North Westside Household Bulk Items Collection

A special household bulky items collection is underway for North Westside Road residents within the Central Okanagan that use the Sugar Loaf Transfer Station.  (Poster Link)

Until Monday, July 13^th during regular transfer station hours, they can dispose of large household items for a cost of $15 per truckload.  Unwanted refrigerators and freezers will be accepted with payment of the Freon removal charge of $15 per item.  No hazardous waste is accepted and this special disposal opportunity is available for residential items only.

The Sugar Loaf Transfer Station is open Monday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 am to 12:00 noon.  It is located Sugarloaf Mountain/Whiteman Creek Forest Service Road approximately 3.2-kilometers past the fire hall on Udell Road in Killiney Beach.  (Transfer Station Information Link)

For more information and details about this collection please contact the Regional Waste Reduction Office at 250-469-6250 or email recycle@cord.bc.ca.

(July 3, 2009)

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Safe Harbour Gates Locked Nightly

Boaters and other park users should take note of a change affecting the access to Okanagan Centre Safe Harbour Regional Park.

The Regional District of Central Okanagan advises that effective Thursday, July 9^th, the gate to the boat launch, small beach, washrooms and parking area along Okanagan Centre Road in Lake Country, will be locked each evening at 10:00 pm.

The gate will be unlocked each morning at 5:00 am.  This practice will take place each day from May 1^st through September 30^th.  At other times of the year, the gate will remain open and unlocked.

Communications Coordinator Bruce Smith says, “The Okanagan Centre Safe Harbour provides shelter for boaters during storms.  Its two docks are available for emergency and pedestrian use and it’s one of the only safe harbours in this area of Okanagan Lake.  This change in operating hours only affects recreational users of the park.  Any boaters in need of refuge because of poor weather or lake conditions or other emergency needs will be able to access the Safe Harbour at any time of day.”

He adds, “We’re going to lock the gate each evening out of courtesy for the adjacent residents and to deter activities that adversely affect the nearby homes.  We encourage all boaters using the Safe Harbour under normal conditions to ensure their boats are loaded and their trailers and vehicles are out of the area by 10:00 each evening. Information is posted in the parking area for anyone locked behind the gate after hours on how to get their vehicle released.”

(July 2, 2009)

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Drug Policy Coordinator Issues Report Card

The Central Okanagan Drug Policy Coordinator has presented a report card on the 2005 community coalition document:  The Central Okanagan Framework for Action:  A Four Pillars Approach to Problematic Drug Use & Related Issues in the Central Okanagan.

Christene Walsh says within the last five years many improvements have been made in the area of community support and our collaborative responses to substance abuse.  She says, “There’s been greater cooperation and coordination between the public, enforcement and non-profit agencies that deal with people impacted by addictions.”  “As well”, she says “effective treatment, harm reduction and prevention activities are addressing drug-related health issues.   For example, efforts to establish a Sobering Centre as well as a Community Court Diversion program highlight our willingness to consider new ways of managing chronic addiction in our community.”

While she provides a ‘B’ grade overall, Walsh says our community is more engaged and willing to seek positive solutions in those areas that require more attention, such as improving timely service and treatment capacity.  “Formalized addiction services are just the tip of the iceberg” she says, “when addressing individual needs of people struggling with addiction, yet they are valuable resources when a community is seeking support in response to addiction.  The 28 Actions outlined in the Framework document demonstrate addiction recovery is first about enhancing community safety for all, including those in active addiction as well as others affected by the consequences of addiction.”

“Subsequently”, Walsh adds, “engaging addicted individuals with access to safer environments along with necessary supports and life skills, through access to housing with support and typical activities of daily living, is critical to addressing addiction which is the goal of the actions identified in the Four Pillars Framework.

(July 2, 2009)

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Please Recycle Flower Pots

Gardiners are encouraged to get into the recycling mode...after they have finished their planting of course!

From large nursery flowerpots for shrubs and trees to small planting trays for annual bedding plants, perennials, vegetables, and herbs, simply wipe out the dirt and put them in your recycling cart.   Or, if you have yet to receive your new, wheeled waste carts, just put your pots or trays in your blue bag for pick up. These plastic pots and trays can also be taken to your nearest recycling depot.

