Regional District of North Okanagan, British Columbia

in the Aberdeen Plateau, where you can swim, jet-ski, or fly fish for trout.” Ashley Gregerson, Communications Officer, adds, “We have the Monashee Mountains for hiking, an abundance of lakes, and many trails. There is such a diverse offering of nature throughout the region. There are lots of local agricultural businesses, some industrial businesses, mom-and-pop style restaurants and boutiques. There’s something for everyone.” The Regional District of North Okanagan has a population of 90,000 and five electoral areas (North Okanagan B, C, D, E, and F), as well as six member municipalities (the cities of Armstrong, Enderby, and Vernon (the most populous); the district municipalities of Coldstream (where RD’s head offices are located); the Township of Spallumcheen, and the village of Lumby) on its governing board. The Splatsin First Nation and the Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB) are also within its boundaries. Since rural areas make up 12 percent of British Columbia’s total population, regional districts (RDs) are the province’s way of implementing effective local government and regional collaboration. “Our governance system here is very evenly weighted and well balanced,” Acton says. “The regional area directors and the small municipalities come to the table and debate. It’s like that old saying: ‘great debate makes for a good decision’. They work hard to find the best option and we do a really good job of it. We’ve got 14 different directors, and 80 percent of the time conversations end unanimously.” Gregerson agrees, emphasizing, “From a staff perspective, we ensure sustainability. In 2020, we established the Rural Economic Development Service, allowing us to give grants to 14 organizations and support their economics. It boils down to a passionate group of people who are able to make things happen.” An active political approach was especially valuable during the pandemic. Acton, along with REGIONAL DI STR I CT OF NORTH OKANAGAN, BR I T I SH COLUMB I A Courtesy of Ashley Gregerson Kevin Acton, Chair of the Regional District of North Okanagan and Mayor of Lumby