonton, Hamilton, Toronto and Montreal, vehicles with cameras mounted on the roof travel the streets and read up to 1,000 license plates an hour and then compare them to the CPIC list of stolen vehicles.

"We're definitely interfering with organized crime involved in auto theft and overall it's making a difference in terms of reduction," says Dubin.

Since the program began in 2003, Dubin says they have recovered over $50,000,000 worth of stolen vehicles with the license plate reader program. With this type of success rate, it won't be long before other police forces in the country adopt the program.

92,683 vehicles were reported stolen across Canada in 2010, 15,957 of those occurred in BC. Quebec had the most in the country with 24,410 thefts reported, Ontario had 22,611.

Also, in Western Canada there's a higher recovery rate, which means less organized crime is involved and more of thefts are used as a means of transportation or to commit another crime, which are tactics often used by petty thieves.

In Eastern Canada, recovery rates are on the decline, statistics which point to more involvement by organized gangs who dismantle or export the vehicles.

Dubin also offered a word of advice to anyone considering buying a used vehicle. To help avoid purchasing stolen goods, consumers should buy cars from a reputable dealer and always check the cars history report to helps to reduce the likelihood that you will be a victim of auto theft.

The top 10 most frequently stolen vehicles in Canada:

•     2009 Toyota Venza 4-door
•     1999 Honda Civic SiR 2-door
•     2000 Honda Civic SiR 2-door
•     2006 Ford F350 Pickup Truck 4WD
•     2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT 4-door AWD
•     2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer SS 4-door 4WD
•     2007 Ford F350 Pickup Truck 4WD
•     2001 Pontiac Aztek 4-door AWD
•     1998 Acura Integra 2-door
•     1999 Acura Integra 2-door

Photo: Jennifer Zielinski - Castanet File Photo

Cst. Brinnen leaves court following testimony during his assault trial in November, 2010

"We are dealing with people that, in desperate moments are asked to make decisions. Sometimes mistakes are made."

Those words from Kelowna RCMP Supt. Bill McKinnon during a brief press conference to address the conviction of Cst. Chris Brinnen.

Earlier in the day, Brinnen was convicted of one count of assault stemming from an incident outside a Leon Avenue nightclub following bar close on February 15, 2010.

Brinnen and Kyle Nelson had an encounter outside Gotcha's night club.

There was a verbal exchange that led to a brief foot pursuit down an alley.

According to McKinnon, the judge stated Cst. Brinnen and his police dog caught up with Nelson as he was attempting to scale a fence.

The male turned, brought his arms up and Brinnen 'instantly closed in and struck the male.'

The judge in the case ruled Brinnen used excessive force in trying to apprehend Nelson on that evening.

He stated the constable 'operated too fast, went too far and there were other reasonable options available.'

"I have immediately placed the member on administrative duty while a Comprehensive Operational Readiness Assessment is being conducted," says McKinnon.

Photo: Contributed

Kyle Nelson shows injuries inflicted by Cst. Brinnen

"This assessment will involve a number of steps including a review of the judge's comments."

McKinnon says until a final decision is reached, Brinnen will remain on desk duty.

"He will not be responding to any calls. He is not out on the road at this point in time."

Brinnen is one of several Kelowna Mounties either charged or convicted in recent years.

Cst. Steve Conlon was found guilt of assault in relation to an incident in Rutland in February of 2009.

Cst. Kent Hall was found guilty of careless use of a firearm during that same incident.

In January of last year, Cst. Geoff Mantler was caught on tape kicking Buddy Tavares in the face during a takedown.

Mantler has been charged with assault in that case and one other. He has been suspended without pay.

Despite the convictions, McKinnon says he doesn't believe there is a problem with the Kelowna Detachment.

"I really don't (think there is a problem) within the detachment," says McKinnon.

"We deal with a lot of issues.

Brinnen will be sentenced April 24.

The Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) will be monitoring the health of groundwater supplies in several areas around the Okanagan.

One of the projects started Friday morning in Joe Rich.

"Groundwater is one of the biggest unknowns in this valley," says OBWB Executive Director, Dr. Anna Warwick Sears.

Groundwater is an important supply of water to many residents in this valley, but because its extraction if currently unlicenced in BC, we don't have an accurate measure of how much is being drawn out. At the same time, recent research indicates there are a number of sensitive aquifers in our valley."

