MLA’s John Slater and Bill Barisoff spoke to 18 directors at the Penticton board table of the Regional District Okanagan Similkameen today on many topics ranging from A to Z – or water quality to trail systems that are needed in the valley.

Summerland Mayor Janice Perrino asked one question to get things rolling.

Why is the South Okanagan not being treated fairly on health monies from the provincial government. Perrino told the two MLA’s that Vernon gets about $90 per person per year for health care (based on a ten year study), Kelowna $138 per person per year and Penticton Regional Hospital area only $22 per person per year – and she says that is not fair.

Both MLA’s said they continue to pressure the government into giving the go ahead to a new ambulatory care facility in Penticton and the Minister of Health is touring the area next week.

Other topics included some strong words from Mayor Stu Well and Okanagan Falls rural Director Tom Siddon about a recent decision to approve a fish rearing plant next to the Okanagan River south of Oliver. Siddon says a lot of money is “being spent on cleaning up the water system” to see an idea where “fish rearing waste” will be sent directly into the Okanagan River.

There were concerns expressed that the government is not too firm on when the new prison to be built north of Oliver will get going but both MLA’s said much discussion centers on a 3P project and the need to find a corporation/company that presents a design/build/operate proposal acceptable to the government.