Waste Reduction Facilitator Rae Stewart reminds us, “All household plastics #1 through 7 are accepted in the curbside recycling program, and these plastics from your plants are no different. Just make sure your garden pots or trays are rinsed clean of all dirt before you recycle them. Unfortunately, the little plastic tags that identify the plants can not be recycled. They’re too small for workers at Metro Waste Paper Recovery to pick up off a moving conveyor while wearing safety gloves, so the tags must be put into regular garbage instead.”

Deanne Stephenson Manager of Metro Waste Paper Recovery says “The market for low grade plastics has recovered slowly after the collapse in the commodity markets last fall.  Our customers are watching closely for quality issues so keeping the plastics clear of dirt, wooden stakes, and metal twist ties is essential.”

Businesses like nurseries, landscape design contractors and farmers can contact Metro Waste Paper Recovery at 250-491-2242 to arrange the recycling of their plastics.

Follow this link for more detailed information on the Blue Cart Curbside Recycling program.

(June 29, 2009)

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Joe Rich Wheeled Cart Delivery

This Thursday and Friday (June 25^th – 26^th) Joe Rich residents receiving curbside solid waste collection will receive their new, wheeled carts.

Approximately 500 mostly rural properties in the Central Okanagan East Electoral Area will be receiving new automated garbage, recycling and yard waste collection carts.

In preparation for the delivery, two public meetings were held earlier this spring to inform residents about the new automated collection system and help them to make the transition from the old manual curbside collection system to the new program.

Regional Waste Reduction Office Supervisor Peter Rotheisler says, “When they are delivered, crews will locate the carts alongside the road, at the end of driveways where residents should place them for easy pickup on their collection day.  Information about the program, proper spacing of the carts and registration of the carts will be attached to the carts by delivery crew.  There’s also special information for Rural Residents available on the Automated Collection System webpage on the Regional District website:   Select the Quick Links menu at the top of the page and Automated Waste Collection Program.  If anyone has any questions about the program and would like assistance in transitioning to the new collection system, please contact our office (250-469-6250 or email recycle@cord.bc.ca) and we’ll be more than happy to assist.”

Rural residents in the City of Kelowna, Ellison-area and the District’s of Lake Country, Peachland and West Kelowna have been using their new carts for several weeks and in some cases months and have made an easy transition to the curbside Automated Collection program.

By Friday, July 10^th the distribution of carts within the City of Kelowna should be complete and will see more than 150,000 of the wheeled garbage, recycling and yard waste carts in use throughout the Central Okanagan.

With the main distribution nearing completion, the Waste Reduction Office is offering some tips to ensure rural residents get the most from the automated program:

• Please only place the appropriate materials in each cart…garbage in the dark gray lid cart, recyclables in the cart with the blue lid and yard waste in the green lid cart.  Please do not put any plastic bags into the cart for your yard waste.
• In order to ensure easily emptying into the automated trucks, please make sure the carts are placed facing the proper direction.  The arrow on the lid should point to the middle of the road or access with both wheels at the back.
• Those with long driveways may wish to keep their carts on their property as close a possible to the area where their driveway meets the road, delivering the garbage, recycling and yard waste to the appropriate cart on collection day.  They may also wish to pursue other options such as special hitches that are available to help transport their carts to the road.  Regional Waste Reduction Office staff would be pleased to provide more information.
• Sheds near the roadway may help alleviate both storage and animal concerns.  Residents considering this option should contact their municipality before construction to ensure the location meets any property line setback requirements.
• OK Environmental Waste Systems will replace at no charge, lost or stolen carts and repair or replace carts that are damaged through normal use.  Call 250-868-3211 if you need assistance in this area.
• With animals on the prowl for food, please do not put your carts out until at the morning of your collection day.  In order to reduce animal conflicts, please keep your garbage container in a secure location when it is not out on your collection day.  For an additional cost a local supplier is available for the ‘Critterguard’ locking system and an information sheet is available on the Automated Waste Collection Program webpage or by calling the Regional Waste Reduction Office at 250-469-6250 or emailing recycle@cord.bc.ca.  Residents may also choose to come up with their own security device, perhaps using a bungee strap to secure the lid of their container.  In any case, security devices must be released on collection day allowing the lid to freely open so that the container contents can be emptied into the automated truck.

