Under the Community Charter, local governments such as the Regional District of Central Okanagan may use an Alternative Approval Process (AAP) to directly engage citizens about a proposed bylaw or other matter requiring elector approval. The AAP is a cost-effective and efficient way to gauge public opinion on important issues. This process ensures that significant decisions reflect the community’s wishes while saving resources.
For certain matters, local governments are required to obtain approval of the electors or participating area before a regional district board may proceed with its decision. Approval of the electors is required for a variety of regional district actions, including disposal of certain utilities or specified parkland, service establishing bylaws and loan authorization bylaws. Where approval of the electors is required, it may be obtained by the local government either directly through assent voting (referendum) or through an AAP.
The AAP allows electors 30 days to submit an Elector Response Form only if electors are opposed to the local government's proposal. If an elector is not opposed, there is nothing they need to do. If 10 per cent or more of eligible electors submit forms indicating their opposition to the proposal, then elector assent is not obtained and the AAP fails.
Any questions about the AAP process itself or to obtain an elector response form, email corporate.officer@rdco.com.
AAP Projects
Frequently asked questions
| Who is eligible to participate in an AAP? |
Both eligible resident electors and eligible non-resident property electors can participate in an AAP. An elector is deemed eligible when they meet the qualifications below set out in the Local Government Act.
Resident ElectorWhen signing an elector response form during an AAP, a resident elector must:
Non-Resident Property ElectorWhen signing an elector response form during an AAP, a non-resident property elector must:
Only one owner can sign the elector response form when a property is owned by more than one registered owner. That owner must have the written consent of a majority of the other property owner(s) to sign the response form. Note: There is no Corporate Vote - No corporation is entitled to be registered as an elector or have a representative registered as an elector and no corporation is entitled to vote. |
| I'm in favour of the proposed bylaw; what do I do? |
| If you are in favour of the adoption of the bylaw, no action is required. |
| I'm opposed to the proposed bylaw; what do I do? |
| If you are opposed to the adoption of the bylaw, complete and submit the Elector Response Form for the bylaw and return to the Corporate Officer within the designated time period, which will be no less than 30 days. |
| Where can I obtain an AAP Elector Response Form? |
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During an AAP, Elector Response Forms are available online or in person. Locations may vary depending on the specific AAP.
Completed forms must be signed with an original signature and returned to the RDCO Corporate Officer on or before the deadline at 1450 KLO Road, Kelowna, BC. Forms will be accepted by mail, dropped off in person or deposited in the Dropbox outside the KLO building. |
| How are residents notified of an AAP? |
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Advertising an AAP will occur on our website under rdco.com/publicnotices and through RDCO's email subscription service. Subscribe for email updates at rdco.com/subscribe.
Each AAP will have it's own respective page on yoursay.rdco.com. |