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Campfire Ban Lifted in Many Central Okanagan Areas

The campfire ban that’s been in place throughout the Regional District of Central Okanagan municipalities since late July has been lifted in several areas.

This action affecting the District’s of West Kelowna and Lake Country and the Regional District Fire Department areas of Joe Rich, Ellison, Wilson’s Landing and North Westside coincides with the similar announcement today by the Ministry of Forest and Range across the Kamloops Fire Centre area within BC Parks, Crown and private lands.

The ban on campfires will remain in place in the District of Peachland until there’s a significant rainfall.  Campfires are not allowed at anytime within the City of Kelowna.  Residents are urged to check with their local fire department to determine if there are any specific regulations regarding campfires within their jurisdiction.

Central Okanagan residents are reminded that open burning is not allowed at this time of year and that local bylaws prohibit the use of any fireworks at any time throughout the Central Okanagan.

Violators could receive a fine and be charged the cost of the fire department response to a burning complaint.  Residents are encouraged to report anyone who is illegally burning by calling the Regional Fire Dispatch Centre at 250-469-8577.

(August 30, 2010)

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Pier Construction Underway at Bertram Creek Regional Park

Bertram Creek Regional Park visitors will notice some shoreline and in water construction until the end of September.  For their safety, park users are asked to stay out of areas where equipment is working.

A new Fishing/Viewing Pier will be installed at the east end of the main park beach on Okanagan Lake providing passive recreational fishing and viewing opportunities for park visitors.  The existing pier located at the west end of the swim area will be removed by the Regional District’s contractor by September 30th.  The foreshore in the area of existing pier will be restored to a natural condition during the summer of 2011.  View Map

The construction of the new pier coincides with the Ministry of Environment’s window for in-water projects before the annual shoreline Kokanee spawning season.  It also meets the objectives of the Ministry’s Okanagan Region Large Lakes Foreshore Protocol.

This project will also see the improved safety of swimmers using the marked swim area, replacement of an aging dock structure and the protection of environmentally sensitive Kokanee habitat.

Bertram Creek Regional Park, located along the south end of Lakeshore Road, has seen a dramatic increase in both land and water visitors which has increased the number of potential conflicts between swimmers and boaters.  This project will separate the two recreational groups into two distinct areas of the park.  Swimmer’s will continue to use the marked area to the east of the park’s rocky outcropping into Okanagan Lake while its envisioned that boaters will have access to the west of the lake outcropping, in the area that’s known as boater’s beach.  The 2011 Regional District budget is expected to include the following proposed boating amenities in the boater’s beach area: an increase in short-term moorage buoys, access to the shore for boats to drop off passengers, and a new swim area to assist boaters wishing to access the shore safely once moored.

(August 24, 2010)

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Get to know the Kokanee!

This is a great time of the year to get to know the Kokanee.  Regional Parks Services is providing several opportunities for you and your family to make the Kokanee connection!

Like the land-locked salmon returning for fall spawning, the very popular exhibit ‘Something’s Fishy – Get to know the Kokanee’ is back at the Environmental Education Centre for the Okanagan (EECO) for its annual appearance.  The exhibit runs through October and the EECO is open daily.  The exhibit coincides with a number of special events all focused on this signal that fall is on its way and that Central Okanagan creeks will soon turn a shimmering red tinge with salmon returning to lay their eggs.

Regional District Communications Coordinator Bruce Smith says, “Our fall fish programs begin Saturday, August 28th at Hardy Falls Regional Park just off Highway 97 at the south end of Peachland and in Mission Creek Regional Park at Springfield and Durnin Roads in Kelowna.  Parks Services interpreters will be on hand each weekend from noon to 4:00 pm through Sunday, October 10th to provide information about this example of nature at work.”

Each weekday from September 13th to October 1st, interpretive programs will be offered for schools from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.  Teachers may book programs by contacting the EECO directly at 250-469-6140.  The school programs are provided by donation, and are an extremely popular field trip with students.

