The Regional District of North Okanagan wants to ensure public access to forestry roads.
The board will write the Union of B.C. Municipalities expressing concerns about the provincial government’s review of operating rural resource roads.
“Who will take on the responsibility for these roads?” said director Rick Fairbairn.
“What will it mean for rural areas and municipalities that depend on forestry roads?”
If roads were to be closed or not maintained, RDNO is concerned there could be reduced access for residents, recreational users and tourists to forested areas and maintenance costs may be passed on to communities.
“These roads are key to the communities we’re trying to promote tourism,” said director Eugene Foisy of hiking, camping, hunting and fishing.
“These roads were put in by tax dollars so we should have a say in how they’re kept up.”
Appointments Proceed
Regional District of North Okanagan directors have been given their duties for a new year.
A number of appointments have been made to committees and external agencies.
“Each individual brings significant experience and value to this team,” said Patrick Nicol, board chairperson.
Director Jackie Pearase will go to the Fraser Basin Council while directors Doug Dirk, Rick Fairbairn and Juliette Cunningham will go to the Okanagan Basin Water Board.
Director Mike Macnabb will be the representative to Okanagan Regional Library and director Shirley Fowler will go to the Sterile Insect Release meetings.
RDNO’s representative to the Southern Interior Beetle Action Coalition will be director Eugene Foisy while Janice Brown will go to the Southern Interior Local Government Association.
Wesbild floor funded
A major upgrade to Wesbild Centre has been given the green light.
The Regional District of North Okanagan board has ratified $117,669 for a new portable ice cover before the B.C. Winter Games Feb. 23 to 26.
The current floor is about10 years old and is torn and poses a tripping hazard.
RDNO’s decision came after a recommendation from the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee.
