I often marvel in my weekly reports on the many good things that volunteers can do when working together for the benefit of our communities.
Recently I learned of a project by the Okanagan Falls Lions club who collected more than 20,000 pairs of eyeglasses to be re-distributed to less fortunate citizens around the world.
As someone who would be lost without glasses I think this is a truly outstanding program and I would like to commend the good work of the many volunteers involved.
Job well done.
Last week the B.C. Government announced regulatory changes that will support the collection of a levy to further support promotion and research in support of the Ambrosia apple.
In recent weeks I have attended a few promising events that showcase how innovation can help to create jobs and diversify our local economies.
A recent tour of an exciting new product with Structurlam Industries is not only creating jobs, it is also creating new markets.
In the case of the Ambrosia apple, this innovative varietal discovered in the Mennel orchard of Cawston B.C. is now producing at a rate of over 400,000 cases annually from some 800 acres of production.
I would also like to remind interested citizen’s over the recent call for input on the Agricultural Land Reserve with respect to developing guidelines for building size and location.
To learn more on this subject please visit the following website or stop by my office.
http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/resmgmt/sf/residential_uses_in_ALR_consultation/index.htm
Another regulatory change that may be of interest to some is increased insurance protection for consumers who may be sharing the same insurance contract. Historically situations have arisen where a dispute between two parties results in one person intentionally causing damage or destruction to joint property thus potentially negating insurance coverage for the other party.
The regulatory changes help to ensure that an innocent party can help to recover loses for their share of the property in question and deny coverage for the guilty party.
For more information on these changes please visit the following link news.gov.bc.ca/news_releases_2009-2013 /2009FIN0010- 000331.pdf
I would like to also make a clarification from an item I referenced in last week’s report.
While the recently announced grant awards have been released for the Connecting Citizens rural Internet grant program, there has not been a date set for a further application period at the present time.
I will share further information on this topic as it becomes available.
Lastly this week I would like to recognize the many volunteers involved with the Peach City Beach Cruise and also the Penticton Elvis Festival.
These great events not only help support our local economy they also provide great family entertainment.
My thanks to all of the volunteers who work so hard putting on great events like these.
Bill Barisoff is the MLA for Penticton.