Smith says, “On Saturday, September 4th, the annual Kokanee Walk/Run will be held.  We’re working with the Running Room to host the annual event to raise funds for the Friends of Mission Creek.  There is an eight-kilometre fun run and walk and a 16-kilometre run with the course along phase two of the Mission Creek Greenway.  Contact the Running Room in Orchard Plaza or the EECO for entry details and registration.”

He adds, “The highlight of spawning season though is the Kokanee Salmon Festival. It goes Sunday, September 19th from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm in Mission Creek Regional Park.  Interpreters will be available to explain the kokanee spawning cycle, you can take part in various fishy activities and there will be entertainers and musicians performing throughout the day.”  Smith says, “We and the Peachland Sportsmen Association will also have a mini-festival set up at Hardy Falls Regional Park in Peachland with Salmon interpreters, crafts, activities and refreshments for the entire family.”

Park visitors should be aware of wildlife that depends on fish for food. Keep pets on leash along designated trails and out of any streams or creeks.  During the spawning season, bears have frequently been sighted in both Mission Creek and Hardy Falls Regional Parks.  Please be Bear Aware:  travel in a group and make noise to reduce the chance of encountering a bear on the trails.

(August 20, 2010)

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Be Bear Aware in Regional Parks

They’re coming back!  Regional District Parks Services staff in Mission Creek Regional Park has received several reports of bear sightings in the park, along the Mission Creek Greenway and in Woodhaven Nature Conservancy Regional Park. Evidence of bear activity has also been spotted in Bertram Creek, Glen Canyon, Kalamoir and Rose Valley Regional Parks.

Communications Coordinator Bruce Smith says, “As the higher elevation food sources start to decline and fruit crops ripen in the valley below, this is the time of year that we start to receive more reports of bears in some of our Regional Parks.  When we start getting sightings and staff sees evidence of bears in our parks and along trails, we post signs advising all park users of recent bear activity.”

“To reduce your chance of meeting a bear while hiking, it’s recommended that you travel in a group, make noise or carry something that makes noise, such as a bell.”  Smith says, “We’ve already noticed some Kokanee starting to return to Mission Creek.  As we get closer to the fall fish spawning season, it’s not unusual for park visitors to encounter bears along local creeks and rivers, as the fish are a plentiful source of food.  Be aware that bears fishing for food may not hear you over the noise of the creek water. If you see a bear, give it plenty of space and stay well away from it.”

People should respect all bears and anticipate and avoid encounters with them whenever possible.  Bears can be aggressive, especially when defending their food or their cubs.  Bears also have excellent senses of smell and hearing, and better sight than you might believe.  For their safety, dog owners are reminded when in Regional Parks that their pets must be leashed and kept on trails at all times.  Provincial Conservation Officers are advised of the bear sightings and along with Regional Parks staff, monitor the situation in local parks.

As well, residents are reminded to keep any garbage securely stored on their property and please don’t put out your garbage cart until the morning of your regular curbside collection.  That way you’re not tempting bears or other wildlife.

Bear Information Links

British Columbia Conservation Foundation Bear Aware program www.bearaware.bc.ca/index.htm

Ministry of Environment Bear Smart program www.env.gov.bc.ca/wld/bearsmart/bearsmintro.html

(Updated August 24, 2010)

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Wood Stove Change Out Rebates Still Available

Wood heating may not be at the top of your mind at this time of year, but with cooler days ahead, this is a great time to save some money!

If you’re in the market to replace an old wood burning appliance with a new model, the Central Okanagan Air Quality program is still able to help you make the switch to a cleaner burning, high efficiency unit.

Regional Air Quality Program Coordinator Nicole Marzinzik says, “$250 rebates under the Wood Stove Change Out Program are still available to anyone buying a qualifying new EPA/CSA emission-approved wood, gas, pellet or electric appliance and recycling their old smoke-belching wood stove or insert through participating Central Okanagan retailers.  And you may also qualify for further savings through energy utilities and the Provincial LiveSmart program that offer rewards for homeowners making energy efficiency upgrades.”

