Regional District Okanagan Similkameen tested their resolve again today with a series of votes in a Planning committee meeting:

1. Are you in favour of continuing the policy of enforcing the present sign bylaw?

Yes by all but the Chairman – Area A Osoyoos Director Mark Pendergraft

2. Are board members in favour of developing amendments to the bylaw, sending to local advisory boards and holding two public hearings?

Yes by all but the Chairman – Area A Osoyoos Director Mark Pendergraft

Some of the board expressed an opinion that it appeared the RDOS was not operating a well thought out plan. That the bylaw should be reviewed and changed before engaging the public again since the Ministry of Highways had backed away from enforcement.

Osoyoos Mayor Stu Wells said the signs are a disease.

Area D Director Tom Siddon says enforcement is needed and agreed that it was good NOT to take the foot off the gas pedal.

Area C Director Allan Patton says he has talked with the local MLA Linda Larson says she agrees that enforcement should continue. Patton said he also talked to highways about many opti0ns for those needing signage but that has ground to a halt.

Area G Director Angelique Wood says the highways have a “garbage” look – and there are options that could beautify and integrate all signs into a theme.

Third party signage is not allowed under the present sign bylaw and there seemed to be little interest in changing that.

The Ministry of Transportation which controls the Rights of Way near highways says it will wait for the summer roadside sales to end before starting its enforcement .

Mark Pendergraft says the RDOS is making people angry and he says he is isn’t looking forward to meeting with the public on the issue – this summer.