Town of Osoyoos council has opted to hold a public consultation meeting this fall before deciding whether or not to manage its own conservation fund or join a “sub-regional fund” in conjunction with the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS).

No date was set for the public consultation – or open house- but it will take place likely in September.

Since 2013, the South Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Program (SOSCP) has been working with its local government partners in the South Okanagan-Similkameen to explore the concept of establishing a local Conservation Fund.

The proposed concept builds on the success of the East Kootenay (Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund) that has raised locally $1.5 million dollars over the past six years and supported over 70 conservation projects.

The initial conservation fund concept proposed included:

• A small property levy that would create a dedicated source of revenue for the specific purpose of undertaking conservation projects (including acquisition and stewardship initiatives that protect, restore or enhance important natural areas);

• Ultimate decision making by local government; funds allocated through an application system so organizations can apply to undertake conservation projects;

• Option to collaborate as a region with the RDOS and other member municipalities or establish a stand-alone individual community fund;

• Technical advice and administrative support available in partnership through SOSCP.

At the direction of council, Bryn White, the managing director of the SOSCP and Town of Osoyoos senior staff began to establish a framework and engagement plan for a local conservation fund that would then be taken to the public in Osoyoos for consultation during 2016.

In April, SOSCP and Town of Osoyoos staff were preparing to provide an update to council to seek input on the emerging framework when a motion to establish a sub-regional fund was made at the RDOS Planning and Development Committee.

This motion includes an open invitation for participation from Electoral Areas and member municipalities in the South Okanagan to create a sub-regional service area.

The decision on the motion was deferred to the RDOS board meeting of June 16 to allow for communities to decide if they would like to be part of a sub-regional service area.

Council voted on Monday to hold public consultations before deciding which course of action to take in establishing the conservation fund.

Coun. C. J. Rhodes said he has his personal concerns about joining a sub-regional fund with the RDOS because that organization uses “weighted voting” based on population in making key decisions and could, in theory, reject any of the money raised being spent on projects in and around Osoyoos and giving strong favour to projects in and around Penticton.

“It’s not a criticism” but reality that weighted voting would result in significant projects wanted by local representatives being ignored, said Rhodes.

Given that there may be both challenges and benefits to a sub-regional fund, SOSCP would like to support the Town of Osoyoos Council in exploring fund options before that date, to help prepare for this decision, said White.

Her organization has proposed a parcel tax of between $7 and $15 be charged to property owners in Osoyoos to go directly into the conservation fund once it’s established and operational, said White.

Rhodes said Osoyoos residents would be strongly in favour of establishing this fund with so little costs involved and suggested it might not be unreasonable to charge more if it meant more environmentally-friendly projects could be completed in a timely manner.

Conservation funds established in communities in the East and West Kootenay regions have resulted in dozens of projects being completed in only a few short years, she said.

A “science-based technical committee” would be established to determine which projects are most beneficial to participating communities, but the final say on where money gets spent would be up to the local board be it at the town level or sub-regional level, she said.

“We would use a very consultative process in making all decisions,” she said.

After council voted to hold a public consultation meeting before making its final decision on governance, White said her organization will be there to assist no matter what happens in the future once the fund is established.

“No matter which way you go, we will be there to assist you,” she said. “I have no preference either way.”

White said she will make herself available to members of council at any time over the coming weeks to answer questions and provide more information if needed about the conservation fund.

She will also make herself available to come to Osoyoos from Kelowna to answer questions and talk to members of the public whenever the public consultation meeting is held in Osoyoos, said White.

KEITH LACEY

Osoyoos Times