Re: February CSRD referendum on Shuswap Watershed Council.
Before voting on whether to establish a permanent Watershed Council, did you know that one has existed since 2015 (9 years).
The Fraser Basin Council received approximately $112,000 annually for administration costs, of which I understand approximately $40,000 is used to cover four meeting “expenses”!
Other than regurgitating the same mussel and water safety adds the federal and provincial governments already broadcast, what has this council achieved to date to now warrant an increased budget ($180,000) in the form of an annual property tax?
Our lake’s health is already monitored both federally and provincially; water quality is the responsibility of B.C.’s Interior Health, while water safety is a federal responsibility.
In October’s Shuswap Scoop, Area G’s electoral director stated she talked to the Minister of Water Stewardship: “about the NEED for Provincial leadership to participate/take a more active role in the Shuswap Watershed Council.” To date, the Province has not taken an interest in this council!
Without provincial support and action, can this council realistically accomplish anything of value?
Jo-Anne Malpass in the same Scoop also reported about a Sept. 14 “amendment” to the proposed bylaw, stating: “If the referendum is held in February and the result is NO, the SWC service would expire Dec 31, 2024. If the referendum result is YES, the service would continue in perpetuity.” So a service which has accomplished little over the past nine years, would now be allowed to continue forever, without any interim reviews or valuation as to it’s achievements?
Why would anyone agree to pay additional tax dollars indefinitely for something with no proven track record, and for services already mandated provincially and federally? Good intentions perhaps, but maybe jumping the gun?
Your dollar; your vote!
Ken Smith,
Blind Bay