Residents have come together to establish the Apex Community Association (ACA) and foster connections.
According to Caroline Lachapelle, Apex resident and president of the newly-formed society, it will be soon registered as a charitable organization. The Apex Fire Brigade will join as a charitable entity so that donations to the brigade can go through the association.
READ MORE: Video - reality TV star donates engine to Apex Fire Brigade
Lachapelle said this is not to be confused with the Apex Property Owners Association, which she describes as a member-funded group that tackles activism-related causes in the area such as mining and logging.
“The purpose of the Apex Community Association is to foster growth in the community and give a voice to the residents, so not necessarily just property owners but everyone who lives in the Apex community,” said Lachapelle. “So everyone can come forward with ideas or concerns that they have for what’s going on in the area.”
READ MORE: Motorcyclist medevaced to Kelowna after collision with deer near Apex Mountain Resort
Lachapelle said once the association has its AGM, it will officially elect its board of directors and she will seek re-election as president. From there, the intent is to form sub-committees for projects that are brought to the association for support. She listed examples like creating a paintball field, establishing a parks and recreation committee, hosting an annual dinner event and more.
“These are just hypothetical, so I’m not saying this is exactly how it’s going to be, but it’s giving a voice to the people who live up here and giving them the opportunity to have a board of directors that has access to provincial funding as well as RDOS funding and grants,” said Lachapelle.
She said this will also be beneficial for the Apex Fire Brigade, which will be able to grow under the society as it moves toward being volunteer run. Once it’s fully in operation, Lachapelle said the ACA will be reaching out to the community in various ways to let residents know it’s ready and there to serve them. She noted that the association will not be handling property or neighbour disputes and said Subrina Monteith, director for RDOS Electoral Area I, would still be the best contact person for those type of concerns.
“The ACA will work for the community … Eventually, when we want to work towards things like building a community centre and a fire hall we will need the community’s approval,” said Lachapelle. “It’s all community-driven.”
To report a typo, email: editor@pentictonwesternnews.com.
<>Jordyn Thomson | Reporter
JordynThomson
Send Jordyn Thomson an email.
Like the Western News on Facebook.
Follow us on Twitter.