Regional Growth Strategy Bylaw Introduced

The Regional Board has given first and second readings to the Regional Growth Strategy (RGS) Bylaw No. 1336.  The RGS update has been underway since 2010 after consulting several times with the public, stakeholders, local governments, the Westbank First Nation and Okanagan Indian Band and many provincial and senior government agencies.  The RGS review updates the existing Regional Growth Strategy that was adopted in 2000 by responding to changes that have occurred and addressing issues and future sustainability for the region.  As required by the Local Government Act, the bylaw will now be referred to all member municipalities and adjacent regional districts for acceptance, before it is considered for adoption by the Regional Board.

Aggregate Study Adopted

The Regional Board has endorsed the updated Aggregate Supply and Demand Study.  While the original study was prepared in 2000, the update is a component of the Regional Growth Strategy and predicts the supply and demand for aggregate materials over the next 100 years. It also provides a Site Suitability Assessment Checklist that can be used by local governments to help them evaluate referral applications from the Province for potential  new aggregate sites or proposed expansion of existing operations.

Revised Regional Grant-in-Aid Policy

The Regional Board has approved a revised policy for considering Regional Grant-in-Aid requests.  Among the updates, organizations must submit financial statements and a program budget with their applications and organizations that receive funding from a Regional District service will not be eligible for Regional Grant-in-Aid funds.  The Board requested the review of the policy as it was concerned about the increasing number of applications and the growth in the amount of funds requested.

Starling Control Program Bylaw

The Regional Board has given three readings to a new bylaw to provide funding for continuation of a Starling Control Program.  The Regional District has provided apportioned funding totalling $25,000 to the program coordinated by the BC Grapergrowers Association.  The City of Kelowna, District of Peachland and District of Lake Country contribute proportionately toward the program, while the two electoral areas contribute their share through Electoral Area Grants-in-Aid.  The District of West Kelowna does not participate in the bylaw, but has committed to provide its proportioned contribution directly to the Association.  Final adoption will be considered once approval of the bylaw is received from the Provincial Government.

September Building Statistics Report

During September, the Regional District approved 13 building permits for construction projects valued at $191,000 in the Central Okanagan East and Central Okanagan West Electoral Areas.  That compares with nine permits issued during the same month last year for projects worth a total of $641,113. During the first nine months this year 116 building permits have been approved for projects worth an estimated $6.4-million.  From January through September 2012, 93 building permits were approved for projects valued at just over $6.8-million.

Electoral Area Grant-in-Aid

The Regional Board has approved the following Central Okanagan West Electoral Area Grant-in-Aid:

-  Westside Road Improvement Committee - $1,500 in 2013 and $3,500 in 2014 for Historic Westside Road theme route community marking-naming signs

Regional Board Meetings

Regional District office – 1450 KLO Road, Kelowna (Woodhaven Board Room).  Residents are welcome to attend.
-  Thursday, November 14th – following 8:30 am Governance and Services Committee meeting
-  Monday, November 25th – 7:00 pm
-  Monday, December 9th – Inaugural meeting – 7:00 pm

News from © iNFOnews, 2013