Strengthening relationships is the focus of a new initiative in the Okanagan Valley.
The Okanagan Basin Water Board recently met with First Nations representatives.
“We need to try to incorporate the rights of aboriginal people when we make decisions,” director Bob Fleming told the Regional District of North Okanagan board.
“It’s not optional any more. If you want to move forward, you have to do it, and it’s the right thing to do.”
Director Juliette Cunningham says local government can play a role in reconciliation with First Nations.
“We need to recognize there is a lot of healing needed in the local community,” she said.
Rural communities a focus
Efforts may be underway to bolster the viability of forest communities.
The Regional District of North Okanagan board has agreed to meet with Bill Bourgeois, president of New Direction Resource Management.
“He will help Cherryville and the local community,” said Hank Cameron, electoral area director for Cherryville.
“His project will help communities have more influence over the forest and watersheds.”
Bourgeois’ proposal is to provide local government with a structure that identifies its vision and goals for local forest land and provides a mechanism for forest decision-makers to communicate with local government and obtain input to their plans.
A pilot project would be established in three communities.
Third crossing sought
There is a campaign to create a new link between B.C.’s mainland and Vancouver Island.
The Third Crossing Society has urged the Regional District of North Okanagan to support construction of a route from the Squamish area to Powell River and then, by ferry, to Comox.
While the RDNO board hasn’t made a decision, Lumby director Kevin Acton questions if the provincial government would get behind the project.
“Looking at what they have to go through geographically, it would be a hard sell to spend $600 million on it,” said Acton.
According to the society, the funds for the road construction project would come from savings within B.C. Ferries, plus a toll.