Okanagan Mission Review

2 Okanagan Mission Review | Summer 2011

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Okanagan Mission Review | Summer 2011 3

From the editor | Dona Sturmanis

SUMPTUOUS SUMMER

Please direct alladvertising inquiries to

Mr. Robin Tracy at 250-764-3141.

E-mail: [email protected] newsmagazine deadline

August 15

Summer is here and it looks like it’s going to be a good one! There is no better place to celebrate it than the Okanagan, and in particular, the Okanagan Mission with its abundance of parks and natural spaces.

This issue of the Review is a particularly informative one, starting with Ron Hal-lick’s explanation of the Kelowna election system and the importance of the Okanagan Mission retain-ing its historic name.

We also profile Sue Good-win, who has been a vital member of the Okanagan Mission Residents’ Associa-tion for many years as well as other community groups.

Mayor Sharon Shepherd brings us up to date on city activities and progress. Deanna Merrick reports on the welcome addition of commercial services to Kettle Valley. Len McFarlane discusses the implications of the new Lakeshore Bridge design.

Three of our city councillors share the personal passions behind their politics.

You also will discover the opportuni-ties for daycare that exist in the Okanagan Mission.

And don’t forget the opportunity to participate in the Terry Fox Run coming up in September to help raise funds for cancer research. Lisa Worman, cancer

survivor and a member of Terry’s Team, tells her story and invites you to participate this September.

And speaking again of sum-mer, find out all about how your family can enjoy the Park & Play program taking place in various neighbourhoods over the coming months.

And finally, discover how you can enjoy one of the

season’s favourite fruits, strawberries. I’m sipping a strawberry smoothie now....

Dona Sturmanis, Editor

Extra copies of this publication are available at the Okanagan Mission Library while supplies last. This and archived editions are available for download at www.omra.ca

The material contained within this newsmagazine does not necessarily reflect the views of the OMRA Board of Directors. It is for information purposes only and, while it cannot be guaranteed, it was obtained from sources believed to be reliable.

Publisher: Len McFarlane for the Okanagan Mission Residents’ Association

Contents

Editor’s Message 3Past President’s Message 4OMRA Directors List 5Mayor’s Message 8In the Works 12

Regular Features

Special Features

Sue Goodwin 6Community mover and shaker.

Park & Play 21A special family fun program.

In the Kitchen 22The delights of sumptuous strawberries.

Kettle Valley Business 10Community gets deserving new amenities.

Politics and Passions 14Three councillors share their secrets.

Daycare 17Care for your kids in Okanagan Mission.

Terry Fox Run 18Participate to help raise funds for cancer research.

Cover photo by Suzanne LeStage

Story on page 21.

Yum!


Past President’s Report | Ron Hallick

AMALGAMATION AND CORRECT NAMES

Looking at a Ward SystemThe Okanagan Mission Residents’ As-

sociation has been involved with the other associations of the amalgamation when issues arise which can impact the entire city. Recent examples were the Simpson Covenant issue and the Cedar Avenue Park proposal. At our last board meet-ing the subject of local electoral reform was discussed. The current civic election format is the at-large system in which all Kelowna residents vote for mayor and eight councillors. Another option which is just as prevalent in cities across the province is the ward system. The nearest example to Kelowna which utilizes the ward system is Lake Country. In a ward system, cities, especially ones involving large land areas and differing topogra-phies, would be divided into separate and distinct regions and assigned representa-tives on city council. In Kelowna this may translate into traditional regions such as Glenmore Valley, South and East Kelowna, Rutland, and Okanagan Mission, etc., all partners in the amalgamation of 1972, hav-ing a specific representative on council.

As it is now with the at-large system, each distinctive area could, and often is, left without a councillor elected from that specific area of the city. Furthermore, any councillor elected who lives in any specific area of the city is under no obligation to

speak towards that area’s specific needs or concerns.

Taking into consideration the geographic size of Kelowna, which reaches from the south of Okanagan Mission to the district of Lake Country, and the history of the 1972 amalgamation involving nine municipalities which now comprise the City of Kelowna, this option promises to allow for more equitable governance.

It would also preserve the history and identity of these valuable participants within the amalgamated city of Kelowna. Indeed, Mayor Sharon Shepherd first put this idea forward as a method towards improved governance and a means to increase voter interest within the entire city, which has been merely 20 per cent of eligible voters.

With this in mind, the board of direc-tors of OMRA will be inviting representa-tives of the other residents’ associations within the city to discuss this idea, and to ascertain if there is the will to make this idea a political initiative. If this is the case, Okanagan Mission Residents’ Association may have the opportunity to reform civic politics in Kelowna.

Okanagan Mission or “Mission”The Official Community Plan (OCP)

review is now nearly complete. In May a public hearing took place at which time city council had an opportunity to hear from the public with regards to their concerns of the text of the revised OCP. A representative from OMRA spoke of the imperative use of “Okanagan Mission” within the text of the Official Community Plan.

Within previous community plans and also sector plans, such as the South-west Okanagan Mission Sector Plan, our historic name has been used correctly. However, within the text of the new draft of the OCP the name “Mission” is exclusively used. The association has no intention of allowing our proper name to become officially debased in this fashion. We insisted that our community name be properly used within the entire text of the OCP. We have long recognized the fact that our historic boundaries and our name

This map is for general information only. The City of Kelowna does not guarantee its accuracy. All information should be verified.

