Linda Larson, MLA and Dan Ashton MLA spoke with RDOS directors this morning to update board members on a number of issues in the news and to answer questions:

Director Allan Patton asked if a pilot project could be funded for farmworker transport between Loose Bay and the orchards and fields below in the valley – north and south of town. Both MLA’s indicated they would look into this.

Larson said the BC government is not moving quickly to change the status of the Grist Mill in Keremeos. Options are being discussed with the current management group to extend the use of land at the heritage facility.

Ashton and Larson both indicated that they would prefer medical marijuana to be produced in industrial zones rather than on agricultural land and would raise the matter in caucus. Larson says 25 jobs will be created somewhere in her riding as a businessperson has all the licenses in place for such a legal grow up – a high security area (not disclosed) which should be up and running within a few months.

Both MLA’s defended the core review of the Agricultural Land Commission stating that the budget is not being cut with 4 million dollars being put into the budget over a 3 year period. Dan Ashton said he wants so common sense to be brought back into decision making and called for the re-instatement of regional consulting panels. Larson said 95 of productive farm land in BC is on the lower mainland and in the Okanagan.

On the national park issue both MLA’s say that present industry, ranching etc. must be allowed to continue and tourism is the foundation of growth without restricting present uses. In essence the original plan was too ambitious creating a backlash.

Larson spoke to the issue of a joint RDOS/MOTI project to clean up highway signage south of Oliver. She says letters have now gone out to those affecting stating what the intent of the programme is.
So far the push back has not occurred.