Members of Summerland’s council met with the premier and provincial ministers during the Union of B.C. Municipalities conference last week in Vancouver.
“UBCM was very successful for Summerland council and staff,” said Mayor Peter Waterman.
“In addition to valuable educational sessions offered, Summerland was fortunate to secure meetings with the Premier and many provincial ministers to discuss issues important to our community.”
Council started out the conference by meeting with Premier Christy Clark to discuss general aspects of advancing the high-tech agri-business sector and to ask for provincial assistance in dealing with the perpetual slide adjacent to Trout Creek Canyon.
The concerns about the perpetual slide were also raised in a meeting with Naomi Yamamoto, Minister of State for Emergency Preparedness.
Council also met with John Rustad, Minister of Aboriginal Relations, to ask for help in advancing relations with Summerland’s First Nations neighbours.
Council met with Norm Letnick, Minister of Agriculture, to further explore options for advancing the food biotech industry.
A meeting with Todd Stone, Minister of Transportation, covered issues about speed zones and safety issues on Highway 97.
Meeting with Mike DeJong, Minister of Finance, council raised concerns about a residential energy rebate program, which is affecting a number of Summerland electrical customers.