As 2019 draws to a close, it is time to reflect on the positive events of the year, and to look forward to a happy new year.
Our region continues to be a model for other regions in Canada and elsewhere in terms of progressive and constructive relations between local governments. During 2019, Tla’amin Nation, the City of Powell River and qathet Regional District continued work on a number of initiatives.
· The Regional Social Planning initiative came to fruition with the hiring of our social planner midway through the year. Since then the planner has been familiarizing herself with the specifics of various social issues, one of the top priorities being homelessness.
· The regional recreation initiative has begun to take shape. As of January 1, 2019, the three local governments have formally agreed to share the costs of operating Powell River Recreation Complex.
· The city and the regional district have agreed to significant contributions, financial and otherwise, toward the cultural structure planned for Shelter Point on Texada Island.
· Improvements to regional transportation is under discussion between the three governments. The discussion includes both local transportation and transportation between Powell River and Horseshoe Bay. It is a very complex issue which is proving difficult to resolve.
Late in 2019, the BC Government passed legislation embracing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) into law. This is a very positive step towards this declaration having a true impact. Hopefully the result will be many other regions achieving a positive intergovernmental relationship such as that which we enjoy in our region.
On behalf of the Tla’amin Nation, I wish everyone a happy and prosperous 2020. Che chah hah tahn nah pesht.
