Rural communities in the Central Okanagan insist large municipalities are pushing them aside.
An ad hoc committee of residents has been formed to lobby for the two electoral areas in the Regional District of Central Okanagan — Central Okanagan West (Westside Road) and Central Okanagan East (east and north of Kelowna).
“Our elected representatives have been outvoted on every topic they present,” said Bob Andrews, a committee member and president of the North Westside Communities Association.
Each electoral area has one director at the RDCO table but based on population, there are six for Kelowna, two for West Kelowna and one each for Lake Country and Peachland.
“The regional district is our only government and we have no voice in that government. There is no say in how we spend our tax money,” said Andrews.
As an example, Andrews says RDCO is regionalizing fire services.
“It’s a large area and I would consider that inefficient,” he said.
The ad hoc committee says other governance options may be needed to represent the rural areas, and that could include forming municipalities.
“A study would indicate whether that’s a feasible thing to do,” said Andrews.
Wayne Carson, Central Okanagan West director, says he regularly hears concerns from North Westside Road constituents about RDCO.
“The community says it has no voice and no say in their taxes,” he said, adding that he has pushed for his residents at board meetings.
“I have found that to be a struggle. The system doesn’t appear to be there for the electoral areas.”
Carson suggested RDCO form a committee to oversee electoral area issues, similar to what exists in the Regional District of North Okanagan.
“There wasn’t a lot of interest from the whole board.”
When asked about whether the electoral areas should become municipalities, Carson says, “that’s a decision that must come from the communities.”
Gail Given, RDCO chairperson, defends the process at the regional district board table.
“One person, one vote has been the structure (among directors) for more than 40 years,” she said.
“Each person votes independently and the municipalities don’t get together and decide how they will vote. There is respect for the electoral areas and the goal is to make the best decision possible.”
RDCO is holding public open houses to provide information on various services, including June 11 at the Killiney Beach Community Hall.
“It’s a great way to connect with residents. There’s an opportunity for residents to provide direct feedback,” said Given.
