Regional Board meeting highlights - May 15

2024 Financial Statements
The Regional Board approved the Regional District of Central Okanagan’s Financial Statements, for the year ended December 31, 2024.

Falcon Ridge Water System East Service Area Security Issuing Bylaw No. 1570
The Regional Board gave first, second and third readings and adopted Falcon Ridge Water System Expansion East Security Issuing Bylaw No. 1570. The bylaw enables the borrowing of $36,895 to cover final construction costs for one of three properties that joined the Falcon Ridge Water System through a borrowing process. The project was completed in 2024 and supports improved access to safe drinking water in the community. Debt servicing will be recovered from the participating property via annual parcel tax.

Miscellaneous Fees and Charges Bylaw updated
The Regional Board gave first, second and third readings and adopted Bylaw No. 1568, Amendment No. 1 to the Miscellaneous Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 1425, 2018. The amendment introduces three new fees: a 3.5% credit card processing fee on transactions over $500 and two new information request fees for historical information searches and archival research. These changes help RDCO recover the cost of services not funded through other means and improve transparency and readability of the bylaw.

Purchasing Policy amendments
The Regional Board approved amendments to Board Policy BP7.20 – Purchasing Policy and renamed it to BP23-2025 Purchasing Policy. The updated policy reflects inflation-adjusted purchasing thresholds, new procurement methods and enhanced guidelines for ethical, social and environmentally responsible procurement. New sections address conflict of interest, confidentiality, emergency expenditures, supporting local vendors and the disposal of surplus goods.

Grant-in-Aid Policy updated
The Regional Board approved amendments to the Regional Grant-in-Aid Policy and renamed it BP 22-2025 Grant in Aid. Updates clarify eligibility criteria, application deadlines and reporting requirements to improve transparency, ensure fiscal accountability and align funding decisions with RDCO priorities.

Building Bylaw amendments adopted
The Regional Board gave first, second and third reading and adopted Bylaw No. 1569, amending the RDCO Building Bylaw. The change reduces the time incomplete or deficient building permit applications are held from 180 days to 60 days. This update supports more efficient processing of applications and allows staff to focus resources on complete and actionable files, ultimately improving service delivery in support of housing and rebuilding efforts.

Draft Regional Agricultural Strategy survey
The Regional Board received an update that the Draft Regional Agricultural Strategy will be launched for public input. The strategy outlines goals and actions to support a thriving agricultural sector in the face of challenges such as population growth and climate change. A public survey will be conducted through yoursay.rdco.com from late May to the end of June to gather feedback and help shape the final strategy.

Regional Transportation Service update received
The Regional Board received an update on the establishment of a Regional Transportation Service at the RDCO to improve long-term regional transportation planning and coordination. Staff will now seek consent from Electoral Area Directors and member local governments to proceed with the service establishment. If approved, the RDCO would begin regional transportation planning, coordination and program management starting in 2026.

Advisory committees dissolved following midterm review
The Regional Board rescinded the Terms of Reference and formally dissolved the Agricultural Advisory Committee, Planning Advisory Committee and Environment & Climate Advisory Committee. These changes follow a midterm committee review and support the transition to a consolidated Electoral Area Services Standing Committee model, streamlining advisory functions and aligning with current Board priorities.

Consent granted for water service to McCulloch Lake Resort
The Regional Board granted consent to the City of Kelowna to provide non-potable water service to McCulloch Lake Resort, a property located in RDCO Electoral Area East. The consent is a legal requirement under the Community Charter and may be rescinded if the agreement is terminated or if risks arise.

Library Loan Authorization Bylaw adopted
The Regional Board received the results of the Alternate Approval Process for Bylaw No. 1558, confirming elector assent. The Board adopted the bylaw, authorizing RDCO to borrow up to $2.5 million on behalf of the Okanagan Regional Library for construction and renovations at the new West Kelowna branch. All costs will be repaid by the library with no financial impact to the RDCO.

Technical Rescue Services Agreement released
The Regional Board received for information the Technical Rescue Services Agreement between RDCO and the City of West Kelowna for the 2025–2030 term. The agreement enhances specialized rescue service capacity throughout the region.

Fire Services Review final report received
The Regional Board received the final report of the Fire Services Review, which assessed RDCO Fire Services operations. The review included 45 recommendations related to compliance, agreements, staffing, training and operations—all of which have now been implemented. The report confirms RDCO’s commitment to delivering effective, safe and fiscally responsible fire protection services.

2023 Wildfires After-Action Review update received
The Regional Board received an update on progress made in response to the 2023 Wildfires After-Action Review. The update outlines actions taken by the Central Okanagan Regional Emergency Program to strengthen emergency preparedness and response capabilities. Staff continue to implement key recommendations to enhance coordination and service delivery ahead of future wildfire seasons.

Regional Board meetings
Regional District office – 1450 KLO Road, Kelowna (Woodhaven Boardroom)

• June 19 – 8:30 a.m. (Committee of the Whole)
• June 19 – 10:30 a.m. (Regular Board meeting)
• July 17 – 8:30 a.m. (Regular Board meeting)

A live stream video link will be available for each 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.

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