As part of the Groundwater Monitoring Project, wells will be drilled in a number of aquifers identified as vulnerable and in need of monitoring due to a limited water supply and increasing demand.

The Joe Rich well is being drilled in one of 15 aquifers identified as sensitive.

A number of monitoring wells have already been drilled near Osoyoos, Oliver, Spallumcheen and in Twin Lakes near Keremeos.

Other wells are proposed for Ellison, West Kelowna, Summerland, Penticton and in an aquifer on UBC Okanagan land.

The wells are designed to help communities protect, manage and sustain their groundwater supplies and help them in land-use planning decisions that could affect these water sources.

"The water in this valley is all connected, from the water that flows down our mountains into the creeks, rivers and lakes in the valley bottom to the water in our underground aquifers that also ends up in our lakes," added Warwick Sears.

"Monitoring these important water sources is good for Joe Rich and the other communities that have them installed, but also good for the valley. Knowing where and how much water we have will help ensure a sustainable supply."

Photo: Grant Scott

One person was sent to hospital after a 2 vehicle crash at the intersection of Richter & Leon Friday afternoon.

Bad weather conditions are often to blame in motor vehicle accidents, but on Friday afternoon, it appears the good weather might have been to blame for a two vehicle crash.

The vehicles collided at the intersection of Leon and Richter around 2:15 p.m., and involved an older model Chevrolet pick-up and a newer model Nissan Cube. The Cube's airbags deployed in the crash.

Kelowna RCMP Cst Kasandra Sears says one of the drivers may have been distracted by the bright sunlight as they entered the intersection.

"It looks like one vehicle was coming through the intersection and making a left hand turn and another vehicle went through the light. (The driver) had a little of bit of glare on the windshield and unfortunately collided with the one making the turn."

One person was transported to Kelowna General Hospital with minor injuries, and traffic was reduced to a single lane as emergency crews tended to the scene.

Several community groups will come together to CANstruct a way to end hunger.

Starting February 6 through till the 12, canned food will be constructed into extraordinary structures and put on display at Orchard Park Mall’s Skycourt  as part of a design/build competition called Canstruction.

Canstruction is an international event committed to ending hunger.  Since 1992, Canstruction has contributed over 15 million pounds of food to community Food Banks.

Canstruction Kelowna is a partnership between the Rotary Club of Kelowna, the Rotary Club of Kelowna Foundation, SIFE (Students in Free Enterprise), The Kelowna Community Food Bank, and The Kelowna Salvation Army.

Robin Smith, Spokesperson for Canstruction Kelowna says the event is one that has to be seen to be believed.

"These structures are truly amazing - the public is invited to view the competition from construction right through to de-canstruction.  We encourage the public to vote for their favourite sculpture either in person or online at www.kelownacanstruction.com.”

The food used in the Canstruction will be donated to the Kelowna Community Food Bank and the Kelowna Salvation Army after the event closes.

Smith says the year is shaping up to be very successful.

"We have had an overwhelming response from teams, in fact, we are at maximum capacity.  Teams include Dorothea Walker Elementary School, Save-On-Foods, SIFE, UBC-O Engineering, Kelowna Rotaract, WATERPLAY, T.R.A.D.E.S., and the Women’s Place.  "

This year’s theme is titled “Love CAN,” is in honour of the event taking place near Valentine’s Day.  It depicts “loving thy neighbor” as individuals and organizations move towards ending hunger.

Additionally on Saturday February 11th, a “Build Your Wealth Forum Buffet and Wine Wind up” will be held at the Ramada Hotel from 9am-3:30pm. 

“This time of year is perfect to educate individuals and couples on alternative investment solutions” says Sheila Jayson, event organizer.  “We have lined up a great panel of expert speakers, excellent prizes and ten dollars from the sale of each ticket will be donated to CANstruction Kelowna for the purchase of baby basics.”  For more information and ticket details, please visit http://buildyourwealthforum.wordpress.com/.

City Council will be asked to approve a number of operating and project grants for Arts, Culture and Heritage groups in the amount of $180,000 when it meets Monday afternoon.

The yearly grant program is funded through the Recreation & Cultural Services Department of the city.

On the operations side, 18 groups will split $110,000 available for distribution.

These include three groups which have never before received funding, Centre Culturel Francophone de L'Okanagan ($6,000), the Okanagan Chinese Canadian Association ($5,000) and the Society of Friends of the Early Music School ($2,000).