North Glenmore

Glenmore Valley

East Kelowna

South KelownaSouth Central

Okanagan Mission

Rutland

Central

A ward system could have representatives

in distinctive historical regions.Ill

ustr

atio

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: Len

McF

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Our residents’ association is active in Kelowna governance and area pride.

are vital to developing and maintaining a community identity and a sense of place, which is of paramount importance regard-ing our political presence within the city. We will approach council with the prem-ise that this is simply an oversight which needs to be corrected. Should there be any unforeseen difficulties achieving this correction, our readers and those involved with our political action list, will be asked for your community support.

Our name dates back to pre-European involvement. The Okanagan First Nations referred to the mouth of Mission Creek

and the surrounding area as N’Wha-quisten, meaning a stone found there for shaping weapons of the chase and of war. When the Fur Brigade roved up and down the Valley, the name commonly used was the French name L’Anse au Sable or in English, The Cove of Sand. Father Pan-dosy did use this name in his letters home to France. Following the establishment of the Father Pandosy Mission, the common Anglicized name used was Okanagan

Mission Valley. It was the first European settlement in the Okanagan Valley, includ-ing the United States section. Okanagan Mission Valley predates the founding of Kelowna by over three decades.

We have a tremendous history and a wonderful name. For the well-being of the community, we, the residents, must not take our beautiful location or our historic name for granted. Okanagan Mis-sion. Say it with pride.

Address:

Name:

Phone:

E-mail:

Postal Code:

I would consider becoming a director of OMRA

Anyone living in Okanagan Mission who makes a minimum donation of $10.00 to the Association will become a member as long as the member remains living in Okanagan Mission.

Current Membership = 479

Okanagan Mission Residents’ Association MembershipPO Box 29138, Kelowna BC, V1W 4A7

email: [email protected] www.omra.ca OMRA Directors 2010 - 2011

PresidentKerry Lomax 250-764-8892

Past PresidentRon Hallick 250-764-8697

Vice PresidentMark Ranger 250-764-7187

TreasurerPeter Pugsley 250-764-7672

DirectorsRon Erickson 250-764-3217Mark Thompson 250-764-9357Wayne Wolfe 250-764-6430

The Okanagan Mission name is proudly painted on the roof of the boat house on Okanagan Mission wharf in the 1920s.

Cour

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of K

elow

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Even as a teenager, Sue Goodwin yearned for a life that was rich in experi-ence. After learning that British students take a ‘gap year’ after they graduate, she decided to take one of her own. The rationale behind a gap year is to give students a year off between graduating from high school and beginning their university education, in order to experi-ence other places and have an adventure or two before settling down to the serious business of life. Sue liked that idea and soon found herself living in a Norwegian home in London, England, while working at a hotel.

Goodwin obtained her B.A. at the University of Winnipeg in 1981. She went

on to earn her com-munications and advertising accredited professional (CAAP) designation. Living in Toronto, she then launched a very successful career in advertising, market-ing and public relations. By 1985 she was a partner in a vibrant advertising and PR agency, a position she held until she and her husband, Glen McBurnie, moved to Kelowna over a decade later.

Like many Kelowna residents, Goodwin and her husband first encountered the Okanagan during one of her many cross-Canada trips. They moved to Kelowna in 1997 when their two boys were just two and three years old.

“We call ourselves ‘lifestyle refu-gees,’” she laughs.

Sue is not just a ‘doer.’ She is also a strategic thinker, a planner and a very popular addition to a number of non-profit boards in the Okanagan Mission and throughout the city. She’s taken this approach to life ever since moving to Kelowna, and our city has reaped the rewards from her efforts.

“From the moment I arrived, I wanted to get involved in the com-munity. I thought that was a good way to find out about Kelowna and to give back to the community we’d chosen,” Goodwin explains.

Early on, she became involved in the Quilchena Park Project, a group

dedicated to building the first playground in the Kettle Valley community. That playground later succumbed to the tragic fire of 2003, which wreaked a great deal of damage in Okanagan Mission. Goodwin then became an integral part of the Cedar Creek Board, investigating the possibility of a satellite recreation centre for the City of Kelowna.

Those experiences led her to a position as editor of the Okanagan Mission Review. She also spent nearly a decade on the board of The Okanagan Mission Residents’ Association.

“The OMRA is often held up by Kelowna’s mayor as a dynamic example for other community organizations,” Goodwin says.

With seemingly endless energy, Sue also became involved in the Citizens for Responsible Growth and the Board of the Rotary Centre for the Arts (RCA). The RCA’s six-year commitment ends this September, but Goodwin already has her sights set on a new and promising venture.

Her latest venture is as a member of the steering committee for the St. Paul’s United Church Sanctuary in Okanagan Mission, an exciting and progressive long-term development plan for the property where the United Church now stands. Not only will a new church reside on

Community Report | by Deanna Merrick

SUE GOODwIN

Sue, Kevin (2) and Scott (3) crossing the Kootenay River on their way to their new home in August 1997.

A fashionable 18 year old in London, England.

Phot

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“we call ourselves “lifestyle refugees”.


.

