COMMON BYLAWS PROCEED

The Okanagan's four largest cities are setting their sights on
neighbours, feral rabbits and grow-ops.

An intermunicipal advisory board established by Vernon, Kelowna, West
Kelowna and Penticton is moving ahead with common bylaws for grow-ops,
rabbits and neighbourhood practices.

"Working together on common issues is an efficient way to deliver
services and meet the needs of as many residents as possible," said
Dan Ashton, Penticton mayor.

"This collaborative approach will allow the four municipalities to
partner for funding opportunities, share ideas and resources, as well
as pass these along to the other many communities within our wonderful
valley and, as a result, avoid cost and time delays."

Vernon's good neighbour bylaw consolidates a number of bylaws designed
to enhance the quality of life for citizens, promote civic
responsibility and encourage good relationships between neighbours.

The bylaw takes into account noise, unsightly premises and nuisance
concerns.

"Covering panhandling, noise regulations, property maintenance and
nuisance smoke under our good neighbour bylaw, makes it easier for our
citizens to express their concerns and easier for city staff to
investigate and enforce," said Wayne Lippert, Vernon mayor.

Kelowna's nuisance controlled substance bylaw addresses residential
grow-operations.

"Staff estimates approximately 100 drug houses have been dealt with
using this bylaw over the past few years," said Kelowna Mayor Sharon
Shepherd. "In addition to being unhealthy and unsafe, homes doubling
as grow-operations often have a significant impact on the
neighbourhood. This bylaw has helped Kelowna resolve some of these
issues."

Kelowna's rabbit bylaw prohibits the sale or adoption of rabbits that
have not been spayed or neutered and prohibits the feeding of rabbits
(or other animals) in parks or public spaces.

The four municipalities have also agreed to continue to investigate
the feasibility of integrating transit between Vernon and Penticton,
request a valley-wide status on air quality from the regional
districts and to collectively request senior levels of government to
better coordinate illegal moorage.

The board will request a meeting with Community Development Minister
Kevin Krueger to discuss areas of common interest to all
municipalities.