News Archive
2019
John and Evelyn Vielvoye Retire
after 21 years of service to the Rutland Residents
Association.
2016
RECENTLY COMPLETED MURAL ON THE SOUTH WALL OF THE MENNONITE
CENTRAL COMMITTEE BUILDING, NEAR RUTLAND ROAD AND HWY 33
INTERSECTION
November 2, 2016
Rutland Residents Association hosts discussion on
‘Amalgamation of Water Districts’ information meeting.
May 1, 2016
To view the minutes from the meeting please click
here Rutland
RA, April 21 meeting minutes from Water Amalgamation
Meeting
Guests Mr. Gordon Ivans, trustee Black Mountain
Irrigation District
Mr. Garry Zarr, trustee Rutland Waterworks
Mr. Ivans and Mr. Zarr referred to the Kelowna Joint Water
Committee (KJWC). This is a coordinating organization for
the five water utilities that operate within the City of
Kelowna. It was formed in 1991 to promote standardization of
methods and materials, improve communication and to provide
an integrated approach to water supply within City
Boundaries. The five utilities include: the City of Kelowna
Water Utility (City), the Black Mountain Irrigation District
(BMID), the Glenmore-Ellison Improvement District (GEID),
Rutland Waterworks District (RWD), and the South East
Kelowna Irrigation District (SEKID).
Comments amalgamation of the water districts with the City
of Kelowna.
- A 300 page report outlining the Kelowna Integrated Water
Supply-Plan (KIWS Plan) is a City-wide water improvement
plan for all of Kelowna that provides overall water
quality solutions regardless of utility boundaries or
available resources. The plan was prepared in 2012
by a technical committee representing the five largest
Kelowna water utilities. The plan was agreed to by the
City of Kelowna ( Mayor Walter Gray) and the major water
providers (BMID, RWW, GEID, SEKID). The City would be the
vehicle for grant applications by individual districts.
- The City now no longer supports the KIWS Plan and has
prepared its own separate hypothesis plan. As a result of
this turn around by the City there are now mediation
discussions to set terms of reference for a value planning
process overseen by Hon. Peter Fassbender representing the
Province and two consultants Mr. George Abbott and Mr.
Chris Trumpy hired by the Province. Mr. Trumpy is working
with the City and Mr. Abbott is working with the four
other major water providers.
- The water districts and the City are meeting with
provincial government mediators to work out terms of
reference and a process for value planning, which is a
third party review of planning for proposed new water
projects.
- The governance structure for an amalgamated water body
is a contentious issue and is not part of the discussions,
and is not supported by the four major water providers.
- .BMID, RWW and GEID water districts have completed many
millions of dollars of infrastructure work on behalf of
their ratepayers to meet health standards. The districts
are not allowed to apply for grants for projects that are
in progress. Infrastructure grants for water projects may
be available to the City The City wants control of those
funds and wants control of the allocation of those funds
to various projects.
- BMID, RWW, GEID have compliance water systems and meet
health standards and would not benefit from an amalgamated
water body. They are not eligible for grants for
projects that have already started. The SEKID system is
the one that the most needs help. SEKID has a large
agriculture component and needs a dual system for domestic
and agriculture use. SEKID lacks the population base to
upgrade their system using their own funds and would need
help to raise the estimated 24 million or more
through grants and from other water districts.
- The Ellison area is part of the GEID but this area is
outside the City. At the present time the City would not
support funding any projects in that area.
- Value planning needs to be done.
- Treasury Board in Ottawa has not figured out how grant
money will flow.
- RWW and BMID are interconnected and support each other.
- The BMID and RWW reservoirs are full to capacity as a
result of a large snow pack. Water resources for
BMID and RRW are secure and adequate.
- The governance structure of an amalgamated water
authority is not presently under discussion. The
City wants to take over control all water supplies in the
districts. At the moment the trustees do not know where a
discussion dealing with governance is going; how it would
work, etc. Should the Regional District be involved?
- Residents are also concerned that the City would, if it
had control or our water, sell water rights and water to
outside sources.
- The City does not have legal powers to force
amalgamation of the water districts with the City. That
power lies with the province. The premier has stated that
the Province will not force amalgamation.
- The meeting did not vote on the issue of amalgamation as
this was an information meeting, but residents in
attendance expressed their satisfaction with the current
water supplies provided by RWW and BMID and actions of the
trustees. Those in attendance did not support amalgamation
with the City.
- It was suggested that the RRA write a letter to Hon.
Fassbender indicating support for RWW and BMID and their
efforts on behalf of their ratepayers as well as a lack of
support for amalgamation of water districts with the City.
This part of the meeting adorned at 7:40 PM for 10 minutes
to permit guests who did not want to stay for the
continuation of the regular meeting to leave.
John Huston
====================
LAKE OKANAGAN, WATER SOURCE FOR MULTI USERS. THIS PHOTO;
TUGBOAT BAY, STARTING POINT FOR THE EARLY MORNING START OF THE
APPLE TRIATHLON.
====================
‘What’s Going On’ regarding
the Proposed Amalgamation of the Water Districts in the City
of Kelowna. Presentation and Discussion Apr 21 for Rutland
Residents.
April 12, 2016
====================
Remember this?
April 11, 2016
NE Corner of Hwy 33 and Rutland
Road 2015, shown above.. Same Corner in April 2016
====================
AG
Superstore 43 years in Rutland
September 20,2015
AG Superstore (160 Dougal Road
North), in Business for 43 years in Rutland. Serving Kelowna
from 1977 to 2015, will be closing its doors this fall.
After 43 years of doing business in
Rutland, AG Superstore is closing its
doors. For a number of years, AG Superstore was the only
Outdoor Store in Kelowna. Throughout its history the
AG Superstore had adapted to change. In the late 70’s
and early 80’s the store was a place where you could find
bargains, from damaged food cans to discontinued
goods, and also clothing products that came from container
sales on the coast. AG Superstore was then located near the
corner of Hwy 33 and Rutland Road, (near the area where the
MCC Thrift Store is now located). There were regular
customers always checking in to see what the latest bargains
were. The store later evolved to became more of a
Surplus Store, selling tents and Army Surplus goods.
Audry Gasser, who owns the store with her son Randy, adds ”
that it was important to have space in your store to keep
inventory, and we made sure we had space keep large
purchases that we could sell.” Audry’s eyes dance as
she talks about the store during the 1970’s. “Our
clothing racks were displaying the latest fashions on
the sidewalk outside the store, Ohhh it was wonderful!
I would have music playing, and bell bottom jeans would be
on the rack outside. The breeze would blow the legs of
the jeans like they were dancing, and I would be dancing
too!” Randy said that they had to adapt in the mid
1980’s, as the tents they were selling (Red 5’x7′ tents and
other items), were being outsold by cheaper goods that were
coming from Japan at larger department stores. It was
around then that Laurie Gasser came on board with her mom
and brother. Laurie (accountant and an avid
hiker) helped the family transition into focusing on the
outdoor enthusiast, with more selection of hiking products
and the addition of canoes and kayaks.
The Gasser family, from Left to
Right: Laurie, Randy, and Audry – Standing at the checkout
desk of AG Superstore. Cooper, (front row) is the latest
addition to the staff.
During the early 80’s, the Gassers bought land on Dougal
Road, and built a new building to house AG Superstore, to
where it now stands today. An architect helped design
the building which gives it a nice outdoor store
ambiance. Many shoppers will also remember Don Raesler
(sales staff) who would assist with his knowledge of the
gear. Don has been with AG for 13 years. “As a
kid he was always coming into our store. He knew everything
about our products, and when we were needing help we decided
to hire him”.
Whether it is retirement or just wanting to make a change,
don’t be surprised if Audry and family start another venture
and AG Superstore reinvents itself in some other form.
Audry is full of spunk and energy that rivals that of
people a quarter her age.
I will miss AG Superstore. I would buy gear, shoes, camping
odds and ends, sleeping bags, foam, flashlights, knifes, and
clothing. I enjoyed the the customer service and the
friendly atmosphere. AG Superstore is a perfect
example of a locally owned family business that added value
and diversity to our local economy. I feel a
sadness with the knowing that AG Superstore is closing down
as the Gassers turn the page to another chapter in their
lives. I wish we could have more businesses like
theirs in our city. I will remember well when I have
to drive to other outdoor stores much further away ..that
lovely locally owned Outdoor Store that was so close to
home. Blessings and best wishes to you.
John Huston
====================
The Future of the Corner of
Highway 33 and Rutland Road, discussion with Development CEO
Gary Tebbutt, April 16 at the Rutland Centennial Hall, 7:00
pm.
April 16, 2015
What will be the future of the
Empty Lot at the corner of hwy 33 and Rutland Road? Compass
Real Estate Development CEO Gary Tebbutt will be at
Thursdays Meeting to discuss future plans for the highly
visible corner lot.