Summer Reading Club 2011at Mission Library

Savour Each Word is this year’s theme for Summer Reading Club for children 5-12 or who have been in

kindergarten, and Summer Preschool Reading Program for 2-5 year olds, with programs, contests,

weekly book draws, and family storytimes!• Ali K. Zam• The Buzz about Bees• Manga Mania• Drum Drama!• Discover the Stars

In-person registration is now available for these programs in July and August

For more information, contact 250-764-2254www.orl.bc.ca/branches/mission

Mission Library • Capital News Centre • 4105 Gordon Drive

June 27 Ray BonnevilleJuly 4 & 5 ZappacostaJuly 12 & 13 HapaAugust 2 The TwistersSept. 20 Roxanne Potvin

250-764-23014638 Lakeshore Road

www.minstrelcafe.com

Voted best place to eatand hear live music!

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the site, but there will also be a six floor multi level building designed to include commercial and office space, parking and seniors’ residential housing. The group is also looking at unique financing opportu-nities for the seniors who might call this new development home.

Along with all of her high level volun-teer commitments and family responsibili-ties (her two sons are now active teens), Sue still finds time to operate her own business, Goodwin Marketing Communi-

cations. She brings her extensive career background and volunteer experience to a wide range of services including branding, strategic planning, media research and planning, copy writing, brochure produc-tion and special event co-ordination.

Goodwin sums up her own personal philosophy best:

“The one thing I’ve learned throughout everything I’ve done, is to always give

something back. Help others or mentor. I was given a lot of opportunities. It is very important to pay it forward. That is why I stay involved.”

The OMRA board of directors is very grateful to Sue for her dedication and commitment to the work of the associa-tion.

- Kerry Lomax (President)

Paying It Forward...Again and Again.

The Goodwin/McBurnie family today. From left; Scott (17), Glen, Sue and Kevin (16).

To advertise in The Reviewplease contact Mr. Robin Tracy.

[email protected]


Summer has finally arrived al-though I’ve heard that many of the plants are about two weeks behind a normal sea-son. Our community sure does love the warmth as our parks and multi-purpose pathways fill up with walkers, bikers and roller bladers as soon as that sun appears.

Plan Received Public InputDehart Community Concept Plan has

been received by council with construc-tion occurring likely in a phased approach and dependent on funding and partner-ship opportunities. It is located on DeHart between Gordon Drive and the Fire Station. The public consultation included students from Anne McClymont Elemen-tary and Okanagan Mission High School and members of the Okanagan Mission Residents’ Association and Okanagan Mission Community Hall Board as well as two public workshops and an open house. Park construction is estimated at about 3.77 million dollars.

The objectives include safety, acces-sibility, flexibility, creating a park with a strong sense of place, integration of public art reflecting the neighbourhood, and creating a safe environment for youth. There has been a long list of potential uses identified and I encourage all of you to look at the concept plan and design at

www.kelowna.ca/CM/Page2712.aspx.

Library KudosOur Okanagan Regional Library

recently celebrated 75 years of service on March 19, 2011. In 2010 the total visits to the Okanagan Mission branch were 118,772, which is about 2,329 per week. Computer workstations, wireless access, and many programs such as story times and author visits are some of the usages by our citizens. A special thank you to the Kelowna Friends of the Library who raise funds through the ongoing book sales to support extra programs and special equipment. Genealogical research is now enhanced at the Kelowna downtown branch as a result of the fundraising funds purchasing a digital reader and printer.

Water SmartAs we strive to reach the goals of the

City of Kelowna’s Water Sustainability Action Plan, there has been a new bylaw introduced for water regulation. This is specifically targeting landscape and irrigation performance standards with the goal to reduce outdoor water use by 15% to 30% while maintaining attractive landscapes.

A water efficiency brochure has been produced and the Water Smart program staff will be the contact for providing information or doing field visits. Specifica-tions for landscaping and irrigation will soon be integrated into the engineering standards bylaw. Also, design guidelines for multi-family, industrial and commercial land uses will likely be integrated into the development permit process. Remember,

SPRING INTO SUMMERKelowna Mayor

Sharon Shepherd

A quarterly message from the Mayor

Mayor Sharon Shepherd250-469-8980

[email protected]

Councillor André Blanleil250-862-0592

[email protected]

Councillor Kevin Craig250-448-1490

[email protected]

Councillor Robert Hobson250-868-5224

[email protected]

Councillor Charlie Hodge250-575-1674

[email protected]

Councillor Graeme James250-575-9424

[email protected]

Councillor Angela Reid-Nagy

[email protected]

Councillor Michele Rule250-762-3749

[email protected]

Councillor Luke Stack250-878-4990

[email protected]

Mayor and [email protected]

City Council Contact ListGood communication with

people can make a difference in the way you live in your commu-nity.

Similarly, the following people know that in order to vote on matters in your best interest they must hear from you.


a beautiful demonstration of xeriscape (low water use) plants is available at the front of the H20 Aquatic and Fitness Centre.

Budget OverrunUnfortunately the preliminary budget

at 2.05% came in at 2.47% for final budget because of some unexpected additional costs. Copper wiring has been stolen from the power poles throughout the community and the development assess-ment costs came in slightly lower than at original budget. There are still many exciting initiatives taking place this year including the downtown charette, Central Green (old KSS site) rezoning, Parkinson senior centre addition, and final planning for Bernard Avenue revitalization.

