Local Government Awareness Week (LGAW) is May 16 to 22, 2022. This ongoing initiative promotes awareness about the roles and responsibilities of local government and encourages the public to participate in local government processes. The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) is working with Cawston Primary School in Electoral Area B to provide educational opportunities for students and teachers. Activities include visiting a section of trail managed by the RDOS, taking part in a scavenger hunt, and attending an RDOS Board Meeting via Webex. 

Public hearings are another important responsibility of local governments. The Local Government Act requires that a public hearing be held before the Board adopts an amendment to an Official Community Plan (OCP), bylaw, and some amendments to zoning bylaws. At a public hearing, anyone who believes their interest in a property is impacted by a proposed bylaw must be afforded a reasonable opportunity to be heard or to present written submissions respecting matters contained in the bylaw that is the subject of the hearing. 

To participate in a public hearing, you can attend in person or virtually. Depending on the number of attendees, the Chair may ask you to limit your comments to five minutes. You can also provide written comments via email, regular mail, or at the public hearing. 

Public information meetings, held in advance of public hearings, provide opportunities to share your thoughts on the issue at hand and to learn more. Opportunities are not available for the public to comment during Advisory Planning Commission (APC) or RDOS Board meetings. 

For further information about RDOS projects and initiatives, please visit the RDOS Regional Connections interactive website at https://rdosregionalconnections.ca or call 250-492-0237. 

-30- 

Spencer Coyne, Vice-chair
Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen

Contacts: 

Cawston Primary School Students
Local Government Awareness Week in Cawston, B.C.
May 17, 2022