What is an AAP?

An alternative approval process (AAP) enables local governments to directly engage citizens about a proposed bylaw that may include the following:

  • long-term borrowing;
  • a boundary extension;
  • the establishment of a new regional district service;
  • or other matters requiring elector approval.

The AAP allows voters to show their opposition to the proceeding of a local government proposal. The process requires that 10% or more eligible voters sign and submit official opposition forms (called Elector Response Forms) against the proposed initiative. If this threshold is met, the local government must proceed with a referendum (assent voting) before proceeding with the proposal.

If you support the proposal, no action is required.

Click the link to read more about the Province of British Columbia’s Alternative Approval Process for local governments.

Current AAP Projects (documents enclosed):

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) Board of Directors gave first, second, and third reading to a Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 3106, 2025 to authorize the borrowing up to ten million dollars ($10,000,000) to purchase a corporate building within the City of Penticton. Bylaw No. 3106, 2025.

With Statutory Approval from the Inspector of Municipalities on April 28, 2025, approval of Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 3106, 2025 will be obtained from the electorate within the RDOS through an Alternative Approval Process (AAP) in accordance with the Local Government Act.

Click the link below to view the information release.

RDOS taking steps to purchase more functional corporate building

https://www.rdos.bc.ca/newsandevents/rdos-news/hot...

Key Documents:

Administrative Report - April 17, 2025

BL3106 Loan Authorization Bylaw

Elector Response Form

Fact Sheet

Notice of Alternative Approval Process

Statutory Approval of the Bylaw

Completed AAP Projects:

9-1-1 Emergency Service Loan Authorization (Bylaw No. 3064, 2024)

The Regional District's emergency telecommunications system requires upgrades and new infrastructure to enhance responder safety, meet operational requirements, and align with industry standards, based on the 2023 Emergency Radio Telecommunications Study by Planetworks Consulting.

Elector approval for Bylaw No. 3064, 2024, was obtained on September 13, 2024, and the Board of Directors subsequently adopted the loan authorization bylaw on October 3, 2024.

For further information about the Alternative Approval Process, please view the administrative report in the Key Documents section below.

For further information, please contact RDOS Legislative Services at 250-492-0237.

Key Documents:

October 3, 2024, Administrative Report

Similkameen Transit System Service Establishment Bylaw No. 3082, 2024

The RDOS was approached by the Town of Princeton to assume administration and management of the Route 50 BC Transit service that operates in the Similkameen. The RDOS currently manages all regional transit services outside of the City of Penticton with the exception of the Route 50 service. Transferring this service to the Regional District will result in streamlined transit service management and equitable cost-sharing for the Electoral Areas and Municipalities serviced by Route 50.

Similkameen Transit System Service Establishment Bylaw No. 3082, 2024 is intended to develop a service that is funded equitably, based on service use and access, by the municipalities and electoral areas that are served by the transit route.

Elector approval for Bylaw No. 3082, 2024, was obtained on May 9, 2025, and the Board of Directors subsequently adopted the service establishment bylaw on May 22, 2025.

For further information about the Alternative Approval Process, please view the administrative report in the Key Documents section below. For further information, please contact RDOS Legislative Services at 250-492-0237.

Key Documents

May 22, 2025, Administrative Report