Regional District of Central Kootenay Area E director Ramona Faust has her work cut out for her: how to get the majority of residents to approve a plan that will bring more order to planning in the regions just outside Nelson. It won’t be easy.
It’s unfair to clump all residents of one area together, but it’s safe to say when it comes to backlash against the hand of local government, Nelson’s rural neighbours in Blewett are prone to being vocal. Most recently we have seen it with recreation facilities and the Nelson library. Now the proposed official community plan Faust is bringing to her constituents is being attacked.
This is not to be taken as a negative. The majority of folks who decide to live in a rural setting are more interested in an unencumbered lifestyle than the more regulated environment of the city. They also fight hard against any sniff of increased taxes. Fair enough.
In order to move more confidently ahead with the official community plan, Faust has decided to hold a vote in Blewett. Though non-binding, Faust said she will stay true to the outcome.
Going in, Faust knows it will be a steep hill to climb.
“Maybe a lot of people will go by hearsay and that will be what calls the day,” she told the Star.
If people vote without the proper information, it would be unfortunate. There is merit to the proposal. In fact, every other area in the RDCK already has such a document to help guide growth.
You can sense Faust’s frustration with those who choose to listen to only one side.
“I have no wish to impose this on a community that doesn’t want it,” she said. “But then neither will I be able to assist people who have concerns in their neighbourhood.”
Majority rules and if you live in Blewett, there is a consequence either way to the upcoming vote. Make sure you have a close look at the entire issue before marking an X.