Landfill Tipping Fee WaiverIf any of you belong to a not-for-profit

organization that is involved in the diver-sion of recyclable materials there is a new landfill tipping fee waiver available to recognize the benefit of all the materials that are not brought to the landfill. This includes those groups and organizations that help to beautify our surroundings by cleaning up litter and illegally dumped garbage on publicly owned land. The waiver is to provide a consistent approach and cover that portion of the waste from these groups that cannot be recycled.

Art and Garden The Communities in Bloom and Public

Art committees are supporting the contin-uation of the Leon Avenue Art Project for art banners to be placed in the 200 block

of Leon similar to the 400 block. A garden tour is being planned this year with funds going to various community garden ef-forts throughout the community. Did you know there are 50 new community garden plots being installed at the Mission Sports Field Complex? A Beauty Spot program is being expanded to include “You’ve Been Spotted” component to encourage con-tinued tidiness and beautification. Green Thumb Awards will continue this year and the garden tour took place on Saturday, June 18th.

Greening Meeting The Official Community Plan (OCP),

“Greening Our Future-2030,” had a public hearing on May 24th and was well at-tended. The Central Green (KSS) rezoning recently went through a public hearing and is now waiting for final reading.

Cycle the LakeA GranFondo is a celebrated tradition

in European cycling culture that is com-ing to our Okanagan Valley. It is a long distance, mass-participating cycle event that welcomes all levels of abilities. The RBC GranFondo Kelowna 2011 will be held Saturday, July 16th, and will be about 140 kilometres of “Loop the Lake.” It will

start and finish on Water Street. If you are interested in riding or volunteering go to www.rbcgranfondokelowna.com for information.

Community AwardsCivic and Community Awards celebra-

tions took place at the Kelowna Com-munity Theatre on Wednesday, April 27th. So many individuals from youth to a senior at age 90 were recognized for all their achievements and volunteer time to make our Kelowna the great place it is. Names will be posted at Stuart Park for the upcoming year.

Women in GovernmentWomen interested in considering cam-

paigning for municipal government could have benefited from a campaign college held in May. B.C. has the highest ratio of women in municipal government but it is still just at 24%. The goal of “Getting to 30%” is to achieve the United Nations’ definition of a minimal percentage of women required for government to reflect women’s concerns.

Happy summer! Remember to buy local for that sustainable 100 kilometer diet!

Plan meetings, library congrats and lots of green activity.

Three generations of the Cocarell Family enjoy an afternoon together at their garden plot; one of 50 at the Mission Sports Field Complex.

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While looking for an address in the Kettle Valley community, I asked a very attractive young woman for directions to the local coffee shop.

“How about if I drive right there and you can follow me,” she offered.

This is the essence of Kettle Valley…a community not in name only, but with an infectious atmosphere that is at the same time serene and invigorating.

At Kettle Valley, they’ve got all the ame-nities a good neighbourhood needs…lots of green space for families and kids to congregate, great views, and an outstand-ing school. Now, with the involvement of Tony Overton, the area’s selection of on-site commercial services is growing, providing even more convenience to this

fine community.Overton and his fam-

ily moved from England to Kelowna after doing a cross-country tour of Canada. Although they first set eyes upon Kelowna during the raging fires of 2003, they quickly fell in love with the city. He purchased his first commercial building at Kettle Valley two years ago and bought the lot next door the following year, in August of 2010.

“We spent a great deal of time knock-ing on doors, talking to the residents,” Overton recalls. “From there we devel-oped a short list of services and essentials for the buildings. Because we had their specific needs in mind, it has been very

well received by the community.”

The two commer-cial buildings are nearly full and will hold 25 businesses at capacity. To date, they are home to a full service restaurant and bar, a ReMax sales centre, a gym, travel agency, a full day care facility, coffee shop, chiropractor and extensive day spa, to name but a few. A grocery store is

planned for the near future, as is a walk-in clinic and pharmacy. A local post office is also in the works and the buildings’ top storeys will house office space.

“The next six months or so are transi-tional. Our plan is to be fully leased by this Christmas, with all essential services on site,” he said.

Businesses in Kettle Valley have a strong foundation based on demand, and most are enjoying nearly immediate success. As Overton points out, these businesses not only have the Kettle Val-ley community to draw on, but also the large population base found in nearby residential areas. And the presence of neighbourhood facilities like the ones being developed in Kettle Valley actually increase the value of the residential prop-erties found there.

Clearly, Tony Overton is a man with an eye to the future, who knows what he wants. He chose his new country, his new city, the Kettle Valley neighbourhood and even the services he and neighbours would need. Then, with great care and commitment, he went about developing them…in the truest sense of the word.

For more information, contact Tony Overton at 250-826-0844.

Mission House Coffee shop owner Billie Aaltonenenjoying the sunshine with her customers on the patio.

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Tony and Susan Overton in front of the new extension to the Kettle Valley Town Centre.

Tony Overton brings community commercial services it deserves.

KETTLE VALLEY BUSINESS BOOM



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This is a regular feature of our maga-zine, highlighting public works projects in our community that we sometimes take for granted but which may ultimately affect our quality of life.

This article is to inform you of the lat-est status of the Lakeshore Bridge Project.

Staff at the City of Kelowna’s Infra-structure Planning division have been busy since the early part of 2011 working on design concepts for the new Lakeshore Bridge Project.

I have had the privilege of engaging OMRA in this effort as the board’s liaison.The cooperation that I have received from both city officials and Stantec Consult-ing (a private engineering company) in answering my endless questions and providing information on the complexities of the design process for this undertaking has been outstanding.

