Regional Board Highlights

Mission Creek Park Pine Beetle Control

The Regional District has approved a plan to control the extreme infestation of Western Pine Beetle in Mission Creek Regional Park. Several years of dry weather has stressed Ponderosa pine in the Sutherland Hills area of the park making them susceptible to beetle infestation. The plan will see trees removed from approximately 11 per cent of the 45-hectare park. Over the next six weeks there will be trail closures in the park as up to 1,300 trees are removed. A reforestation plan will see approximately 6,000 seedlings planted in the area. Future control measures include trapping and selective harvesting to reduce the potential of future beetle infestations. As well, an information sheet is being delivered to neighbouring property owners in the hope the community will participate with the Regional District in the beetle eradication effort.


Business License Fees Set for 2005

Businesses licensed by the Regional District will not see any increase in licensing fees for 2005. The Regional Board has adopted the amended Business License and Regulations Bylaw, which maintains the fee for an existing business at $85, if paid before February 28th.


South Mt. Boucherie Concept Plan

The Regional Board has given second and third readings to the amended bylaws associated with the South Mount Boucherie Concept Development Plan. The plan lays out the key criteria that must be met for any future development applications in the area. At each rezoning application, the Board will review and consider traffic impacts and the need for an additional access road to the area.


Sunnyside Water Utility Transfer

The Regional Board has supported a $15,000 fund to cover the costs associated with the transfer of the Sunnyside Water Utility to the Regional District. Residents have supported the proposal and the fund will pay for expenses incurred during the transition from a privately owned water system.


Building Statistics Report

The Inspection Services Department issued 79 building permits during the month for projects totalling more than $3.5 million. During October 2003, 78 permits were issued for projects valued at over $5.7 million.


Alternative Approval Process In Joe Rich

The Regional Board has given three readings to a bylaw that would establish a Service Area to fund the Joe Rich Community Hall. The Joe Rich Community Association would like the area created to provide secure and consistent funding for the hall’s operation. The Alternative Approval Process will be used to determine elector support. At least 10 per cent of the estimated 747 eligible electors in the proposed Service Area would have to sign elector response forms, for the Board to consider a Referendum. Response forms will soon be available at the Regional District office and on the Regional District website. Final reading of the bylaw won’t be scheduled until the result of the Alternative Approval Process is known.


Development Cost Charges Adopted

The Regional Board has adopted the bylaw outlining Development Cost Charges (DCC). Effective November 16th, a new Parks DCC of $1,114 per residential unit will go towards new Athletic, Community and Waterfront parks as well as for Neighbourhood Park improvements. The bylaw also creates a new East Trunk Sewer Development Cost Charge of $564 per residential unit. Building Permit Applications in process will be exempt from the new DCC’s while Subdivision Applications already in the system will have a one-year exemption.


Mt. Boucherie Expansion Fundraising

The Regional Board has approved fundraising initiatives for additional amenities associated with the Mt. Boucherie Multiplex expansion. The Mt. Boucherie Expansion Society will conduct three programs to raise $400,000 to provide features such as theatre-style seats, a four-sided centre ice clock, and a sports floor for the Multiplex.


Westside OCP Public Hearing

A Public Hearing will be held for the Westside Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 1050 at 7:00 pm, Monday November 22nd in the Okanagan Ballroom of the Holiday Inn, 2569 Dobbin Road in Westbank.