For more information about the new program, a video explaining the use of the carts and answers to frequently asked questions visit the Automated Waste Collection Program webpage on the Regional District website or select Quick Links /Automated Waste Collection Program.

(June 23, 2009)

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Please Recycle Phone Books

With the new Telus phone books now hitting local doorsteps, the Regional Waste Reduction Office reminds you to recycle your old phone book in either your new wheeled recycling cart, or if you have yet to receive your cart, in your blue bag!

Waste Reduction Facilitator Rae Stewart says phone books are being delivered to area residents in the Central Okanagan between now and June 30th. ”Together, these phone books weigh about 166,000 kg and if all were tossed into the landfill would take up close to 550 cubic yards of space. That’s the equivalent of the hauling space of 60 large size dump trucks!”

Stewart adds “By recycling instead of tossing out your old phone book, you’re sharing in the solution - diverting waste from our limited landfill space, and supplying the recycling program with a valuable product that can be sold.”

Stewart explains the old books will be mixed together with other household paper products at Metro Waste Paper Recovery, the local recycling processing plant on Cambro Road. There the paper will be compacted  and sold to a number of paper re-manufacturers who make new products- like roofing felt, newspaper and tissue paper.

Simply place your old phone books in your blue bag or your wheeled recycling cart for recycling and place your bag or cart at the curb on your regular recycling collection day. You may also bring phone books to your nearest recycling depot:

• Kirschner Road Recycling Depot

• Recycling Depot at the Glenmore Landfill

• Recycling Depot at the Westside Landfill

Businesses or others with large amounts of phone books for recycling should contact Metro Waste Paper Recovery directly, at 250-491-2242.

For more information, call the Regional Waste Reduction Office, at 250-469-6250.

(June 23, 2009)

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Please Conserve Water

With the hot, dry conditions, the Regional District of Central Okanagan is asking residents to voluntarily conserve water.

Residents connected to the five community water systems maintained and operated by the Regional District are urged to voluntarily reduce their daily consumption of water to ensure there’s an adequate supply for household and fire protection needs.  By practicing good water conservation measures, reservoirs for those systems will continue to be replenished ensuring there’s enough water for everyone.

The Regional District water systems service more than 700 customers in the following areas: Killiney Beach, Westshore Estates, Falconridge, Sunset Ranch and Star Place.

Communications Coordinator Bruce Smith says, “Our systems are operating with Stage 1 Odd and Even Watering.  That means people with odd number addresses may water on odd number days while those with even number addresses may water on days with even numbers.  As well, those on Regional District water systems with automatic irrigation systems may only water between midnight and 6:00 am on their day while those that irrigate manually may do so between 6:00 am and 11:00 am and 6:00 pm and midnight.”

Smith adds, “By making a few changes, you can ensure an adequate supply of water for everyone.  Outside your home, you can save water by letting your grass grow longer during hot, dry weather.  Taller grass shades new growth and reduces evaporation.  Remember that irrigating your lawn in the hot sun wastes water because almost half of it is lost to evaporation.  As well, please try to reduce the amount of water you use inside your house.  Only run your dishwasher and washing machine with full loads.  If your machines have settings for smaller loads, make sure you use them.  You can save water by turning off the tap when brushing your teeth and turning it on again to rinse.  When washing your hands, turn the tap on half way rather than letting it run full out.”

For more tips on water conservation inside and outside your home, visit the Regional District Water Systems webpage

(June 19, 2009)

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Woodhaven Regional Park Opens Again

For the first time in more than two years, the gate to one of the Central Okanagan’s unique parks will swing open again.

As of Friday, June 19^th people will be able to visit Woodhaven Nature Conservancy Regional Park.  The park located off Raymer Road in the south Mission area has been closed since early 2007 after the Regional District received a report identifying the need for extensive work to reduce the safety hazard posed by aging trees.  As well, special efforts were required to ensure protection of the Western Screech Owl an endangered species found living within the Regional Park.

