Having concern for local issues, and time spent working for candidates, convinced Brad Hope to step into the world of politics. In 2008 he was elected as Area H Director for the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen. (RDOS) He was again elected in 2011.
Director Hope has enjoyed getting to know and working with the residents of Tulameen, Coalmont, Eastgate, Osprey and Chain Lakes, Allison Lake and the Princeton areas. He has become well known for his dedication to the environment and support of numerous projects such as; Tulameen’s “Raise The Roof”, the library, museum, airport and the trails in the area—just to name a few. For the past seven months he has also spent a great deal of time working with the Stakeholders group trying to resolve the hospital issues.
Most recently, residents of the Osprey, Link and Chain Lakes area are extending their gratitude and appreciation towards Director Hope and the RDOS.
On Saturday, Oct. 13, Director Hope presented two cheques from the RDOS to assist residents of these areas with two items of major concern.
The Osprey Water board - governing water service to 87 households.
The Westmere Lake Dam, which had been serving the households since the mid 1960’s had to be decommissioned under sections 85 and 88 of the Water Act and the British Columbia Dam Safety Regulations. Engineering studies were performed, a road built to the dam, rock and gravel trucked in, the dam removed and the road decommissioned. The 87 households are responsible for the cost, and the majority have or are in process of having wells drilled on their properties as well.
Director Hope presented the Osprey Water Board with a cheque for $10,000 to help defray the cost of the engineering studies and the decommissioning of the dam.
The grant will cover only a fraction of the cost, but the thought, support and money is very much appreciated. In a press release Rob Miller stated, “Brad was very helpful throughout the entire process.”
Hayes Creek Fire Department - serving the Osprey, Link and Chain Lakes areas.
The arrival time for an ambulance to these areas is about an hour from either Summerland or Princeton. With this situation, early medical intervention is critical. With a ratio of 80 percent medical calls and 20 percent fire calls, it is a blessing that the Hayes Creek Fire Department has 20 trained firefighters and medical first responders. The department is outfitted with a fire hall, two fire trucks and a medical first responder unit as well.
The Hayes Creek Volunteer Fire Department serves approximately 200 paying member households at $50 per year. For the past two years the department has received no monetary support from the provincial government. Training, fuel, maintenance, utilities and equipment costs far exceed the monies brought in. However, the generosity and support they have received from Director Hope and the RDOS has allowed them to keep providing these essential services to their community.
On Oct. 13, Director Hope on behalf of the RDOS presented a $2,500 check to Chief Rob Miller.
The Hayes Creek Fire Department extends a big “thank you” to Director Hope and the RDOS as well as to their paying member households for the much appreciated continued support and to the dedicated volunteers who make it all possible.