A little less than a year ago in my previous MLA reports, I discussed pending changes to the Strata Property Act and also the opportunity to provide input.
Many citizens did indeed take the time to share input as close to 2,000 submissions were received that were used towards the drafting of the final regulations.
The new regulations will be published early in the new year and will provide strata owners with an opportunity to learn more about the new rules before they are required to comply.
For further information on this important topic please visit www.housing.gov.bc.ca/strata/regs.
Depreciation reports, contingency reserve funds and Form “B” are all areas where revisions have been made. For further information please do not hesitate to contact my office.
Last week I was honoured to moderate a public forum that allowed members of the public an opportunity to ask questions of elected ministers and also to Premier Christy Clark.
I would like to thank the many of you who took the time to come out and I also appreciate those of you who have emailed questions that they were unable to ask in person.
It is important for elected officials to listen to the input and the concerns of citizens. I recognize that often there is a view that those in public office do not listen to taxpaying citizens.
From my experience, elected officials at all levels do attempt to respond to the requests and needs of citizens on an ongoing basis. Recently I attended the installation of a new traffic light in the community of Peachland.
Much as was the case in the Red Wing retirement community north of Penticton, citizens feared the potential for accidents waiting to happen without improved traffic controls.
In both instances government working together has responded and traffic lights are now in place.
In Naramata new affordable seniors housing is a reality in that community.
Supportive housing now exists in the Skaha Sunrise housing facility in Penticton along with new affordable seniors housing on Van Horne Street.
Summerland and Peachland now have safer sidewalks for citizens to go for a walk.
There are literally dozens of more examples in communities around the South Okanagan where projects have been successfully completed in support of requests from citizens.
All of these projects are paid for with your tax dollars. I mention these projects as often I note a disconnect between the taxes citizens pay who sometimes overlook the important services and enhanced quality of life these projects create in our communities.
I believe we have a great quality of life here in the South Okanagan region and I am thankful in large part for the many citizens who give generously of their time and work together for these projects to become reality.
I am also thankful for the strong partnerships we have at all levels of government and our elected officials who frequently work together to serve the interests of taxpayers.
While bickering and partisan posturing often make for great headlines, infighting and conflict stall progress and ultimately cost tax payers more money. In this region we have much to be appreciative for as our track record for getting projects accomplished is a tribute to the spirit of working together and cooperation between our community leaders and volunteers.
As this holiday season approaches may we all take a moment to give thanks to our family and friends for sharing the happiness of this special season.
If you are travelling over the holidays please do so safely and remember that live online road conditions are available on the Drive B.C. website.
Bill Barisoff is the MLA for Penticton.