Coldstream wants an expanded role in regional affairs and let’s hope other jurisdictions remain open minded about it.
The Regional District of North Okanagan will ask member communities to consider providing Coldstream with a second representative at the board table.
On the surface, the concept makes sense.
Specifically, Coldstream has a population of 10,314 and yet it only has one director. That is no different than Spallumcheen — which is less than half the size at 5,055 — and even smaller Armstrong, Enderby and Lumby. The five rural electoral areas — Cherryville has 939 people — also have one director each.
This isn’t about taking anything away from the other jurisdictions because the social, historical and geographical interests of a community often trumps purely demographic factors.
But Coldstream has experienced significant growth in recent years and its financial contributions to RDNO services are significant. There is no question that based on the current formula for determining votes, Coldstream is woefully underrepresented.
The only stumbling block to Coldstream’s plan could be Vernon, which is shifting from three to four directors under current policies and census figures. It may see another seat for Coldstream — or any other jurisdiction for that matter — as a threat to its role at RDNO.
However, another seat could just strengthen the voice of Greater Vernon as a whole.
But that aside, the bottom line is that governance hasn’t caught up with the realities of population and such an inequity should be a concern for any jurisdiction that hopes to grow in future years.
It is time for the Regional District of North Okanagan to make some room at the table.
—The Morning Star
