Lumby council backs programs despite concerns

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: November 20, 2013 1:00 AM
Lumby is providing limited support for a program that keeps people out of the court system. Council will give the Restorative Justice Society - North Okanagan $500 for 2014 although $2,528 had been requested for 2014. “We believe in the philosophy but we’re not getting any bang for our buck,” said Mayor Kevin Acton, adding that the $500 is in keeping with previous contributions. “We’ve had zero cases in this community this year and there were none last year.” Through restorative justice, people who have committed an offence meet with the victim to talk about what happened and what can be done to correct the situation. If possible, it is a way for the offender to remain out of jail and turn their life around. “Everyone around the table believes people deserve a second chance,” said Acton of council’s support of the program. The society is currently asking all municipalities and electoral areas to assist with operational funding for 2014. The amount sought among the 11 jurisdictions is $77,482. “The funding request is based on services you have received in 2011/12,” said Warren Smith, society president, in a letter to Lumby council.
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By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: November 20, 2013 1:00 AM
Restorative justice initiative gets funding
Spallumcheen isn’t wasting any time when it comes to an alternative justice model.While staff recommended considering a Restorative Justice Society request during 2014 budget deliberations, council decided Monday to automatically include the $1,468 in the township’s financial plan. “It’s important for the society to know that we are committing funding so they can plan their budget,” said Coun. Christine Fraser. Through restorative justice, people who have committed an offence meet with the victim to talk about what happened and what can be done to correct the situation. If possible, it is a way for the offender to remain out of jail and turn their life around. “There’s been good success at rehabilitating people and it helps people who have been harmed,” said Fraser. While he supported the funding, Coun. Ed Hanoski questioned why local communities have to provide support for a justice program. “If it’s working so well, why aren’t the federal and provincial governments kicking in?” he said. But Coun. Andrew Casson believes costs can be controlled more if a non-profit society and local communities are involved. “If the RCMP come in and do it, we still pay for it and the $1,468 would just be a fraction of travel costs,” he said. In a letter to council, Warren Smith, Restorative Justice Society — North Okanagan president, says his group is pursuing other revenue sources to offset the cost to municipalities. “The RJS-NO, as a stand-alone society, has the opportunity to seek other funding through grants, calls for proposals, as well as charitable donors, corporate sponsors and hosting fundraising events,” he said.