No decision yet on valley process

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star - May 04, 2008

Okanagan politicians are still left wondering what, if anything, may happen to valley-wide governance. Community Services Minister Ida Chong did not raise the issue while speaking to the Southern Interior Local Government Association Friday, but she did handle several questions on the issue from local media. “I continue to receive input on that,” she said when asked of the status of the process that was started last fall. It’s expected that Chong will announce her recommendations at the end of May on the report that was presented to her in March by a valley-wide group of politicians. The group recommended that there either be a single regional district for the Okanagan or that the three remaining regional districts remain with new authorities created to oversee common issues like water and air. Chong would not comment on what option she may favour. “There have been some good ideas but there are some divergent views. People would like to see a change but they are not sure what change will best meet their needs,” she said.

Prior to addressing SILGA delegates at the Prestige Inn, Chong met with the North Okanagan Regional District’s five electoral area directors about their concerns about governance. “We reiterated that we want to retain rural values, lifestyles and representation,” said Rick Fairbairn, rural Lumby director. The directors also asked Chong to study the implications and costs of any potential governance changes. “We also want our residents to have a vote on any changes,” said Fairbairn. Chong’s appearance at SILGA came on the same day that the Okanagan’s four largest cities announced they are pursuing bylaw changes that would lead to inter-municipal collaboration. “I’m always interested in how local governments and municipalities can work together,” said Chong. However, she added that she would have to look at the details of the cities’ initiative before determining if it will impact her decision on Okanagan governance.

Mayor Wayne Lippert denies that the agreement between Vernon, Kelowna, Westside and Penticton is a way to circumvent the valley-wide process. “It’s a separate issue because this is just looking at ways to work together,” he said. The four cities have previously expressed concerns about the valley-wide governance review, saying it was too focused on the interests of rural communities. In a release, the municipalities state that a co-operative mechanism could allow them to partner for funding opportunities, share ideas and resources. “Additionally, the inter-municipal services initiative would enable municipalities within the Okanagan Valley to harmonize their regulations, creating continuity, a level playing field and a cohesive approach that helps communities avoid developing regulations that simply shift a problem from one jurisdiction to another.“Examples could include bylaws related to drug houses, hillside development regulations, business licensing and building regulations.”