Departments

Our programs and services cross a wide range of areas that are important to residents of the Central Okanagan. Listed below are the departments that make up our organization and services.

Communications and information services

This department is responsible for overseeing a wide range of communications and information services:

Communications

Responsible for all internal and external communications, advertising, news releases and other public engagement tools including social media channels in order to provide consistent and open information for Central Okanagan residents.

Information services

Delivers online services like Geographical Information Systems (GIS), as well as the technical support for the integration of corporate applications and works with all departments to improve the use of technology.

Community services

This department supports and enhances the quality of life enjoyed by residents through a variety of direct services:

Business licensing

Responsible for the licensing of businesses in the Central Okanagan East and Central Okanagan West Electoral Areas. This also includes participation of the Regional District in the Inter-Community Business Licensing program.

Bylaw services

Provides dog control and dog pound services along with prohibited animal control for the entire regional district. Invasive weeds and insect service is provided seasonally along with other bylaw services for the electoral areas including unsightly premises, noise, smoke control and zoning regulations.

Inspection services

Provides building permits and inspections at various stages of the construction process to ensure that construction conforms to the minimum standards of the BC Building Code.

Planning

Responsible for land use policies, ensuring proper infrastructure and orderly development, evaluates applications and provides recommendations to decision makers, assists the public with land use regulations, applications and processes.

Protective services

Crime prevention - Promotes safer communities and provide crime prevention advice and leadership.
Crime Stoppers - Is a community-based crime solving organization that offers cash rewards for anonymous tips leading to an arrest or charges in cases involving wanted suspects, illegal drugs or stolen property.
False Alarm Reduction Program - Reduces the number of false alarms that require police response by working with alarm companies and the public.
RCMP Victim Services - Helps lessen the impact of crime and trauma on victims, witnesses and their friends/families.
9-1-1 communications - Administers the 9-1-1 Public Safety Answer Point (PSAP) program on behalf of our Central Okanagan communities as well as eight other regional districts in the Central and Southern Interior.

Regional emergency program

During an emergency, this program supports first responders and makes provisions to protect lives. It also provides guidelines for recovery operations after any emergency or disaster ends to return as quickly as possible to pre-emergency life.

Corporate services

This department provides services and support to the Regional Board, Policy and Bylaw development, Legal and Legislative changes including Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy requests, Records Management and Human Resources.

Every four years the Corporate Services department oversees and manages Local Government Elections for Directors of Central Okanagan East and Central Okanagan West Electoral Areas, as well as School District No. 23 Trustees for these areas.

Economic development commission

The Regional District of Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission (COEDC) provides economic development services to citizens and businesses of the region. The COEDC utilizes the expertise of a 45+ member advisory body representing local government, partner organizations and industry leaders from a cross section of business sectors and provide a valuable link between the business community and the organization or industry sector they represent.

Freedom of information and protection of privacy

The Regional District works to assist with requests wherever possible under the authority of Bylaw No. 1406 that manages compliance with Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy legislation.

Human resources

Responsible for the administration of more than 100 full, part-time and seasonal employees.
Responsible for labour relations, recruitment, training and career planning, employee health and safety and Workers Compensation regulations.

Engineering services

This department provides a variety of services directly to residents in several areas:

Provides Environmental Services including the Regional Waste Reduction Office.
The operation of the Westside Residential Waste Disposal and Recycling Centre and transfer stations at Traders Cove and North Westside.
Responsible for six RDCO water systems.
Provides Fire Services for the paid on-call fire departments serving Ellison, Joe Rich, North Westside and Wilson's Landing.
Responsible for asset management, facilities and fleet.
Responsible for the Westside Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant, servicing residents and businesses in the City of West Kelowna, District of Peachland and Westbank First Nation.
Runs the Nuisance Mosquito Control Program for participating funding areas.

Financial services

This department:

Provides financial and administrative services to the Regional District and Regional Hospital District.
Works with the Board, public, and all of the departments on financial budgeting, tax requisitioning, reporting, cash management, planning and monitoring.
Ensures our financial projections and Strategic Performance Based Budgeting targets are being met.
Is responsible for the purchasing and procurement and contracting of goods and services by the Regional District.

Parks services