New district proposed

Photo: RDOS

The proposed split

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen is considering creating a new electoral district, by splitting Area “D” in two.

Area “D” includes everything from Apex, south to Twin Lakes and Vaseux Lake, north to Upper Carmi Rd. It is the most populous district by far, and was recommended to be split during a study in 2015/16.

The change would create a new district, Area “I”, by dividing the existing district in two along Skaha and Vaseux Lakes. That would mean the number of rural directors at the table would grow to nine, accompanying the 10 municipal directors. The new districts would still be the second and third most populous rural areas. 

“The scale of the population of Area “D”, the number of individual communities and the total land area is challenging for one electoral area director to represent at the RDOS Board of Directors,” an RDOS information bulletin reads.

Area “D” Director Tom Siddon has voiced support for the idea.

The cost of dividing the district would be negligible, about $1.68 per residence.

Pair of open house are being planned for next Sept 12 in Kaleden (4-6 p.m.) and Okanagan Falls (7-9 p.m.). Residents can also offer their feedback online.