The underlying concern for all parties is the safe, orderly and expeditious flow of both vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

The ProjectThe Lakeshore Bridge’s current traffic

load is approximately 12,000 vehicles per day and is located in a designated Tourism-Commercial Zone. Future needs will require additional capacity plus the necessity of incorporating a growing level of pedestrian activity.

Comparatively, the Casorso and Gordon Drive bridges were designed primarily as vehicle transportation corridors.

The Lakeshore Bridge project must also address the additional complexity of joining the popular Mission Creek Greenway to the new Multi-use Corridor at Lakeshore Road.

The Current ConfigurationThe current configuration has two

level crossings, one at Mission Creek and the other at Truswell Road. Truswell Road crosses directly into the subdivision entrance of our River Run neighbours. Pedestrian traffic crosses Lakeshore Road at the traffic lights at Truswell Road.

The Hybrid OptionThis option combines a level crossing

with an overpass and the cost could come in as low as $3 million depending on the type of bridge construction that is used.

An open house on May 25 showed four variations of construction and the Girder Bridge method seemed to be the most preferred.

OMRA has three distinct safety concerns with the hybrid design option:

1) Northbound Lakeshore Road vehicle traffic will be subject to a blind intersec-

In the works | Len McFarlane

ThE LAKEShORE BRIDGE DILEMMA

Choices are the hinges of destiny. - Pythagoras

The hybrid crossing would create the need to close the west side of the Truswell Road access to Lakeshore Road.

North

Pedestrian underpass

Lakeshore Road

Mission Creek

River Run

Hybrid Option

Today’s bridge at Mission Creek is a level crossing meeting a similarly level intersection at Truswell and River Run. The orange lines in these

diagrams indicate pedestrian and cycle routes.

Mission Creek

River Run

Truswell Road

To KelownaCurrent Configuration

Illustrations by Len McFarlane


tion at the River Run entrance which will be located at the bottom of a 6°% grade downslope.

An independent Transportation Safety Audit has yet to be com-pleted for this design.

2) River Run vehicle traffic will have to merge into Lakeshore Road with limited sight lines to the crest of the bridge.

3) Pedestrians will be using an under-pass similar to the Casorso and Gordon bridges, which are isolated and difficult to monitor.

There are two additional items in this design that will negate its efficiency.

• Lakeshore Road vehicle traffic will need to slow down or stop to accom-modate River Run traffic exiting and entering.• Pedestrians and cyclists will need to climb 6 metres from the underpass to the overpass.

The Truswell Overpass OptionThis option is a straight overpass and

was put forward by the Okanagan Mission Residents’ Association. Early estimates put the cost at upwards of $10 million.

In March 2011, city staff became aware of their entitlement to the Gas Tax General Strategic Priorities Fund (GSPF), which could provide$7.9 million in project assistance.

This option comes with five distinct safety advantages over the hybrid design:

1) The level crossing at Truswell Road is replaced by an overpass which elimi-nates any conflict at this intersection.

River Run residents will access Lakeshore Road via Truswell Road and Cook Road.

2) There is a clean separation between vehicles and pedestrians.3) All pedestrian traffic remains at grade level.4) The pedestrian underpass is highly visible which contributes to its safety and security. 5) Safety is also enhanced during high water periods by its distance from the edge of Mission Creek.

City officials have identified four concerns with the overpass option:

1) There would be a longer design and construction period.2) There would be more of a visual impact with the higher structure.

At the open house on May 25, the majority of River Run residents I spoke with expressed their strong opinion that safety trumps all other concerns, including the construc-tion period and esthetics.

4) The higher overpass has a greater potential for spreading traffic noise.

I spoke with residents of The Lex-ington subdivision, who were most affected by the elevated Gordon Drive Bridge, and they stated that noise buffering techniques actually reduced traffic noise.

TimelinesIf the City of Kelowna is successful in

their application to the GSPF they will be committed to constructing the new bridge in 2013. In order to meet that deadline, a tight schedule has been set up to com-plete the detailed design by October 2012. This means that preliminary drawings must be ready by October 31, 2011. In order to complete these drawings in time a decision must be made within the next few weeks on which design concept to adopt.

As of the month of June 2011, much technical analysis still needs to take place before a preferred option is decided.

With up to $7.9 million at stake and the safety of the traveling public as their primary concern, city officials have some heavy thinking to do. They know that their decision will have an impact on the lives of Okanagan Mission Residents for the next 75 years, the life expectancy of the new Lakeshore Bridge.

If your have any comments or ques-tions regarding this project OMRA would like to hear from you at:

[email protected] may also exercise your right to

voice your opinion directly to mayor and council at:

[email protected]

Len McFarlane is the publisher of the Okanagan Mission Review on behalf of the Okanagan Mission Residents’ Associa-tion.

There are many factors to consider in the selection of a preferred design concept for the Lakeshore Bridge Project and time is quickly running out.

Truswell Overpass Option

Multi-use Corridor

Truswell Road

Mission Creek Greenway

Foot bridges

This design moves the Mission Creek overpass and the Greenway to Truswell Road.

River Run Bridge crest3 seconds

Mission Creek

A vehicle travelling at 60 kph will have little time to react to a conflict at

the River Run intersection.


