RDOS COLUMN

The RDOS has conducted several AAPs lately, for matters such as Environmental Conservation, Victims Assistance Contribution, and Electoral Area “E” parkland acquisition. Have you wondered what exactly an AAP is?

For certain matters, local governments are required to obtain elector approval from eligible electors before the board or council can adopt the bylaw. The alternative approval process, also known as an AAP, is one such way. AAPs help local governments better understand whether or not the community views a particular matter as “significant” and if the matter then warrants being taken to an assent vote (referendum). If 10% or more of eligible electors sign and submit an elector response form during an AAP, elector approval has not been obtained. The local government can hold assent voting to seek elector approval, or choose not to proceed with the bylaw.

When deciding whether or not to use an AAP or process directly to a referendum, the Regional District Board considers several factors.

Does the Community Charter allow an AAP to be conducted for that particular decision? Some matters such as longterm borrowing or service establishment where the requisitioned amount in the service area is more than $0.50 per $1,000 of net taxable value of land and improvements may not obtain elector approval by AAPs.

How will the AAP be received by the electors? If public feedback is positive during the public engagement process in the early stages of the development of the bylaw, the proposal may lend itself to the AAP process. However, if the subject matter appears to be contentious, it may make more sense to proceed directly to assent voting to reduce the overall time and costs involved in securing elector approval.

Are there tight timelines? Seasonal construction, borrowing deadlines, or rapidly failing infrastructure can make an AAP a more efficient option.

There are several reasons why obtaining elector approval by way of an AAP may be preferred over a referendum. The cost for conducting an AAP is usually less. A referendum can incur expenses such as printing of ballots, rental fees for voting places, voting materials and supplies, and wages for election officials.

Electors may prefer an AAP because they have at least 30 days to express their opinion and submit their response form, rather than being limited to appearing in person on two or three designated days to cast a ballot for a referendum. Additionally, electors may gather signed response forms from other eligible electors and submit them for those who are unable to do so in person.

If you have question about how the alternative approval process works, please feel free to call the Regional District office at 250-492-0237 or email to info@rdos.bc.ca. Staff would be happy to chat with you about it.

Karla Kozakevich is chair of the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen and Naramata director.