Regional Board meeting highlights - Feb. 19

Westside wastewater development cost charge bylaws advance
The Regional Board gave first reading to two bylaws as part of a major review of Westside Wastewater Development Cost Charges, which fund growth‑related infrastructure. Staff will proceed with public and interested party engagement before bringing the bylaws back to the Board for further consideration.

North Westside Regional Water System update received
The Regional Board received an update on the previously approved North Westside Regional Water System project, including information from Interior Health related to drinking water compliance requirements. 

Following discussion, the Board did not approve a motion to discontinue the project, citing concerns about maintaining regulatory compliance and the potential for increased infrastructure costs if the project were delayed or deferred.

2026–2030 Financial Plan approved with reduced operating increase
The Regional Board approved the 2026–2030 Financial Plan with a $5.7 million operating budget increase for 2026, representing a 5.6% increase, reduced from the $6.9 million increase presented in January. The approved plan reflects the Board’s direction to reduce the operating increase while maintaining current service levels wherever possible.

The 5.6% excludes borrowing through the Municipal Finance Authority on behalf of, and paid for entirely by, municipal partners. This does not affect RDCO tax rates.

Security issuing bylaws adopted for City of Kelowna borrowing
The Regional Board adopted two security issuing bylaws to enable borrowing of $108 million on behalf of the City of Kelowna through the Municipal Finance Authority’s Spring 2026 issue. There is no direct financial impact on the RDCO, as all debt servicing costs are paid by the City of Kelowna.

Glen Canyon Regional Park agreement renewed
The Regional Board approved renewing the Glen Canyon Regional Park Joint Management and Regulation Agreement with the City of West Kelowna for a five‑year term, with the option to extend for two additional five‑year terms. The agreement supports continued operation of a key parking and trail access point at Gellatly Road and includes updated insurance language.

Regional climate risk and resilience work update
The Regional Board received an update on the development of a grant‑funded Hazard Risk and Vulnerability Assessment and Regional Climate Resilience Strategy to better understand climate‑related risks across the region. The work will inform emergency management, land‑use planning and future infrastructure decisions, with further technical analysis, engagement with regional partners and the public and future Board updates planned as the project moves forward.

Grant application endorsed to modernize development approvals
The Regional Board endorsed an application to the Union of BC Municipalities Local Government Development Approvals Program for up to $200,000 to support modernization of Regional District development approvals processes, including improvements to digital tools and internal workflows.

CAO performance review process outlined
The Regional Board received an overview of the Chief Administrative Officer performance review process as part of the Board’s annual responsibilities.

Delegation request to City of Kelowna update received
The Regional Board received an update on a delegation request to the City of Kelowna regarding Fringe Area Planning and the 2026–2030 Fringe Planning Agreement. The update noted the request has been approved for presentation to the City of Kelowna’s Audit Committee.

Regional Board meetings
Regional District office – 1450 KLO Road, Kelowna (Woodhaven Boardroom

• March 19 – 8:30 a.m. (Regular Board meeting)

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