Luke Stack: Affordable Housing

Quiz: What year do you think this was written? “Kelowna is experiencing an acute shortage of rental housing despite the fact that new home construction may set a record for the year. I don’t know what we’ll do when we get an influx of men to start work on the bridge.” Does this sound familiar? These quotes were taken from an article that appeared in the Kelowna Daily Courier over 53 years ago prior to the construction of the first Okanagan Lake

bridge! Clearly the need for affordable housing has been a theme in Kelowna for a very long time.

Back in the late 1980s my wife Anne Stack and I wanted to make our life’s work count. We had met many single parent families that were really struggling with

two things: affordable housing and afford-able daycare. We decided to focus on the housing challenge.

We knew that a group effort would be re-quired to make any progress; so together with a number of Christian friends, we formed the Society of HOPE. Our vision

was to provide high quality affordable housing to those who needed it. Some of those early visionary people (Lorne Gerber; Ken Zeitner) are still working at the Society to this day. After many years of focused efforts, the Society has grown to 487 housing units from Peachland to Lake Country.

I still get excited when we can place a new resident who really needs a decent place to live. I have seen over the years the tremendous difference it makes to a family or senior to have a stable affordable place to live. The efforts have been well worth it.

ThE PASSIONS BEhIND POLITICS

Special Profiles

Luke Stack

250-868-8801 missionlawgroup.com304 - 3320 Richter Street, Kelowna, BC V1W 4V5

MISSIONLAW GROUP

Joel A. WisemanRepresentation Agreements

Powers of Attorney

Wills & Estate Planning

Real Estate & Mortgages

“I still get excited when we can place a new resident

who really needs a decent place to live.”

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Angela Reid-Nagy: The Stage, Food and Sustainable Future

At 18 years old, I was lucky to discover my passion and purpose. I knew that I was passionate about music and theatre, which led to a very strong sense of pur-pose to use my public speaking, creativity and communications skills in a meaningful way to help make the world a better place through business, politics and music.

Music and theatre were a strong pres-ence in my late teens and early twenties, when I took lead roles in several Theatre Kelowna Society productions including Cinderella, Nunsense and Babes in the Magic Wood. I served on the Board of Directors of TKS during this time, and co-produced a few shows. I also wrote the lyrics for several songs during this time, which served as an important creative emotional outlet for a teen-aged girl and young woman. With my guitar in tow, I entered and placed in several local singer/songwriter competitions.

Taking my love for the stage, public speaking and creative writing skills into the board room and political realm at age 23 proved to be something that allowed

me to live my passion and earn a living, while at the same time fulfill the desire to create change at a business and political level.

Now at age 33, I have taken a small departure from music and theatre in order to evolve the other parts of my purpose-filled plan, but in the process have discovered other passions. One of the most exciting is a passion for food, growing it, preparing it and advocating for

public access to safe and healthy food. Overarching this is a passion for creating a sustainable future, which led me to run

for city council and to create the business consulting company, GreenStep.

I feel so blessed to be able to live my passion and purpose each and every day.

Michele Rule: Kelowna and Caring

I grew up in Kelowna, and after moving away for university I returned to start my adult life. It seemed like the right place to be - surrounded by family and friends - a familiar place. When those first years became marred by abrupt turns and unpleasantness, I began to have a whole new appreciation for the community that Kelowna was. I discovered a layer of caring that I hadn’t seen before. And while my

path soon straightened and my burdens lessened, I developed a passion for help-ing those around me. I began fundrais-ing for health issues, working with the homeless, leading youth in scouting and volunteering my time in a variety of other ways. It was this passion that led me to run for council - the level of government that has the most impact on people’s daily lives - with the goal of bringing forward

policies that would make our commu-nity vibrant, safe and welcoming for all our residents. And while I have experienced the

frustration, but also the value, of team-based decision making, I have never let go of this passion and continue to be strongly motivated toward my vision.

we invited three Kelowna city councillors to share their enthusiasms.

Angela Reid-Nagy

Michele Rule

“With my guitar in tow, I entered and placed in several

local singer/songwriter competitions.”

“I began to have a whole new appreciation for the

community Kelowna was.”


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Okanagan Mission is an idyllic place to raise a family, and where there are families, there is daycare! It will come as no surprise to learn that finding a daycare or preschool program for your kids is difficult at best. The good news? The programs and facilities offered here are second to none, and there are great resources to assist in your search for the right environment for your child. New facilities in Kettle Valley will also go a long way toward fulfilling some of the wait list for kids in this area.

A great place to start your daycare or preschool program search is the Kelowna Child Care Society. Their primary goal is to assist parents in their search for the right child care, and they will even help families who are applying for subsidized care. They offer a very broad range of services, and their mission statement best explains their role:

“The mission of the Kelowna Child Care Society is to facilitate quality child

care and provide a wide range of programs, services and resources.”

Look online at www.kelownachildcare.com or call 250-762-3536.

