A major face lift is underway at the Regional District of North Okanagan.
Directors have voted to spend $400,000 to upgrade the board room to improve technology and communications.
“It’s a good plan and worth doing,” said Bob Fleming, chairperson.
There have been several concerns that the board room, which was constructed 28 years ago, isn’t functionable for elected officials or the public.
“Some times people have difficulties hearing or it’s not accessible,” said director Hank Cameron.
The current layout of the board table means some directors can’t see their colleagues.
“We have a hard time having ourselves heard and seen so the new layout will be better,” said director Catherine Lord.
Once the work is done, each director will have a microphone while audio-visual technology will be improved. Seating for the public will be expanded, with some of it suitable for the mobility challenged. Lighting will be upgraded and noise from the adjacent foyer will be reduced.
Furniture will be movable so the room can be used for other activities.
It’s not known when the upgrades will begin but the goal is to minimize the impact on board meetings.