Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Valley leaders collaborate

Monday, January 11th, 2010 | 9:40 am Contributed Kelowna.com

In December 2009, Mayors of the Okanagan’s four largest communities met with the three Okanagan regional district Chairs to exchange ideas, identify challenges and discover new ways to create solutions. “If we work together, we can streamline planning and policies and create a solid support system for our communities to flourish,” Kelowna Mayor Sharon Shepherd says. Mayors and Chief Administrative Officers from Kelowna, Vernon, Penticton and West Kelowna joined the South, North and Central Okanagan Regional District Chairs and Administrators to discuss various issues. This collaboration is intended to provide an opportunity to create greater community cohesion between Okanagan municipalities and Regional Districts. “Multi-jurisdictional cooperation is a real first step in the right direction to address strategic issues for all the citizens of the Okanagan and Similkameen valleys,” says Penticton Mayor Dan Ashton, reflecting on the meeting.

Topics included a proposal for a Valley Homicide Team, Bylaw Officer Authority and Identification, improved BC Transit service throughout the valley, fire dispatch and emergency planning and various waste/environmental issues.

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