Regional District chair Robert Hobson says, “It’s exciting that we’re once again able to allow people into Woodhaven, which is an excellent example of how our Regional Park system protects unique ecosystems in the Central Okanagan.  Deciding to close a park is never an easy decision.  But public safety and security within our parks is always our number one priority.  Our staff has been working since the Regional Board authorized Woodhaven’s closure to get the park open.  They’ve developed and carried out extensive plans to not only protect visitors, but ensure continued stewardship of the natural surroundings and animals that make Woodhaven their home.”

Crews guided by detailed Forest Health and Hazard Tree Assessments removed some trees, pruned others and also carried out fire hazard reduction work like thinning and removing brush and ladder fuels.   An area of the park that had previously been accessible will remain closed in order to protect the endangered owl population.

Communications Coordinator Bruce Smith says, “Woodhaven showcases four distinct ecosystems: Interior Douglas fir, Ponderosa Pine, Cedar and Cottonwood, all within its 8.7-hectares.   People who’ve been to Woodhaven in the past and new visitors will find updated trail map and information available.  Our Parks staff will be updating a self-guided interpretation sheet that will be available at the park and on the Woodhaven page of the Regional District website.”

He adds, “We have opened one main designated trail in the park and blocked access to some other trails scattered through the park.  Visitors should be aware that from time to time there will be ongoing trail clean up, fuel management and hazard mitigation work requiring us to temporarily close this main trail.  As well, in order to ensure public safety the park will be closed if high winds are forecast and during periods of gusty winds.  During the winter months from approximately mid-October to early April, the park will be closed because of the potential hazard posed from snow-loading on tree branches and more frequent windy conditions.”

(June 18, 2009)

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Collection Day Changes and Automated Cart Tips

Lake Country residents and some in the Ellison area will have a new collection day for their wheeled garbage, recycling and yard waste carts.

During the past week they have been notified that starting Monday, June 22^nd, their collection day will be each Monday.  OK Environmental Waste Systems placed stickers on garbage containers alerting affected residents of those areas to the change.  As well, Lake Country has been divided into two areas, A and B for alternating weeks of recycling and yard waste cart pickup.  Anyone with questions about the change should contact OK Environmental Waste Systems at 250-868-3211.

The main distribution of carts for the Automated Collection Program is scheduled to wrap up in the City of Kelowna by Friday, July 10^th.  That means more than 150,000 wheeled garbage, recycling and yard waste carts will be in use since the main delivery program began in early February with residents in the District of West Kelowna.

Regional District Waste Reduction Officer Supervisor Peter Rotheisler says, “It’s been a huge job to roll out this new automated solid waste collection program to more than 41,000 homes and properties receiving curbside pickup.  We couldn’t have done it without the patience and cooperation of residents, a great group of community minded volunteers representing a dozen local service organizations and the staff at OK Environmental Waste Systems.  We’re pleased that residents have been able to adjust and make a smooth transition to the new garbage, recycling and yard waste collection program.”

With the main distribution nearing completion, the Waste Reduction Office is offering some tips to ensure residents get the most from the automated program:

• Please only place the appropriate materials in each cart…garbage in the dark gray lid cart, recyclables in the cart with the blue lid and yard waste in the green lid cart.  Please do not put any plastic bags into the cart for your yard waste.
• Please make sure your carts are spaced properly.  Collection staff has noticed some people are placing their carts side by side and the automated truck arms cannot easily get between the carts to pick them up, empty the contents and replace the carts.  Please leave at least one arms length space between each cart.  Some residents have found that placing one cart on one side of their driveway and the other on the opposite side allows them to use their driveway and provides plenty of space for the truck to have easy access.
• Properties adjacent to bike lanes should not block the bike lane with their carts.  If you live on a street with a bike lane, please place your carts near the curb or safely back from the bike lane at the end of your driveway access.
• In order to ensure easily emptying into the automated trucks, please make sure the carts are placed facing the proper direction.  The arrow on the lid should point to the middle of the road or access with both wheels at the back.
• OK Environmental Waste Systems will replace at no charge, lost or stolen carts and repair or replace carts that are damaged through normal use.  Call 250-868-3211 if you need assistance in this area.
• With animals on the prowl for food, please do not put your carts out until at the morning of your collection day.  In order to reduce animal conflicts, please keep your garbage container in a secure location when it is not out on your collection day.  For an additional cost a local supplier is available for the ‘Critterguard’ locking system and an information sheet is available on the Automated Waste Collection Program webpage or by calling the Regional Waste Reduction Office at 250-469-6250 or emailing recycle@cord.bc.ca.  Residents may also choose to come up with their own security device, perhaps using a bungee strap to secure the lid of their container.  In any case, security devices must be released on collection day allowing the lid to freely open so that the container contents can be emptied into the automated truck.

