Following are emailed reader responses to stories or letters to the editor for the last week of August 2024. They have been edited slightly for readability. 

Got something you want to add? Send an email to editor Marshall Jones at mjones@infonews.ca.

—

iN RESPONSE

To Editor,

I have been impressed with the quality of reporting and also an opinion article, that keeps me thinking.

I live in Vernon, and the story on the crosswalk at 30 Avenue and 32 Street was well done. A reporter has gone to the area and spoken to people and has come up with an informative story. I thought the intersection was nerve wracking for a pedestrian, but I didn’t realize it was that dangerous.

The article on the pharmacist (Wiebe) also provided information I have never heard before. Again there is actual reporting, digging and investigation.

The opinion article regarding the state of local media left me thinking. The concern for a major event, (fire) leaves me wondering how I would even know about it if it would occur close to my home. News on local radio is now non existent, as well as the news on television (CHBC).

Does rumour on rant and rave pages on social media now become our source of news? I hope not. I am also glad to see that your articles are not just copy and paste from social media posts. Does Castanet rewording a social media post to create a story qualify as journalism, reporting and investigation? No.

On a different note, Shannon Ainslie’s articles and photo’s on nature , animals etc brings an appreciation of our area. Those are well done as well.

Keep up the good work!
Greg Leong

BACK TO SCHOOL: BC brings in 'bell to bell' cell phone ban

I think that allowing the overuse of cell phones in schools leads to distraction from learning and creates a dependency on cell phone for answers to problems. Should have been curbed from the beginning. Having seen four adults (parents) at functions or out dining all sitting at a table using their cell phones, you can see where the problem started. Believe the intent is good but will certainly be hard to enforce. Cell phones are great for keeping in touch while mobile but restrictions are long overdue. Parents have to get on board in order to succeed. — John Chenoweth

Agree with him completely. Yes to cell phones going to and from school, simply for protection sake. But other than that they should be banned. — Marti Giroux

I would love to be able to give Premier David Eby the benefit of the doubt but I cannot, I don't recognize him as premier nor as a legitimate leader. Phones and social media may be a problem but that is a parental concern, first and foremost.  People love to call out the NDP or Democrats as socialists but I see Eby as being more "authoritarian" than leader, he hasn't led on any issues to date and life is still tougher for the poor than the wealthy and politicians. I have to admit, I worry for children growing up these days and even my childhood was not ideal. — Patrick Longworth

We talked about trying a ban years ago, there was no consensus. I can’t believe parents who talk about what their kiddos should do if there is trouble. Sorry, who needs a dozen kids texting their parents there was a 'lockdown'? I’d want one message from the school describing what’s up and letting me know what I need to do. I think kids should put their phones down and pay attention. Go to the office and ask for help. C'est moi...I’m an 'old fart' and proud!! — Janis Thompson

Construction to begin on third tiny home project for homeless people in Kelowna

On Aug. 26, with members of Kelowna city council in attendance, B.C. Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon announced 60 additional supportive housing units for Kelowna. The first 60-unit development of “tiny homes” is located next to the tent city on the rail trail; the second 60-unit development is located at 2740 Highway 97. I wonder how many of these 120 supportive housing units are currently occupied? Kahlon's remarks included: "We’re working with communities across the province to increase available supports and services that bring people indoors where they can get some stability back in their life and prepare them for more permanent housing." Prepare people for permanent housing where? — David Buckna, Kelowna, B.C.

Kamloops council meeting goes off the rails; mayor removed as chair again

Whatever is on the agenda is open for discussion, there is no written rule that says upcoming calendar notices can't be spoken of. The city keeps saying it is on the agenda but not to be spoken of but they can't provide any written documentation or precedent to corroborate this as per rule. If it's not written it's not a rule and anything on the agenda can be spoken of as per Roberts Rules. Several times admin said calendar topics are not normally spoken of, what's the definition of normal, when they want to talk about something? Moreover, who is the arbiter that decides when it's a "not normal" time to talk about an issue on the calendar? They're trying to stop open discussion by making up rules as they go along. They're not following the city charter, nor are they following Roberts Rules. — Mac Gordon