The Rutland Residents Association will have Compass Real
Estate Development CEO Gary Tebbutt at our April 16 RRA
General meeting at the Rutland Centennial Hall at 7:00
pm. The NE corner of Rutland Road and Highway 33 has
long been a subject of great interest many Rutland
Residents. What ever plans that will be put forward
will have a very significant impact on the image and
identity of Rutland. Again due to work commitments I
will not be able to chair Thursdays meeting and John V will
stand in as Chair.
Our Revised Constitution and Bylaws have been updated at
the last few meetings. We have filed the changes to the
BC Registry for Society’s and the bylaws are now
official.. You can view the latest Bylaws by clicking
here
2015
Constitutions and Bylaws of the RRA
The minutes of last months meeting can be viewed by
clicking here 2015 March
19 RRA meeting minutes
John Huston
President RRA
====================
Heritage Project Priorities
to be discussed at ne xt Residents Association Meeting
March 19, 2015
There are a number of Historical Projects that are underway in
the City. The Rutland Residents Association will meet to
identify discuss and give their input to project priorities at
the Mar 19th Regular Meeting of the Residents
Association. Meeting is at the Rutland Centennial Hall,
Thursday Mar 19, 2014.
Peter Chataway
will be our special guest to speak and assist the Association
with the inventory and history of various heritage
projects. The minutes for the Feb 19th meeting are
here
RRA Minutes 2015
02 19 I will not be able to
chair the meeting due to work commitments, standing in will be
John Vielvoye.
St Aiden’s Church, corner of
Rutland Rd and Mugford Rd, One of the Historical Sites to be
discussed.
The Rutland Residents Association was active recently in
promoting our Heritage and History at Heritage Week
(Feb 16-22). Our Association hosted a breakfast at the
First United Church on Bernard Ave which was well
attended. Rutland was also represented by the
Association (in conjunction with the Heritage
Society), with a display at the Royal Ann Hotel.
Rutland Volunteers were; Ola Casan, Jill Siebert, John
& Evelyn Vielvoye. Danita Lischka, Andrew Powell, Peter
Pagliocchini, Shirley Schmidt, Ev & John Vielvoye.
John Vielvoye and Andrew Powel
Danita (left), Evelyn Vielvoye (middle) and Shirley Schmidt
(right)
Peter Pagliocchini, Christina, Marguerite, John Vielvoye
Bernard. Shirley Schmidt, Evelyn
====================
City Purchases Centennial
Park, Agenda for tonights RRA General Meeting Feb 19th,
Minutes for the 2015 AGM
February 19, 2015
Members of the Rutland Residents Association were on
hand at the information session Wednesday, Feb. 18 from 4:30
to 7:30 p.m. at the Rutland Centennial. At the session
we had an opportunity to express our views and to give
feedback to the City in order to help prioritize future park
amenities. City staff were available to answer
questions, and Ryan Donn, City
Councillor, also attended the event. You can
view the presentation material by clicking here: 2015_Rutland_Centinneal_ParkOpenHouse_Panels
Exert from City of Kelowna press release regarding the
purchase of Centennial Hall :
The City of Kelowna has
officially acquired Rutland Centennial Park as part of the
Memorandum of Agreement with the Rutland Park Society:
“We are pleased to have come to
a mutually beneficial agreement with the Rutland Park
Society to protect and rejuvenate Centennial Park now and
for generations to come,” said Mayor Basran. “This
historical landmark will continue to serve the area and add
to the vibrancy of the Rutland Town Centre.”
An immediate investment of
$400,000 is underway for the design and construction of a
full size grass soccer field and is expected to be available
to park users by spring 2016.
The $800,000 purchase of the
park and right-of-way through the existing parking lot
adjacent to Centennial Hall will accommodate the future
expansion of transit services and extension of Shepherd Road
to Rutland roads.
“The proceeds received by the
Rutland Park Society will be reinvested into the aging
Centennial Hall to bring it up to current building code
requirements so it can be better utilized by the community,”
said Rutland Park Society president, Todd
Sanderson. “As a society we are very excited to
have this deal done as not only will the park be improved,
but we can now also improve the hall so that it can once
again be a focal point for local celebrations and events.”
Anticipated Park Schedule for 2015
March – June 2015
- Demolition / Removal of caretaker’s house, garage,
outdoor stage, storage building, playground
- Hazardous tree assessment and removals
- Preparation of contract drawings and tender packageMay
15 to 18
- Rutland May Days CelebrationJune – September
- Tender of Phase 1 park improvements
- Installation of irrigation and grading of soccer field
- Seeding of soccer fieldOpening of the soccer field for
public use is scheduled for spring of 2016.
Financial Considerations
The build out the park will be part of a larger
capital budget planning process. Once the
community preferences are identified, next steps will
determine budget and reviewed as part of the City’s
10-Year Capital Plan.
Related link: Our
Rutland Initiative (sorry this link is no longer
available on the City of Kelowna website.)
You can view the Agenda for Feb 19 General Meeting here; RRA Agenda 2015 02 19
, We will be making a few changes to our bylaws, you can
view the proposed changes here: By law changes Feb 29
You can view the minutes for the AGM held last month here :Annual
General Meeting Minutes
Minutes from the Last General Meeting, Dec 08 2014 (last
month we had AGM) RRA
Minutes 2014 12 08 dec 8 Minutes Rutland Residents
Association-1
(image lion's park) <== create thumbnail
Photo: panoramic of Lions Park Rutland; taken Feb 15 2015
====================
Whats your favorite used
bookstore in Kelowna? Flip Flop Books just became mine.
February 13, 2015
I was out for a walk and dropped into Flip Flop Books. I
had walked by a few times and would make mental notes to
visit and see what its all about. I loved
it. This is a very clean, very organized
bookstore. There is a reading area (above) that invites
you to stay a while.
Flip Flop Books is the fulfillment of a desire that goes back
to the early years of the proprietor. The owner, Heather can
be seen reading books outside the entrance enjoying the sun.
She is a prolific reader and has a great knowledge of books.
Flip Flop Books is located on Gray Road (Behind the Rutland
Coopers). If you have a chance drop in, you will enjoy
the ambiance,
and friendly staff.
====================
Take Part in Kelowna’s
Heritage Week, Feb 15-22
February 13, 2015
Heritage Week in the Central: List of Events
*all events are by donation unless otherwise stated
Sunday February 15, 2015
1:30pm – 3:00pm
Flowing Values: The Evolution of Water Governance with Dr.
John Janmaat, Creekside Theater, Lake Country
Monday February 16, 2015
8:00 am
Heritage Week Kick-off Breakfast – w/ Special Guest Julie
Cosgrave
Location: First United Church of Kelowna – 721 Bernard
Avenue
Sponsored by COHS & Rutland Residents Association
9:15 am
Talk & Tour of First United Church
Location: First United Church of Kelowna – 721 Bernard
Avenue
Sponsored by COHS & Rutland Residents Association
Tuesday February 17, 2015
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Heritage Week Display
Location: Royal Anne Hotel – 348 Bernard Avenue
Sponsored by the Central Okanagan Heritage Week Committee
1:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Bannock & Tea
Location: SənsísyustənHouse of Learning – 1920 Quail Lane,
Westbank
Sponsored by the Sncəwips Heritage Museum
Wednesday February 18, 2015
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Heritage Week Display
Royal Anne Hotel – 348 Bernard Avenue
Sponsored by the Central Okanagan Heritage Week Committee
12:00 pm
Lunchbox Lecture Series with Bob Hayes (Okanagan Heritage
Society)
Location: Okanagan Regional Library – Kelowna Branch – 1380
Ellis Street
11:30 am – 1:10 pm
That’s SWAC: Introducing the Suk’ʷtəmsqilxʷ West Kelowna
Arts Council
$20 admission
Must RSVP by Tuesday 17 Feb.
Call (250) 768 3378 to RSVP
Location: The Cove Lakeside Resort – 4205 Gellatly Road,
West Kelowna
Hosted by the Greater Westside Board of Trade
7:00pm
Central Okanagan Heritage Society AGM & Annual Heritage
Awards
Location: Benvoulin Heritage Church – 2279 Benvoulin Road
Thursday February 19, 2015
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Heritage Week Display
Location: Royal Anne Hotel – 348 Bernard Avenue
Sponsored by the Central Okanagan Heritage Week Committee
5:00pm – 7:00pm
Inspired Word Café
Location: Okanagan Heritage Museum – 470 Queensway
5:00pm – 7:00pm
Business after Hours @ the Westbank Museum
$10 per person (free for members of the Greater Westside
Board of Trade)
Location: Westbank Museum – 2376 Dobbin Road
Friday February 20, 2015
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Heritage Week Display
Location: Royal Anne Hotel – 348 Bernard Avenue
Sponsored by the Central Okanagan Heritage Week Committee
Saturday February 21, 2015
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Heritage Week Display
Location: Royal Anne Hotel – 348 Bernard Avenue
Sponsored by the Central Okanagan Heritage Week Committee
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Passport thru time
Starts at the Royal Anne Hotel – 348 Bernard Avenue
Sponsored by the Central Okanagan Heritage Week Committee
2:00PM – 4:00PM
Heritage Week Windup Tea
Location: The Heritage Retirement Residence -3630 Brown Road
Sunday February 22, 2015
1:00 pm – 4:00pm
Heritage Tea w/ special guests Sharron Simpson & Alice
Lundy (starting at 3pm)
Location: TBA
Lake Country Museum and 6 others like this.
