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Coun. Scott Anderson (submitted photo)
By Kevin Rothwell
Battle rages on

Councillor looks to join Penticton fight with the province

May 15, 2021 | 9:00 AM

Vernon councillor Scott Anderson has issued a notice of motion for the next council meeting in support of Penticton’s ongoing battle with the province over a homeless shelter.

Penticton Mayor John Vassilaki had sent a letter to municipalities to press the province into respecting local council decisions.

The fight between Penticton and the province started after the city refused to extend a temporary use permit for a homeless shelter.

Attorney General and Housing Minister David Eby overruled the council decision and kept the shelter open.

The prompted the letter to the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) President, Brian Frenkel, requesting UBCM prepare a letter to B.C. Premier John Horgan, supporting council’s position that the province’s recent use of ‘paramountcy’ is a violation of two council decisions and the city’s zoning bylaws.

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Anderson’s notice of motion doesn’t specifically mention the Penticton situation, but it mirrors a request from Vassilaki in a letter to Vernon council.

The motion calls on the mayor to write UBCM and Minister Eby protesting the use of ‘paramountcy’ by the provincial government.

Vassilaki published an open letter to Premier Horgan Wednesday (May 12) in several newspapers calling on Horgan to step in.

A second notice of motion was also registered by Anderson in relation to the proposed downloading of handgun control responsibility from the federal government to municipal governments.

Bill C-21 would give municipalities discretion to ban handguns, if they choose, through bylaws restricting their possession, storage and transportation.

Handgun violence in major urban areas like Vancouver and Toronto continues to escalate.

by Kevin Rothwell
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