There’s a new kid in town, ready to offer a top quality educational experi-ence for children ages 30 months and up. The Little Owl Academy in Kettle Valley opened its doors on April 30. Partners Naomi Miller and Lynsey Pashley urge parents to contact them as soon as pos-sible to register, as programs are filling up incredibly fast. Registration for their September pre-school program and out of school care is available now, and part of the service Little Owl offers is a pick up service for families in the Chute Lake area. They’ll also offer a full junior kindergarten program. Naomi says the programs they will deliver centre on enhanced theme-based learning. The overall focus of Little Owl is education, culture, learning and fun

with a green, earth-friendly approach. Check out the Little Owl Academy online at:

or call 250-801-0167. Kids’ Corner on

Gordon has pro-grams for infants through five years old. This popular day care and preschool

facility often has a wait list, but they work diligently to get children into the program as quickly as possible. They have a pro-gressive approach to child care, and with full day programs there’s plenty of time for activities such as art, free play, circle time, outdoor time, nap time, church time and even an indoor gym. Kids’ Corner welcomes special needs children.

Cindy Mymka, Daycare Director at Kids’ Corner, says there is a big need for more infant programs and out of school daycare, including transportation. She suggests parents have their children on more than one wait list if they’re having trouble securing their spots. Call 250-861-5437 for more information.

There are plenty of other facilities in the Okanagan Mission, and one of the best ways to find out what’s available is through word of mouth. Most daycare providers appear to be very willing to direct parents to other facilities if theirs are full. There are also a lot of individuals who offer programs in their own homes. Call around, ask for referrals and be sure to contact the Kelowna Child Care Society. With perseverance, a little luck and some research, you’ll soon have your kids regis-tered in the right program for them.

Deanna Merrick is a freelance writer who lives in Okanagan Mission.

Searching for the Right Provider.

Co-owner of Little Owl Academy, Naomi Miller, sits with a few of her daycare charges on a Tuesday morning.

Cindy Mymka of Kids’ Corner shares some time with her little friends.

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KID CARE

www.littleowlacademy.ca


In September 2004, life was good. My husband Shane and I were healthy and happy and very busy with our two young boys. Suddenly our lives were thrown into turmoil as Shane was diagnosed with cancer. He was only 34 years old. We fought through surgery and chemo-therapy and were just getting our lives back on track when a year and a half later, I was also diagnosed with cancer. I too was only 34.

I underwent sur-gery, chemotherapy and radiation. Need-less to say, it was a rough few years. Fast forward to today: We are both feeling well and have an even greater appreciation for life. We now proudly stand with other cancer survivors as Terry’s Team Members at the Terry Fox Run.

In May 2010, we heard that the Terry Fox Run was in jeopardy of being can-celled in Kelowna. We had always been participants in the event but realized its importance to our community and to cancer research. We decided to volunteer to help organize the event.

The Terry Fox Foundation funds cancer research, for all types, and has one of the lowest administration percentages of any charity in Canada. That means that 87 cents of every dollar raised goes directly

to cancer research. Knowing that 25 years ago, Shane’s type of cancer had a 99% fatality rate and now has a 99% survival rate, we are ex-tremely indebted to research. We believe that the progress of cancer research has saved our lives. Unfortunately, there is so much more to do. One out of every four Canadians will be diagnosed with cancer

in their lifetime. We want to be a part of raising that one dollar that leads to an earlier diagnosis, makes the side effects of chemotherapy that much easier, or that ultimately finds a cure.

Terry Fox believed that every person could make a difference. You can make a difference by joining us at the 31st Annual Terry Fox Run on Sunday, September 18th. Mark your calendar! You can sign up as an individual or a team at www.ter-ryfox.org or 1-888-836-9786. Please help by spreading the word; send out e-mails to invite your friends and family to join

you and ask them to make a donation to your efforts. It will all make a difference!

If you are a cancer survivor, we invite you to stand with us as a Terry’s Team Member to show that research can work. Contact Lisa at [email protected]

or 250-762-0032. Join us for a

fun, community event that honours a great Cana-dian while raising money for cancer research! You can walk, run, ride, or wheel the 1.5, 5, or 9 kilometer course along the Mission Greenway.

There will be a massage tent,

barbecue by Freybe Meats, healthy snacks by Quality Greens, music and kids’ activi-ties, so bring your family, friends, dog and water bottle!

Terry Fox Run KelownaSunday, September 18, 2011

Mission Sportsfields (Lexington & Gordon)Registration: 10:00 amEvent Start: 11:00 am

Lisa Worman is the Proud Volunteer Co-Chair of Terry Fox Run Kelowna.

Community Charity Report | by Lisa Worman

TERRY FOX RUN

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Shane, Eric, Lisa & Joel Worman (volunteer organizers of the Terry Fox Run Kelowna).

Warming up at the Terry Fox Run 2010.

Join this landmark event to raise funds for cancer research.


4600 Lakeshore Rd. (beside Sunshine Market)250-764-2900

Thymes products and more.Garden decor, fountains

® Your neighbourhood.Your friends.

Your coffeehouse.

4600Lakeshore Road

(beside Sunshine Market)

A message fromSTEVE THOMSON

I would be pleased to meet with you to discuss any issues or concerns you have regarding the Provincial Government. Please call the office for an appointment and I will

do my best to accommodate you. Or, feel free to send me an email at the address noted below.

Province of British ColumbiaSTEVE THOMSON

MLA KELOWNA MISSIONOffice: 250-712-3620

E-mail: [email protected]

GJ’s Hedge & Lawn

250-863-7408

Services we offer: 4 lawn mowing4 power raking4 core aeration4 hedge trimming4 sprinkler startup4 sprinkler blow outs4 spring & fall cleanup


St. Andrew’s Anglican ChurchServing the Mission for 100 years

Sunday services 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM

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Park & Play in your neighbourhood this summer! Join the City of Kelowna at various parks throughout the summer, for nights filled with life size checkers, bean bag tosses, races through the inflatable obstacle and more.

