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Regional district wins provincial award in Whistler for ‘first of its kind’ policy

Representatives from the RDOS were presented with a community excellence award last week

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen has been recognized on the provincial stage.

Thanks to what the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) calls the first policy of its kind in the province, the RDOS was presented with a Community Excellence in Governance at the group’s annual convention last week in Whistler.

“The RDOS has implemented the first process of its kind in BC where private utilities and improvement districts can become a regional district function,” a press release reads.

Local governments from all areas of the province converged from Sept. 12 to 16, with the RDOS receiving the award for Utility Acquisition Policy and Process near the end of the meetings.

“The awards are intended to showcase outstanding initiatives and share them with other UBCM members to implement in their communities,” the release continues.

RDOS chair Mark Pendergraft and vice-chair Spencer Coyne, along with CAO Bill Newell, met with provincial ministers on behalf of communities in the South Okanagan and Similkameen.

Coyne also serves as the mayor of Princeton.

“The process will assist utilities that need to be upgraded to meet provincial regulation and safety standards, while ensuring that any transition to a regional system is respectful of the community’s needs,” it reads about RDOS’ award.

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