Council has voted to approve a presentation to present a Poverty Reduction Plan for the RMWB.

Councillor Funky Banjoko brought the motion forward at the Sept. 12 council meeting and discussions took place at the Oct. 10 meeting.

Councillor Banjoko said the RMWB is unique in some ways when it comes to cost of living as well as wage gaps between low income and average income residents.

The motion also states that some residents, including Indigenous citizens and immigrants to the region, currently struggle with basic daily needs.

It states that certain social and mental health challenges in the region have certain poverty factors that need to be addressed.

The RMWB has been directed to work with the Poverty Reduction Network to bring a plan to council to discuss a Poverty Reduction Plan.

The Poverty Reduction Plan will be specific to the region and will aim to address access to affordable housing, transportation, education and training, as well as health and mental health supports.

Council voted unanimously in favour of the decision.

Mayor Bowman also proclaimed the week of Oct. 16 – Oct. 22, 2023 as Poverty and Homelessness Awareness Week.