Lake Country Annual Report

The District of Lake Country's 2004 Annual Report is now finalized. The Annual Report provides information on each department's objectives and accomplishments for 2004, along with initiatives for 2005. Also included are the 2004 consolidated financial statements and 2004 tax exemptions provided by Council.

Some of the 2004 highlights include:

• Pre-fire plans were produced and updated for high-risk commercial structures within the municipality
  
• A $5,000 grant was obtained from the BC Arts Council for touring shows at Creekside Theatre
  
• The Highway 97 / Town Centre Access Management Partnership was completed, and signature of the Ministry of Transportation and the District of Lake Country is expected in 2005. This initiative addresses future growth in the Town Centre area of Winfield, and provides a functional design and cost sharing arrangement over a 10 and 20-year period. The projected capital cost is $23 million
  
• Work was completed on a number of planning projects, including the Oyama Sector Plan, the Winfield and Okanagan Centre Water System Assessment and Response Plan, and the Development Cost Charge bylaw
  
• Completed the Mayor's Task Force on Agriculture initiatives identifying regulatory changes required to diversify the agricultural economy
  
• The following were initiated: upgrading of Okanagan Lake pump house construction of Eldorado Reservoir automation of control gates at Oyama Lake and feasibility study for hydro generation using existing water infrastructure
  
• Ongoing streetlight program to supply lighting in areas where public safety is a concern (bus stops, mail boxes, intersections)
  
• Lobbied for and received approval of a $1.9 million Canada/BC Infrastructure Program grant for expanding the wastewater treatment plant and
  
• A new procedure was implemented to recover soil removal fees required by bylaw.

Following are some initiatives for 2005:

• Preparation of business signage policy with the Lake Country Chamber of Commerce
  
• Continue firehall equipment upgrades
  
• Arena upgrades
  
• Wastewater Treatment Plant Phase 2 expansion construction to be completed
  
• Major developments: Copper Hill Phase 2 construction The Lakes Phases 1 - 2 construction Amrey Developments Phase 1 construction and Lakeside Properties (20/20 Developments) zoning
  
• Review transit service and expansion possibilities for 2006/2007 and
  
• Finalize Town Centre property acquisition.

The 2004 Annual Report is available on the District of Lake Country's website (www.lakecountry.bc.ca). It may also be viewed at the Customer Service Centre, at the Lake Country Chamber of Commerce, and the Lake Country Branch of the Okanagan Regional Library (10150 Bottom Wood Lake Road, Lake Country, B.C.).

Please note: the Public Art Advisory Commission's 2004 Annual Report is also available on the District's website at www.lakecountrv.bc.ca.