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| Old Cartoon Showing Provincial Imposed Amalgamation ! |
A study into the implications of annexing North Okanagan jurisdictions is moving ahead. The Electoral Area Advisory Committee is asking the North Okanagan Regional District board to issue a call for proposals for an annexation impact study. “It makes good sense for both parties — electoral areas and municipalities — to understand the consequences of annexation,” said Mike Macnabb, BX-Silver Star director. “It’s a true-cost accounting for both sides.” Macnabb insists that taxpayers in a municipality, such as Vernon, can be hit negatively if a rural area is annexed because costs for policing, roads, sidewalks and sewer for existing taxpayers. “The biggest fallacy is that you’re expanding your tax base. If it’s a residential area, there’s a net loss. If it’s industrial, now you’re talking,” he said. Macnabb’s concerned that if part of an electoral area is annexed into a municipality, that situation undermines the tax base of the jurisdiction that is left. “The erosion of Area C would have a huge cost for the remainder,” he said of the ability to provide services. “We would still have a fire service. It’s a huge cost for us.” Besides the two electoral areas next to Vernon, other jurisdictions adjacent to municipalities are rural Enderby and rural Lumby. “There are a number of issues that need to be addressed,” said Rick Fairbairn, rural Lumby director, of taxation, infrastructure costs and service levels. “If I lose land to the Village of Lumby, what impact does it have on my tax base?” Herman Halvorson, rural Enderby director, supports the study proceeding. “We need to find out what the impact is on electoral areas and municipalities. There is an impact both ways,” he said.
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