For more information about the new program, a video explaining the use of the carts and answers to frequently asked questions visit the Automated Waste Collection Program webpage or select Quick Links /Automated Waste Collection Program.

(June 18, 2009)

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Rural Property Tax Notices

Rural property owners in the unincorporated Central Okanagan East and Central Okanagan West electoral areas should receive tax notices from the Provincial Government by the middle of the month.

The Regional District is not able to collect taxes directly from residents or businesses, does not issue Property Tax Notices and will not accept payment of Property Taxes.  Taxes for Regional District purposes are collected by the Province and by member municipalities on behalf of property owners in the City of Kelowna, District of Lake Country, District of Peachland and District of West Kelowna.

Communications Coordinator Bruce Smith says, “Payments for Rural Property Taxes by property owners in the two electoral areas may be made at most financial institutions or mailed to the Surveyor of Taxes, P.O. Box 9446, Stn Prov Govt, Victoria, B.C., V8W 9V6.  Property owners in the City of Kelowna, District of Lake Country, District of Peachland and District of West Kelowna must direct their property taxes payments to their local government.”

Smith says, “Property owners in the Central Okanagan East and Central Okanagan West Electoral Areas with questions about paying their Property Tax Notice should contact the Surveyor of Taxes at 1-800-663-7867 and request a transfer to 387-0555; by email (ruraltax@gov.bc.ca); or they can go online to the Ministry of Finance website at: www.sbr.gov.bc.ca/individuals/Property_Taxes/property_taxes.htm .”

To avoid any penalty, please ensure rural property taxes are paid by July 2nd, 2009 or if the payment is being made by mail, it must be postmarked on or before July 2nd.

(June 11, 2009)

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Interpretive Tours of Nut Farm

There are more kinds of nuts than you can imagine.  And you’ll learn all about them by taking a guided tour of the 100-year old orchard with a Regional Parks interpreter at the Gellatly Nut Farm Regional Park, just off Whitworth Road in West Kelowna.

The tours of the orchard, heritage buildings and museum are available from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm each Friday starting June 19^th until August 21^st.

For more information on this and other Regional Parks programs please pick up Your Guide to Regional Parks’ or contact the EECO (Environmental Education Centre for the Okanagan) at 250-469-6140.

(June 11, 2009)

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No Fires in Parks

Even though we’re very early into the fire season, the Regional District of Central Okanagan and member municipalities ask park visitors to be aware of their surroundings.  The fire hazard is rated as high to extreme throughout the Central Okanagan.

Please remember that campfires are not allowed in any Regional District, City of Kelowna, District of West Kelowna, District of Lake Country or District of Peachland parks.   Residents are also reminded that smoking is not allowed in any Regional District park or park within the District of West Kelowna.  Under the Regional Parks Regulations Bylaw, anyone smoking or causing a fire in a Regional District park could face a minimum $100 fine.

Regional District Communications Coordinator Bruce Smith says, “Worse yet, you wouldn’t want to be responsible for carelessly causing a fire.  Last night thanks to the quick response from Kelowna fire fighters they snuffed out a barbeque fire in the Ziprick Road area of Mission Creek Regional Park.  Last weekend it’s believed another human caused fire in Mill Creek Regional Park was extinguished thanks to the fast action of the Ellison Volunteer Fire Department.”

People visiting natural areas within the City, such as Knox Mountain Park and Crawford Falls Park, and parks in other municipalities are also asked not to smoke.

Park users and park neighbours should be vigilant; anyone noticing smoke or fire in any park should immediately call 9-1-1 and ask to be connected to their area fire department.

(June 5, 2009)09)

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Register for Summer Day Camps

Do you know what your children will be doing over the summer holidays?

