Specific Communities Comments concerning Core Review Goals

Some of the most interesting findings concerning the Core Review goals came from communities in which previous criticisms of the ALC/ALR had been most vocal. In general these communities’ CAOs were supportive of the changes and satisfied with the new system.

For example, when asked about the ALC’s adoption of 3-member panels in each of six regions, Kelowna felt it brought decision-making closer to the community and to the people affected by the decisions; improved Commission responsiveness and flexibility; provided more opportunities for interaction and dialogue; created stronger partnerships with the ALC; and provided decision-makers who were more knowledgeable about the region.

Richmond was another pleasant surprise. When asked about the ALC’s adoption of 3-member panels for each of six regions, the City felt it brought decision-making closer to the community and to the people affected by the decisions; improved Commission responsiveness and flexibility; provided more opportunities for interaction and dialogue; and created stronger partnerships with the ALC. It registered "Don’t Know/No Opinion" when asked if panels provided decision-makers who were more knowledgeable about the region.

Delta, too, expressed strong support. On Commission panels Delta felt it brought decision-making closer to the community (but not to the people affected by the decisions); improved Commission responsiveness and flexibility in terms of the time required for a decision; provided more opportunities for interaction and dialogue; and provided decision-makers who were more knowledgeable about the region.

In Langley Township the views of the CAO on Commission panels were similar to both Richmond and Delta. When asked about the ALC’s adoption of 3-member panels for each of six regions, the Township felt it brought decision-making closer to the community and to the people affected by the decisions; improved Commission responsiveness and flexibility; provided more opportunities for interaction and dialogue; and provided decision-makers who were more knowledgeable about the region. It did not feel panels created stronger partnerships between the ALC and local governments.

Outside the Okanagan and the Lower Mainland, in communities that have historically been critical of the ALC, the opinions of the CAOs were similarly positive. Cariboo, Nanaimo, Fraser-Fort George and Peace River Regional Districts all gave the ALC’s new panel system and the review/processing of applications high marks.