The advisory planning commission for Wells Gray Country and Thompson Headwaters (Electoral Areas A and B) has been merged with the APC for Lower North Thompson (Area O).
The Thompson-Nicola Regional District board of directors made the decision during its meeting on May 14.
APCs advise the board on matters such as land use, community planning, or proposed bylaws or permits.
In a report to the board, TNRD staff noted that, following incorporation of Clearwater and Barriere as municipalities, the APCs in the North Thompson Valley have had less to do.
In 1986, Wells Gray Country had a population of 4,274. In 2011, after District of Clearwater became separate, the number was 1,536.
Similarly, the population of Lower North Thompson went from 2,989 to 1,335 after District of Barriere was formed.
The new APC will have one member from Thompson Headwaters, two from Wells Gray Country, and two from Lower North Thompson.
The new bylaw also allows for:
• APC member numbers over the whole TNRD to be reduced from 35 to21, thus reflecting the population shift;
• Attendees may opt to “attend” a meeting by telephone, Skype, or other electronic means;
• Appointment is by the board on a four year rotation — not staggered;
• A provision for a possible alternate member for each APC (assist with quorum); and
• Legislative concordance update and simplification of bylaw wording and structure.
2015-18 Strategic Plan adopted
The Board adopted the 2015–18 Strategic Plan and committed to reviewing the plan at least twice a year to ensure TNRD’s resources are aligning appropriately with the plan.
The plan was the outcome of a session held in February by the board and senior management to determine staff time and monetary resource allocation for the 2015 to 2018 term.
Five themes were identified during the planning session:
• focus on communication;
• focus on excellence in governance and management;
• continue to focus on providing services that increase value to ratepayers;
• actively promote economic growth in the region;
• advocate on key issues impacting the region.
Funding for tourism marketing
The North Thompson Marketing Committee’s regional tourism marketing initiative for the North Thompson Valley will receive $6,000 of North Thompson Economic Development funds allocated to Electoral Area “B” (Thompson Headwaters) to support participation from Area “B” in the marketing initiative.
