9-1-1 emergency services debate

Photo: Deborah Pfeiffer

The Regional District Okanagan-Similkameen board voted Thursday  to go ahead with an alternate approval process, in regards to the upgrade to the  9-1-1  emergency services matter.

The decision was reached after staff suggested the directors  move ahead with the alternate  process to get the public’s authorization to borrow the money needed for the upgrade.

The bylaw in question authorizes the borrowing of $1.6 million, financed over a 10 year period,  for the purpose of upgrades to the emergency system.

But before the board can adopt the bylaw, it must receive the approval of the province and the service area voters.

By signing the alternative approval response form, a voter expresses his/her opposition to a particular matter being proposed by the board.

If more than 10 percent of the voters  in the area sign the form, the district must conduct a referendum in order to proceed.

A telecommunications study in 2010 indicated that the infrastructure in the South Okanagan was at risk of failure. A study in 2012 confirmed those findings  and provided a cost estimate for the upgrade.

There has been much discussion on the matter at board  meetings.  Adoption of the RDOS budget was stalled by the debate and ultimately Summerland and Osoyoos directors voted against it.

On Thursday, the debate continued.

Some directors supported the approval process, while others said  go to a referendum right away, or just the opposite that the board doesn’t need to go to the public at all for this.

“I just don’t see a real comfort level around the table on this issue,” said Oliver Mayor Ron Hovanes.