2023-2027 water rates and fees
The Regional Board has adopted bylaws setting out annual rate adjustments for 2023 through 2027 for each of the six water systems maintained and operated by the regional district. The new rates reflect inflation and operating cost increases and projections since the last rate adjustments were approved in 2019. Specific fees may need to be adjusted during the annual budget process to ensure each system is financially sustainable. The rates vary by each system based in part on its age, number of customers served and regulatory water quality requirements. Information on the new rates is available at rdco.com/waterrates.
New water systems regulation bylaw
The Regional Board adopted a new Water Systems Regulation Bylaw to provide consistency in operations and the provisions of Drinking Water Regulations and Guidelines for the six RDCO water systems. The bylaw includes:
- no charge seasonal water turn on/off once a year
- User fees will continue while water to a connected property is turned off
- additional options to the RDCO for bylaw compliance water system safety to reduce unauthorized connections and unmetered water use
- all future new property connections or those involving major renovations are required to install an in-ground, accessible pit to house the water meter
Wastewater service standing committee
The Regional Board adopted the Terms of Reference for the Westside Wastewater Service Standing Committee and appointed these committee members:
- Vice-chair Gord Milsom (West Kelowna)
- Director Jordan Coble (Westbank First Nation)
- Director Patrick Van Minsel (Peachland)
- Director Stephen Johnston (RDCO)
The combined assets of the Westside Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant and East Trunk Sanitary Sewer System are valued at more than $150 million.
First regional citizen survey results
The Committee of the Whole received the results of the first statistically-valid citizen survey conducted for the Regional District. The survey provided an opportunity for direct feedback from participants, an indication of citizen priorities and helps gauge satisfaction with existing RDCO programs and services. It may also assist the Regional Board in priority setting and allocating resources. Among the findings:
- 94% of residents reported a good overall quality of life
- 94% are generally satisfied with the overall level of services received from the RDCO
- 79% believe they get good value for their taxes
The survey was done by Ipsos during the fall involving 700 participants. The results are considered accurate +/- 3.7%, 19 times out of 20.
Regional District office – 1450 KLO Road, Kelowna (Woodhaven Boardroom)
- Thursday, January 19 – 6 p.m.
- Thursday, February 2 – 8:30 a.m.
- Thursday, February 16 - 6 p.m.
- Thursday, February 23 – Electoral Area Services Committee – 8:30 a.m.
When a meeting begins, a live stream video link will be available for that meeting in the Upcoming Meeting agenda section of rdco.com/agenda. When available, a link to the Video recording will be posted in the Past Meetings section for the individual meeting date.
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