A study into absorbing rural communities into municipalities is underway.
The Regional District of North Okanagan’s Electoral Area Advisory Committee has received an update from the consultant conducting the annexation impact study.
“We want to look at the cumulative impact of annexation on electoral areas,” said Rick Fairbairn, EAAC chairperson and rural Lumby director.
Phase one will consider municipal annexation policies, services provided by RDNO, services provided by other agencies, property taxes, local political representation and land use planning.
Future possible phases could look at specific cases of annexation such as Okanagan Landing in Vernon in 1993.
This is the first time that a study about annexing electoral areas has been done in B.C.
RDNO made a presentation at the recent Union of B.C. municipalities convention.
“It was well received by the other regional districts across the province,” said Fairbairn.
The study should be completed by the end of November.
Shuswap River Process Goes To Public
North Okanagan residents will have a chance to speak out on the future of the Shuswap River.
The Regional District of North Okanagan will hold a public meeting in November or December on the proposed Shuswap River watershed sustainability plan.
The goal is to address a number of issues including development, pollution, soil erosion and recreational activities.
“Everyone has to take ownership over the river,” said Herman Halvorson, rural Enderby director.
The process to date has identified three core issues: protection of the environment, recreation and process and governance.
These themes will help the regional district shape policies and actions within the overall planning process.
