Lumby is providing limited support for a program that keeps people out of the court system.
Council will give the Restorative Justice Society – North Okanagan $500 for 2014 although $2,528 had been requested for 2014.
“We believe in the philosophy but we’re not getting any bang for our buck,” said Mayor Kevin Acton, adding that the $500 is in keeping with previous contributions.
“We’ve had zero cases in this community this year and there were none last year.”
Through restorative justice, people who have committed an offence meet with the victim to talk about what happened and what can be done to correct the situation. If possible, it is a way for the offender to remain out of jail and turn their life around.
“Everyone around the table believes people deserve a second chance,” said Acton of council’s support of the program.
The society is currently asking all municipalities and electoral areas to assist with operational funding for 2014. The amount sought among the 11 jurisdictions is $77,482.
“The funding request is based on services you have received in 2011/12,” said Warren Smith, society president, in a letter to Lumby council.
