Airport discussion
The regional district board agreed to a recommendation to maintain communications with the federal government regarding the Penticton airport.
The recommendation was made acceptable to the board by the exclusion of a phrase that included “ownership and operation” of the airport.
The board was sensitive to the fact that First Nations had concerns with the airport lands, noting it was a pending issue to local Indian bands.
Joint council, steering committee appointments
Joint Council and Steering Committee recommendations were made for the recently signed Protocol Agreement between the regional district and local First Nations bands at the October 3 meeting of the regional board.
Chairman Pendergraft and Vice Chair Manfred Bauer, as well as a City of Penticton director will represent the joint committee, while CAO Bill Newell, Deputy Corporate Officer C. Malden and a third representative to be named later were named to the steering committee.
Director’s motion
The board approved a motion forwarded by Area “G” Director Angelique Woods proposing the regional district send a letter to the Province supporting the licensing of All Terrain Vehicles.
Better communications requested
Area “H” Director Brad Hope, noting difficulties the Regional District had obtaining information in the aftermath of the Coalmont tailings spill, requested the board forward a letter to the provincial government asking it consider implementing EmergencyResponse Management System protocols within all of its provincial ministries. The board approved the motion.
Community Futures request funding
Mary Ellen Heidt, executive director of Community Futures — Okanagan-Similkameen, led a delegation before the board reporting on success of the Economic Gardening program and making an $80,000 request for continued funding. Her report was received as information and will be reviewed as part of budget deliberations.