Referendum and Alternative Approval Process
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Referendum and Alternative Approval Process overview
Referendum
Assent voting (or referendum) allows electors to vote on whether a proposal would move forward or not. Assent of the electors is obtained if a majority of the votes counted are in favour of the bylaw or question. Assent voting is conducted under the rules that generally apply to local elections.
For certain matters, local governments are required to obtain approval of the electors or participating area approval before the municipal council or regional district board may proceed with its decision. Assent voting can be used as both a form of approval of the electors and participating area approval.
Assent voting is conducted in a similar manner to local government elections and can either be done at the same time as a general local election or by-election or on its own as a stand-alone vote.
Alternative Approval Process
The alternative approval process (AAP) is a form of approval that allows electors to indicate whether they are against a local government proposal moving forward. An AAP enables local governments to directly engage citizens about a proposed bylaw intended to undertake long-term borrowing, a boundary extension, establish a new regional district service or other matter requiring elector approval.
The alternative approval process requires that 10 percent or more of the eligible electors must sign and submit response forms in opposition to the proposed initiative to require the local government to obtain assent of the electors in order to proceed. When this happens the issue is considered significant and the local government has two choices. They may proceed to assent voting within 80 days, or they may put the matter on hold and consider alternatives to the proposed action.
Please check the column on the right to view AAP and referendum archive folders.
Current Alternate Approval Processes:
Electoral Area G Cemetery Contribution Service
Electors with the boundaries of Electoral Area G (Keremeos Rural/Hedley) approved the adoption of Electoral Area G Cemetery Operations Contribution Service Establishment Bylaw No. 2943, 2021. In general terms, the bylaw will establish a contribution service for the provision of funds for cemetery services in Electoral Area G.
Information Release - AAP Results
Oliver and District Arena Loan Authorization
Residents contributing to the Oliver and District Arena have approved a loan authorization in the amount of up to $400,000. The funds will support capital projects that have been identified as key components of the Oliver and District Arena that are failing and have reached the end of service life.
View the Arena Facility Lifecycle Assessment report.
Information Release - AAP Results
Please ask your question below.
The following question was asked via Webex messenger during the April 13, 2021 electronic town hall:
Question: Community sewer will allow for development especially of properties near the lake shore. How will the RDOS ensure that environmentally sensitive areas are protected from the impact of this development? I have recently read that the RDOS is considering excluding property owners from the Environmentally Sensitive Development Permit process.
Answer: Kaleden properties within 30.0 metres of Skaha Lake are generally subject to a Watercourse Development Permit (WDP) Area designation, the objective of which is to protect aquatic habitat, enhance, conserve and restore watercourses and their riparian areas. There are no changes proposed to the WDP Area designation at this time. Lakeshore properties within the proposed sewer service area are not within the Environmentally Sensitive Development Permit (ESDP) Area designation.