Ootischenia and Fairview residents:
Nov. 16, 2017, two bylaws were passed by the RDCK. Bylaw 2533, 2016 increases residents’ taxes to expand the service area to include Ootischenia and Fairview to pay for the second bylaw.
This second bylaw, 2388, 2014 is for animal (dog) control services.
The RDCK used a method of voting called the Alternative Approval Process (AAP) to pass these bylaws. The AAP is akin to negative billing. If a resident was in opposition to the bylaws he/she had to download a form from the RDCK website, and mail it or hand deliver it to the RDCK office by Nov. 6, 2017.
The AAP required 10 per cent (199+) of residents who were opposed to defeat the bylaws or send it to a referendum. This last option was not provided to residents during the “voting” period.
In order for a bylaw to pass using this system only those in opposition actually voted.
If a resident supported the bylaws, didn’t understand the process, was unaware of the vote, or was unavailable to vote [then they] were all counted as yes votes. This process relies on information being disseminated to all residents who will be affected by the outcome.
In my meetings and conversations with RDCK staff, they have stated that they provided enough information to legally support the outcome of the “vote.”
* Two advertisements were printed in the Castlegar News – Sept. 29, 2017, and Oct. 5, 2017.
* One poster was displayed on the bulletin board in the RDCK lobby (Nelson). Community Charter states more than one site is necessary.
* Letters were sent to 734 mailboxes in Ootischenia; local house to house polls indicate only a couple of households received it.
* No letters were sent to Fairview.
Area J director, Rick Smith, is the originator of bylaw 2388, 2014 and Grace Allen (RDCK staff) is the author of the same. At no time were residents informed, consulted or asked for their interest in the bylaws. Since the passing of these bylaws, residents have not been informed of their existence.
If you are interested in further information and/or to sign a petition, I would like to extend an offer to a meeting. Please pass this information on to others you know are affected by the bylaws.
Contact Colette at dobegirl@shaw.ca.
Colette Richie
Ootischenia