The Minister Refuses to Answer: Okanagan Falls Deserves Transparency

Okanagan Falls deserves clarity — not political doublespeak

In Question Period I asked the Minister a simple yes-or-no question about the incorporation of Okanagan Falls — and I did not receive a straight answer. Instead of clarity and accountability, residents were given political doublespeak. Our community deserves better: clear information, transparent decision-making, and an opportunity to be heard directly by the Minister.

What’s at stake

When a community votes to incorporate, it’s about local control, good local government, and the right of residents to choose their future. Okanagan Falls voted in favour of incorporation, but the process since that vote has left many residents confused and frustrated as steps stalled and new issues were introduced. Media coverage and community leaders have raised concerns about the lack of transparency and the need for a straightforward path to finalize incorporation.

The provincial government has announced a facilitator to help finalize the letters patent — a necessary step toward creating the new municipality — but that process should not replace open, public discussion with Okanagan Falls residents. Many people want their questions answered face-to-face, and they want the Minister to explain the roadmap directly to the community.

Why a Town Hall matters

A Town Hall is not a political theatre — it’s a practical way for residents to get facts, for local leaders to present concerns, and for the Minister to hear directly from the people affected by these decisions. When negotiations or technical discussions happen behind closed doors, it undermines trust. A public meeting would give residents the chance to ask hard questions about naming, letters patent, transition to municipal governance, and how reconciliation conversations will be handled — and it would let the Province demonstrate openness and respect for local voices.

What I’m asking the Minister to do

The Minister needs to come to Okanagan Falls and hold a public Town Hall. It’s the simplest way to restore trust and give residents the answers they deserve. I have called for this directly and will continue to press for it until the people of Okanagan Falls have the transparency and accountability they were promised when they voted.

How you can help

If you care about open government, local accountability, and giving Okanagan Falls residents a chance to be heard, please send a letter asking the Minister to host a public Town Hall in Okanagan Falls. Your voice matters — and the Minister should hear it directly from residents, ratepayers, and community leaders.