Regional Board meeting highlights - July 16
Here's what you might have missed from the Regional Board
Regional Growth Strategy consultation plan approved
The Regional Board approved the Regional Growth Strategy Consultation Plan, launching the next phase of work to help shape the future of the Central Okanagan. Over the next two years, residents, First Nation government partners, local governments, businesses, community organizations and other interest groups will have opportunities to share their ideas through surveys, workshops, open houses and community events. Input gathered throughout the process will help inform a new Regional Growth Strategy that supports coordinated planning for housing, transportation, infrastructure, and environmental protection across the region.
Regional Climate Resilience Strategy endorsed
The Regional Board endorsed the Regional Climate Resilience Strategy, providing a coordinated roadmap to help the Central Okanagan prepare for increasing climate risks, including wildfire, flooding, drought and extreme heat. Developed through technical analysis and community engagement, the strategy identifies seven focus areas and 55 actions designed strengthen regional collaboration, reduce shared risks and help build a more resilient Central Okanagan.
Affordable transit pass program supported for Electoral Area East
The Regional Board endorsed, in principle, participation in the regional Affordable Transit Pass Program, subject to approval through the 2027-2031 Financial Plan. If approved, the program will provide eligible lower-income residents in Electoral Area East with access to discounted transit fares.
Development permit approved for Bear Creek Road property
The Regional Board approved a development permit for 910 Bear Creek Rd. to support the redevelopment of a single-family home following updated environmental and geotechnical assessments completed after the 2023 McDougall Creek wildfire. The approval includes updated building envelope covenants that reflect current site conditions and ensure future development occurs within safe, technically supported building areas.
Security issuing bylaw adopted
The Regional Board adopted a security issuing bylaw on behalf of the City of Kelowna to enable participation in the Municipal Finance Authority's Fall 2026 borrowing program. The bylaw allows the City to proceed with borrowing for recreation and activity centre projects. The borrowing and all associated repayment costs remain the responsibility of the City of Kelowna and have no financial impact on the RDCO.
RDCO manufacturing database recognized for innovation
The Regional Board endorsed the RDCO's application to the 2026 Union of BC Municipalities Community Excellence Awards for the Okanagan Manufacturing Database in the Excellence in Service Delivery category. Developed by the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission, the innovative, publicly accessible tool connects businesses with more than 760 manufacturers across the Okanagan, helping strengthen local supply chains, support regional investment and build economic resiliency. Since launching in 2025, the database has been adopted by businesses, governments and post-secondary institutions across Canada.
Regional District office, 1450 KLO Rd., Kelowna (Woodhaven Boardroom)
· August 20, 8:30 a.m. – Regional Board
· September 10, 8:30 a.m. – Regional Hospital District
· September 10, 9:30 a.m. – Regional Board
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