RDCO seeks participants for governance and services study

The Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) wants to hear feedback on governance and service delivery from residents in the Central Okanagan West Electoral Area.

The RDCO is looking for seven to 12 residents to apply to be a member of the study committee, with a special interest in hearing from those within the North Westside Fire Protection area communities.

About 2,000 people live in the mostly rural, unincorporated area on the west side of Okanagan Lake. Westbank First Nation Reserves #9 and #10 are included within the boundary of the electoral area, and though the Westbank First Nation is an independent and self-sustaining government, the residents there are able to apply to be part of the study.

“This work will build on the 2017 North Westside Services and Community Issues Review,” said RDCO Chair Loyal Wooldridge.

“The committee will work with community members to understand their governance concerns, common interests and to provide options under the regional district governance framework to address their most pressing needs.”

The committee’s analysis and findings will be presented to the regional board at a later date.

“I encourage residents to get involved with this important committee and participate in its work in the coming months,” said Central Okanagan West Director Wayne Carson.

“I anticipate [it will] raise awareness and answer many of the questions our communities have raised about the regional district governance model.”

The terms of reference and application form is available at the RDCO’s website. Email or in-person applications must be submitted by 12 p.m. (noon) on Tuesday, February 15 at the latest.

The survey is being funded by a $60,000 provincial government restructure planning grant.