Governance study on hold

Photo: Wayne Moore - Castanet File Photo

A decision on whether a governance study will be undertaken for the North Westside Fire Protection Area has not yet been determined.

In a letter sent to the Regional District of Central Okanagan, the provincial ministry responsible for such studies, said a governance review may not be the way to go in this particular situation.

Peter Fassbender, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development made the statement in the letter after meeting with members of the board and staff at the recently concluded Union of BC Municipalities Convention.

Fassbender reiterated in his letter there are many approaches to governance and service issues.

"As you know, depending on the nature of the community, the concerns it is facing and the interests of the local government, studies of governance and service issues vary significantly," said Fassbender in his letter.

"For some communities, an incorporation focus makes sense, for others, approaches within the existing regional district electoral area structure are more appropriate."

Fassbender said, for the size of the community of Killiney Beach, he suggested the latter.

"I believe a small-scale review, with a focus on local decision making and input into the regional district services, would be the best starting point to determine whether and where to focus any next steps."

Regional board chair Gail Given said she does not know what that type of study would entail.

She said the board will get a better idea when Local Governance Structure director Marijke Edmondson addresses the board at a later date.

The region, which includes Westshore Estates, Killiney Beach, Fintry and Caesar's Landing, has a population between 1,000 and 1,500.