Regional politicians are looking for help when it comes to issues on local lakes and Crown land.
The Regional District of North Okanagan board wants to receive some information from the provincial Conservation Officer Service about its duties.
“The Conservation Officer Service has the ability to charge individuals under many acts and sometimes we’re limited with the ability of our bylaw enforcement staff,” said director Mike Macnabb.
Besides boat control on lakes, RDNO is concerned about monitoring and enforcing illegal activities on Crown land, particularly in the rural areas.
Water plan now public
Greater Vernon residents can now get a sense of what water upgrades may cost them.
The Regional District of North Okanagan board has agreed to release the draft master water plan to the public.
“It’s a long-standing and important project,” said Trafford Hall, administrator.
“We are going through the information to make good and rational decisions.”
Items identified in Greater Vernon’s master water plan could cost about $100 million.
Administrators change
There’s a changing of duties at the Regional District of North Okanagan.
Al Cotsworth, the longtime utility manager for Greater Vernon water, is retiring March 31.
The position will be taken over by Zee Marcolin, who is currently utilities engineer.
Patrick Nicol, RDNO chairperson, says Cotsworth has made a significant contribution to the organization and his knowledge will benefit Greater Vernon residents for many years to come.
“Al has mentored many individuals,” said Nicol.
Appointments made
Regional District of North Okanagan directors have been given their duties.
Appointments have been made to external agencies for 2013.
Jackie Pearase will be at the Fraser Basin Council while the representatives for the Okanagan Basin Water Board are Doug Dirk, Rick Fairbairn and Juliette Cunningham.
Mary-Jo O’Keefe is the director for the Okanagan Film Commission, while Mike Macnabb is the Okanagan Regional Library representative. Shirley Fowler is off to the Okanagan Sterile Insect Release board and Eugene Foisy has been named to the Southern Interior Beetle Action Coalition.