Lorri Dauncey
The COHS AGM and Heritage Awards will be at the Benvoulin
Heritage Church where it has been held for the past 30 or so
years.
Edited · 2 · Hide · Monday at 10:55pm
1 reply
John Huston
President
Rutland Residents Association
Below: Photo of Rutland Train Station
loading apples from McLean and Fitzpatrick Packing House,
1934
====================
Annual General Meeting,
Elections, Jan 22 2015. Meet Kelowna Councilor Tracy Gray
January 22, 2015
The RRA Annual General Meeting will be held Thursday January
22 2015, 7:30pm at the Rutland Centennial Hall. Our
Guest will be Tracy Gray, newly elected Councilor to our
Kelowna City Council. We will also hold elections for
the 2015 Association Executive.
You can download the minutes for the last general meeting
here:
2014
12 RRA General Meeting Minutes See you there at the
Rutland Centennial Hall at 7:30 pm. Agenda for the 2015
AGM are here
Agenda
RRA Annual General Meeting, Jan 22 2015 v2, and you can
download the minutes for last years AGM here:
Minutes RRA AGM 2014
02 20
http://www.votetracygray.com/
====================
Success
!! Great Turnout for the All Candidates Forum Hosted by
Rutland Residents Association
December 5, 2014
We are very pleased with the success of the 2014 Rutland All
Candidates Forum, held at the Rutland Centennial Hall, on Oct
28. The Rutland Residents Association should be
proud of their of the their efforts, Job well done!
See article from Kelowna Now by Anita Sthankiya here
http://www.kelownanow.com/news/news/Local_News/14/10/28/Hundreds_Attend_All_Candidate_Forum_in_Rutland
We would like to thank Specialty Bakery for their donation
of delicious cookies, and The Rutland Parks Society for the
use of the Centennial Hall, Thank you! Your generosity
greatly appreciated.
The Agenda and Minutes for Dec 8, 2014 meeting cane be
accessed here;
Agenda Agenda,
RRA General Meeting, Dec 8 2015,
Minutes for last meeting Minutes Oct. 21, 2014
John Huston
RRA President
====================
Question Guide for the All
Candidates Forum
October 28, 2014
We have prepared a question guide for visitors to the All
Candidates Forum Tonight, please click on the following link
to see the guide All
Candidates Forum visitors guide , Rutland Centenial Hall
See you there tonight!
====================
All Candidates Forum, Kelowna
City Council & Trustee Elections, Oct 28 7:00pm
October 3, 2014
RUTLAND RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION PRESS RELEASE
Kelowna City Council & School Board Trustee All
Candidates Forum, Oct 28
Rutland Centennial Hall, 7:OO pm -8:30 pm
The Rutland Residents Association will be
hosting an All Candidates Forum for the
upcoming Kelowna Municipal Elections, 7:00
pm at the Rutland Centennial Hall, (180 Rutland Rd N,
Kelowna, BC). Prospective Mayor, City
Councilors, and School Board Trustees will be in attendance
to meet and discuss their Candidacy and Vision.
You are invited to attend and meet all prospective
representatives in attendance.
The format for the forum will be a general assembly where
each Mayor, Councilor or Trustee seeking election will have
a designated area within the Hall. You will be able to meet
each candidate on a personal level, and be free to move and
meet each candidate as you please.
Those seeking election will have their own table from which
they will be able to meet the public, while visitors move
from table to table to meet the candidates.
Citizens will have the opportunity to personally meet
candidates, and discuss the matters that are important to
them, on their own timing. Mayor, Councilor and Trustee
Candidates will be randomly assigned tables from which they
can use to facilitate their meeting with the public.
A handout will be offered to everyone in attendance with a
list of items that have been raised as significant to
Kelowna and Rutland, – the list can be used as a tool to
facilitate discussion.
John Huston,
President, Rutland Residents Association
For Further information contact:
John Huston, President – Rutland Residents Association, www.rutlandra.com
250 808-4559
John Vielvoye, Secretary – Rutland Residents Association,
250 765-7220
====================
RRA General Meeting Sept 29,
2014
September 29, 2014
Welcome back, hope all had a wonderful summer. See
the following link for this meetings agenda Agenda
2014 09 29 RRA General Meeting
Below: Layer Cake Mountain, is a volcanic land form
composed primarily of Dacite Volcanic Rock with a high
silica content. It has unique layering that has not
been seen anywhere else. It seems the layers of
Layer Cake Mountain are a series of lava flows with
each layer representing a separate flow, modern research has
proven this theory incorrect. It is now
believed that the layering possibly occurred in one lava
flow and the layering is due to the manner in which the flow
had cooled, and the way the rock shrinks as it cools.
Layer Cake Mountain is unique in the world and it is a
part of Our Rutland Area. Photo taken earlier today
while I was on a bicycle ride up Highway 33.
====================
Roxby Park Design Concept,
June 25, 2014 Agenda
June 26, 2014
Above is a draft drawing of the Roxby Park
design concept, for the Our Rutland Project. Top of page
is Highway 33, bottom of image is Roxby Parking Lot.
More info at June 25th Meeting, June 25 agenda can be
down loaded here, Agenda
2014 06 25 29 RRA General Meeting
On the agenda will also be discussion of the All
Candidates Forum that the Rutland
Residents Association will be hosting in late October or
Early November. There is much happening in our area of
Rutland and I expect it to be a busy summer. Also see
the following press releases to be reviewed by the RRA:
====================
RRA General Meeting, May 29
2014
May 29, 2014
The Agenda for the May 29 2014 RRA meeting can be viewed here
Agenda
2014 05 29 RRA General Meeting The meeting
will be held at the Rutland Centennial Hall Pool Room, 7:00
pm.
====================
Wilfred Manning, Ex Rutland Residents Association President
Passes Away:
May 29, 2014
Wilfred (Bud) Manning, Ex Rutland Residents Association
President, passed away peacefully on Feb 9th 2014.
Wilfred was a life-long music man first as a performer in many
community bands, performing professionally with his father,
followed by obtaining degrees in Music and Teaching at Wayne
State University, conducting numerous bands, and teaching as a
venue for one of his passions being a life coach. Other
passions included bowling and the Kelowna Rockets. Wilfred
served in many organizations including Ontario Band Masters
Association, Canadian Band Directors Association, Canadian
National Exhibition Band competitions as a participant and
convener, Kelowna Jazz & Blues Society, founding the North
Bay Musicians Association, founding the music program at
Widdifield Secondary School as well as leading many programs
at the school and with the Nipissing District Board of
Education and most recently as a Canada Revenue Agency
lobbyist and advocate for non-profit organizations.
====================
DIG YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD OF
RUTLAND
May 18, 2014
‘Dig
Your Neighborhood’ project digs into Rutland’s
history, future
UBC’s Dig Your Neighbourhood Rutland team of student writers.
Students pictured are: front row left to right: Stacy Schmidt,
Jessica Klassen, Jessica Bonney, Becca MacDonald, Kelsey
Andersen, Sasha Curry, Jade Hignett. Back row left to right:
Harrison Crerar, Melissa Demale, Joe Dermo, Brittni
MacKenzie-Dale, Nancy Holmes, Nik Vreugdenhil
UBC’s creative writing students capture
the character of historic Kelowna district.Visit thier
blog herevisit the youtube video here
Extracted from UBCO Eco Art Incubator, April 2014;
Imagine John Rutland, founder of the historic community
bearing his name, in a Monty-Pythonesque soliloquy about his
escapades. Or how about a dating guide that highlights all
the local places to take a great date or ditch a bad one? Or
a CD of music celebrating Rutland, a graphic novel about
scary hauntings in Rutland, or a lifestyle magazine
featuring fabulous homes and styles of residents?
Emerging artists from UBC are engaging Rutland in an
innovative endeavour called Dig Your Neigbourhood Rutland.
The UBC Okanagan initiative is driven by a creative bunch of
students from the Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies.
The ultimate goal of the project is to generate discussion
around the cultural, historical and ecological issues of a
specific geographic and cultural space.
