A counter petition process (AAP) in Skaha/Ok Falls has failed to get a negative response from voters so no referendum will be necessary for an improved transit system.

Regional Area Director Tom Siddon says that electors ( 13 of them ) voiced opposition to a $60 thousand plan for daily scheduled service – OK Falls, Heritage Hills and on to Penticton.

About 320 responses would have been necessary in the Alternative Approval process to force a vote.

The new service is expected in January with half the cost paid for by BC Transit.

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The new way of doing recycling in the RDOS is not making the politicians happy as many citizens concerned that plastic bags and Styrofoam cannot be blue bagged and must be taken to depots or dumps.

The new system brought on by an agreement with MMBC says suppliers of recyclables pay the freight for recycling in addition to tax payers – but what was left out was plastic bags and Styrofoam which use to be handled.

Janice Perrino of Summerland says the decision was regretful and that she is furious and suggests citizens complain bitterly.

Stu Wells of Osoyoos said the move, in hindsight, was silly and stupid.

RDOS director Michael Brydon says the egg has been scrambled and can’t be reset. He suggested citizen gather those products once a year and the RDOS could pick them up. He says the new system is actually designed well to have consumers pay the cost of recycling and reduce the tax burden on those that don’t consume a lot of material at home. Brydon said “recycling is not a god given right”.