RDCO Highlights

Westside Governance Presentation - The Regional Board has received an update from the Westside Governance Committee regarding the Status Quo/Incorporation/Boundary Extension study. Committee Chair Doug Findlater and consultant Alan Neilsen-Welch outlined the details of the extensive six-week public consultation that is underway involving four public meetings, an updated website, advertising, publications and special meetings with community organizations. Following this phase of the study, the Committee expects to make a recommendation to the Ministry of Community Services, whether to seek public support for a referendum on keeping the existing governance structure as an unincorporated area, or whether to form a separate municipality or join the City of Kelowna through a boundary extension.

Agricultural Land Exclusion Application - The Regional Board supports a proposed agricultural land exclusion application for an existing Westside campground/cottage resort. The owner of the 4.75-hectare Boucherie Beach Resort property on West Bay Road asks the Agricultural Land Commission to exclude a 2.08-hectare portion of the property from the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR). The applicant would like to develop a new lakeside resort on the site of the existing resort while intensifying the agricultural use of property that would remain within the ALR. Any redevelopment would require future approvals.

Zoning Amendment Supported - The Regional Board has adopted a Zoning Amendment Bylaw application for a property adjacent to Ross Road and Riffington Place. The applicant proposes building a five-unit townhouse building on the .156-hectare property which has an existing four-plex.

Regional District Historical Review - The Regional Board has received a historical review of the Regional District of Central Okanagan. The 64-page document was researched and written by former Administrator Al Harrison. The publication is titled ‘A Look into the Past - 1967 -2006’ and marks the 40th anniversary of the Regional District.

Proposed Business License Bylaw Changes - The Regional Board has given two readings to proposed amendments to the Regional District Business Licensing and Regulations Bylaw. The changes deal mainly with the sections affecting pawn shops and second hand dealers by improving identification and reporting of property, in order to reduce the possibility of stolen items being taken in by these businesses. The changes would also make the Regional District bylaw consistent with amendments approved last year by the City of Kelowna. After receiving public comments, the Board will consider adopting the amended bylaw.

Heritage School Centre Energy Study - The Regional Board has received a report outlining potential energy improvements for the Ellison Heritage School Centre. The study, conducted by Stantec Consulting Limited, indicates that improvements to the heating and mechanical systems within the facility would cost approximately $30,000, but would be recovered in less than five years through reduced energy use. The budgetary implications will be considered by the Regional Board next month during its discussion of the Five Year Financial Plan.

Grant-in-Aid Central Okanagan East Electoral Area. Joe Rich Ratepayers and Tenants Association - $6,100 to assist with expenses for Joe Rich Community Hall.

Regional Board Meetings - The Regional Board will hold a Special meeting on Friday, March 9th, 2007 at 9:00 am in the Woodhaven Room at the Regional District office, 1450 KLO Road, Kelowna. The purpose of this meeting is to review the Five Year Financial Plan 2007 – 2011.

The next scheduled regular meeting of the Regional Board will be Monday, March 12th, 2007 at 7:00 pm in the Woodhaven Room at the Regional District office, 1450 KLO Road, Kelowna.