Electoral Area F (Coombs, Hilliers, Errington, Whiskey Creek, Meadowood) is against the Regional District of Nanaimo’s plan to discontinue the parks and open spaces advisory committees.
Members of the Area F POSAC expressed their opposition in a letter sent to the RDN board. They stated eliminating advisory committees such as the POSAC could have implications for citizen representation.
The letter, signed by Aimee Dunn, Shelley Gerber and Reg Nosworthy, highlighted their commitment and depth of value that they can bring to the RDN such as making recommendations and providing advice; liaising with community and neighbourhoods; providing leadership and support the co-operation between community interest and the RDN on parks and open space issues in Area F; providing input to support the development of stronger park development plans; and performing this work within the objectives and policies of Area F.
“We urge the RDN to recommit to the committee structure and work collaboratively together with community committee such as POSAC-F for the benefit of local citizens and to strengthen the work of the RDN,” said the letter.
The RDN reviewed its advisory committees, commissions and external organizations. The RDN executive committee recommended to the board to discontinue all committee of the whole meetings and that it be changed to board meetings, and that COW meetings only be held for specific purposes at the behest of the board chair.
As well, the executive committee called for the elimination of the the POSAC, solid waste management select committee and transit select committee.
In reaching this decision, which the RDN board will deliberate on for approval, research of a review of committee structures was conducted at the City of Surrey, City of Vancouver, Metro Vancouver, City of Calgary and Capital Regional District. The RDN was able to draw from the research some information on principles essential to high-functioning committees.
The RDN highlighted that the lack of a well-functioning committee structure leads to failed performance. Although it’s the board that makes the decision, most of the work that aids the decision making process occurs at the committee level.