North Shuswap Health Centre in Scotch Creek. (Photo credit: CSRD)

By Vernon Matters Staff

Reverse referendum

Alternative Approval Process begins for health centre

Jul 29, 2022 | 10:00 AM

An Alternative Approval Process (AAP) begins today to determine if residents of Electoral Area F (North Shuswap) of the Columbia Shuswap Regional District are willing to pay an additional tax to support the operation of the North Shuswap Health Centre in Scotch Creek.

An AAP is like a reverse referendum, where a qualified elector submits a response to the CSRD only if they are opposed to the proposal. There is a minimum of 30-day period for people to submit a response form.

This AAP would authorize the financial contribution unless at least 284 valid electors − which equates to 10 per cent of the eligible voters of Electoral Area F − submit forms declaring their opposition.

If the 10 per cent threshold of voter opposition is reached by the September 6, 2022 deadline, the CSRD Board would not be able to proceed without holding a referendum for all residents of Electoral Area F.

“The North Shuswap Health Centre is a community-operated Primary Care Health Centre in Scotch Creek. The centre is looking for a stable and reliable source of funding to assist with its annual operating budget,” a news release from the regional district stated.

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The bylaw requires the maximum amount that may be requisitioned for the service not be more than $130,000 or $0.0612 per $1,000 of net taxable value of land and improvements annually within Electoral Area F.

This means for the average home in Electoral Area F with an assessed value of $410,968, residents would pay approximately $25.16 per yer towards the North Shuswap Health Centre.

Elector response forms are available from the CSRD office at 555 Harbourfront Drive NE, Salmon Arm or can be downloaded from the CSRD website at the Alternative Approval Process – North Shuswap webpage. Electors can also request forms be mailed to them by calling 250.832.8194.

Additional information and frequently asked questions are also available on the Alternative Approval Process – North Shuswap webpage.