Okanagan Film Commission Update

A presentation was given updating the activity and plans of the Okanagan Film Commission.  Commissioner Jon Summerland says the region saw more than 30 productions during 2013 generating more than $14.4-million in revenue.  The Commission is proposing a 2014 total budget of $217,500 which includes a request for a $110,000 contribution from the Regional District of Central Okanagan.  The Board has agreed to a request to advance first quarter funding to the Film Commission and will consider the complete funding request as part of the 2014 – 2018 budget discussions.  The Film Commission also receives funding from the North Okanagan and Okanagan-Similkameen Regional Districts, the Boundary Economic Development Commission and the Province of BC.

Election Officials Appointments Approved

The Regional Board has appointed the officials who will conduct the Local Government Elections in the Central Okanagan East and Central Okanagan West electoral areas this fall.  Mary Jane Drouin will serve as the Chief Election Officer while Deneen McArthur will act as Deputy Chief Election Officer with the authority to appoint other election officials as needed.  Saturday, November 15th is General Voting Day for the 2014 Local Government Election.

Strategic Wildfire Prevention Applications

The Regional Board has adopted a resolution supporting applications for funding under the Strategic Wildfire Prevention Initiative programs.  The Union of BC Municipalities administers funds under this Provincial Government program to support community initiatives to mitigate interface wildfire risks.  The Regional District plans to apply for funding to conduct wildfire fuel treatment on a 5.43-hectare portion of Crown Land surrounding communication infrastructure on Black Knight Mountain and to develop a fuel prescription plan for Mill Creek Regional Park.  Since inception of the wildfire prevention initiative the Regional District has received in excess of $1-million for preparation of various wildfire plans, fuel management prescriptions and treatments in many Regional Parks.

Regional Airshed Management Plan Update

The Regional Board has approved proceeding with the second phase of updating the Regional Airshed Management Plan that was adopted in 2007.  The update will identify changing sources of air pollution including vehicle emissions which are the primary source of many local pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions.  The update will also provide recommended strategies in order to address air quality concerns across the Central Okanagan.  In the coming months there will be opportunity for public and stakeholder consultations prior to presenting an updated draft Airshed Management Plan for Regional Board consideration.

Regional Board Meetings

Regional District office – 1450 KLO Road, Kelowna (Woodhaven Board Room).  Residents are welcome to attend.

-  Monday, February 24th – 7:00 pm
-  Thursday, February 27th -  8:30 am Governance & Services Committee Preliminary Budget Review
-  Thursday, March 13th – following 8:30 am Governance & Services Committee meeting

News from © iNFOnews, 2014