Tired of my taxes going to a bunch of whining children. When do we vote??? — Kelly Hensen

Glad to see Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson can stand up, but the other cry babies just cry. Oust that council. — Steve Joyce

Obviously this council needs to go, it seems to many of them don't like to be criticized. The crap about the Community Arts Center is just that, how many times do we have to say no? — WG Balycz

CN, CPKC to resume railway service Monday as work stoppage ends

It is unfortunate that the railway workers have decided to hold Canadians and the economy hostage. Railways should become an essential service. Because they disregarded orders to go back to work, they should be fined over a million dollars a day. Until they go back to work. Ships are already turning away our harbours looking to offload their cargos elsewhere. Just touching the tip of the ice-berg-agriculture, mining and lumber will take a big hit in both the United States. The list could go on. — Lawrence Beaton

Tenant rights to pets? Some Kamloops landlords are pushing back

I have a rental property. We do not want our properties destroyed by your animals. My previous tenant had a big dog, dog hair every where, dog crap piled up in the yard, constant barking annoying neighbours with no reason for barking, damage to doors, floors and deck, owners that refuse to train and control them, bringing in more pets than agreed upon. If they pass a law that says all pets are allowed landlords will simply find tenants that don't have pets and make that decision without them even knowing. The landlords have the power and rights to protect there investment. If tenants want pets they can save and sacrifice like I did and buy their own place and let there pets destroy their place. — Mike Farely

Layoffs set to trim Global Okanagan news

I am hearing that people are not going to view any Global News programs and will not be supporting businesses that advertise on Global News, local or National. — Bernice Gault

Once-in-a lifetime star explosion to appear in skies over Kamloops, Okanagan

On the night of August 7th around 10 p.m. I was out viewing the stars in upstate New York. For several days I had been out studying the stars taking pictures and viewing with my monocular. The area was a triangular pattern. I was hoping to view a falling star when suddenly there was a bright star (the size of a star when viewed with a monocular) in the centre of the triangle which I couldn't believe I was seeing. It was there for several seconds enough time for me to gasp in awe and then gone. All I could think was it's a falling star head on. There was no tail or streaking across the night sky. I went inside and Googled looking for information. Long story short I mapped out the area and I am certain it is the area suggested to view the twin star explosion. I haven't been able to revisit the area and the skies have been cloudy. I'm excited and anxious to see if there is anything visible since I last had the chance to look. — Marlene Alfonso

Kamloops man's innovative solution to housing, drug crises gains ground, literally

This plan is way better than what is currently being done. It would be nice if they could make it so the client has to stay in treatment until he/she is on the road of recovery. Perhaps a panel of three that can make a professional opinion could be put into place. — Nel DeWit, Mitchell-Kloubek Sarrasin

Salmon Arm 90-year-old's life forever altered after being punched and carjacked

His actions all his life have caused a lot more harm than his jail time served has done to him. Canada has to wake up and start dealing with these situations properly. Locking this guy up time and time again has done nothing. How about a new approach? How about therapy and life skills and so on being brought to corrections? If not, why is it called corrections? When someone has gone to jail a few times it is no longer a deterrent of any kind and as such the system is failing. — Dick Dawson

'Dangerous': Vernon intersection where teen was killed scares many

The sad part is infrastructure was, possibly still is, behind what other organized European countries have already solved, and yet battles still rage on, just sayin'. — Bent Onhavin

Build Kamloops 'yes' campaign works behind the scenes, 'no' campaign dodges transparency

I would like to know why every article by so-called journalists quote this average of $25/year and not the fact that the actual borrowing for the Build Kamloops facilities. "Between now and 2028, we are collecting the 1% tax (eg: $25 per year) to put into a savings account to put towards those payments when they start (similar to saving for a new home), in order to keep that healthy 5-8% debt servicing ratio." I would like to know how many houses in Kamloops are actually paying $2,500 annually in property taxes? The 2023 tax tables record that average at $631,269, meaning the bill for city taxes only was $2,841 in Kamloops. This means that the average home will be paying $28.41 then more each year. Why are these reporters not reporting the facts and "rounding down" $28.42 year one. Is that figure doubled for year two or is it 2% year two? on top of the 10% tax increase? Some clarity and honesty would sure be nice. — Thea K Dunn

