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September 06, 2023 - 4:51 PM
Whether it’s on the phone or over coffee, anyone trying to influence a Kelowna city councillor’s decision is going have to let everyone know.
Council will be asked on Monday, Sept. 11, to not only create a Lobbyist Registry but to also adopt a Council Interaction with Developers Policy.
“Lobbyist means an individual, whether paid or voluntary, who lobbies an elected official regarding a matter within Council’s jurisdiction,” a report going to council says. “The lobbyist may represent individual interests or represent an organization, whether employed by that organization or on behalf of a different organization.”
Whether that lobbying effort is by phone, in writing or face-to-face, the lobbyist must register with the city within five days of contact.
They have to provide their name, contact information, business or organization they represent, the initial date of the communication and the topic or topics covered.
The registry will be published on the city’s website and updated regularly.
Enforcement will start with the lobbyist being contacted and given the opportunity to register. If they don’t comply, city staff can then provide council members with their names so councillors can ignore them, if they so choose.
If a lobbyist for a developer does not register, their development application will not be forwarded to council.
When the idea of the registry was introduced by mayor Tom Dyas last year, he said there would be some teeth in it. He pointed to Toronto’s bylaw that includes fines for not complying.
READ MORE: Kelowna lobbyists beware – there will be consequences if you break the rules
No such penalties are listed in the report to council.
The Interaction with Developers policy defines developers as the property owner and applicant, including any agent or representative. These would all be people who must register as lobbyists.
The policy deals with things like the provincial Community Charter that says councillors must make decisions with an open mind and not make that decision until all information has been presented.
It also points out that council members can’t do things like talk to the public or developer after a public hearing has closed.
“A Lobbyist Registry supports transparency and accountability around Council decision-making through registration and disclosure requirements for those seeking to influence a Council decision,” the report says.
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