Creative writing and visual arts students have created a
limited-edition package of artworks that will be distributed
to new residents of Rutland by Welcome Wagon Ltd. The public
is invited to the launch of this art initiative on Saturday,
April 12, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Hillcrest Farm Market, 700
Highway 33 East, Kelowna. There will be refreshments,
entertainment and a number of artworks will be for sale.
Students are excited about the neighbourhood dialogue and
how their Dig Your Neighbourhood work will shape what
Rutland newcomers need to know about their new homes.
Jessica Bonney co-authored a book of poetry about Rutland
with Sarah Megan Hunter, called Daylighting.
“There’s a really fabulous sense of community in Rutland,”
says Bonney. “I really love coming here.”
“It was really cool to see it all come together,” says Nik
Vreugdenhil, who worked on maps for a walking guide for DYN.
“I learned so much, not just about the community, but in
collaborating with artists and using industry-standard
programs and software.”
Jessica Klassen did design work on three individual pieces,
Daylighting, the walking guide, and a teen survival
guidebook. “Just getting to know the character of Rutland
turned out to be a fascinating experience,” she says.
Nancy Holmes, associate professor of creative writing, says
Dig Your Neighbourhood is an innovative project unlike
anything done anywhere else. Students learned how to write
to a specific audience and how to develop a project from
concept to finished product.
“Writers get to work with visual artists and they get a
sense of their own role, the contribution they make, as well
as collaborating with each other and engaging with the
community,” says Holmes.
Rutland, a community seeking to re-energize itself, is home
to many low-income families and recent immigrants.
Misconceptions about Rutland are nothing new.
“Local residents and community groups are excited about our
involvement because we will be able to assist them with some
of their own projects, and with helping the neighbourhood
overcome negative stereotypes,” says Holmes.
The Dig Your Neighbourhood project is a partnership of UBC,
Welcome Wagon, artsVEST BC, the Eco Art Incubator, Lake
Publishing and the Uptown Rutland Business Association.
Above info extracted from Extracted from UBCO Eco Art
Incubator, April 2014
====================
Rutland Residents Association
2014 Annual General Meeting
February 21, 2014
The Annual General Meeting will be held on Thursday Feb
20th, 7:00 pm at the Rutland Centennial Pool Hall.
You can download the Minutes from Last Months General
Meeting Here Minutes 2014
02 15 RRA Jan. 15,2014
You can download the Agenda here Agenda AGM 2014 02 20
The Minutes for last Years 2013 AGM will be availabe at the
meeting
The Finacial Report from Last Years AGM will be available
at the meeting upon request
====================
Rutland Pilot Project: OUR
RUTLAND, $100,000.00 Worth of Ideas, Rutland granted $
100,000, Rutland Residents decide how to use it.
February 5, 2014
Roxby Park, Rutland – Kelowna, BC
Yes, it is true. Rutland has been awarded a one time grant of
$ 100,000.00 The residents of Rutland are to decide how to
spend the grant. The Pilot Project named ‘Our Rutland’ it a
joint effort by the City of Kelowna and The Rutland Unified
Stakeholders Team. We have had several meetings prior to
today’s presentation to the City Council to help steer the Our
Rutland project.
The aim of the project is to bring people of Rutland
together, think about our community, and ponder what changes
we would like to see in Rutland. The project has some
guidelines as to how the funds are to be used. They are:
$100,000 is available for Our Rutland projects which can be
used towards either one large project or several smaller
projects. Projects can be capital infrastructure or
community program initiatives and must deliver on the
following parameters:
· One time funding (not on-going operational funding)
· Are within the limits of the Rutland Town Center boundary
(see attached map)
· Needs to be implemented and/or constructed by September
30th, 2014
· Ideas not to exceed the $100,000 budget allocated (unless
external funding is secured)
· That the community has a say and is involved in the
process
Get involved and put your ideas down visit http://getinvolved.kelowna.ca/100k-worth-of-ideas-your-ideas-action-change
(web page no longer exists)
To email Our Rutland Group send email to
ourRutland@kelowna.ca
====================
The Empty Lot at the corner of hwy 33 and Rutland Road, Would
you do anything here? Pop Up Park??
The Empty Lot at the corner of hwy
33 and Rutland Road, Would you do anything here? Pop Up
Park??
Do you think anything could be done with the empty lot at the
corner of Higway 33 and Rutland Road?
A welcome sign to Rutland? While I was in Hamilton Ont I ran
into this… the satellite town of Westdale welcomes visitors to
their town center.
====================
Meeting tonight, discussion
on captial projects spending.
January 15, 2014
Lights at Roxby Park
At tonight’s Rutland Residents Association we will discuss the
Pilot Project the City is putting forth to the Rutland area;
i.e. if we were allocated a significant amount of money, what
projects, or improvements would we want to undertake? We will
be putting together our thoughts tonight.
Agenda for tonight’s meeting can be had by clicking here aagenda-2014-01-15
corrected
The minutes for the last meeting Dec 21 can be had by
clicking here Minutes
2013 21 RRA Dec 21 2013
====================
Rutland
Survey Results, City of Kelowna looking towards Rutland, Dec
21 Residents Association Meeting Agenda
December 20, 2013
Winter is upon us and hopefully the shopping and cold weather
won’t stop us from meeting us tonight. Attached is
tonight’s Agenda and last meetings minutes. Click here for
tonight’s agenda
Agenda
2013 12 19 Dec 2013, and click here for last meetings
minutes
Minutes
2013 11 21 RRA Nov. 21, 201
The results of the UBCO Capstone Survey has been completed
and you can view the survey results here Capstone URBA
& TRUST-Final Paper-1
If you have been paying attention to the news you will have
noticed that the City of Kelowna is looking at allocating
some budget considerations towards Rutland. We will
speak about some initiatives at tonight’s meeting … Hint- It
is a good time to think about some capital projects for the
Rutland Downtown area.
See you tonight
John Huston
====================
Nov 21, 2013 Agenda, Rutland Residents Association Meeting
November 22, 2013
Rutland Residents Association Meeting Agenda available here
click on the following link.
Agenda,
RRA General Meeting, Nov 21 2013,
See you there, Rutland Centennial Hall at 7:00 pm, Nov 21,
2013
====================
WE NEED YOU !! WE NEED YOUR
THOUGHTS. DO THE ONLINE RUTLAND SURVEY AND INVITE OTHERS TO
DO THE SAME !!
November 17, 2013
DON’T MISS THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE A PART OF INFLUENCING
THE VISION OF OUR COMMUNITY.
Below are the links to online surveys that will be analyzed
by the UBCO Capstone Group for analysis.
Residents – click on this link
for your survey; https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/WGTDNJB
Students – click on this
link for your survey; https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/WM9P66S
Businesses – click on this link
for your survey; https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/W6HK5XW
If you don’t have a computer or access to the internet I
will bring copies of the survey to be filled out to the Next
Rutland Residents Association Meeting this Thursday,
November 21, 7:00 pm at the Rutland Centennial Community
Hall.
The survey is part of the plan to establish a baseline
inventory of the perceptions of the Rutland community.
The Survey is a byproduct of The Rutland Unified
Stakeholders Team’s (T.R.U.S.T.) initiatives
that stem from the Strategic Planning Meeting held earlier
this year (please see previous posts for more
details). The goal is to know the perceptions of our
community by various user groups so that a comprehensive
plan for the Branding and Image of Rutland can focus on key
objectives. It is important that the survey be
completed by the people of our community and I would ask
that you invite as many people as you can think of to do the
survey.
DO THIS SURVEY ! We
Need your thoughts, A short survey for you to
complete that will go a long way to direct the Image and
Branding of Rutland. See below for links to the
survey.
Above image: ‘CAPSTONE RUTLAND
GROUP’ UBCO Marketing and Business Students, Brett,
Colin, Rosana, and Connor in partnership with TRUST,
have created a survey that is an essential component
to further the Rutland Identity and Branding Campaign.
The survey takes a couple of minutes to complete. The
survey is the result of many hours of consultation and
efforts that work to keep the momentum towards
enhancing our community strong. This is your
opportunity to give valuable input at the ground level to
direct the future vision of Rutland.
====================
TRUST is the new RUST
October 29, 2013
The acronym Rust (Rutland Unified Stakeholders Team) has been
thoughtfully modified to TRUST –
The
Rutland Unified Stakeholders Team). TRUST has been busy
here is a brief summary of some of the activities to date:
A meeting with RoxJones Marketing Firm was
conducted to look into the feasibility and costs of
having a Consulting Firm carry out a Branding (Identity)
of Rutland study. Note that the Merrit Mountain
Music Festival which brought revenue and notoriety to
the City of Merritt originated from a Branding
Study. The costs of a Branding Study to be carried
out by a reputable Consulting group can cost upwards of
60k
- TRUST presented to
City Council on Sept 9th, The purpose of which was to
introduce the Unified Stakeholders to City Council in
body. Most of the TRUST Representatives were present
before Council which further added to the credibility of
RUST. Kevin Hamilton attended on Behalf of the
Rutland Residents Association -Thanks Kevin! The
City of Kelowna did express that they were impressed with
TRUST. I personally am excited with the commitment
and leadership of TRUST and believe that TRUST will bear
fruit. The City appreciated the presentation and
expressed willingness to assist with manpower resources to
help TRUSTS initiatives come to fruition.
