Officials looking at idea of regional governance pick areas for study

November 3, 2007 Vernon Courier

A study into regional governance for the Okanagan is underway. A committee of nine appointed political representatives from the North Okanagan, Okanagan-Similkameen and Central Okanagan regional districts is exploring growth management and governance options. It held an initial meeting Friday in Kelowna. RDCO chair Robert Hobson is heading the group, which includes administrators from the three Okanagan regional districts and two representatives from the Ministry of Community Services. “We have identified some of the subjects that could be the focus of further study in the process for inter-regional governance, such as climate change and the environment, economics, emergency services and Valley-wide planning and growth-management issues,” said Hobson. “These are common areas of concern for all the regional governments. We‘ve also discussed some possible governance structure models that will require further research and study.”

He said the group hopes to have a working plan by the end of this month that will guide the committee toward completion of a final plan by the end of next March. Said Hobson: “The committee recognizes two important components of the Okanagan governance study will include ongoing consultation with governments, other agencies, the public and First Nations up and down the valley. We also expect to develop a communications plan so that we involve all the stakeholders in a process that‘s open to the public.” The committee‘s next meeting is scheduled for Nov. 26 in Kelowna, with future meetings scheduled in the South Okanagan and North Okanagan. A workshop involving all three regional district boards is planned for January.