Regional Board meeting highlights - September 26, 2022

North Westside governance study report

The Regional Board has received the final report of the North Westside Governance and Services Study Committee.  The report was prepared by the independent consultant that worked with the committee since early this year in a process that involved public meetings and community engagement. The committee recommends “that the Regional Board in collaboration with the Province and Regional District of North Okanagan pursue a further study to explore in detail the services, governance and financial implications of removing the North Westside from the Central Okanagan West Electoral Area and RDCO boundary and create a separate electoral area within the Regional District of North Okanagan.”  The RDCO chair will forward the final committee report and recommendation for consideration by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs.

Killiney Beach-Westshore water study

The Regional Board has received a detailed engineering study outlining supply and treatment options for the Killiney Beach and Westshore Estates water systems to meet all Canadian Drinking Water Guidelines.  Staff has been directed to prepare a project plan supporting either an overland or underwater transmission main from the Fintry/Shorts Creek groundwater aquifer to service the two systems.  In addition, the Board received a second engineering report looking at whether to add backup generators to each system.  The Board directed staff to provide a future report on the costs, funding sources and financial implications of adding permanent generators to the Killiney Beach and Westshore water systems.

Falcon Ridge water service expansion

The Regional Board has approved various bylaws to proceed with expanding Falcon Ridge water service to three properties to the west portion of the service area boundary.  Construction is expected to be complete this year.  The estimated $148,500 cost will be funded by the new customers along with along with a $15,900 contribution from the Community Works Fund to install a fire hydrant.

Regional Agricultural Strategy update

The Regional Board has received an update on the phased plan to develop a Regional Agricultural Strategy. An experienced consulting firm has been contracted through a public Request for Proposals to complete a Regional Agricultural Background Report and public and stakeholder engagement strategy by the end of 2022. 

Planning Applications considered

The Regional Board considered the following planning applications:

• Adoption of Official Community Plan (OCP) Amendment Bylaw No. 1274-12 and Zoning Amendment Bylaw 871-274 (Application Z22/02) for 944 Bear Creek Road to rezone a portion of the 32.4-hectare property for the purpose of future subdivision.

• Approved an additional one year extension for Development Permit Application (DP-20-09) for 2235 Westside Road for demolition of an existing dwelling and construction of a new single detached home and servicing.

• Conditional support for Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) Referral application (A-22-01) from a property owner at 4995 Trepanier Road. The applicant is seeking ALC approval to remove gravel from the property and replace it with soil to plant a vineyard. The Board requests the applicant meet several conditions including not removing gravel from the site; review of the application by the ALC Chief Executive Officer; approval of a water license reflecting proposed water use and completion of plans for grading and reclamation, transportation route and construction management.

• Does not support Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) Referral application (A-22-02) from a property owner at 3811 Old Vernon Road. The applicant is seeking ALC approval for a non-farm use to operate a landscaping business on 1.2-hectares of the 2.8-hectare A1-zoned parcel on the Agricultural Land Reserve. The application does not meet Provincial or RDCO policies.

Live/Recorded meeting video  

When a meeting begins, a live stream video link will be available in the Upcoming Meeting agenda section of the RDCO website. When available, a link to the meeting recording will be posted in the Past Meetings section for the individual meeting date. Links at rdco.com/agenda

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