Photo contributed

Cash results of Annual – Oliver Fire Department – drive thru Breakfast

Star Fish Pack – food to home program for weekends
It provides 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners and snacks for children over the weekend. Cost is just $575 to feed a child for a whole school year.

We greatly appreciate any donations and all funds go directly to the child. A backpack is filled up with food; it is then delivered to the school to go home on Friday with the necessary food for the weekend. Teachers find that many kids come to school Monday morning not having had dinner the night before, breakfast that morning or an adequate lunch for the day. This makes learning challenging for the student and for the teacher.

The first backpacks will go out on December 6th at a local Elementary School.

More information about the program can be found at Starfishpack.com. If you would like to make a donation please contact Sam Marsel at oliverstarfish@eastlink.ca
Sam Marsel

Credit Levi Hodson

Dear Mayor and Council:

On behalf of the Wine Country Racing Association (WCRA) we would like to appear before the Committee of the Whole December 2nd.

The Wine Country Racing Association is a registered non-profit society that was established in 2002 to give automotive enthusiasts a legal outlet to race their cars as opposed to street racing.

On June 2, 2006 the first ever agreement was signed with the Town of Osoyoos for 1/8 mile drag racing at the newly paved Osoyoos Airport. To date the WCRA has successfully completed 13 years of drag racing at the Osoyoos Airport with an average of 5 events per year. We would like to meet with the Mayor and Council to provide an update on WCRA as well as seeking opportunities for the future development of WCRA.

Asks:

1. Concern regarding proposed development at the Airport area that would deviate from a “Multi use” facility. As a stakeholder of the Osoyoos Airport we would like to be better involved and informed.

2. Develop a working plan to operate a 10 year agreement between the Town of Osoyoos and WCRA without obstructing the principal function of the Osoyoos Airport.

3. Change layout of Airport lands to make efficient and safe use for race car parking, return lane and spectators.

David Sabyan
Blair Ogilvy
Wine Country Racing Association

OVERVIEW

Prior to January 2019, elected officials were able to receive a non-accountable allowance for work expenses that were not taxable. RDOS Bylaw 2621, 2013 under 3(c) covered this allowance. The one third income tax exemption for this allowance has been eliminated effective January 1, 2019 as per the 2017 Federal Budget and Bill C44.

Income Taxes and CPP premiums are now payable on this amount, resulting in a significant reduction to Board Members stipends. A large number of Regional Districts were contacted and they have either implemented pay increases or are in the process now.

Independent committee of citizens appointed to review the facts and compensation elsewhere in BC with result below

Mule Sense

About 80 years ago M.R. DeHaan was invited to conduct a meeting in a remote Kentucky mission station. After alighting from the regular train he transferred to the cab of a logging train that wound around hills and boulders and over rickety bridges. His nervousness was lessened by the engineer who convinced him it would be a safe trip. He made the run daily. When they got within three miles of the mission station he was told that the balance of the trip would be on the back of a mule. He was warned not to use the reins are try to guide the mule. The mule knew the road best. Furthermore, by then it was so dark that Dr. DeHaan couldn’t even see the trail. He simply had to trust the mule.

When it was time to return the missionary took him back down the same trail in daylight. M. R. DeHaan almost fainted when he saw what it was like. It was a narrow, dangerous path along the side of the mountain. One misstep could send them 100 feet down into a chasm. He would have been very reluctant to go if he had seen it before on the way up. But the mule was confident and able.

It is best to trust the one who knows the way. Sometimes what we perceive as the way to go is not the wise choice.

The Lord will not lead us on the wrong path.

Henry Wiebe

Drop in and see what is left in stock

We don’t want to bring them home…everything needs to go. We’ll consider reasonable offers.  open 11-4 Monday to Friday this week

Open 11-4 Monday to Friday this week only –  till everything is gone.

Oliver Place Mall 1400 5955 Main Street
Oliver
Phone 498-3448

A recent judgement from the Tax Court of Canada reaffirmed the strong case to be made for creditor proofing your investments with segregated funds.

Earlier this year, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) attempted to seize the death benefit of a segregated fund account that was paid to the two daughters of an individual who had passed away. The two daughters were named beneficiaries of their father’s account that was invested entirely in segregated funds.

