Attempts to limit Vernon's voting power blocked

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star  Published: May 29, 2011 1:00 AM

The provincial government has vetoed attempts to block increased voting strength for Vernon. The Ministry of Community Development will not support a North Okanagan Regional District bylaw that states the largest jurisdiction has the same number of votes as all of the other participants combined on parks, recreation and culture matters.  “The district (of Coldstream) and the directors for Area B and C consented to the adoption of the bylaw, but the city (of Vernon) has not agreed to give its consent,” said Mike Furey, assistant deputy minister, in a letter.  There has been concern among some of the function participants that the 2011 census will lead to Vernon’s population exceeding 37,500, and that will trigger it having an additional representative at the regional table.  Presently, Vernon has three directors and there are three directors total among the other jurisdictions.  “We can’t have one group with full control of what goes on,” said Mike Gavinchuk, BX-Swan Lake director.  However, Furey says the bylaw is premature because it won’t be known until 2012 if Vernon’s population has climbed past 37,500.  He also points out that there will be an election Nov. 19, 2011 which may result in new people at the board table and they may have a different opinion about voting.  “Since the bylaw has no practical effect unless the population of the city is certified as exceeding 37,500 in 2012, it would seem reasonable at that time to give the directors representing the participating areas in the service the opportunity to determine if they can reach consensus on the matter,” said Furey.  Furey’s decision has drawn sharp criticism from  Mike Macnabb, BX-Silver Star director.  “How is a bureaucrat directing political decisions? It’s a slap in the face personally,” said Macnabb.  City officials, though, suggest the government may be trying to resolve the governance conflict so other issues can be discussed. “It looks like the ministry is trying to take that off the table for this service review,” said Coun. Bob Spiers. 
A new review of the parks, recreation and culture function began Thursday and all parties agreed that voting structure is the first priority.  “We have to nail down the governance issue. Let’s talk about the problem,” said Trafford Hall, NORD administrator.