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You asked for it? You’ve got it!

Past guests of Crescendo made a few suggestions last season, and it has been our pleasure to deliver on those requests.

In the luxury department we have implemented a cleaning service that will stop by every 3 days for those guests booking 7 days or more. A ceiling fan has been installed in the master bedroom and we have new logo’d robes that are especially nice when going to and from the pool/jacuzzi.

In the electronics department we have activated motion detectors that will manage certain lighting areas throughout the house. Lights will automatically turn on when someone enters a room, and just as importantly, will automatically turn off when a room is empty. Wireless internet has been updgraded to the latest/fastest connection along with the installation of more repeaters throughout the house to make sure your signal is always strong. The DVD collection continues to grow with new titles being added all the time.

Last, but not least, a ski boot rack/dryer has been installed at the ski entrance that can accommodate 14 pairs of boots!

Learn more about these upgrades and others on Crescendo’s Blog.

Crescendo on Facebook

Crescendo has a new Facebook Page up and running and we invite all of our guests (past, present, future) to sign in to Facebook
and “Become a Fan” of Crescendo. Past guests can upload their photos and videos and share their experiences with others. Future guests can peruse the Facebook Page to learn exactly what Crescendo is all about! Visit the discussion panel to voice your opinion about restaurants at Big White or share what your favorite ski run is. Don’t be shy, if the topic doesn’t exist feel free to get the ball rolling!

One of the largest lawsuits in Canada is being led from the Kelowna office of Benson, Salloum, Watts.

The case has garnered international headlines in the broadsheets of Great Britain, and financial support from British banks.

It involves taking on the environmental hazards of 20,000 oil installations around the tar sands of Fort McMurray.

At the heart of the court case is the moral disregard of treaty mandated consultations between the federal government, business interests and the Beaver Lake Cree Nation.

Garry Benson is instructing counsel of the litigation for the Beaver Lake Cree Nation, and that role is deeply personal for him as he is a member of the Beaver Lake Band.

Benson has practiced Aboriginal law for over 20 years. It has been a key component of his work as he has formed the partnerships and firm where he operates.

The Beaver Lake litigation is being handled entirely by B.C. firms, although the dispute is in northeastern Alberta.

Benson just gives a slow steady look and mentions the words “oil economy” when asked why no Alberta firms could be brought on board.

Benson is working with the legendary Jack Woodward, who developed the first Aboriginal law courses at University of Victoria.

The key statements of claim are important to understand the legal challenge Benson has embarked on.

First, Benson says that the oil companies are not being sued.

While there are multiple companies which employ classic stonewall techniques, there are others which have worked hard to create meaningful relationships with the Beaver Lake Band, he acknowledged.

The defendant in the litigation is the federal government, and one of the key claims is the alleged failure of the government to fulfill the treaty mandated “duty to consult.”

“The Crown has off-loaded on industry the duty to consult,” said Benson.

“And industry turns around and says that is not our job, and if we wait to consult we’ll lose money.”

The haste has led to both immediate environmental harm, and lasting impact as there has been no emphasis on clean up.

The statement of claim lists dozens of impacted species harmed by development, but the two species which stand out to Benson are the grayling fish and the caribou.

“One small pipeline doesn’t make that huge of an impact, but when there are literally thousands and thousands of installations left behind, there is a huge problem. The caribou don’t travel anymore, they are not easy to find.”

The Beaver Lake Band leadership structure, from the elders to the current chief and band council, are supportive of the court action.

Helping speed the litigation process are the funds received from the Co-operative Bank in England.

The Co-operative bank has given a reported £50,000 to support the case with the possibility of more funds to be made available in the future.

The Guardian, one of England’s largest broadsheets has reported the intent of the bank to, “help fight the legal battle and publicize the problem internationally.”

Beyond the caribou, water is the next great issue facing the Beaver Lake Band.

It is a common oil industry practice to inject liquids, including solvent laced water, under pressure deep underground to force oil to the surface.

However, the water is not remaining in the caverns and rock to replace the oil, the now toxic water is seeping to the surface.

The toxic, wasted water destroys the earth surface as it saturates.

Benson is adamant the suit is not about money directly but rather about having oil companies complete the life cycle of their projects, and clean up after themselves, to help limit the environmental impact left behind.

“We don’t know enough about projects before they go ahead,” says Benson.

“The cumulative effect of pipelines and projects, no one who decides is asked, ‘What is the impact of all the projects together? Do we need this many?’”

A case this large and complex takes a tremendous amount of time to litigate, as the government has yet to file a statement of defense.

Until then, there are some bright spots on the horizon, says Benson,

“There are some oil companies that have entered into agreements to consult and review projects, and the band is fully informed,” he says.

“A dispute resolution process has been put in place, and we have had some great success in reclamation.”

http://www.bclocalnews.com/okanagan_similkameen/kelownacapitalnews/news/65917352.html

As if made to order, it was once again a beautiful night with a full moon to accent the breathtaking views of the Okangan! This was also a perfect venue and opportunity to secure many mutually beneficial relationships, which, as planned, successfully took place. This once again proves that the Signature Connexion concepts and objectives are truly beneficial to the business sector of the Okangan.

Have a great Winter – see you in the spring!!

Thank you also to Okanagan Springs Brewery for their ever so popular 1516 Lager and Pale Ale! It was well appreciated and enjoyed!

Deep appreciation to Rick Jaheny (San Marc Homes), for letting us enjoy his magnificent creation; as well as our very own members, Sotheby’s International Realty Canada for arranging this venue (Thanks Crista, Enzo, and Chad!!).

The new Benson Salloum Watts Westside office in Estates Square proved to be a wonderful place for this function; beautiful building, professional offices, exquisite artwork, and tons of room. Thank you to Benson Salloum Watts for accommodating this event.

As well as appetizers and wine to compliment the evening, Members and guests were thrilled with a performance by Kelowna’s very own Ryan Donn, (also a member of the Signature Connexion). A truly gifted singer and songwriter, Ryan can be heard on 25 radio stations throughout BC, with Silk FM recently adding “In this Life”!!

May 15th proved to be quite a successful evening; a perfect opportunity for building relationships- the main objective of Kelowna Signature Business Network.

Dr. Mitch Perlman’s exceptional “dream home” was second to none as the perfect setting for members to meet and establish relationships with other members.

It is quite clear that Crescendo’s makes a perfect “corporate retreat” as well as an exceptional location for any function requiring “classic elegance… like never before”