Chief Brad Fossett ( Willowbrook Fire Department) with Director Allan Patton –

RDOS team benefits from visits in Area ‘C’

Director Allan Patton and members of the Regional District staff and management team stopped at various locations in Area ‘C’ this week to visit with residents and hear first-hand about local issues.

“This was a very productive day,” said Director Patton. “Our management people are extremely busy and don’t always have the chance to visit with residents — especially out of the office.”

The Area ‘C’ tour included stops at the Loose Bay Campground, Willowbrook, Fairview and Gallagher Lake. Issues discussed included developing resources for migrant workers, improving water delivery for Willowbrook residents, discussing recent acquisitions and future needs with the Willowbrook Volunteer Fire Department, resolving Golden Mile Trail concerns and community planning for the Gallagher Lake Area.

“We identified areas of concern in each of these communities and engaged in open, frank discussions.”

Public Works Manager Doug French, who participated in the tour, said the flow of information went two ways.

“This was an opportunity for us to understand residents,” he said. “We visited them where they live, walked on their streets and came away seeing things from a different point of view.”

The Regional District is working with Area Directors to plan additional engagement opportunities, which it sees as critical to its mission of improving the quality of life and sustaining communities.