South Okanagan regional district to approve alternate approval process for three new services

PENTICTON – South Okanagan-Similkameen Regional District directors will look at three items needing public consent before moving forward at today's, Sept. 1, board meeting.

The directors will be asked to approve the alternate approval process for the South Okanagan Transit System Service, establishment of a regional economic development service and the creation of a environmental conservation service.

The Okanagan Similkameen Environmental Conservation Service Establishment bylaw will require third reading after an amendment that will see the bylaw go from a sub-regional service to one encompassing the entire service area of the regional district. The service will need approval of the Inspector of Municipalities prior to the regional district seeking approval for the service through the alternate approval process.

Voters will have until 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 17 to submit at least 1,596 signatures for the South Okanagan Transit Service and 7,089 signatures against the economic development service bylaw in order to force either service to referendum.

The alternate approval process requires residents affected by an impending service to present a petition to the regional district with at least 10 per cent of electors signing against the service.

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