Staff at the Penticton and Port McNeil Forest District offices have found a way to save money, create efficiencies and improve customer service. How? By organizing a “community government” that brings together people from government agencies and offices to share resources and ideas.

They formed local councils, made up of representatives from all interested offices and agencies at any level of government.

In Port McNeil, participants include the provincial ministries of Forests, Children and Families, Social Development and Economic Security, Fisheries, and Labour, together with the local Government Agent’s office, the Ambulance Service and the RCMP.

Council members meet monthly to discuss ways they can help each other, from lending equipment to sharing training and expertise. Julie Foster, Manager of Corporate Services in Port McNeil, chairs the North Vancouver Island council.

In Penticton, after only a year in operation, the council has representatives from 25 offices, including most provincial agencies, the City, the Regional District, ICBC, two federal agencies and the community law office.

Brian Brown, Operations Manager in Penticton, co-chairs the council with Wendy Hood of the Government Agent’s office.

A swell of grassroots support has developed in both communities. MOF staff members say they think the concept is good for customers and makes excellent business sense.

Contacts:

Julie Foster, Port McNeil Forest District at 250 956-5018

Patty Derkach or Natalina Araujo, Penticton Forest District at
250 490-2200