Region walks through progress of dog control program | iNFOnews | Thompson-Okanagan's News Source
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Region walks through progress of dog control program

Image Credit: (SOURCE/Youtube)

Encouraging responsible dog ownership was on the agenda as the regional board took a look at how efforts to phase-in a new dog control service model are coming along.

Regional District of Central Okanagan staff is focused on several areas including redrafting of the dog bylaw. They also want to hear what the public has to say before bringing results to the board for consideration later this year.

The region says consent orders are being used effectively. They're put in place when a dog is deemed dangerous and the owner doesn't want to euthanize the animal. The consent order outlines what the owner must do in care of their animal to keep the public safe.

In an effort to make dog ownership a cost effective service in Kelowna, the city plans to allow owners to apply for permanent licences online in 2014, as well as through approved municipal partners.

A brochure on responsible dog ownership is available online with updates on changes to the dog control section.

A preliminary budget was developed for 2013 including $20,000 for consulting fees; $11,000 for software upgrades; and $25,000 to assist in the implementation plan. A term staff will be required to handle marketing the "I Heart My Dog" program while current staff focus on completing current planned projects.

Also on the agenda:

Okanagan Basin Water Board Submissions
The Regional Board has endorsed sending 11 applications to the Okanagan Basin Water Board for grant funding consideration. The applications are being made under the water board Water Conservation and Quality Improvement Grant Program. Four of the applications are from the regional district departments and the remaining seven have been submitted by a variety of non-government agencies. The water board funding allocation for projects in the Central Okanagan is $177,300.

Agricultural Advisory Commission
A new member has been appointed to the Agricultural Advisory Commission. Evelin Irons joins five other volunteers on the Commission and will serve a three-year term until February 2016. The commission serves in an advisory capacity to the regional board and reviews agricultural related applications and issues.

Service Review for Selected Services
The regional board has endorsed a framework for reviewing a request from the District of West Kelowna about several services provided by the regional district. Chair Robert Hobson will lead the informal review process to consider West Kelowna's request to withdraw from four services (Transportation Demand Management, Noxious Weed Control, Noxious Insect Control and Air Quality) and review its participation level in the Economic Development Commission and Regional Planning services. A steering committee comprised of board representatives from each member municipality and electoral area will be assisted for senior staff in each local government with the goal of determining future partnering arrangements. It's hoped this work can be completed by April 12 for consideration of the regional board.

January Building Statistics Report
During January, the regional district approved four building permits for construction projects valued at $196,500 in the Central Okanagan East and Central Okanagan West electoral areas. That compares with seven permits issued in 2012 for projects worth a total of $280,417.

Regional Board Meetings
Feb. 28, 8:30 a.m. Governance & Services Committee - Preliminary Budget Discussion
March 14, following 8:30 a.m. Governance & Services Committee meeting
March 25, 7 p.m.
March 28, 9 a.m. Budget consideration and final adoption

News from © iNFOnews, 2013
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