There won’t be a region-wide initiative to establish parkland.
The Regional District of North Okanagan board has abandoned plans for a regional parkland service because there wasn’t sufficient support from jurisdictions.
“I’m disappointed that we couldn’t come to consensus because a regional strategy could have benefit for the entire region,” said Mike Macnabb, BX-Silver Star director.
The suggestion was for parkland to be acquired through public donations and not taxation.
“It would have provided a huge opportunity to augment existing parkland,” said Macnabb.
However, opposition came from Enderby director Greg McCune, who says parkland acquisition should be handled on a community basis and not the region.
“Once it (service) got started, it could have evolved into taxation,” he said.
Industrial strategy proceeds
Bolstering the economy is the focus of a new initiative.
The Regional District of North Okanagan board has given support in principle to the regional employment lands action plan, which could lead to property being identified for industrial development.
“It’s a fairly extensive document and it shows where we can go by working together,” said director Mike Macnabb.
“We also have buy-in from the Okanagan Indian Band and the Splatsin.”