RDCO invites feedback on proposed Westside wastewater development cost updates

The Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) is completing a major five-year review of Development Cost Charges (DCCs) for Westside wastewater services and is inviting feedback on the proposed updates.

DCCs are fees collected from new development to help fund growth-related infrastructure. For the RDCO, these charges contribute to major systems, including the Westside Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant and the East Trunk Sewer Collection System.

Within the Westside wastewater service area, Westside Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant DCCs apply to new developments in the City of West Kelowna, the District of Peachland and Westbank First Nation. East Trunk Sewer Collection System DCCs apply to new developments in the City of West Kelowna and Westbank First Nation. Existing homeowners would not pay these charges unless undertaking new development, expansion or subdivision.

Based on the review, the RDCO is proposing modest updates to DCC rates. Charges associated with the Westside Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant would increase by approximately 7.7 to 7.8 per cent, while charges related to the East Trunk Sewer Collection System would increase by approximately 5.2 to 5.3 per cent.

The proposed updates follow a comprehensive technical review, including updated growth projections, wastewater system modelling and construction cost analysis, and reflect increased construction and material costs. The changes are intended to ensure infrastructure required to support future growth continues to be funded by development.

Public engagement runs from Feb. 26, 2026, to 4 p.m. on March 19, 2026. During this period, residents and affected parties are invited to review the materials, ask questions and provide comments.

Residents can participate by:

• Visiting yoursay.rdco.com/DCC to review background information and submit questions or comments
• Attending the virtual public information session on March 18, 2026, at 5 p.m. Registration is available at yoursay.rdco.com/DCC
• Emailing questions or comments to engineer@rdco.com
• Mailing or delivering written feedback to 1450 K.L.O. Rd., Kelowna, B.C., V1W 3Z4
• Note: All submissions must be received by 4:00 p.m. on March 19, 2026.

Feedback will be reviewed and summarized as part of a final report to the RDCO Board.

More information, including background materials and details of the proposed DCC updates, is available at yoursay.rdco.com/DCC.