Culture Services Manager, Susan Kochan, says operating grants are provided to support the day-to-day operations of local non-profit arts, culture and heritage organizations.

The largest grants are for the Central Okanagan Heritage Society ($12,000), Bumbershoot Children's Theatre ($10,000), Okanagan Historical Society ($10,000) and Theatre Kelowna Society ($10,000).

Another $70,000 in project grant funding is recommended to be divvied up among 17 organizations.

Kochan says program grants support eligible expenses for festivals, events and projects which focus on arts, culture and heritage.

She says projects may be new or existing, should be unique and viable and 'must demonstrate community support through matching funds.'

"A maximum of $10,000 in matching funds is available for up to three consecutive years," says Kochan.

There are nine first time recipients among the 17 recommended for funding.

None of the 17 received the maximum grant of $10,000.

Four organizations, Central Okanagan Heritage Society, Centre Culturel Francophone de L'Okanagan, Cool Arts Society and Kelowna Community Music School all qualified for both operational and program funding.

It may seem like no big deal to toss the wrong materials into your curbside waste carts, but that is truly not the case.

Mixing garbage with either recyclables or yard waste means someone has to separate them before they can be properly disposed of.

It wastes time and money, so much so, that repeat offenders are now facing a $150 fine.

Photo: Contributed - Regional Waste Reduction Office.

The view from the cab of an automated waste collection truck shows what drivers will see as they watch what people throw away.

Since the beginning of February, new technology is being used to enforce Solid Waste Management bylaws in most of the Central Okanagan.

“We’ll monitor compliance by individual households using technology approved last year in the three municipalities and two electoral areas," says Regional Waste Reduction Office manager Peter Rotheisler.

"Collection trucks are mounted with cameras that can differentiate the type of materials dumped into their hoppers from the wheeled waste carts, embedded with radio frequency identification tags linking the carts to a specific address.”

Residents placing improper items in the cart will be notified by the Regional District of a problem: either materials that were not supposed to be in the cart or that the cart was not set up properly at the curb.

They’ll also receive a copy of photos taken at the time of the infraction along with educational material on what should or should not be included in the cart.

“This new approach is meant to specifically target individual households and residents that are misusing the curbside program, something that isn’t possible with traditional awareness, education and advertising campaigns.”

For subsequent violations, the offender’s municipal bylaw department will be notified and the resident could receive a $150 fine.

“Contaminating the various waste streams is expensive and unnecessary. The wrong item in the garbage, recycling or yard waste cart can damage equipment, cause workplace injuries and typically costs hundreds of thousands of dollars a year for extra monitoring, sorting, handling and equipment. It’s an ongoing problem that has not improved in recent years.  We anticipate this targeted monitoring and enforcement program will bring some improvement,” says Rotheisler.

There are other benefits to the program. Data collected will help address resident inquiries about missed collections, improve route efficiency, monitor contractor performance, evaluate contract costs, help identify and study trends in waste management behaviour and evaluate pay-as-you-throw based billing structures.

The City of Kelowna, District of Lake Country, District of Peachland and Central Okanagan East and Central Okanagan West electoral areas receiving curbside collection will now have their waste scanned. The District of West Kelowna is currently not participating in the program.

For more information on what to recycle or on the curbside automated program, visit the regional district website, email recycle@cord.bc.ca or call the Regional Waste Reduction Office at 250-469-6250.

Regan Reaney is expected to be turned over to Ontario Provincial Police in Hamilton sometime Thursday.

Photo: Kelly Hayes - Castanet

Regan Reaney

Reaney was scheduled to to be extradited from Kelowna to Hamilton Thursday morning.

Kelowna police arrested Reaney last Friday on outstanding fraud warrants in Hamilton dating back to 2006.

Reaney came to prominence with much fanfare in the Okanagan a month ago when he claimed to have in his possession the world's largest cut emerald.

The stone, which was to have been auctioned off in Kelowna last Saturday, was appraised by a gemologist in Calgary at a value of $1.15M.

The gem did not sell, in fact, it didn't receive any bids. The bidding started at $500,000.

RCMP in Kelowna checked into Reaney's past after he requested additional security for his stone.

Sgt. Ann Morrison says a background check is always conducted any time such a request is made.

Reaney was wanted in Hamilton on four counts of false pretenses and one count of fraud under $5,000.

Hamilton Police spokesperson, Teri-Lynn Collings says, as far as she knows, none of those charges involves gems.