Youth aged five through 11 will have a blast during July and August as once again the Regional District offers another summer of Junior Naturalist Day Camps.  Trained leaders will guide budding naturalists in these three, four and five day camps at four different Regional Parks.  They’ll take part in fun activities and games, while learning about nature and our environment.

Children and youth aged five to seven years and eight to 11 years attend the camps that operate weekday mornings from 9:00 am until noon or afternoons from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.  The cost for a three-day camp is $60 per child, $80 per child for a four-day camp or $100 per child for the five-day camp.

Also returning this year is a special three-day program for parents and their pre-schoolers (3 and 4 year olds) at Mission Creek Regional Park.  It runs from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm on August 5^th, 6^th and 7^th.  Registration for this special program is $60.

Please register at the EECO (Environmental Education Centre for the Okanagan) in Mission Creek Regional Park, emailing eeco@cord.bc.ca or by calling the centre at 250-469-6140.  Program information and forms are also available on the Regional Parks Youth Summer Programs page.

For more information about the Junior Naturalists Day Camp program, dates and locations, check out ‘Your Guide to Regional Parks’. It’s available at municipal offices, recreation and tourist info centres from Lake Country to Peachland.

(June 1, 2009)

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Free Guided Walks/Hikes in Regional Parks

Whether you’re up for a stroll or looking for a more challenging hike on steeper terrain, the Regional Parks Services has an activity for you!

Communications Coordinator Bruce Smith says, “During June and July, you’re invited to ‘Take off on a Walk’ or ‘Take off on a Hike’ with our knowledgeable park interpreters.  They’ll be your tour guides as each week we get out into the fresh air and explore the special features, flora and fauna that many of our Regional Parks have to offer.”

He adds, “These weekly walks and hikes are completely free. All that’s required of participants is to show up at the designated meeting areas for our leisurely one-hour Tuesday and Thursday morning walks or our longer and more challenging Sunday morning hikes and enjoy their outing.”

“Participants” he says, “should dress for the weather conditions, wear sturdy shoes and bring along a water bottle.  Don’t forget to pack a camera to capture the special features that our staff might point out in each park or the surprise creatures you may encounter!”

Smith adds, “The walk program that is publicized in the 2009 Parks Guide for the morning of Tuesday, June 23^rd in Hardy Falls Regional Park has been moved to Woodhaven Nature Conservancy Regional Park off Raymer Road in the Mission.  We apologize for the inconvenience, as the Hardy Falls trail is still closed and not yet ready for public access.  As Woodhaven reopens June 19^th>th for the first time in more than two years, we’re excited that this event and location will draw people back to the nature conservancy park."

All of the weekday walks are rated easy and are on fairly level terrain and should be acceptable for almost any age or fitness level.  The weekend hikes are a bit more challenging and are rated Easy, Moderate or More Difficult.  Dogs on leash are welcome for any of the outings and owners are asked to pick up after their pet.

Tuesday and Thursday morning walks start at 8:30 am and last approximately one hour.  The Sunday morning hikes begin at 9:00 am and last from two to three hours depending on their difficulty rating.  Participants on these outings are encouraged to bring water, a snack or light lunch.

For dates and locations, follow the link to the Take a Walk Schedule or Take a Hike Schedule.  For more information about this and other programs in Regional Parks, check out ‘Your Guide to Regional Parks’.  It’s available at municipal offices, recreation facilities and tourist information centres from Lake Country to Peachland.  Or please contact the EECO at 250-469-6140.

(May 28, 2009)09)

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Keep Animals Out of your Trash

They’re once again on the prowl, often under the cover of darkness, rummaging through some neighbourhoods on the hunt for food.

“We’re talking about animals”, says Regional District Communications Coordinator Bruce Smith.  “With spring upon us and some wildlife rising from their winter hibernation and on the hunt for food, we’d like to remind Central Okanagan residents living in and around interface or agricultural areas that are susceptible to the presence of animals, that they should take responsibility to reduce potential conflicts.”s.”

Smith says, “Just as they would with the old manual curbside garbage collection system, residents should not put out the new wheeled garbage, recycling and yard waste carts until the morning of their regular collection.  That’s part of the Solid Waste Management bylaws of the Regional District and our member municipalities.  As bears and other animals have a keen sense of smell, the goal is to prevent garbage and other animal attractant problems from occurring in the first place.”