32 Pomeranian dogs seized from breeder in Vernon

Are we ever going to have the opportunity to adopt one of these babies? It seems Kamloops gets totally forgotten when it comes to adoptions of small dogs. I would really love to have a small puppy but I can't afford to purchase even a $1,000 dog. And nowadays, and for many years, we haven't been able to get Heinz 57s which were much healthier animals. Come now, let's think about Kamloops and seniors who would love the companionship. — Wanda McGuire

iN PHOTOS: Creative woodcarver's sculptures popping up around Okanagan

This guy is amazing. What a wonderful idea. Keep hiring him Kelowna, it's well worth the money spent. — Gloria Davidson

Wonderful creations great to see images of artwork thanks. — Tipi J

iN RESPONSE: Maintaining Kelowna’s Image is Expensive

More than two and a half years have passed since Kelowna Mayor Colin Basran and council enthusiastically endorsed the plan for a new recreation complex to replace Parkinson Recreation Centre. The price tag was $134 million. The quotes from mayor and council were not just supportive but exuberant, a facility of the future.

For some unknown reason within a couple of months the plan was scrapped and a price tag of $242 million for a different complex was approved, a building now requiring the destruction of some of the playing fields.

Since the city has told us the interest on the $242 million will be about $200 million, using that same percent on the $134 million, the total cost of the very well received first proposal would have been $240 million, or $200 million less. The original price was very much in line with recreation centres recently built in the province, like those in New Westminster and Surrey.

Why so expensive? We get a hint of the answer for that in the new planned dog run at the extreme southeast corner of City Park, where the bridge traffic starts. This must be the smelliest, noisiest, most polluted corner in Kelowna, so if people want to walk their dogs there that is fine with me. The issue is the outrageous price of $750,000, a figure justified by a staff member because, “…. The prominent location at Abbott Street and Hwy 97 dictates that the park should be done to a quality and durability level that reflects well on the City.”

So as we suspected our tax dollars are being wasted to support our image, right down to dog runs. If we had gone with the recreation centre accepted in January 2022 it would be well on its way to completion, but instead we are still designing this image-building structure.

So be sure to look for the next image-conscious project, the Kelowna sign at the north end of the city, for people driving into town who don’t realize they are approaching Kelowna after passing the airport. Instead of just duplicating the one on Highway 33, or respecting taxpayer money by building a sign as modest as those outside Calgary or Edmonton, look for another money-squandering boost to our fragile image.

We have all paid tax on the tax money we send to the city, it should be doubly respected by those with access to it.

Don Henderson - Kelowna

iN RESPONSE - 'Blindsided': BC United MLAs ponder a Conservative future as winnowing begins

I'm looking forward to what the candidates that were BC United and now going to run as Conservative will have to say to explain them calling the Conservatives a party of tin hats and intolerant right wing, anti-vaccine, anti-LGBTQ extremists (which a large number of them are). — Bonnie Derry

It only changes the number of leaders to oppose. I cannot be grateful for either Kevin Falcon's service nor that he is gone as I wanted him to be soundly defeated on election day. I want the BC NDP to go down to everlasting defeat, as with the BC Conservatives who are not a new option but a tired old party with extremists in it. I do not want the BC Greens to govern either. I want all independents working together to change this province for the better, finally. — Patrick Longworth

I will vote for the BC NDP. When all the turn coats started to jump party lines they made up my mind. To treat wonderful loyal people like that is disgusting. You can tell Kevin Falcon is in there to save his butt. Please vote for some one but not him. Thanks for letting me rant. — Doreen Rondquist..

To contact a reporter for this story, email Marshall Jones or call 250-718-2724 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above. SUBSCRIBE to our awesome newsletter here.

News from © iNFOnews, 2024