Elections
Elections for electoral area director are held throughout the province every three years on the third Saturday in November. By-elections are held as necessary to fill vacancies on the board.
Other Voting
Voting may be held from time to time on service establishment bylaws or other matters. These voting opportunities may occur at the same time as local elections, or at other times as determined by the board. The regional district is not currently running any referendums.
In July 2010 the regional district held two opportunities for other voting:
- All areas voted on a bylaw to establish a region-wide service to help pay for the operating costs of an animal shelter that the SPCA will build, own and operate.
- The Northside Volunteer Fire Department service area voted on a borrowing bylaw to build a new fire hall.
Alternate Approval Process (AAP)
For certain actions that require public approval, local governments may use an alternate approval process. In an APP, the proposed action is advertised in local papers: if at least 10% of the eligible voters sign a petition opposing the proposal, then the board must reconsider the proposed action or hold a vote on the matter; if less than 10% of eligible voters sign the petition, then the proposal may go ahead.
The regional district is not currently running any APPs.
Legislation
BC’s Local Government Act (Parts 3 & 4) governs matters related to nominations, elections, referendums and the APPs.
Regional District Elections Procedure Bylaw No. 420 (and succeeding amendments) governs election matters that are within the regional district’s jurisdiction.
More About Elections and Voting