Image Credit: CSRD

By James Peters

Shuswap Watershed Council

CSRD recommends February date for Shuswap Watershed Council referendum

Sep 28, 2023 | 11:35 AM

SALMON ARM, B.C. — The Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) is eyeing February 2024 for a rescheduled referendum on the future of the Shuswap Watershed Council (SWC).

The Council is “a non-profit group focused on protecting, maintaining and enhancing water quality and promoting safe recreation in the Shuswap,” according to the district.

In May, the CSRD Board of Directors approved a referendum to determine whether residents will still be charged a parcel tax to pay for the group’s operations.

That referendum was set for mid-August, but was postponed when the North Shuswap and Sorrento areas were hit by massive wildfires. Several communities were evacuated as a result.

The board authorized a one-year extension of the SWC’s service on August 21.

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In a news release issued Thursday (Sept. 28), the CSRD says its board would like to see the new referendum date set for a Saturday in early February.

Votes already cast by advance and mail-in voting will be held securely and counted in conjunction with the regular voting ballots.

If residents vote ‘no’ to continuing to fund the SWC, the group will expire at the end of 2024. If the vote is ‘yes,’ the Council will continue on with the same funding arrangement.