By Richard Rolke - February 03, 2008
Communities are being cautioned they won’t be forced together under a valley-wide governance review. The working committee looking into Okanagan governance has clarified that it is only interested in addressing issues of a broad-based concern and not those that are more local in nature. “We want to assure residents that we are not addressing the issues of municipal amalgamations, boundary extensions or incorporation,” said Robert Hobson, committee chairman.“These topics are clearly guided by the provisions of the Community Charter with which we agree.” The fact that the issue has been addressed is welcome news to Bob Cowan, rural Enderby’s alternate director.“People are really concerned (about amalgamations) and the committee needed to make a statement that this isn’t on the radar,” he said.
The working committee, which was formed by the provincial government, is looking at the best way to handle water, air quality and transportation on a valley-wide basis. Added to the spectrum last week were functions such as solid waste, emergency preparedness and economic development. “We are starting to develop some principles about what’s on the table and what’s not on the table,” said Jerry Oglow, Armstrong mayor and a committee member. In terms of how these functions would be governed, the committee is looking at three options: one single regional district; a voluntary inter-regional alliance and a mandatory inter-regional authority. While the status quo of three regional districts is still an option, Cowan expects that will be ignored by the provincial government.“It’s a done deal. One of these alternatives will be the future,” he said. A draft list of principles has been formed by the working committee that reflects goals and visions. “Everyone is coming to an understanding of what we can do to work together,” said Wayne Lippert, Vernon’s mayor and a committee member.The committee must submit a report to the provincial government by the end of March.
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