- TRUST is utilizing UBCO Business and Marketing students
to help sow the seeds for a baseline study of Rutlands
Identity. Four UBCO students will conduct research
to help streamline the focus of the Branding
initiative. Cost… Free! Thanks UBCO Capstone
Rutland. TRUSTS image team will meet with the
students on Oct 23. The group will propose a survey
for Residents Students and Business to carry out –
the RRA will be responsible assisting with the
distribution of the survey. Stay tuned for the links
for the survey
====================
What is Rutland ?
Group meets to discuss the identity of Rutland,
– the Heartland of the Valley
July 2, 2013
Rutland Road and Highway 33 Aerial Photo taken in 1958. The
Heartland of the Valley.
In keeping with the initiatives laid out the Workshop (see
the previous post or click http://rutlandra.com/2013/06/21/rutlands-unified-voice-and-rutlands-identiy-rise/
), a group of Rutland Stakeholders met to discuss the
Image of Rutland. Knowing who and what we are as a
community is essential for planning what infrastructure and
designs changes we would like to see in the Heartland of the
Valley. When discussing the enhancement of our great
community and town center it is prudent to know what types
of art; statures, murals, sidewalk themes, park layout,
vegetation etc. would be best suit what Rutland is,
and what we would like Rutland to represent. The group
which is informally called R.I.S.E (Rutland Identity
Stakeholders Envoy) discussed our History, Identity,
Branding and possible strategies to move identity initiates
forward.
One purpose of the formation of the RISE group is to get
the ball rolling on the Branding of our Community.
There will be more meetings in the future and seeking
community involvement is a high priority. We had our
local Historian Evelyn Vielvoye was present to represent our
history, and we also had Patric McCormick, City of
Kelowna Urban Design Planner on hand to help guide and offer
his experience to the Group. It became clear on the
onset of the meeting that a vital function of RUST and RISE
would be to create interest in the image and branding of
Rutland.
To summarize some of the discussions of the
first RISE meeting:
-One outcome was clear from the meeting, that having a
Signature or Banner area is at the heart of
defining a community. This is consistent with the
strategies outlined in the workshop. A public space that
shows who we are, a space that we are proud to have and tell
people about, and a place people want to come visit.
– An Agricultural theme was identified as
the best identity of Rutland- this is area we now live has a
rich history of orchards, farming, livestock. This is
what we were, and what we still are. The growing
concept of urban farming can also dovetail with this
identity.
– Establishing a strategy, how do we
create the space for our identity. Putting together a
complete strategy; clear, concise, which has the ability to
be used as a tool to allow input and discussion. This
process can bring people together by creating
involvement. Should be strategic with phases, targeted
areas.
– Some communities utilize Branding Consultants
to assist with image branding.
– Create Identity Forums for Rutland and
area
– We are an Authentic Community, genuine, wholesome,
Heartland is a keyword.
– We are a self contained community,
– We are a welcoming community
– We are Ethnically Diverse, rich with
culture.
– A great core of independent business,
restaurants
– Family, a great place to raise a
family. Raising a family is why I’m
here.
–UBCO, many students call Rultand home.
-We are Recreation, parks, YMCA, soccer, Big
White
– Fiscally Responsible, local Bank
Manager from the latest bank to set up in Rutland notes that
Rutland People have a very high proportion of income or
monies available for investment (its why they brought their
bank to the area).
– Rutland is in a similar relationship to Kelowna as Boston
is to New York. We don’t need to change who
we are, we need to embrace it.
– Our Landscape Black Mountain
-We would like to be a pedestrian friendly
community.
– John Rutland was here only for 2 years
– Put art in the concrete
– Get the schools involved in the Rutland
Identity
– Identify the plants and animals that identify Rutland
There is lots of work to do and hopefully we will have the
input of many of the people in our community. I
brought the same discussion to the Rutland Residents
Association the following day. Their response was
similar – Agriculture is without question the theme of
Rutland (and they are not interested taking on any identity
that is not true to who we are, i.e. we don’t want to bring
in a Bavarian Theme or something that we are not.
Items that were identified that were not brought up at the
RISE meeting were;
– Irrigation, Rutland had
irrigation ditches and flumes throughout the farmland –
water theme around irrigation
– Farmers Market; keeping space for
farmers market, local produces selling their produce.
– Horses, goats, sheep,
– Expressed agreement with a signature or banner area
So the kick off for creating image and branding in Rutland
has begun. I look forward to more discussion and
input in this essential task of creating identity and
bringing people together in the process. Please feel
free to add a comment. Also please click on follow so
you can stay updated with the latest updates.
John Huston, RRA President
====================
Rutland’s Unified Voice and
Rutland’s Identiy RISE
June 21, 2013
Recently the Rutland
Uptown Business Improvement Area (URBIA) took the
initiative to host a Workshop that would establish a
coming together of Community Groups, Business Officials
and Business Owners who share an interest in
Rutland. I am grateful for their initiative,
and the vision that URBIA and others have taken in
fostering this movement. I am confident that the
outcome of the workshop will benefit all users of the
Rutland Community.
The workshop has
already had some positive outcomes. One outcome
was that the collective group had momentarily put a halt
to the Highway 33 project until some further
consultation was conducted. The Ministry of
Highways had included making some improvements to the
Hwy 33 resurfacing project – i.e. making considerations
for beautifying the road. When the
resurfacing project was discussed at the workshop
it became clear that some issues needed further input
from Business and other groups regarding the turning
lanes and how they will affect local business.
In fairness to
the Ministry of Highways, they did not neglect to
consult user groups as the Residents Association and
URBIA were consulted prior to the workshop, and Mr.
Spencer King (Sr. Project Manager with the MOT) sought
out input in those meetings – But new items of
concern came up in the workshop that were brought up in
Mr Kings consults with the RRA and URBIA, and the
influence of the collective group fostered additional
consultation. The result was a meeting with our
MLA’s (Hon. N. Letnick and S. Thomson) and Officials to
consider the interests of various groups, and an
additional Public Consultation was regarded as a prudent
means to ensure that all interests had the
opportunity to be heard. The Ministry
was very cooperative and shortly thereafter a Public
Consultation was held with the recently addressed issues
included in the plans. I would like to thank the
Ministry of Transportation and the members of the
Rutland Residents Association who were in
attendance.
Perhaps the most
significant outcome from the workshop was the
establishment of R.U.S.T. – The Rutland Unified
Stakeholders Team.
The purpose of
RUST is: “A Group of Rutland Unified Stakeholders , that
aims to work collaboratively with all
community groups on issues of common concern and where
possible to present a united front to City of
Kelowna and Senior Governments for infrastructure
funding, program development, service focus and
development”.
What has become
very apparent to me thus-far is that R.U.S.T. (
Rutland Unified Stakeholders Team) has quickly become
an effective means of getting the attention the City
of Kelowna and higher levels of Government. The
energy and momentum of R.U.S.T. is
encouraging. City Councilors have
expressed that having a unified voice for the various
stakeholders of Rutland greatly improves the
efficiency with which they can communicate and make
decisions affecting the Rutland Area. Our
hope is that by having a unified voice representing
the collective interests and initiatives of Rutland we
can strategically focus and simplify decision process
with Governing Bodies and help expiate our
causes. It is important to remember that
Rutland serves as the Hub for one-third of the
population of Kelowna, and that same one-third
population of Kelowna is effectively represented by
R.U.S.T.
Another outcome of the
workshop, and offshoot an the R.U.S.T. group was
the need to work on the Branding and Image of
Rutland. It was determined at the workshop to
create a task group that would focus on our
identity, so we can make clearer decisions on design
in our community. The newly
created Rutland Image Stakeholders Envoy (R.I.S.E. if
you will..) will be meeting shortly to discuss the
image and theme that would be representative and
beneficial to the stakeholders of
Rutland. We will have our local
historian Evelyn Vielvoye involved in the process, as it
is vital to have the History of Rutland considered
when creating an identity for the future. The need
for exploring what our identity arose when discussion
about what would the enhancement and beautification the
Rutland Area look like. If we wish to create art
projects, erect statues or change sidewalks, we will
need to have a theme to work towards. I will be
including our identity and image on the upcoming agenda
for the June 27 meeting. Please give some thought
to what kind of image of Rutland do you want to promote.
I am
particularly excited about R.U.S.T. and its
potential. There is little doubt that the team
will be able to streamline initiatives and make Rutland
and the surrounding communities which it serves a better
place to live. RUST is a structured group, it has
vision, good leadership and purpose.