Since 2000, the ‘Wood Stove Change Out Program’ has resulted in over 1,300 old wood burning units traded in for new, certified ones that burn up to one third less wood and see less smoke leaving the chimney.

Marzinzik adds, “To learn more about the program and smart wood heating visit the Air Quality Program webpage. You’ll also find links to several interesting and informative videos outlining proper burning techniques and seasoning of fire wood.”

The ‘Wood Stove Change Out Program’ is a clean air initiative of the Central Okanagan and Okanagan-Similkameen regional districts.

(August 18, 2010)

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Gator Aids Dog Control Presence

The latest addition to the Regional Dog Control fleet provides added mobility for patrols of waterfront and other park areas.

Dog Control officers are now using a newly equipped and brightly painted green Gator vehicle as another tool to assist with enforcement duties along more than 60 kilometers of roads linking lakeshore parks and linear corridors within the City of Kelowna.  Chief Bylaw Enforcement Officer Rhoda Mueller says, “Our department purchased the Gator from Parks Services and our innovative mechanic shop staff have revamped it, equipping it with storage and even a mobile kennel area in case we have to transport dogs picked up while on patrol.  The Gator gives us increased flexibility to ensure people using parks are able to enjoy their experience, especially along the popular waterfront corridor.  By being more visible more often in such high-use, off road locations, we’ll have a greater opportunity to raise public awareness and education about responsible dog ownership.”

During the summer months, Dog Control officers also conduct patrols in park areas and trails using bicycles in addition to the traditional truck vehicle fleet.

Regular enforcement of the Regional District of Central Okanagan Dog Regulation and Impounding Bylaw No. 366 resumed in late June throughout the region and member municipalities after an appeal was filed in connection with a June 10th Supreme Court ruling related to Section 17.5 of the bylaw.  This section requires dog owners to control their dog to ensure that it doesn’t without provocation, aggressively pursue, inflict minor injury, harass, chase or approach a person on public or private property in an attitude of attack.  The Regional District believes the Statutory Authority to enter in Service Agreements with member municipalities for the delivery of bylaw enforcement services does include Bylaw No. 366, which has applicability throughout the Regional District of Central Okanagan and City of Kelowna, along with other member municipalities.  The District believes the authority for these working relationships between local governments comes from the Local Government Act and is available and applicable to all local governments in British Columbia.

Pending a decision on the case from the BC Court of Appeal, in order to ensure continued public protection and safety, Dog Control Officers will continue to enforce all other applicable sections of the bylaw throughout municipalities in the region.  In the event of a serious dog attack, offending animals can be seized under the authority of the Community Charter.

Residents should also be aware that any dog-related tickets issued for violations within the Regional Park system are made either under the Regional Parks Regulation Bylaw No. 1105 or Bylaw 366.  The Regional Parks bylaw requires dogs to be on leash and on designated trails only within designated Regional Parks.

For more information about the Regional District of Central Okanagan Dog Control program, follow this link.

(August 17, 2010)

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Forest Fuel Reduction Projects Partnership

Reducing the possible threat of wildfire is the goal of a partnership project underway in the Trepanier Creek area of the Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO).

The fuel management work is a cooperative effort between the Regional District and Westbank First Nation (WFN) on just over 23-hectares within the Westbank First Nation Community Forest that includes an area adjacent to the District of Peachland, through the Central Okanagan West Electoral Area and District of West Kelowna to approximately Traders Cove.  View Map of Treatment Area

A six-person crew contracted by the WFN’s forest management department Heartland Economics began falling, spacing and pruning trees in this high priority section just south of Trepanier Creek during the week of July 19th.  It’s expected their work will wrap up by late September, but may be extended if the fire hazard and danger rating affects the crew’s ability to safely work in the forest.

All fuel materials will be chipped and removed from the site.  No burning will take place.  Signs have been posted and neighbours and recreation groups have been advised to be aware of periodic, short closures of unsanctioned trails through the 23.75-hectare forest as trees are cut, spaced, pruned and cleaned up.

