Enderby doesn’t want its hands tied over economic development.
Officials are reluctant to support the Regional District of North Okanagan creating an economic development function. There is a preference for the current model which sees Vernon provide the service under a contract.
“We want to find something that works for our community,” said Coun. Brad Case, adding that a service must be cost-effective and responsive to local needs.
“We want to have more say in how it works.”
RDNO has provided an economic development function in the past but it fell apart because of differences of opinion among the participants.
Mayor Howie Cyr isn’t convinced history needs to repeat itself.
“We’re not inclined to get into a full-blown service,” he said.
Besides continuing with a contract with Vernon, Cyr points out that Enderby is also close to Salmon Arm and it can play a role in expanding the economy.
“We can leave ourselves open to both ends of our community.”
