McDougall Creek wildfire rebuild

The RDCO is committed to supporting LOR property owners as they navigate the rebuilding process. Although much of the efforts to rebuild rely on the next steps taken by LOR corporation and property owners, we have developed resources to aid in rebuilding efforts: permit process graphic and information bulletin. 

The RDCO has connected directly with specific representatives from the ministries and agencies involved to confirm the needed steps for rebuilding. 

Landowners are responsible for clean up and debris removal. This includes "Lake Okanagan Resort (2013) Ltd./Lake Okanagan Resort Development Ltd.", existing stratas and other land owners.

Hazard removal mitigation and critical infrastructure (power, water and wastewater) are required for rebuilding. RDCO development permit and building permits are also required. 

The RDCO understands the private water and wastewater systems previously serving LOR are not currently functioning. Before a building permit can be approved, we require confirmation from the applicable agencies that servicing has been secured. Occupancy would not be approved until all required services are constructed, installed, complete, tested and supported by final written approval from each applicable agency.

Before any construction, an overall property mitigation plan must be developed to demonstrate how hazards associated with adjacent buildings, structures and site features (regardless of ownership) will be managed. This includes consideration of roadways, walkways, docks and other traversable areas used by pedestrians and vehicles. The mitigation plan should clearly identify hazards, establish control measures and demonstrate how those controls will be maintained over time.

Construction, reconstruction, land alteration, servicing works, vegetation removal, excavation, grading, demolition, occupancy, temporary use or installation of new infrastructure must not occur until all required RDCO permits, utility authorizations, provincial approvals, professional assessments and private legal permissions are in place.

The RDCO utility acquisition policy does not allow the RDCO to take over privately owned utility infrastructure. Any infrastructure transfer must be voluntary and provided at no cost to the RDCO, with all related costs fully covered.

No, owning land or a strata unit does not guarantee the ability to rebuild. There are several constraints (e.g critical infrastructure) that must be addressed prior to the review, approval and issuance of RDCO development and building permits. Other considerations include but are not limited to fire access and emergency response, and legal encumbrances and development rights. 

Future development must meet regulations for CD-2 zone in Zoning | Bylaw No. 871. See Appendix A CD-2. The purpose of the CD-2 zone is to provide for the comprehensive development of a residential and commercial resort community.

Depending on the proposal, a Development Variance Permit or a Floodplain Exemption may be required.

Form and Character Development Permit Areas are required to address site layout, building form, visual impacts and compatibility with the surrounding area.

LOR lands include other Development Permit Areas and depending on the proposal may include:

• sensitive aquatic ecosystem
• sensitive terrestrial ecosystem
• hillside
• wildfire interface

All redevelopment is considered new construction and there are no grandfathering provisions that apply. Future development will be reviewed against the BC Building Code in effect at the time of application.

The site has been secured to protect public safety. The entire site is considered a life safety hazard due the absence of servicing, outstanding hazard mitigation and removal, lack of geotechnical assessments, danger tree assessments and utility assessments post wildfire. 

Potential natural hazard concerns for redevelopment include post-wildfire debris flows, flooding, slope stability, erosion, drainage, stormwater management, geotechnical hazards, hydrogeological conditions, and wildfire interface risks. See Post-Wildfire Natural Hazards Risk Analysis of the 2023 McDougall Creek Wildfire completed by the Province.