It is a political animal that represents one-third of the population of Kelowna in a
simpler and more efficient means then in the past.
We are still working out the governance of the
group but at the moment the group seeks to include broad
spectrum of Residents Associations (Rutland & Black
Mountain), Businesses, Land Owners, UBCO,
RCMP, Real Estate Board Rep, Parks Society, and
possibly some historical or recreational representation
also. The following is an exert from the executive
summary from the paper generated from the workshop
“Rutland Vision, Focus and Future”
“The Group was
called the Rutland Unified
Stakeholders Team – RUST which received
widespread support from the participants including; City
Hall Political and Administrative Representatives.
This group would go beyond the short-term demands and
interests of the community by attempting to reconcile
internal differences and presenting a unified front for
City Hall and Senior Government Officials. This was
welcomed by City Hall Officials as for them, it is much
easier to address the needs of one unified group than a
myriad of competing interests. This is a unique model of
cooperation between business, residents and interest
groups that is not typical in B.C.
A key issue
was the re-making of the “Rutland Image” as viewed by the
outside community and as well as by the residents and
businesses within Rutland. The “Image problem” for Rutland
was holding back positive efforts needed to move
initiatives forward. The group flagged that there
was little understanding of the history of Rutland, the
roots of its commerce and how/why citizens felt a
disconnect with the remainder of Kelowna. To move
forward, the group believes that a sort of reconciliation
of the ’70’s Amalgamation Promises’ was required.
The group expressed a genuine frustration that Rutland had
felt ignored by Kelowna City Hall”
[ Rutland Vision Focus and
Future, Executive Summary, page 4, Diehl Management]
It is important to me to note that the
mandate for the group is “Unified”. R.U.S.T. is
the Rutland Unified Stakeholder Team, and as such it by
definition should and ought to work on those incentives
that is universal to the group. From the onset I have
found that the group has common interests to those
of the Residents Association. The following is a
list of strategic initiatives from the workshop:
-Establish One Voice
-Hwy 33 Design
-Centennial Park
Revitalization
-Town Center Revitalization Strategy and
Theme
– Community Beautification (needs a
longer term strategy)
– Program and Service Improvements,
(shorter and longer term)
As a resident of Rutland and
as President of the Rutland Residents Association I am
all for the Strategic Initiatives of RUST. I agree
with the findings of the Workshop and endorse the Vision
Focus and Future document complied by Diehl
Management. I believe that the current focus of
the paper to be in line with the major concerns of our
present Rutland Residents Association. It is important
to note that The Rutland Residents Association
involvement in RUST is vital to the success of RUST and
that our role is keystone in RUST’s viability. Our
role as a Residents Association significantly
adds credibility to the common front of One Voice
for Rutland.
You can view the Workshop Summary
paper here Rutland
Vision Report 2013
I believe that as long as
RUST remains unified with its stakeholders Rutland will
win. If, as with any group representing different
bodies cannot agree, or an agency feels misrepresented
RUST as a whole diminishes credibility. There will
be some challenges down the road as it is only natural
for any group to go through the “storming norming
forming” process. At stake for the
Residents Association is the possibility of Residential
Concerns being outweighed in the interest of Businesses
or Land Owners as not all business decisions are the
best for residents, and not all residential interests
are best for businesses. For example supposed some
land becomes available and residents and families may
want an lighted-all season outdoor soccer field for
their children to play on, but developers and business
see a higher priority for shops and high density housing
– if RUST is leveraged in favor of developing business
frontage and making the enhancement of the core of
Rutland its only priority then it cannot be expected
that the interests of residents outside that area would
not be represented by RUST.
At the moment I feel
that the Rutland Residents Association has a bit of a
trump card. A Rutland Unified Stakeholders Team
loses significant credibility without a Residents
Association. I believe that simple fact does weigh
favorably in maintaining right relationship with the
majority of stakeholders in the Rutland Community, i.e.
the people of Rutland. As we are establishing our
governance within RUST, careful consideration of the
membership is vital to safeguard proper representation
of all the Stakeholders. At present, with the
consideration of RCMP, UBCO, two Residents Associations,
Parks Society and perhaps some Historical or
Recreational Representation on the membership, I believe
that residents will be fairly represented within RUST.
I believe that the
importance of our role as a Residence Association has
stepped up a notch. The Rutland’s
Residents Association has gained a new window to
Government that it did not have until the formation of
RUST. We have an opportunity to effectively represent
the Residents of Rutland through a venue
that will most assuredly have the ears and eyes of The
City of Kelowna and Higher Government. We will
need to be strategic with our concerns and will have to
prioritize carefully. I believe that we will
be called upon more often for our input and consultation
on the affairs of the Rutland. This is an exciting
time for Rutland and I am grateful to be a part of the
momentum, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts
and visions for Rutland at the next meeting June 27 @
7:00. Click here for agenda and minutes Agenda,
RRA General Meeting, June 27 2013,
John Huston, RRA President
====================
Higway 33 Project: Public
Infromation Meeting, June 11, Tuesday 5-8:00 pm
June 10, 2013
I have been a part of several meetings recently
regarding Highway 33 Resurfacing Project. The Ministry
of Transportation and Infrastructure has incorporated
some enhancement opportunities for Hwy
33. I have been involved in several
meetings with a collective group representing the full
spectrum of Rutland’s interest groups; URBA, the Parks
Society, City of Kelowna, the Ministry of Transportation and
Infrastructure, our MLA’s Honorable Mr Norm
Letnick and Mr Steve Thompson. We have worked
quite quickly to allow the Highway Project to Stay on
Schedule, and the Ministry has been very cooperative in
hearing our thoughts and concerns.
Of note from the meetings are concerns about turning lanes
being constructed with the traffic calming initiatives that
will utilize median construction. It was
expressed that some business could possibly be negatively
affected by turning lanes. We also want to ensure that
opportunities for greening up the highway and sidewalks are
not lost – as result it was decided that a public meeting
that was open to anyone interested be conducted. The
result is the meeting that will be conducted this Tuesday
June 11th at the Rutland Centennial Hall at 5:00 pm.
As citizens of Kelowna in the Rutland area, the work and
that will be carried out this summer will be with us for the
next 20 years, and we want to be sure that is is done
right. It is short notice, and we have done what we
can to inform the public, and due to the nature of paving
work if we did not get consultation of groups and citizens
done soon the resurfacing and curbing work would be put off
one full year.
It is very important for our voices be heard. I would
want to emphasize to the City of Kelowna and to the Ministry
that we are passionate about the visual appearance to the
main artery through our community.
Residents in the Rutland, Ellison and Black Mountain
Communities also use the road extensively area and I
would like to make it clear that vegetation be included in
the design at the outset of the project. We have
discussed vegetation along the medians and sidewalks, as
well as provision for lighting of trees and allowances for
public art and statues. The ministry will incorporate
waterlines and electrical conduit to make allowances for
future beautification of the Hwy. This is an
opportunity to have a voice in making input into future
developments for hwy enhancement and to motivate the City to
consider enhancements. I will be there and hope you can make
it too.
For a summary of the consultation we had with Mr Spencer
King at our last Residents Association Meeting click on the
following link to get the minutes from the May 23
Meeting. RRA minutes
May 23, Spencer King
John Huston
====================
Agenda and Minutes for May 23
Meeting, with the Senior Ministry of Transportation and
Infrastructure Project Manager
May 18, 2013
Get your reading glasses on and come prepared for the next
Rutland Residents Association Meeting this Thursday, May 23
at 7:00 pm. I have added a link that will take you to
the City of Kelowna Projects for 2013. Please
take the time to review projects in the Rutland area so you
can be prepared for the upcoming meeting. This should
be an excellent meeting for residents who are wondering what
is going on in our community; what is happening to Highway
33, and be heard by Mr Spencer King, Senior Project Manager
with the Ministry of Transportation and
Infrastructure. This would also be a great time to
invite a guest to our meeting. I expect that we will
all have many questions and I would like to suggest that you
write your thoughts down we can perhaps compile a list of
our thoughts. I plan to give Mr King a list of some of
our concerns that have been brought up at previous
meetings. Below are three links; Agenda, Minutes
and projects for 2013 in Kelowna/Rutland.
Did you know that you can add your concerns to this
webpage, click on Leave a reply at the bottom and add your
thoughts.
John
Agenda link May 23 2013:
Agenda,
RRA General Meeting, May 23 2013,
April 25 2013 meeting minutes
RRA April
25 2013, Meeting Minutes
City of Kelowna Projects. Click on link and scroll
down to see projects in the Rutland Area.
Construction_Projects_2013
====================
Highway 33 Project, Guest
Speaker Mr Spencer King
– Next meeting May 23
7:00 pm
May 7, 2013
Please come out and listen to Guest Speaker Mr Spencer
King, Senior Project Manager Ministry of Transportation and
Infrastructure. Mr King will provide a full description of
the project scope and share some design information with us.
