Oliver Mayor Martin Johansen is using his authority to reconsider the matter of supporting a referendum for the creation of a national park reserve in the South Okanagan.
Recently, council voted on a motion to prepare a letter requesting the federal government to undertake a referendum. But it was defeated due to a tie vote. Johansen and Councillor Aimee Grice voted to approve, while Councillors Larry Schwartzenberger and Petra Veintimilla opposed the motion. Councillor Dave Mattes was absent from the vote.
Both Johansen and Grice said the electorate deserves to have a say on whether they support a national park or not. Veintimilla said she didn’t want a referendum (right now) until more concrete information is known about the park. Schwartzenberger said council should stay out of the park discussion altogether.
But on Monday, the issue will be discussed again since the mayor is using a section of the Community Charter to bring it back.
“This allows council to debate the motion,” said Corporate Officer Diane Vaykovich. “The motion cannot be amended, it can just be voted on as outlined.”
Vaykovich said a council member may put a new motion on the floor, and if seconded, it can be debated and voted on.
