Regional Board meeting highlights - October 8
Here's what you might have missed from the Regional Board
2026 UBCM advocacy outcomes received
The Board received a report summarizing advocacy activities undertaken at the 2026 Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Convention and related staff-to-staff meetings with provincial ministries. Regional Board representatives advanced priorities related to wildfire resilience, emergency preparedness, transportation safety, drinking water infrastructure and inclusive regional governance.
Appointment of Deputy Corporate Officer
The Board appointed Caitlyn Fleischmann as Deputy Corporate Officer, effective October 13, 2026. In this role, she will assume the statutory powers, duties and responsibilities of the Corporate Officer under the Local Government Act when the Corporate Officer is absent.
District of Peachland Regional Context Statement accepted
The Board accepted the District of Peachland’s amended Regional Context Statement, confirming it remains aligned with the Regional Growth Strategy. The Regional Context Statement amendment reflects minor updates to Peachland’s Official Community Plan, including revised housing, downtown revitalization and growth management policies. Following review by Regional District staff and member municipalities, no concerns were identified. The Board determined the amended statement continues to be aligned with the existing Regional Growth Strategy Bylaw No. 1336.
2027 Board and Committee Meeting schedule approved
The Board approved the 2027 Board and Committee Meeting Schedule. The annual schedule was developed to align with Board Procedure Bylaw requirements while taking into consideration member municipality Council meetings, Westbank First Nation Chief and Council meetings, and key local government convention dates to support Board member participation throughout the year.
City of Kelowna request to withdraw from economic development service
The Board received a report outlining legislative options in response to the City of Kelowna’s request to withdraw from the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission (COEDC) service. The report identified potential next steps, including a service review, amending the service establishment bylaw, initiating the statutory withdrawal process, or deferring the matter. The Board deferred the agenda item in its entirety hence no further direction was provided. The matter will be considered at a future meeting of the Board of Directors.
Crown Land tenure expansion for Oceola Fish and Game Club supported
The Board conditionally supported the Oceola Fish and Game Club's application to expand its existing Crown land tenure by approximately 9.4 hectares near Beaver Lake Road. The expansion is intended to ensure projectiles remain within the tenure area and comply with federal regulations.
Support is conditional on the additional lands being rezoned from Rural 1 to Parks and Open Space, consistent with the existing rifle range. The Province will make the final decision on the application.
Wildfire-related utility penalties forgiven
The Board approved a one-time forgiveness of late payment penalties for utility customers in the Upper Fintry, Valley of the Sun, Westshore Estates and Killiney Beach water systems affected by the 2026 wildfire season.
The penalties were incurred on third-quarter utility bills during wildfire-related evacuation orders. The measure recognizes the impacts experienced by residents and is not expected to significantly affect utility finances.
Soil removal and deposit service established
The Board adopted the Soil Removal and Deposit Service Establishment Bylaw and Soil Removal and Deposit Regulation Bylaw for the Central Okanagan electoral areas. The new bylaws establish the service and the framework to regulate soil removal and deposit activities through permits, professional oversight and enforceable conditions, helping manage potential impacts on neighbouring properties, infrastructure and the environment.
Learn more about the process at rdco.com/soilbylaw.
Bylaws for Soil Removal and Deposit adopted
The Board adopted four related bylaw amendments to support administration of the new Soil Removal and Deposit Service. The amendments update application procedures, permit fees and enforcement processes, providing the tools needed to implement and enforce the new regulations.
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