Alternate Approval Process allows CSRD to move ahead with North Shuswap Health Centre Financial Contribution Service Area.

Photo: Contributed

The Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) has obtained preliminary public assent by Alternative Approval Process to proceed with the establishment of the North Shuswap Health Centre Financial Contribution Service Area.

The annual costs to support the operation of the North Shuswap Health Centre will be recovered through the collection of taxes levied against the value of land and improvements for those properties within the boundaries of Electoral Area F (North Shuswap).

The Alternative Approval Process required 10 per cent of eligible voters formally indicate their opposition by signature, for the process to fail without proceeding to referendum. The 10 per cent threshold was not achieved.

As per the Local Government Act, the CSRD must receive the approval of the electors before it can adopt bylaws to establish a service levy or incur long-term debt.

The Alternative Approval Process was selected by the CSRD Board as the legal mechanism to consult the electorate on this matter.

The new levy means the average home in Electoral Area F with an assessed value of $410,968, will see an additional $25.16 added to their 2023 tax notice to support the North Shuswap Health Centre, if the Board adopts Bylaw No. 5848, 2022.

The official results will be presented to the board of directors at the Sept. 22 regular meeting.

Now that public assent has been achieved, the bylaw will be brought back to the CSRD board for formal ratification.