The BC Environment Ministry pamphlet ‘Don’t Attract Bears to Garbage’ also suggests that residents should keep garbage in a secured shed or garage until their pickup day and they shouldn’t stockpile or bury garbage.  As well, fish and meat remains should not be left outside.  It suggests freezing or keeping them in a cool place until they can be placed into the garbage on your collection day.

Smith adds ”The Regional District Waste Reduction Office has been researching additional options that residents may wish to consider in order to reduce the possibility of animal conflicts involving the new wheeled carts.  For an additional cost a local supplier is available for the ‘Critterguard’ locking system and we have an information sheet available on the Automated Waste collection program webpage or by calling the Waste Reduction Office at 250-469-6250 or emailing recycle@cord.bc.ca.  Residents may also choose to come up with their own security device, perhaps using a bungee strap to secure the lid of their container.  In any case, security devices must be released on collection day allowing the lid to freely open so that the container contents can be emptied into the automated truck.”

Residents are also reminded that compost storage can also attract animals.  Cooking oil, grease, dairy products and fruit should never be left outside or put into compost.  Smith adds, “The Ministry pamphlet suggests using lime to cut the odour coming from a compost container.”

(May 20, 2009)

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Brent Road Sewer Feasibility Study

Work is about to begin as the Regional District of Central Okanagan investigates the feasibility of providing sewer service to a small residential area south of Peachland.

Stantec Consulting Limited has been contracted to conduct the detailed feasibility study affecting approximately 45 single-family properties along Brent and Anderson Roads just off Highway 97 within the Central Okanagan West Electoral Area.   All homes in the neighbourhood situated for the most part on solid rock, are using standard septic systems, some of which are almost 40 years old.

During the course of the feasibility study, the consultant will look at whether any connection can be made to the existing sewer system, the implications and potential costs for property owners.

It’s anticipated a final report will be presented for Regional Board consideration this fall.

(May 19, 2009)

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Boaters Beware

Regional Parks Services urges boat owners to use extreme caution because of the shallow water conditions around some area boat launches.  Before backing trailers and boats into the water at the launches, check that the water level is deep enough and you won’t damage your vehicle, trailer or boat.

Communications Coordinator Bruce Smith says, “Because of the lower lake levels, boaters should be aware that the Bear Creek Provincial Park boat launch is only to be used for small vessels.  Signs advising of this have been posted at the facility.  Boaters should also park in proper areas and be courteous when launching or putting their boat back on the trailer at the end of the day.”

The Regional District provides also provides boat launches at the Okanagan Centre Safe Harbour, Fintry and Killiney and these too may not be suitable for use by larger boats and trailers.

Remember as well, if you are heading out on the water, to ensure you have all the required safety equipment on board and that the equipment is in good operating order.

(updated June 22, 2009)

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EECO Hosts new Exhibit

“This is the coldest spring I’ve seen, so much for global warming”.  If you’ve ever said, thought or heard that, you may want to check out the new exhibit at the EECO in Mission Creek Regional Park.

‘Weathering the Change’ sheds light on the differences and misunderstandings between weather and climate.  Exhibit coordinator Sheri Sweet says, “Very often people making such a comment are talking about the weather, not the climate.  Extremes in weather patterns are expected to take place as temperatures rise and the climate changes.”

Visitors to the exhibit will also learn about energy and our traditional sources of coal, oil and natural gas.  Sweet adds, “While fossil fuels are often linked to the extinction of dinosaurs, some fuels were formed long before the huge creatures lumbered around the globe.  The exhibit looks at alternative energy sources and what we may have to do in the future when traditional fuels run out.”

‘Weathering the Change’ encourages visitors to do whatever they can to help reduce their footprint.  “No action is too small”, says Sweet, “collectively they add up.  We need to look for solutions to these problems.   The future of the planet depends on it.”

The Environmental Education Centre for the Okanagan or EECO is located in Mission Creek Regional Park at Springfield and Durnin Roads.  It’s open daily from April to October from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

For more information about this exhibit and other EECO programs visit 'Your Guide to Regional Parks 2009' or call the EECO at 250-469-6140.

