The following are highlights of the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen Board meeting held Thursday, May 12, 2011.
STERILE INSECT RELEASE PROGRAM
The CAO’s of the North Okanagan Regional District, Central Okanagan Regional District, South Okanagan-Similkameen Regional District and Central Kootenay Regional District met with the Chair and CEO of the Sterile Insect Release (SIR) Program April 12th to receive a program update and discuss SIR issues. Armstrong proposed that they receive no direct benefit from the program and would like to be excluded from the program. SIR argues that there is an indirect benefit to their citizens in that by reducing the use of pesticides, the valley has cleaner air, purer water, a stronger economy, a more sustainable environment that is healthier all around. The current funding model is based on 55% of the cost through converted assessment and the remainder through a parcel tax to fruit growers. Vernon has proposed that it be paid by the farmers through a parcel tax. The 2011 SIR Budget includes a transfer from RDOS of $915,000; $355,690 from property tax and $565,440 from parcel.
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