While this account was used solely for investment purposes, being a segregated fund means that it falls under the insurance act of Canada and not the bank act. Therefore, when it comes to taxation and estate matters, it is treated as a life insurance policy for tax purposes.

In its submissions, the CRA relied upon subsection 160 of the Income Tax Act which states, among other things, that when someone transfers property to a non-arm’s length person (such as a child) without proper consideration, the recipient may be on the hook for income taxes owing by the transferor. When assets pass outside of the estate of a deceased person, the CRA will often use section 160 to attempt to pursue the funds to pay taxes otherwise owing.

However, in this case the investment assets were held in segregated funds and as mentioned above, they are treated in the same manner as the proceeds from a life insurance policy. With that in mind, the court found that the money paid out to the two daughters constituted life insurance proceeds payable to named beneficiaries and they did not form part of the father’s estate nor were they subject to pursuit through the section 160 clause.

This decision proves as a great reminder of the benefits of segregated funds and helped reaffirm the legal status of segregated funds and the features that they possess. In addition to providing creditor protection (whether from the CRA or an outside party), they also bypass the estate as a whole which can greatly reduce estate and probate costs. And let’s not forget about the guarantees they provide as well.   For non-registered investments, they can also provide some additional tax savings and reduced accounting costs as well.

Like most other investment options, segregated funds can be purchased in a wide variety of options and properly understanding the type of investments and fees involved is important. While some segregated funds carry substantially higher fees, others can have the exact same fee structure as comparable mutual funds – which means you get the added benefits of creditor protection and tax savings for free!

Make sure you speak to a Certified Financial Planner, properly licensed to advise you on segregated funds.  Before investing in something new, do your research and don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions to ensure it is the right decision for your situation.

This column is written by Michelle Weisheit CFP, IG Wealth Management and presents general information only and is not a solicitation to buy or sell any investments.  Please contact your own advisor for specific advice about your situation.

About 9 km east of Oaxaca is one of the biggest, if not THE biggest, trees in the world, El Tule.

It was measured in 2005 to be about 116 feet high, but with a circumference of 128 feet, and a diameter of 46 feet.

It’s a Montezuma cypress, and could be 2000 years old–or so.

Publisher: Still looking for a big tree closer to home

Oliver man charged for Indecent Act

Oliver

File # Oliver RCMP 2019-4744

A 32 year old man has been charged with sex related offences after an incident at an Oliver park in August 2019.

On August 21, officers from the Oliver RCMP were approached by a young person who reported they were at Lions Park when a man who appeared intoxicated exposed his genitals to the young person and their friends. The young person provided a description of the man and officers immediately conducted a search of the area. Within minutes, officers located the man who was arrested for public intoxication and for performing an indecent act.

The BC Prosecution Service has charged Dexter Makortoff of Oliver with one count each of exposing genitals to a person under 16 and committing an indecent act in a public place.

The Oliver RCMP commend the young person for immediately reporting the incident to police and providing a good description of the man. This allowed for a very quick arrest of what appears to be an isolated incident, said Sgt Jason Bayda – Penticton South Okanagan Similkameen Regional Detachment Media Relations Officer

Where?

Can you find me a bigger tree to shoot? (that’s pho-tag talk)

PENTICTON – Today, in Ottawa, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh announced that MP Richard Cannings (South Okanagan—West Kootenay) would return as Critic for Natural Resources in the shadow cabinet. Cannings has also been appointed Deputy Critic for Transport.

“It’s a privilege to continue serving in our caucus and I’m very pleased that Jagmeet has trusted me to take on these two important roles,” said Cannings. “In terms of priorities, we want to make sure that people are set up for success in a low-carbon future. That means we need to ensure that workers aren’t left behind during necessary transitions and proper investments in re-training and job creation in clean energy sectors are being made.”

Cannings’ role as Critic for Natural Resources combined with his involvement on the Transport file uniquely positions him to be a champion for addressing climate change. Working toward innovative solutions like ensuring energy efficiency in buildings, homes, and public transit are priorities for the new NDP caucus. Forestry is also an important priority in the Natural Resources file at this difficult time for that industry, and Cannings hopes to promote value-added opportunities that would support both domestic and export markets.

“We recognize that people are worried about the climate crisis but they’re also concerned about making ends meet and looking after their families. We want to make sure that we’re helping everyone build a good life while taking care of the environment for future generations,” said Cannings. “We have a really great team and I’m confident we’ll work together to get results for Canadians.”

