Regional Board meeting highlights - Mar. 19
Here's what you might have missed from the Regional Board
Public hearing scheduled for short‑term rental bylaw amendments
The Regional Board gave first reading to proposed bylaw amendments to update short-term rental regulations in Electoral Areas East and West. A public hearing is scheduled for April 16, 2026, at 5 p.m.
More information is available at rdco.com/STR, including future public hearing details, a project FAQ and an overview of what the proposed bylaw amendments mean for residents and strata communities.
The Regional Board adopted a new Solid Waste Management Regulation Bylaw to modernize rules and reflect current waste collection practices, including the transition to Recycle BC managing curbside recycling beginning May 1, 2026. As part of the update, the bylaw includes two minor fee increases for RDCO transfer stations to reflect actual disposal costs: the fee for tires on rims will increase from $3 to $5, and the fee for mattresses will increase from $20 to $23.
Westside liquid waste plan update approved
The Regional Board directed staff to initiate an update to the Westside Liquid Waste Management Plan, which guides long‑term wastewater planning in the Westside area. The plan was last updated in 2000 and will now be refreshed to meet current provincial guidelines, account for growth and infrastructure needs, and involve extensive engagement with local governments, First Nations, residents and regulators.
Curbside recycling transition update received
The Regional Board received an update on the transition to Recycle BC direct curbside recycling service, which begins May 1, 2026. Presentations have now been completed with all partner municipalities and RDCO staff continue to work with Recycle BC and municipalities to support a smooth transition and ongoing public communications. Residents can learn more at rdco.com/RecycleBC
Five‑year financial plan adopted
The Regional Board adopted the RDCO’s 2026–2030 financial plan, focused on protecting essential services. The plan emphasizes careful spending while continuing to deliver the services people rely on every day, including regional parks, emergency and protective services and victim services.
For the average household, the RDCO portion of property taxes will increase by about $20, or 4.9 per cent, in 2026, bringing the average annual RDCO portion of property taxes to approximately $422. Learn more about the financial plan at rdco.com/news
2026 Electoral Area Grant‑in‑Aid funding approved
The Regional Board approved 2026 Grant‑in‑Aid funding for community organizations in Electoral Areas East and West, supporting local programs that promote recreation, animal welfare, youth engagement and community connection.
Grant‑in‑Aid policy updated to improve planning
The Regional Board approved an amendment to its Grant‑in‑Aid policy to move the application deadline for Electoral Area grants from Feb. 28 to Dec. 31 for funding requested in the following year. The change helps align grant decisions with annual budget timelines while keeping the overall Grant‑in‑Aid program and eligibility criteria unchanged.
City of Kelowna security issuing bylaw approved
The Regional Board approved a new security issuing bylaw on behalf of the City of Kelowna to correct a clerical error and allow the city to participate in the Municipal Finance Authority’s Spring 2026 debt issuance. The change has no financial impact on the RDCO, as all borrowing costs are paid by the City of Kelowna.
Regional Board meetings
Regional District office – 1450 KLO Road, Kelowna (Woodhaven Boardroom
- April 16 – 8:30 a.m.
- May 14 – 9:30 a.m.
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