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Last minute motion to add to project list for community recreation program adds to board’s last meeting malaise

RDOS board has difficulty with application to Community Recreation Program funding

Dysfunctional was the best way to describe the regional district’s last board meeting of this term last Thursday in Penticton.

After lengthy discussion on funding allocation for regionally significant gas tax projects that was eventually deferred to the new board for a final decision, the board stumbled on another application for funding  - this time to the Community Recreation Program.  The board could not agree on a motion for the board to “authorize the Community Recreation Program Projects for West Bench Pedestrian Corridor; Tulameen Ice Surface Roof; and KVR Trail Improvements Kaleden/Okanagan Falls to proceed.”

The program makes available $30 million in funding to all B.C. communities designed to “give BC families greater access to recreational infrastructure so they can enjoy the benefits of increased physical activity and community involvement.”

Regional districts are allowed up to three applications for funding. The program will give priority to small communities, funding up to 80 per cent of the cost of the project.

Problems arose with the board over a late motion to amend the motion by Naramata director Tom Chapman to include funding for the Adra tunnel. Chapman cited changing deadlines as the reason for being late getting his proposal to the table.

With four projects now on the table, and no proponent wishing to withdraw their application, a discussion ensued that eventually concluded with no seconder to Chapman’s motion to amend.

 

The three original projects went forward.