The next community consultation as part of the Area C Governance Review Study will occur at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 16 at Carlin Hall.
Everyone in Area C is invited to attend this important meeting and provide their input.
The Governance Review Study has three elements to it including:
• To document and assess the current state of governance and service delivery in the South Shuswap.
• To clearly understand the concerns and interests of residents regarding governance and delivery of services.
• To identify future governance and service-delivery options in Area C.
There are several reasons why it is important to do this study.
Area C is one of the most heavily populated electoral areas and has a larger population than many incorporated towns and regional districts in B.C. Within this growing population there is an increasing demand for services. The Columbia Shuswap Regional District currently provides services such as fire suppression, emergency services, planning, solid waste management, bylaw enforcement, parks, drinking water, street lighting, dog control, economic development and tourism. New services such as sewers, building inspection and garbage pickup for Area C are in the planning stages.
Important services such as roads maintenance and policing currently sit outside of the regional district mandate, but represent important issues of concern for many residents. Delivery of these services within the regional district model may, or may not, be the most efficient or desirable method. What are the options for service delivery and how might these apply to the South Shuswap?
At the CSRD board, Area C has one vote of 11 on non-financial matters, and four votes of 26 on financial issues. Decisions are made at a regional level, and that region includes five other electoral areas and four municipalities stretching from Squilax to the Alberta border. Is this the best model of political representation for the South Shuswap? What are the pros and cons of alternative models?
The South Shuswap is comprised of several communities including Sorrento, Notch Hill, Blind Bay, Reedman Point/McArthur Heights, Eagle Bay, White Lake, Carlin, Tappen and Sunnybrae. Each of these communities has a unique character and different needs and demands for governance and services. Does the current model of governance best satisfy the needs and aspirations of all of those communities?
The governance options available to us include remaining as is, dividing Area C into smaller electoral areas, each with its own director, or incorporation of all or part of Area C as a municipality with a mayor and council. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each of these options? How would each of these options address economic development, social or environmental concerns and quality of life for residents of this beautiful area?
To learn more about these issues, and to have an opportunity to provide your input, please plan to attend on the 16th. This discussion will help to inform the Governance Review Study Committee charged with providing a recommendation to the CSRD board. This committee is comprised of residents from each community within Area C and they would like to hear your views.