South Shuswap Scoop March 2022

Page 10

10 The South Shuswap Scoop

CSRD Supports Rides Program

By Jo Anne Malpass The Columbia Shuswap Regional District Board supported in principle at its February meeting, an application by the CSRD to the Infrastructure Canada: Rural Transit Solutions Fund on behalf of the South Shuswap Transportation Society (SSTS). Area C Director Paul Demenok requested this be included in the agenda and declared a conflict of interest as he is a director of the society. He did not participate in discussions or vote on this matter. Under the eligibility requirements for this capital grant, local governments may apply, and/or non-profits may apply on behalf of a local government. In his written request to the CSRD, Director Demenok said, “The purpose of the grant would be to purchase a larger second vehicle which would enable us to convey passengers with wheelchairs, multiple passengers at one time (when Covid restrictions are eased), and multiple passengers to separate locations at the same time thus avoiding cancellations due to conflicts. We would likely go with an electric vehicle.” The Board put conditions on its approval including asking SSTS for a formal

request for the CSRD to sponsor the application and receipt of a completed application. Because this is an 80% grant, the CSRD required confirmation from SSTS that it is has available funding on-hand to meet its 20% funding commitment under the program. At the budget meeting Feb. 23, the Board approved annual sustainable contractual funding to the Society under Bylaw 5091 with a net tax increase to Area C of $10,000 for the 2022/23 budget. Bylaw 5091 was established by public assent in 1992 and states the CSRD “may enter into contracts for the purpose of providing transit service within the service area.” This item will be part of the budget to be approved at the next regular board meeting. Director Demenok recused himself from the budget meeting for this decision. In other business at the meeting, Community Works Funds – Notch Hill Town Hall Association – The Board approved the expenditure of funds up to $32,563 plus applicable taxes for a new water well and treatment system at the Notch Hill Town Hall. A staff report says the Notch Hill Town Hall Association is a not-for-profit organization that oversees the operation

March 2022

and maintenance of the Notch Hill Town Hall. The organization would like to replace the existing water well that is no longer providing potable water to the hall. Replacing the existing water well will ensure the long-term sustainability and financial viability of the Hall. Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail – The Board delayed sending a letter to the Rail Trail Governance Committee giving notice of Board concerns with the equity and fairness of cost sharing for maintenance of the trail in the future. CAO Charles Hamilton asked that it be postponed because the Committee is in the process of developing the maintenance plan and it would be more productive for the CSRD to review the plan once it is provided. Grants in Aid - $1,950 Blind Bay Citizens Patrol Society (operating costs) and $1,999 Notch Hill Cemetery Society (historical stone markers). General Local Government Election Voting Bylaw Amendment – The board approved the amendment which would remove restrictions for mail in ballots, so voting may be done by mail for any Elec(continued on pg 11)


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