GVCC Resolution get Support at AGM

Posted on 5/26/2015 by Media Release 105.7 SUNFM
The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce's call for legislative changes to enable the Province to take a more active role in regional governance reviews has received support from delegates attending the BC Chamber AGM in Prince George. The issue stems from the challenges that arise when you have two growing municipalities that are adjacent to each other or adjacent to electoral areas. GVCC's members have continually raised concern about the region's convoluted governance structure and its impact on economic growth. "Provincial legislation is quite limiting in allowing for the exploration of different governance models that could achieve positive results for business in streamlining regulatory and development processes among neighbouring local government jurisdictions, says Matt Davidson, chair of GVCC's policy advisory committee. "We appreciate that there are pros and cons related to different governance models but those can't be examined if there is unwillingness by local governments to explore those ideas or if there is a lack of financial resources from the Province to undertake such reviews." The GVCC policy resolution calls for changes that would enable the Province to initiate a study even if only one jurisdiction is interested in exploring the business case for changes in regional governance."The GVCC is pleased to have received the support of our peers from across the province," said Jaron Chasca, GVCC president. "Our Chamber is committed to creating a more business-friendly region and we think this policy will help achieve that outcome."

GVCC is also partnering with the Kelowna Chamber in tabling a policy that calls for greater investment in digital media as a means to grow the economy. The Chamber is represented at the AGM by President Jaron Chasca, Vice President Tracy Cobb Reeves and General Manager Dan Rogers. The event runs through to May 27. The BC Chamber of Commerce AGM and Conference is the largest annual business policy-building forum in the province. This year, over 40 policies have been put forward and will be voted on at the AGM policy sessions.