Not everyone is thrilled with the idea of the North Westside going it alone.
Some residents are questioning a move by director Wayne Carson and the North Westside Communities Association to have a governance study and possibly move towards municipal status.
鈥淣ot everyone is as interested in changing things,鈥� said Lynne Findlay, a resident of the North Westside for eight years.
鈥淧eople have said, 鈥業t will cost us money and if it costs money, I鈥檓 not interested.鈥欌��
Many North Westside residents have indicated that current structure doesn鈥檛 represent their needs because the area is quite a ways from the Regional District of Central Okanagan office in 琉璃神社 and service costs are growing.
A 700-name petition calling for a study was presented to RDCO.
鈥淪omebody brought the petition to our home but even then, we were comfortable with the regional district as it鈥檚 set up at this point,鈥� said Findlay, adding that parks are maintained, the transfer station runs well and the water system needs to be a focus.
鈥淭here needs to be a positive review on our community. Everything I see is negative.鈥�
Currently, North Westside, with a population of 1,000 to 1,500, has one director at the 12-member RDCO board table.
鈥淵ou can always ask questions but you may not get the answer you want,鈥� said Findlay.
鈥淓ven if we become a municipality, we鈥檙e still going to be part of the regional district.鈥�
Findlay wants Carson and the communities association to slow down on the governance issue and consult with residents.
鈥淭here should be another way to canvas the community to see if there are enough of us who truly want a change,鈥� she said.
Carson says residents with concerns about a governance change need to come forward.
鈥淚鈥檇 like to hear from everyone. Everyone has a right to have a say,鈥� he said.
However, Carson says he and the communities association have actively sought input from residents, including at public meetings.
鈥淭he petition showed overwhelming support for a study,鈥� he said.
鈥淲e want to find what鈥檚 best for the majority of the residents.鈥�
Carson also points out that there is no guarantee that governance will change.
鈥淲e鈥檙e just asking for a study,鈥� he said.