Of note will be the developments on Highway 33, Bus pull
outs and various other changes that would be of interest.
You can view some of the projects that are planned at the
following link Construction_Projects_2013
This will be a great opportunity to ask questions and
provide feedback to Mr King and plug into the works that are
planned for our area.
====================
Thank You 1st Beaver Scouts!
The essence of community
April 27, 2013
For the third year in a row the members of the 1st B.E.A.R.
Beaver Scouts (ages 5-8) have chosen Rutland Centennial Park
to do a spring clean-up of during clean-up week. They ask
nothing for doing this they do it for community service. Great
Job Scouts! And thank you Scout Leaders for your time in
bringing up our children.
====================
Before…… Rutland Transit
Exchange, Shepard Road, Asher Road, April 24 2013.
April 25, 2013
====================
Rutland Residents Association
April 25th Agenda
April 25, 2013
Good day Residents of the Kelowna Community of Rutland!
Its time again for our next meeting. Click on
the following link for the agenda for tomorrows
meeting. RRA
General Meeting Agenda Mar 21 2013-2
RRA__ General
April 25 2013
We will have a presentation regarding recreation in out
communities so bring your listening hats. The
minutes for last months meeting Mar 21 can be viewed by
clicking on the following link: minutes March 21, 2013
====================
New Web Address for Rutland
Residents Assoicaiton !!!
April 20, 2013
rutlandra com (no longer belongs to the association)
Rutland Residents Association Web Address is here.
Simple and hopefully easy to remember. Add the letters
‘ra’ to the end of Rutland and use the most popular
domain ever ‘dot com’ and thats it! Please share it with
your friends and acquaintances.
John
====================
Meeting April 25 2013,
7:30pm, Centennial Hall Pool Room
April 20, 2013
MEETING, April 25 7:30pm
Our next meeting will be Thursday April 25 at 7:30 pm at
the Rutland Centennial Pool Room. We should have a few
guests who will give us community updates and request some
feedback.
====================
Update on Projects in Rutland
Area
April 19, 2013
There are serveal projects slated for work this year in the
Rutland area, vist the Kelowna City website at (web page no
longer exists) for more details
Sidewalk Network Expansions:
– Hardie Road,
– Muir RD, Myron Road, Merrifield Rd
– Pearson Road
Transit Improvements
– Shepard Rd Transit Exchange
– Douglal Street Pedestrian Improvements
– Highway 33 Bus Pullouts
I am hoping that we can get Mr King from the Ministry of
Transportation to speak to us regarding the Rutland Road
resurfacing and safety improvements that are coming up for
Tender.
====================
Build Swimming Pool to Save
Lives!
March 26, 2013
A great read on the Rutland Community; and how building a
swimming pool saved lives.
The first Rutland community Hall had been built in 1919.
There were trees on the site and three large stumps were
used as supports for the hall floor. The Rutland Hall
Society was formed in the early twenties and carried on the
affairs of the community Hall. The community Hall was the
centre of Community life for over thirty years. The dances
were organized and were well patronized, as the hall boasted
the only spring floor in the- district’ Later a stage and
kitchen were added and the Rutland Amateur Dramatic Society
added dressing rooms and a front porch, and turned the space
into the basement to good account.
The community Hall was in use every day of the week for
many years for concerts, weddings, theatre, Bazaars,
meetings, elections, poliiical raliies, High School
functions, sports, and library. A group of public-spirited
citizens joined to form a group who wanted to raise funds to
buy 8 and a half acres of the former George Schofield
property to establish a park and ball field in 1929. An
application was made to form the Rutland park Society, 27th
of April 1939 and it was officially granted a charter-on the
5th May 1939. The first directors weie, A. K. Lloyd, cecil
Bull, Dougald McDougall, F. L. Fitzpatrick & Earl
Hardie.
During the First World War, one common board of directors
operated the Rutland Hall Society and the Rutland Park
Society but afterwards they were separated again. J. R.
Beale served faithfully as secretary of the Hall Society for
many years.
At the same time there were concerns about several drowning
accidents while the children were swimming in the irrigation
ditches and flumes. The Rutland Park Society sponsored the
construction of a Rutland Swimming Pool Pavilion, Change Rooms
and Tennis Courts in the southwest corner of the park and
funds were raised by pullic subscription. It was completed by
July of 1939. Most of the children in Rutland then used this
facility and learned how to swim through the swimming lessons
program. In the winter the Tennis Courts became a skating rink
when volunteers took turns to flood the rink with garden hoses
during the cold spells. The Rutland Apple Jacks were one of
the contenders. As Rutland was all on wells at that time,
sometimes the Hall well ran dry and was supplemented by Bob
White’s Garage and Hardie’s Store. The Societies mandate was
to provide activities and create community spirit. The
swimming pool became their first major project, making the
Park a place where the people could enjoy Rally Days and
sports events, and the building of a new Community Hall for
community affairs and a meeting place for organized groups.
Historical Exert provided by John and Evelyn Vielvoye
====================
Rutland Residents’
General Association Agenda Mar 21, 2013
March 21, 2013
Hello Rutland Residents. There is a General meeting, Mar 21,
2013 at 7:00 pm. Meeting will be at the Rutland Centennial
Hall Pool Room. Please click below for your copy of the
agenda.
John
====================
Dolphins & Sails Statue =
Kelowna Lakefront. ? = Kelowna/Rutland
March 13, 2013
I was thinking about landmarks in our communities. When
I am in Downtown Kelowna I often run into the stunning
Sails or Dolphins Statues, or if we are skating at Stewart
Park, I will see an amazing Bear magnificently displayed on a
pedestal. I have pictures of family sitting with smiling
faces on the Ogopogo statue, and photos of them giggling on
the Bear in City Park. It is almost impossible to
be in downtown Kelowna and not catch a glimpse of these
landmarks. These photos and images are powerful
and endearing, and one cannot think of Kelowna without at the
same time having these images in the back of their mind.
As I ponder our Community I ask myself if there is an image
that marks the core of Rutland, or even what do we consider
as the core of Rutland. I am remiss to recall
one single image that stands out. I have imagined that
if there was an animal stature that would be interesting and
somewhat related to Rutland what would it be and where would
it be located. When as child in Calgary I would often
look up at the Lions that sit atop the corner pillars of the
Center Street Bridge, a powerful and handsome display that I
can never forget.
Sometimes as I drive Highway 33 I am reminded of parasitic
check cashing venues, or the several drugstores and
insurance agencies that seem earmark our
society. I should rather be mindful of the great
restaurants and mountain scenery, but sometimes I can focus
on things that are less than par. Not that I have a
great problem with their presence, but to me they are
reminders of a less than perfect world. Perhaps I am
being too focused on that which is not optimum, but who
doesn’t want their world to be a more attractive
place. I can think of may ways to make my community a
nicer looking place but most often I would be better off
dreaming than trying to bring them to fruition. And
some people actually like some of those things that I am not
so fond of… imaging that?
When I hear the name Rutland what image comes to mind. I
am aware that Rutland is named after John Rutland, but I also
think of Rams that are crashing into each other on grassy
mountain slopes and plains.
Do you know what I mean, Rutting-Land… We have Big Horn
Sheep and we have the terrain that Rutting can be identified
with. So I ask myself, why can’t a Rutland
Community have a statue that is as wonderful as the Fountains
and Sails and Dolphins in our Downtown Lakefront
Community. And I also ask myself, if we had a
magnificent stature of a Ram where would it be located?
Transit exchange, Centennial Park, NW corner of 33 and Dougal,
near the YMCA?
Nope. If I was in charge of putting up a towering
statue of a Powerful Ram, I would put it where it would be
seen by the most people.. Right in the middle of highway
33. A towering statue of a Ram, atop a grassy
median, welcoming all who drive towards the core area of
Rutland. Imagine as you drive up the newly renovated
highway 33 project, past trees that hang over the
sides of the road, up through the divided highway, and
there in front of you, in the middle of the median, with
the beautiful backdrop of the mountains and hills, is a
glorious statue of a Ram, poised high into the air atop an
ornate substructure (keeping too high for the creative
souls with spray-cans to tag). I digress.
Perhaps I am getting carried away. Who would fund
such and idea, who would buy into the idea, do we even need
it? I don’t know, but I wonder if
those who had the inspiration to plan a Sails Fountain or a
Ogopogo near the Lakefront had the same thoughts, and did it
stop them.. No. Am I glad that they went ahead with
it?
Yes.
John Huston
====================
Crossroads Treatment Center
March 13, 2013
I am still uncertain about the future of the Crossroads
Treatment Center. Will it be managed in the future by
Interior Health or will it be lost for good. I would
be deeply saddened if the doors would close forever. I
have worked with many people in recovery, and most of
them who have had the privilege of going through crossroads
rave about the program. They talk about how well the
program gets to the core of who we are and how they are
strengthened by its 12 step programing. Crossroads is
indeed the crossroads in their own lives and it is a major
event that bench-marked their transition to a better way of
living.
