THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF CASTLEGAR

460 COLUMJIA AVENUE
CASTLEGAR. BC. Vin 1G7

TELEPHONE 363.7227 INCORPORATED JANUARY 6,
2-4-1
March 11, 1977

The Honourable Hugh A. Curtis
Minister of Municipal Affairs
Parliament Buildings
Victoria, B.C,

Dear Mr. Minister:

RE: - Critical Analysis on. the Role of Regional Districts in B.c,

The following resolution was adopted by Castlegar City Council at
the March 8, 1977 regular meeting of Council:

"That we, the Castlegar City Council, request the Minister of
Municipal Affairs to conduct a critical analysis of the role of
Regional Districts in the Province of British Columbia,"

As you are aware, Regional Districts were established for the
mutual benefit of the cities and outlying areas, and not for the
creation of a large, bureaucratic level of government which seeks

only to self-perpetuate itself rater than providing a more efficient

level of service for the taxpayers of the province.

Having observed the operation of the Regional District of Centra?
Kootenay for the past three years, as the city's representative,
it is evident that there is a growing duplication of activities
between the three levels of government - i.e. Regtonal District -
Municipal - Provincial. In this regard, the following activities
come to mind:

1.) Building Inspection - A growing city such as Castlegar
has to have its own Building Inspector, especially with
a 4.4 millioa dollar sewer Program and all the inspections
that it entzils. Incidentally the Regional Gistrict does
not cover sewer inspections,

Recreational Services - In this instance, a local admin-
istrative centre is much more desirable for the city in
question as well as .the adjoining areas in as much as
there is closer contact with the people served,

Cont'd.,

The Honourable Hugh A. Curtis
Page 2
March 11, 1977

3.) Planning Department - Once again, a growing city
requires full time services in this area for the
development of community plans, zoning by-laws, etc.

A further thought on this subject is that since it is taxpayers
money we all operate with, Perhaps services such as the above
could be better contracted with the cities.

I would further suggest that all levels of government services
have changed, and services formally provided by Regional Dis-
tricts are now being handled by the Province. Examples of such
services are ambulance and assessments,

The above illustrations lead up to the main point of my request
which is that Regional Districts -have..been with.us since -:1966,

and yet no re-examination-of their :role-has ‘occurred -despite the
many- changes -over. the Past 10 years.~- Consequently, t would
respectfully submit that now is the time for a re-evaluation of
Regional Districts. After all, it is the taxpayer of the province
that suffers if there are inefficiencies anywhere in the system.

I. trust the above request will meet with your favourable con-
Stderatioa,

Yours truly,

CITY OF CASTLEGAR

fled eg- XTi acne.

Audrey L,’ Moore
Mayor

ALM/Jgh