Library borrowing Alternative Approval Process
To cover construction costs associated with the Okanagan Regional Library (ORL) branch in West Kelowna.
Effective April 1, 2025, the Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) is conducting an Alternative Approval Process (AAP) for proposed borrowing to cover construction costs associated with the Okanagan Regional Library (ORL) branch in West Kelowna.
The Regional Board approved the use of an AAP for borrowing on behalf of the library during its meeting on March 20, 2025. The purpose of the AAP is to gauge elector support before authorizing bylaws that would permit the RDCO to borrow $2,500,000 on behalf of the ORL. Previously, an AAP was conducted for the ORL, resulting in $8,000,000 being borrowed to finance the build. An additional $2,500,000 is now required to cover the remaining construction costs.
There will be no financial impact on the RDCO, as the Okanagan Regional Library has agreed to pay all debt and costs associated with the borrowing process, given its inability to directly access Municipal Finance Authority financing.
It is estimated that there are 208,385 qualified electors within the proposed Service Area boundaries of the RDCO, which include the Central Okanagan East and West Electoral Areas, the City of Kelowna, the City of West Kelowna, the District of Lake Country, and the District of Peachland. Residents of Westbank First Nation reserves #9 and #10 are not eligible to participate in this process.
Before approving the proposed Service Area Establishment Bylaw No. 1477 and Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 1478, elector approval is required. Residents who support the proposed borrowing do not need to take any action.
Those opposed must submit an Elector Response Form, with an original signature to the RDCO Corporate Officer at 1450 KLO Road, Kelowna, BC, by 4 p.m. on May 1, 2025. The form is available online at yoursay.rdco.com/orl-aap or in person at the RDCO Office at 1450 KLO Road or either the West Kelowna City Hall or West Kelowna Library Branch at 3731 Old Okanagan Highway.
The Alternative Approval Process requires at least ten percent (20,835) of the estimated 208,385 eligible electors to submit a form to necessitate a Referendum before the Regional Board can adopt the proposed bylaws.
For more information on the alternative approval process visit yoursay.rdco.com/orl-aap or contact Sandi Horning, Deputy Corporate Officer at 250-469-6204 or email corporate.officer@rdco.com. General information about AAPs can be found at rdco.com/aap.
