Responsible Dog Ownership Bylaw Adopted

The Regional Board has adopted the new Responsible Dog Ownership Bylaw No. 1343.  In addition to emails and telephone inquiries about the bylaw, more than 900 responses were received to an online questionnaire and approximately 35 people attended an advertised Information Open House.  After receiving this public input and in order to help clarify some areas of the bylaw, several amendments were made prior to final Board consideration.  Among the changes to the bylaw:  a leash is defined as being no more than two meters in length; owners of dogs newly declared dangerous will be required to post signs advising a dangerous dog is on the property and increased fines for owners of dogs that are found at large, off leash in an area not designated for off-leash activity and failing to pick up and dispose of waste.  The Board has maintained the two dog maximum and requested a further report regarding the proposal to allow a three dog maximum.

Water Conservation and Quality Grants

The Regional Board has endorsed submitting six applications to the Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) for funding consideration under its Water Conservation and Quality grant program. Three applications are for projects proposed by the Regional District while the others are from individual non-profit organizations.  The Central Okanagan region is eligible for almost $179,000 in funding through the OBWB program.

Regional Rescue Service Request

The Regional Board has asked staff to review a letter from the District of West Kelowna outlining that as of April 1st West Kelowna plans to provide six services that are being provided by the Regional Rescue program.  A report will be prepared for consideration at a future Board meeting.

Zoning Bylaw Amendments Proposed

The Regional Board has given first reading to proposed amendments to the Zoning Bylaw No. 871.  One of the suggested amendments deals with housing for Temporary Migrant Farm Workers and provides more flexible options that are consistent with the Agricultural Land Commission legislation and the Province’s template for migrant farm worker housing.  The key changes include:  setback provisions, maximum allowable floor area and confirmation from farm operators that buildings are for seasonal farm worker housing.  A Public Hearing will be scheduled and advertised for the proposed amendments to the Zoning Bylaw.  An amendment regarding medical marijuana production facilities was deferred until further information is available from Health Canada and other local governments.

Regional Board Meetings

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

-  Thursday, February 27th -  8:30 am Governance & Services Committee Preliminary Budget Review
-  Thursday, March 13th – following 8:30 am Governance & Services Committee meeting
-  Monday, March 24th – 7:00 pm
-  Friday, March 28th – 9:00 am Final Approval for 2014 – 2018 Financial Plan

Ellison Firefighter Recognized

The outstanding service and dedication of a member of the Ellison Fire Department has been recognized with a special award presentation before the Regional Board by Chair Robert Hobson.  Phil Scott has received an Exemplary Service Award from His Excellency Governor General David Johnston for 30 years of service.  Scott has been a member of the paid-on-call department since November 1983.  He’s the first member of the Ellison department to mark three decades of service to the community.

News from © iNFOnews, 2014