Crossroads is a Hallmark institution among many throughout
BC. Members in our Rutland Residents Association
speak very highly of Crossroads, and they also happen to be
neighbors to the facility. They speak fondly of not
only being neighbors to Crossroads, but also of the people
they meet at while they are out in the
community. Crossroads is a light in our
community and we are proud to have in our
neighborhood. I am struck when I see the ‘For Sale’
sign in front of such and important landmark.
Crossroads. I hope the Crossroads name does not change
as it is an institution in our minds, and in the memories of
the many who have faced up to the challenges of their
personal development.
Is the sun setting on Crossroads? Or is it too at a
crossroads, one which can change for the better or sadly for
the worse for all of us. I pray it will stay in our
community and that it will become greater and more
significant in all of our lives.
John Huston
====================
Drop by to get connected and
have your say, Mar 5th and Mar 8th
March 5, 2013
The City of Kelowna wants residents to help shape its
public engagement practices around projects, policies and
initiatives.
“We know that engaged communities are strong communities,”
says Mayor Walter Gray. “We’re looking for ideas from
residents on how we can make it easier for them to have
their say in City-led initiatives.”
Residents will have an opportunity to have their say on how
the City should conduct public engagement activities by
sharing their insights and ideas to help inform a policy and
procedures to improve engagement practices.
Information tables will be hosted by staff in various
locations across the city and residents are invited to stop
by:
-Friday, Feb. 22 from 9 a.m. to noon at H2O Adventure +
Fitness Centre
-Tuesday, Mar. 5 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Family Y in
Rutland
-Orchard Park Mall on Friday, Mar. 8 from noon to 5 p.m. and
Saturday, Mar. 9 from noon to 4 p.m.
Residents can also complete an online survey to express
opinions. Visit kelowna.ca/getconnected to take the survey
beginning Friday, Feb. 22. The survey closes on Friday,
March 22. Hard copies of the survey will be available at
City Hall for people without computer access. Survey
respondents will be eligible to win one of three family day
passes for the H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre or Parkinson
Recreation Centre
====================
Spring Recreation Programs in
the Rutland Area
March 2, 2013
This week I had the pleasure of speaking to Valerie Petillion
, Community Recreation Coordinator with the City of
Kelowna. I had discovered in speaking to her that there
are more recreational programs available in the Rutland Area
than I was previously aware of. I have made the
error in assuming that the City of Kelowna Recreation
Publication that is circulated throughout our City is
Primarily a Parkinson Recreation Center publication. I
have discovered that there are many activities that are held
in the Rutland area within the booklet. I have also
discovered that in talking to other residents of our
community, that I am not the only person who associates the
publication primarily with the Parkinson Rec Center.
====================
Spring Recreation Programs in
the Rutland Area
March 2, 2013
This week I had the pleasure of speaking to Valerie Petillion
, Community Recreation Coordinator with the City of
Kelowna. I had discovered in speaking to her that there
are more recreational programs available in the Rutland Area
than I was previously aware of. I have made the
error in assuming that the City of Kelowna Recreation
Publication that is circulated throughout our City is
Primarily a Parkinson Recreation Center publication. I
have discovered that there are many activities that are held
in the Rutland area within the booklet. I have also
discovered that in talking to other residents of our
community, that I am not the only person who associates the
publication primarily with the Parkinson Rec Center.
http://www.kelowna.ca/CityPage/Docs/PDFs/%5CSport%20and%20Recreation%5CQuick%20Guides/Rutland_and_BlackMountain_Area_Spring_2013.pdf
I suppose that I have come to this assumption from leafing
through the publication and finding a high amount of
programs being offered at the Parkinson Rec Center (PRC),
and I suppose that some of the images on the publication may
lead one to think that PRC is the primary location for the
listed events. But I believe that the primary
reason was that I mistakenly believed that the facilities
and infrastructure in the YMCA area in Rutland were somehow
autonomous from the City of Kelowna. Wrong… The YMCA
facility is owned by the City of Kelowna, the YMCA is the
provider/operator of the Facility. This I believe is
also true for most all the other facilities in the area
around the YMCA. When I consider all that is in the
that area: Skating/Hockey Arena, Gymnastics Center, Swimming
Pool, YMCA, BMX park, numerous soccer fields, baseball
fields, Seniors Center and more, I am quite taken aback at
how recreation-ally rich we are in Rutland. The City
of Kelowna is heavily invested in Recreation in our area,
and we are certainly richer for it.
I had once thought that Rutland was somewhat left behind in
City initiatives regarding Recreational programming, and
after speaking with Valerie I have certainly changed my
thinking. There are many communities in Canada who
spend years working and planning to bring in half of what we
have here in Rutland. I do consider myself fortunate
to be so close to these facilities. What I find
interesting is that I find that people seem to be
somewhat unaware of all that is being offered to Rutland and
its surrounding communities. Click
on the following link to see the 2013 Kelowna Spring
Recreation Guide http://www.kelowna.ca/CM/Page4261.aspx
John Huston
====================
Evelyn and John Vielvove
Recognized for Volenteer Activity.
February 26, 2013
Evelyn
and John Vielvoye received an award for their volunteer
work with Central
Okanagan Heritage Association. We are very proud
to have them in our community and as members of our
Rutland Residents Association. Thank
you John and Evelyn.
Congratulations Evelyn and John!
====================
Heritage Week Schedule of
Activities, 2013: February 18-24.
February 16, 2013
Good Neighbours Heritage Homes and Neighbourhoods. Click
on the link “Heritage Week Activities” to open the Heritage
Week Poster.
Heritage Week
Activities
====================
Heritage Week 2013: February
18-24 Good Neighbours Heritage Homes and
NeighbourhoodsHeritage Week Kick-off Breakfast. Monday
February 18 7:30 a.m.
February 15, 2013
2013 Invitation
Heritage Week Kick-off Breakfast. Hosted by the Central
Okanagan Heritage Society and Rutland Residents
Association. Door prizes and 50/50 draw. Guest speakers
Dorothy Zoellner and Alice Lundy of the Okanagan Historical
Society! Suggested donation $5. Kelowna Canadian Italian Club,
770 Lawrence Ave. RSVP to
cohs@telus.net Click on the
“2013 Invitation” link on top of the picture to see the
Breakfast Poster.
====================
Rutland Res Assoication
Executive Meeting Agenda, Feb 21 2013
February 14, 2013
Photo:
Rutland, Ben Lee Skateboard Park
The upcoming RRA Executive Meeting will
be Feb 21, 2013 at Maria’s place. This will be an
important kick off for the new Executive membership.
We will do some vision and goal setting for the
executive. Note that the Executive will not ratify the
goal setting until presented to the General Meeting of the
RRA, -to be held in March. The executive may move on
some of the goals being discussed in the interest of the
Association. We will seek your participation and if
you cannot attend please read the agenda and add your
thoughts to the blog comments. Keep in mind that this
is a plastic agenda and is subject to change. Click on
the link just below (RRA EXECUTIVE….) to see the agenda.
John Huston
RRA EXEUTIVE
AGENDA, FEB 21 2018
====================
Asher Road and Transit
Exchange
February 12, 2013
Asher Road, Circa Feb 6 2013.
I wonder what this will look like 10 years from now. It will
certianly look different when the transit exchange will be
completed this summer. We have some concerns with the lighting
that will be used at night… will the transit exchange offer
night lighting and thereby less shadows for undesirable
activity. What economic boost could occur to this area. My
hope is that there would be a facelift with the new activity
to the area, that it would be a hip place that would draw
students and community to great shops and food, my fear is
that nothing will be done.
====================
Be informed… Let the
City of Kelowna tell you whats going on.
February 4, 2013
The City will automatically email you information. You now
wont have to search for bylaw changes proposal developments
city meeting minutes and the like.. go to this link
http://www.kelowna.ca/cm/site3.aspx
You can then choose what information you want to have
automatically emailed to you. Thanks Eric Carr and
City of Kelowna
====================
Use your smart phone map
function to tell the City of Kelwona about a Pothole…?
February 4, 2013
Get this, now you can use your phone to inform the City
of Kelowna about a pothole or a traffic problem. I
know.. fantastic isn’t it? I haven’t used it
myself yet but but here is how to get to the link.
Go to kelowna.ca website and at the middle right
area you will see an orange service request icon, click on
the icon and choose the mobile version for service
request. I will be informing the city all the
potholes that cause me to loose my fillings as I drop into
the potholes with my bicycle. Below is a link to the
service request page. Enjoy, there are some 150
different types of service requests you can make.
The map function on your phone will provide the city with
the location of the pothole or other item of concern.
John Huston