Cannings was first elected in 2015 and served as the Critic for Natural Resources in the previous parliament.

50+ vulnerable families; only 36 sponsors = a lot of sad kids this Christmas

With just a month to go until Christmas, kids all over town are joyfully and excitedly counting down the sleeps until the big day. The Kiwanis Club of Oliver needs your help to make sure that Oliver’s most vulnerable kids get to celebrate the season too.

For the past many years, our local Kiwanis Club has run ‘Share the Spirit’, a gift-giving program that matches sponsors (individuals, families or groups) with families in need. We’re desperately short of sponsors this year. Last year, we matched sponsors with 46 families in need. The need keeps growing: this year, we expect more than 50 families to qualify for sponsorship. So far, only 36 sponsors have stepped forward. If we can’t find more, kids from more than a dozen vulnerable families could find the Christmas season bleak and gift-less.
Who can sponsor and what’s involved?

You can be a sponsor! Or you and your family, you and some friends, you and some colleagues. Sponsoring is a meaningful way to support community, a great opportunity to think about what really matters at Christmas, and a huge learning opportunity for kids.

Sponsors are given a family-specific wish list, focused mostly on gift ideas for the children in your adopted family. The financial commitment can be whatever you feel able to offer. All gifts must be dropped off at the Air Cadet hanger on Saturday, December 14th and will be delivered by volunteer drivers to sponsored families on Sunday, December 15th.

Who can be sponsored?

All families chosen for sponsorship are carefully screened and referred by the Food Bank, Desert Sun Counselling Services, the Oliver Boys and Girls Club or a local school. Many of the sponsored families are single parents; some are physically or mentally compromised and unable to work; many are working poor making minimum wage and struggling to get by. All are sponsored anonymously.
Show us your heart, Oliver: Please volunteer today to help Share the Spirit! We are trying to confirm all sponsors by Monday, December 2nd.

For more information or to sign up, call June at 250 498 3264 or email Benita at mbbaerg@telus.net.

Photo by earth-mover Paul Johnson

Skiff of Ice on Ox-bow
Thicket
North end of Lion’s Park

School District 53 South Okanagan Similkameen

The Ministry of Education has released the six-year completion rates for 2018/19 for our district. The Board is pleased to see improvement with Indigenous learner completion and anticipate an even stronger completion rate for 2019/20. Reported six-year completion rates for Indigenous learners is 65.4% – up from previous year of 56.3%.

Board of Education Report November 20, 2019

Following are some highlights of items discussed at the regular Board of Education meeting held on Wednesday, November 20, 2019. District staff reported on a number of field trips that occurred over the last few weeks. Included in these trips were the SESS Grades 10-12 Photography and French trips to Camp Tulahead in Princeton and the OSES and OSS trips to We Day in Vancouver. The Board would like to thank the teachers leading these trips for exposing the students to these varied experiences and learning opportunities.

The Ministry of Education has released the six-year completion rates for 2018/19 for our district. The Board is pleased to see improvement with Indigenous learner completion and anticipate an even stronger completion rate for 2019/20. Reported six-year completion rates for Indigenous learners is 65.4% – up from previous year of 56.3%. This is the highest rate of completion in the past five years. There will be further information on this item presented at the December Board meeting.

Superintendent Young, Secretary-Treasurer Paliappa along with Teacher Melia Dirk attended the first multi-ministry (Education, Health, MCFD, Provincial Child Care Council) Early Learning Summit on November 8th. The purpose of this summit was to demonstrate the Ministry of Education’s leadership in early learning, present the current research and evidence on social and financial benefits of investing in early learning, discuss school-age childcare and listen to school district/community stories. Superintendent Young also had the privilege of sitting on a panel to share the District’s story on the seamless extended day and our partnerships with third-party providers.

The Board was pleased to hear that on November 14 the Ministers of Health, Finance, and Education made an important announcement concerning vaping regulations and an education campaign in BC. The new regulations target product access, flavours, nicotine content, packaging, and advertising, and intends to increase taxes on vapour products, to protect youth from risks associated with vaping.  The Board would like to thank the many other Boards of Education and the BCSTA who joined with us in advocating for these changes.

