Officials spar over Chong’s decision

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

Stalling potential governance changes in the Okanagan is drawing both acceptance and hostility. Community Services Minister Ida Chong will not proceed with any amendments to governance structure despite a committee recommending either a single regional district or maintaining the existing three districts but with authorities handling issues like water and transportation. “It’s time that she resigned,” said Barry Beardsell, a Vernon councillor. “She put all of those people (committee) to the trouble and set timelines, and then she waffles. It’s the most useless thing I’ve seen in my life.” Chong has stated that more information is required before the process resumes, but Beardsell disagrees. “She set all of the parameters for the committee so it’s either a phoney excuse or an indication of her incompetency as a minister,” he said.

Will Hansma, Spallumcheen mayor, is also upset with Chong.“I’m disappointed because we went through an extensive process and jumped through hoops for them. I thought there would be an outcome,” said Hansma. At the other end of the spectrum was Eugene Foisy, Cherryville director. “It’s the best decision she’s made in a long time — one of the few good ones,” he said.
Foisy’s constituents were among the most vocal against governance changes, saying it would threaten their rural lifestyle.“It makes sense to leave things alone,” said Foisy. Eric Foster, Lumby mayor, believes Chong should have allowed the process to continue. “I would have liked the committee to still work on it, so in a year we’d have something concrete — whether it’s stay where we are or making changes,” he said. Stan Field, BX-Silver Star director, isn’t surprised that Chong backed off making governance changes. “The task force was rushed into doing things and there weren’t enough deliberations,” he said. “She also realizes that First Nations weren’t brought into the process.” Cliff Kanester, BX-Swan Lake director, claims no concrete reason was ever given for changing governance. “There was no idea of what the cost would be,” he said.

Rick Fairbairn, rural Lumby director and governance committee member, believes Chong’s decision is the first step towards maintaining the status quo of three regional districts. “I’m glad that she listened to the electoral areas,” he said of their concerns about rural values being pushed aside by those of large cities. “Valley-wide governance, as it proceeded, wasn’t ready for a change.” Sue Phillips, Enderby mayor, insists that Chong made the right decision. “It (process) happened very quickly and the public consultation was missed,” she said. “Had it gone through, it wouldn’t have been thought out well.” Noreen Guenther, a Lake Country councillor, is demanding that regional co-operation on water, air quality and transportation move ahead. “I hope the information gathered won’t be disregarded. A lot of people put time and effort into it,” said Guenther. Jim Edgson, North Westside Road director, anticipates the matter will be resurrected after next spring’s provincial election, and he says that gives his rural area a chance to look at how to preserve its interests,“We need to protect what we have while working with the municipalities as neighbours,” he said.