Park & Play began a few years ago as part of an initiative to bring families together in their neighbourhood. The City provides recreational activities in neigh-bourhood parks to increase accessibility to programming and to promote interac-tion between families and their local green space.

This is a great opportunity for families to get outside, play together and enjoy their neighbourhood. The Park & Play team brings with them a great mix of ball games, group games and even inflatables (selected nights, weather permitting) that

are appropriate for all ages and abilities. Challenge your child to a game of life size snakes and ladders, or take on your spouse in a game of snag golf. See who can hula hoop the longest or which team can catch the most Frisbee tosses. Why not challenge another family to a friendly game of giant soccer with our oversized soccer ball or try to beat them at a relay race! Little ones can have fun playing in the bouncy house inflatable, playing catch or making a craft – no one is left out.

So this year, instead of hopping in your car to drive to one of the major parks, hop on your bike, or stroll down the block to enjoy a fun filled evening with your children, friends and neighbours. You can even make a night of it by packing a picnic

and having dinner at the park. “Our family looks forward to the Park

& Play program,” says Sarah Semeniuk, a local resident. “I have three kids, ages four through nine, who love to run around and play with all the different equipment. Last summer our friends would join us with their children making it a great, active night out for the whole family and neighbourhood.”

Park & Play will visit 10 different parks this summer making it easy for families to join in the activities at their local park. Let’s get the whole family playing togeth-er, outside in the neighbourhood.

Park & Play runs July 4 through Aug 26, weeknights from 5 to 8 pm, or dusk, at 8 different parks throughout the city. We will be in Okanagan Mission in August at:

Quilchena ParkMonday evenings

August 1, 8, 15 and 22 5 to 8 pm

For other park locations and more Park & Play information please visit:

kelowna.ca/recreation or phone 250-469-8800.

Louise Roberts-Taylor is the Commu-nity and Neighbourhood Programs Man-ager for the City of Kelowna’s Recreation & Cultural Services department.

Community Report | by Louise Roberts-Taylor

PARK & PLAY PROGRAM

A little face painting going on here.

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Last year’s Quilchena Park crew .

This is a great opportunity for families to get outside and play together.


Strawberries are the first berries to ripen for the summer. They’re technically not a berry, but we’ll think of them as such-- they’re actually an aggregate fruit that comes from the rose family. Who doesn’t love these plump and succulent bright red delights with the wonderful aroma?

They’re celebrated by teas and festivals, and the namesake of characters such as Strawberry Shortcake. The garden straw-berry we know today, plump and juicy, is the result of cross-breeding, improving on the smaller woodland strawberry.

They are not only delicious but ex-tremely nutritious. A cup of sliced, fresh strawberries only has 50 calories. Full of fibre, they are very high in Vitamin A and C, with an impressive variety of other es-sential minerals.

When you buy strawberries, you want to make sure they are firm, ripe, but not overripe. Make sure there is no mushi-

ness, signs of spoil-age or rot. One bad strawberry affects all the others in the container.

Store them in the refrigerator in a covered container and use them within several days, washing before consuming.

Of course they are best fresh, but can also be frozen or made into jam. There are many jam recipes on the Internet, including simple ones that don’t require a lot of sugar.

I personally like to do creative things with strawberries when it comes to cuisine. For breakfast, besides slicing them into your breakfast cereal, why not top a waffle? A smoothie loves strawber-ries. Into a blender, put a banana, some orange juice, yogurt and throw in as many strawberries as you can. Tasty and very good for you.

Strawberries are an excellent addition to any type of salad. The sweetness and texture add a nice counterpoint to the otherwise crunchy texture and tangy taste of dressing. Recent personal experiments have proven that they are wonderful in coleslaw, and fabulous in any type of spinach salad. Throw in some cheese and nuts, add a vinaigrette dressing and voila, a gourmet, healthy treat that will impress your friends and family and is very good to eat.

And who doesn’t like a strawberry

daiquiri? In a blender, add rum, lime juice, sugar to taste, ice cubes and as many strawberries as you like. Whip it up and serve with a strawberry slice.

Then of course, there are the desserts. Whether it is strawberry shortcake, or sim-ply ice cream, all you have to do is slice some strawberries, whirl up a strawberry puree in the blender with a little honey, and top with whatever you want.

Strawberries make a tasty contribution to a fruit salad, can be skewered with other fruit for a flash-grilled skewer, or dipped in a chocolate fondue.

Discover a variety of ways to enjoy this terrific summer fruit. Your taste buds and your body will thank you.

SUPREME STRAwBERRIES

Enjoy them in many different ways.

In the Kitchen | by Dona Sturmanis

Picking strawberries is child ‘s play.

There are certain things to look for when buying strawberries.

Dipped-in-chocolate strawberries


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SuMMEr dINNEr SErIESThis summer we’re also hosting Winemaker’s Dinners once a month. Please join us June 23rd with Vancouver’s “Best Thai” restaurant

Maenam, July 13th for “Burgers & Bluegrass” featuring Canadian Angus Beef & music from the High Bar Gang (bring your dancing shoes), August 25th with our own Chef Stefan Pimenta for a Seafood experience featuring Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and September 8th with the

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Documents

Okanagan Mission Review