The Regional District and Westbank First Nation recognize the importance of this work in reducing the future potential for fire in this area by removing dead and dying trees, thinning the forest understory and pruning ladder fuels, all of which can contribute to the spread and severity of any fire.

Regional District Chair Robert Hobson says, “This partnership with the Westbank First Nation is an excellent example of our governments working together to improve the safety and security of all our residents.  We look forward to completing this and other joint forest fuel mitigation projects and encourage everyone to do what they can to make their properties Fire Smart.”   Westbank First Nation Forestry Manager, Grant Thompson RPF adds “This fuel management project is a demonstration of WFN’s commitment to manage the Westbank First Nation Community Forest for multiple values over a very long time..  These values include timber, water, wildlife, recreation, traditional uses, visuals and protection from wildfire.  Projects such as these will ensure that all Okanagan residents will be able to enjoy and benefit from of our forests for many years to come.”

The Canada Economic Action Plan is providing more than $166,000 in Community Adjustment Funds to the Regional District of Central Okanagan for completion of this work.

This is the second cooperative joint RDCO-Westbank First Nation forest fuel reduction project this year.  In March, similar fuel management treatments were done on approximately 12-hectares in the WFN Community Forest, adjacent to the Trepanier Forest Service Road, north-west of the Okanagan Connector overpass.  Almost $40,000 in Federal Community Adjustment Funds was provided to the Regional District for this work.

(August 4, 2010)

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RDCO Urges Water Conservation

With the hot, dry conditions, the Regional District of Central Okanagan is asking residents to conserve water.  This will help to ensure adequate water is available for both domestic use and fire protection.  By practicing good water conservation measures, reservoirs can be replenished ensuring there’s enough water for everyone.

Customers of the five Regional District water systems are reminded that as of June 15th each year, Stage 2 water restrictions are in effect.  That restricts outdoor watering to two days each week. RDCO water customers with even number addresses may irrigate outdoors on Saturday and Tuesday while those with odd addresses may only water on Sunday and Wednesday.

Under the Regional District Water Bylaw, customers with an automated irrigation system may only water if needed on their allotted day between midnight and 6:00 am, while people with manual outdoor irrigation must restrict their watering if needed,  to between 6:00 am and 11:00 am and 6:00 pm and midnight on their respective irrigation day.  If you don’t need to water outdoors on your allotted day or time period, please do not waste water.

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

Regional District water customers of the Killiney Beach and Westshore Estates systems, along with private water utilities in the boundary of the North Westside Fire Protection District are reminded of the Stage 2 water restriction requirements to ensure that there is an adequate supply of water available for fire protection needs.

For more tips on water conservation inside and outside your home, visit the Regional District Water System webpage or select Quick Links and Water Systems menu options.

(August 4, 2010)

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Extended Hours for North Westside Transfer Station

North Westside Road residents within the Central Okanagan will now have more time to drop off their garbage and recyclables.

The Sugar Loaf Transfer Station is extending its’ hours of operation by an additional four hours each week. The longer hours of operation will continue until the end of September.

New Hours:  Monday, Wednesday 8:00 am until 12:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday 8:00 am until 2:00 pm.

The Sugarloaf Transfer Station is located at Sugarloaf Mountain/Whiteman Creek Service Road approximately 3.2-kilometers past the fire hall on Udell Road in Killiney Beach.

Follow this link more information about the Regional Waste Reduction Office program or contact staff at 250-469-6250 or email recycle@cord.bc.ca.

(July 28, 2010)

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New Westside Residential Waste Disposal and Recycling Centre Open

Residents living on the Westside of Okanagan Lake should be aware of an important change for disposing of any excess solid waste.

The new Westside Residential Waste Disposal and Recycling Centre is now open four days a week for residents wishing to drop off excess garbage, yard and construction white wood, drywall, metals, appliances, tires and other materials accepted at the site of the former landfill on Asquith Road in West Kelowna.

Regional District Communications Coordinator Bruce Smith says, “The new waste disposal facility will be open every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 7:30 in the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon for residents who want to drop off extra materials from around their home that they can’t place in their curbside containers.  Recyclables and unwanted items for the Big Brothers/Big Sisters Reuse-it program may continue to be dropped off at the location during the same hours, seven days a week.”

