Poverty and Wellness Strategy

The Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) is developing a Central Okanagan Poverty and Wellness Strategy (COPAWS) to provide a coordinated action for poverty reduction in the region.

All residents are invited to participate by completing a community survey. The survey encourages people to share their stories, experiences, and thoughts on how to best address critical needs in the region and help people out of poverty.

The survey is available online at rdco.com/povertyandwellness until February 28. To better understand residents’ needs, the survey also includes questions relating to the RDCO’s Regional Housing Strategy (RHS).

A free, virtual Community Forum is also planned for Wednesday, March 2 from 6:30 to 8 p.m., where individuals can learn more about the Strategy and provide feedback. Register for the forum at rdco.com/povertyandwellness.

One in six children and 15 per cent of the total population in the Central Okanagan continue to live in poverty. This social and economic inequality expands as our population rapidly grows. Rising economic and social inequality is a significant threat to the long-term wellbeing, quality of life, and success for all in the region.

“The RDCO is working to provide a coordinated, shared community framework for poverty reduction in the Central Okanagan. Our focus is on building relationships and capacity within and across the region for collaborative action and to strengthen coordination between regional systems,” says Community Services Director Todd Cashin. “Collaboration is a key part of building advocacy and making sure this Strategy is successful—we want our people to feel both seen and represented by its outcomes.”

In May 2020, the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) awarded a $149,000 grant to the RDCO and member municipalities to develop the regional strategy and help to improve the wellbeing of Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. COPAWS is intended to strengthen the partnership between the RDCO, and local Indigenous communities, municipalities, and other community partners and agencies from across the region.

Guided by principles of reconciliation, equity, and inclusion the project will center the voices of those with lived and living experience, through extensive public engagement. Through collaborative action, the Strategy will aim to provide everyone in the Central Okanagan a real and fair chance to succeed with improved policies, practices, and resources.

For more information on the Central Okanagan Poverty and Wellness Strategy and to stay informed as Strategy is developed, subscribe for the project at yoursay.rdco.com.