Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen Directors met with John Rustad, the Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation yesterday at UBCM to discuss the Free Roaming Horse which is a notable issue for many residents in the South Okanagan / Similkameen. “We advised the Minister of our strong partnership with the Penticton Indian Band and of the work that has been done to date with respect to Free Roaming Horses,” said Chief Administrative Officer, Bill Newell.

Together with the Penticton Indian Band, a study has been completed on the root cause of the Free Roaming Horse issue and a recent horse count clearly identifies the scale and scope of the problem in the West Bench area. In addition to the impact on adjacent residences, the safety issue caused by the horses and the horse/vehicle interface, there is also concern over the increasing degradation of lands where the horses roam due to over-grazing as well as the adverse impact on horse health.

The Regional District is committed to working in partnership with all of the Indian Bands in the Region to address this widespread matter; and at UBCM this week Directors requested Minister Rustad’s assistance in coordinating the many jurisdictions that have an interest in this issue and sought support for the development of a long-range horse management plan. “The Minister has knowledge about the issue and has directed his staff to assist with the coordination of resources to develop a response,” noted Newell.