We are pleased to have once again received a grant to support action plans and capacity building in the area of mental health and well-being. This grant is in the sum of $30,500 and will support several areas including Social Emotional Learning, Trauma Informed Practice and Mental Health Literacy. These initiatives will be further developed through district counselors and administrators.

Rob Zandee, Chairperson School District No. 53 (Okanagan Similkameen)

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“British Columbia is the first province in Canada to enshrine the human rights of Indigenous peoples in law. Bill 41, the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples act, passed unanimously on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2019.

“The legislation establishes the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as the foundational framework for reconciliation in B.C., as called for by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The provincial government developed Bill 41 in collaboration with the First Nations Leadership Council, which was acting on the direction of First Nations leaders throughout the province. A commitment to adopting the Declaration is a component of the Confidence and Supply Agreement between the B.C. government and the BC Green Party caucus.

“This legislation advances a path forward to true reconciliation for all of us in B.C. that will uphold Indigenous rights and create stronger communities, stable jobs and economic growth.

“It is time we recognize and safeguard Indigenous peoples’ human rights, so that we may finally move away from conflict, drawn-out court cases and uncertainty, and move forward with collaboration and respect. Ensuring that Indigenous peoples are part of the policy-making and decision-making processes that affect them, their families and their territories is how we will create more certainty and opportunity for Indigenous peoples, B.C. businesses, communities and families everywhere.

“Any future changes to bring provincial laws into harmony with the UN Declaration will be done in consultation and collaboration with Indigenous peoples, with opportunities for engagement with local governments and stakeholders such as business and industry. Changes won’t happen overnight – this will be a gradual, step-by-step process over time.

“The development of an action plan – in collaboration with Indigenous peoples – with regular reporting to monitor progress will provide a transparent and accountable path forward on reconciliation in B.C.

“Working together, we have made significant progress in the past two years and we have seen critical advancements with affordable housing, child welfare, language revitalization and revenue sharing. This legislation will help us build upon this progress and make a real, meaningful difference in the lives of Indigenous families and everyone in B.C.”

Signed:
Scott Fraser, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation; Regional Chief Terry Teegee, BC Assembly of First Nations; Cheryl Casimer, First Nations Summit; Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, Union of BC Indian Chiefs; and Adam Olsen, MLA for Saanich North and the Islands and member of Tsartlip First Nation

Joint Grant with RDOS – Indigenous Cultural Safety & Cultural Humility Training –
Council supports a joint grant application with the RDOS to the UBCM Indigenous Cultural Safety &
Cultural Humility Training program. The Indigenous Cultural Safety & Cultural Humility Training grant is to support emergency management personnel with cultural safety and humility training
so that they may effectively partner with and provide assistance to Indigenous communities during times of emergency.

2020 Water Rates Amendment Bylaw
Council gave three readings to the Water Regulation Amendment Bylaw 1351.06. The bylaw increases rates by 4%, with 2% allocated to the Gallagher Low Head Siphon repair and 2% allocated to water operations. The bylaw will be adopted in December with the rate increase effective January 1, 2020.

Gallagher Lake Water Siphon Loan Authorization Bylaw and Temporary Borrowing Bylaw
Council gave three readings to the Gallagher Lake Water Siphon Loan Authorization Bylaw 1391 and Temporary Borrowing Bylaw 1392. Council is proceeding with the Gallagher Lake Low Head Siphon Repair, with an estimated cost of $11.48M. The repair will be offset by a $5M grant from the Provincial Government. In order for the Town to access the $5M from the Province, a borrowing bylaw must be adopted for the Town’s portion of the Gallagher Siphon project. The Temporary Borrowing Bylaw provides short-term working capital for the Town while the project is under construction. The project is expected to take 20 months to complete and commence in mid-2020.

Development Variance Permit – 5717 Sawmill Road –
Council approved Development Variance Permit 2019-029. This application received a variance from 90.0m2 to 145.0m2 to construct an addition to a garage that will be used as a hobby room with a small bathroom.

Temporary Use Permit – 5829 Sawmill Rd –
Council approved Temporary Use Permit 2019-23. This application received a two-year temporary use permit to operate an animal shelter.

Bylaw Adopted

1. Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw 1370.02 and Zoning Amendment Bylaw 1380.10 – Vacation Rentals
2. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 1380.11 – 312 Chardonnay Avenue – to rezone