(May 4, 2009)

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Garbage or Recycling Cart Change Outs Now Accepted

If you have already received your new automated waste collection carts and would like to request a larger volume garbage or recycling cart, you can now do so.

Over the past several months the Regional District of Central Okanagan and its member municipalities have been rolling out the new Automated Waste Collection system.  Homes receiving curbside collection in the District of West Kelowna, Peachland, Lake Country and parts of the City of Kelowna have already received their new, wheeled garbage, recycling and yard waste collection carts.  The garbage cart that is initially delivered holds 120-litres, while the recycling cart’s volume is 240-litres.

“We had initially asked that residents try their new carts for a few months prior to requesting a change out,” says Waste Reduction Facilitator Rae Stewart. “That’s because our first priority has always been to deliver more than 150,000 carts to over 50,000 homes throughout the Central Okanagan and to ensure there are enough carts and resources to facilitate future changes.  With the rollout now over half way complete, our contractor, OK Environmental Waste Systems is now able to accommodate residents’ specific requests and change outs for the larger garbage and recycling carts.”

Residents can now request a cart change out by contacting your municipal office. Upgrading your recycle cart to the larger 360-litre container can be done free of charge, however there will be a $72.00/year user-fee (except Lake Country $50.00/year) to upsize to the larger 240-litre garbage cart.  At this point, upsizing your yard waste cart is not an option.  You will not be charged for changing out your carts the first time you do it.  However, any subsequent change outs will cost $25.00 in addition to user-fees applied to upsizing garbage.

City of Kelowna residents that have not yet received their new carts are asked to wait until you do before requesting a change out.

Follow the link for more information on the Automated Waste collection program, or call the Regional Waste Reduction Office at 250-469-6250.

(April 29, 2009)

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Goose egg Addling Program

The Okanagan Valley Goose Management program is preparing for its third year of egg addling to control the number of Canada geese in public spaces.

Trained contractors began searching for nesting sites in mid-March and hope to complete the addling program by the end of April.

Egg addling involves shaking eggs within 14 days of incubation to make them non-viable; the U.S. Humane Society considers egg addling during this time to be humane.  Once addled the eggs are returned to the nest, the goose continues to incubate the eggs instead of producing more eggs. Adults are not harmed and will continue with their regular life cycle after the nesting season.

“Last year, field crews located and addled 1,500 eggs between Vernon and Osoyoos,” said Project Co-ordinator Kate Hagmeier. “The multi-year project aims to reduce the population of resident Canada geese to a more manageable level, and reduce large concentrations of geese in heavily used public areas.

Due to the longevity of geese, it is expected to take three to five years to see the impact of the egg addling program.”

The public is asked to keep away from goose nests and to avoid touching the eggs; a special permit is required to perform egg addling. An egg addling permit has been secured from the federal government allowing crews from EBB Environmental Inc. to addle goose eggs on public and private lands with the owner’s permission. Public assistance is requested by reporting nest locations on private or public land. Email coordinator@okanagangooseplan.com or call 1-877-943-3209.

Interior Health continues to encourage local governments throughout the Okanagan to reduce the risk of recreational water contamination from sources such as geese.  A swimming notification program was implemented by Interior Health in 2006. Since then, no beach advisories have had to be issued due in part to the combination of activities to protect beaches and beach water areas.

The Okanagan Valley Goose Management Program is a partnership between the City of Kelowna, Regional District of Central Okanagan, District of West Kelowna, City of Vernon, City of Penticton, Town of Lake Country, Town of Osoyoos and District of Summerland.

(March 27, 2009)

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Greening Your Business

“Green” was the subject on the minds of over a hundred local business owners.  They invested some of their time by attending a free “Greening Your Business” workshop organized by the Regional District Waste Reduction Office and the City of Kelowna.   

During the morning session at Manteo Beach Resort, they heard several presentations from experts in the field and received practical tips that they can use to help operate a more environmentally-conscious business. 

Here are links to each of the presentations made during the workshop:  Electronics Recycling, Energy - Gas, Energy - PowerSense, Transportation, Waste Reduction, Water and Pesticides and the presentation on Sustainability for Businesses by keynote speaker Mark Holland.

(January 31, 2008)

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