City must address serious drainage issues

Back in the 1960s, the Clint Eastwood movie “The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly” was very popular. That is to say, it was popular if you like movies with singular, grunted-out lines and not much for a plot. Somehow, it became known as a classic western.

Well, if you consider all the politicians currently active in the Central Okanagan, most of whom are up for election shortly, there are some easy comparisons.

Beginning to the north, James Baker has been around for a long time. This would be a great opportunity for him to gracefully fade out and probably let a seasoned councillor have a go at mayor. Well-known and experienced, Penny Pollard comes to mind. She has served on the agricultural commission and expressed concerns over Lake Country’s rapid growth without good infrastructure.

Indeed, many Lake Country residents are totally frustrated with poor side roads, lack of maintained shoulders, or biking lanes, and poor drainage. At least it keeps the speed down. Lake Country is spending a lot of money on the Pelmewash Parkway which will nicely connect to the rail trail and other hiking trails.

Lake Country resident, Stephen Fuhr, is the Central Okanagan Member of Parliament. His friendly, outgoing manner belies the fact that his government has totally blown their last election promise of proportional representation. With a federal election next year, and P.M. Justin Trudeau already on the trail, expect a lot more promises. Do not expect Green Party support, this time.

Colin Basran has already indicated that he will try for a second term as Kelowna’s mayor where he seems to have done a good job of public relations, especially for the development community. And even for the LGBQT community.

Unfortunately, and sadly, most people would see his first term as mayor as related to significant drug and homeless problems, especially in the downtown core. He, and his council have tried to solve this by unloading some of the problems to Rutland. A new substance treatment center will be built very close to young students in Rutland Middle School at the northwest corner of Rutland Road and McCurdy.

And, then there is still the issue of Rutland Centennial Park where a major transit route will run through it. The east section of the park is still a weedy dust bowl. When the midway rides were there, clouds of dust followed residents around. Rutland deserves better. What happened to sustainability and town centers? The Mission and Black Mountain areas are loaded with urban sprawl. And huge traffic problems. Look around for a more experienced person to run as mayor.

Also, do not forget the local school board, none of whom attended the city council meeting for the substance treatment centre. Most Rutland residents were indignant. Speaking of the Black Mountain development, the new parts of the development have major drainage problems as do most of the roads in rural areas of Kelowna. Residents on the east side of the Kirschner Mountain development had to beg the city for help when their basements flooded from development directly above them, mostly from poorly-constructed roads and drainage.

And, when residents on the westside affected by Kirschner Mountain drainage problems met with the city and asked for maps or a plan of the area drainage system they were told, “Water runs downhill!” by city staff.

In other words, there is no plan. The city must address serious drainage problems before floods actually happen.

It is not good enough to suddenly scramble at the last moment to dig out drainage ditches, or even Mill Creek when the flooding threatens again.

How good an image is it for the current Kelowna council that they succeeded in now having two very expensive biffies in City Park?

West Kelowna Mayor Doug Findlater, has wisely decided to move on to complete retirement and enjoyment of his family. ( Hint, Hint, James.) He will not seek re-election as mayor, but will seek a term on city council.

This municipality has a tremendous problem with lack of a tax base. They had the opportunity to join Kelowna and should have taken it. Maybe they should reconsider before they get forced amalgamation?

Most Kelowna residents avoid the westside because of constant traffic problems, not to mention an inadequate bridge. Are you listening Norm, Steve, and Ben? (Interesting that many internet sites still list Christy, second crossing Clark as the MLA ….see if you can change that Ben?) Probably a well experienced councillor will be the new mayor. Whomever is elected must help to get a better handle on road issues, along with the MLAs.

And then there is sleepy Peachland where Mayor City Fortin is set to run again. But, look for the big issue of high-rise development near the lakeshore to rear its ugly head. Many long-term residents just do not like big and tall developments.

So, there ya go. Got your pick yet for good, bad, or ugly … politician or issues? As soon as school is back it will all heat up. All these politicians must also help to address how major fires, smoke, and flooding are handled in the future or look at serious economic impacts.

But, then there is also the Eastwood movie called “A Fistful of Dollars.” Can we persuade you to run?

Reg Volk rrites on politics and local issues. To contact the writer: regvolk@shaw.ca