Rural politicians continue to be interested in keeping people out of the court system.
Regional District of North Okanagan staff have been instructed to draft a bylaw that could ultimately lead to the five electoral areas funding the Restorative Justice Society.
“We are interested in doing it,” said director Mike Macnabb.
If the service is formed, the five electoral areas could possibly provide $2,400 a year to the society.
Through restorative justice, people who have committed an offence meet with the victim to talk about what happened and what can be done to correct the situation. If possible, it is a way for the offender to remain out of jail and turn their life around.
Presently, funding for the society comes from the City of Vernon ($44,858) and the provincial government. Some grants come from other local jurisdictions on an annual basis.
Plan denied
Plans for a BX subdivision have stalled.
The Regional District of North Okanagan has refused to send a subdivision application for Bodwell Road to the Agricultural Land Commission.
“The amount of arable land would be reduced considerably” said director Mike Macnabb.
The owner, who has owned the four-hectare site since 2004, says that even with drainage installed, it’s been difficult to grow hay.
The applicant is proposing the subdivide the property into two two-hectare lots.
Director Juliette Cunningham isn’t supportive of subdividing.
“Agriculture means more than forage crops,” she said. “When you think about food security, there’s all kinds of things that can be done.”