Mayor Upset At Reserve Changes

Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM Friday, 01 November 2013 10:22
Vernon's mayor says it's just another example of senior government downloading. Rob Sawatzky is upset with proposed changes that would allow First Nations to add land to their reserves that is outside their traditional territory, and then operate it as they see fit, without regard to the municipality it's in. He says it will result in lost tax revenues for communities. "The cost for that should be borne by the federal government. It is their responsibility. The mechanism they're proposing loads all of the cost onto local government," Sawatzky tells Kiss FM. Spallumcheen also has concerns, and both municipalities will be expressing their opposition to the federal government. Spall Mayor Janice Brown says under this plan, a First Nation could buy land in the township and open a casino, hotel, or other business without input from the municipality. The issue was raised in a letter from Delta Mayor Lois Jackson.