All residential materials that have been accepted in the past are still being accepted at the new residential waste disposal and recycling centre.  The same tipping fees apply based on weight.

Regional Waste Reduction Office Manager Peter Rotheisler says, “The facilities will continue to act as a convenient drop off disposal location for residents of West Kelowna, Peachland, Central Okanagan West and the Westbank First Nation.  The new four day - Friday through Monday operation for drop off of garbage, yard and construction wood and other excess waste materials corresponds with the four busiest days of the week and corresponds with the feedback we received during Information Open Houses we hosted during the spring.”

A number of improvements have been made to this temporary location over the past few months.  The garbage and drywall disposal areas were expanded to accommodate larger collection bins and more drop off lanes.  The areas for yard waste and construction wood waste drop off have been more clearly defined with lock blocks and some of the key access roads have been paved to reduce the impact of dust on adjacent neighbours.  Rotheisler adds, “In the months ahead we’ll continue to refine and landscape this area.”

Today also marks the start of our process to close the Westside Landfill.  After today, garbage dropped off at the site will no longer be buried there.  Instead, it along with all the other materials collected will be transported off the site for processing.  The garbage, yard waste and construction wood will be taken to the City of Kelowna Glenmore Landfill, which will be the only active landfill for the Central Okanagan.

The Regional District’s consultant is finalizing the extensive details of a Final Closure Plan for the Westside Landfill.  It’ll outline ongoing environmental monitoring and responsibilities for the next 25 years.  It’ll also detail capping, site topography, drainage and landscaping.  Once received it’ll be presented to the Regional Board for consideration and then will be submitted to the Ministry of Environment for approval.

(July 16, 2010)

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Greenway Users Reminded of Trail Use Etiquette

It’s a great place to take a stroll or a more strenuous run in the shade alongside Mission Creek.  It’s an important corridor used by Central Okanagan cyclists.  It’s also a trail frequented by some local equestrians.

Mission Creek Greenway Regional Park is an extremely popular recreational trail that can find multiple user groups on it at any one time of the day.  In fact, it’s estimated well over a thousand people use the 16.5-kilometer trail each day.  They range from pedestrians walking and care givers out with infants in strollers to joggers getting some exercise; cyclists out for a ride and horse riders from adjacent stables exercising their steeds.

Communications Coordinator Bruce Smith says, “The Greenway is a year round mecca for lovers of the outdoors.  But during the spring, summer and fall months, we see a lot more traffic along the linear trail and just as it is on our roadways with so many multiple users comes the potential for periodic conflicts.  Our goal is to ensure that everyone using the corridor shares the Greenway.”

Parks Services Bylaw Enforcement Officer Blaise Laveay adds, “Everyone using the Greenway and any of the other trails in our Regional Park system should be aware of proper trail etiquette.  Under the Regional Parks Bylaw all dogs must be kept on leash and must stay on designated trails.  Cyclists shouldn’t go faster than ten kilometers an hour along the trail and should keep to the right side of the trail, unless they are passing someone on foot.  They should also give an indication that they are approaching from behind by ringing a bell, honking a horn or simply vocally acknowledging their passing to the left.  So that everyone can share the Greenway, cyclists and pedestrians should yield to horse riders while cyclists should yield to pedestrians.”

Animal owners are reminded to pick up waste deposited along the trail.  All residents should remember that unauthorized motorized vehicles are not allowed along the Greenway.

(July 15, 2010)

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Regional Board Meeting Audio Available

Audio recordings of the regular and special meetings of the Regional Board are now available.

Starting with the meeting of June 28th, 2010, Regional Board meetings are being recorded and the audio is being saved as an MP3 file.  The file for each meeting will be available on the RDCO website in the days following the meeting by selecting the appropriate meeting date file in the Board and Committees - Agenda link.

To listen you may require a download of the free Windows Media Player

(June 30, 2010)

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Improved Water Management with Gas Tax Funds

Close to 500 residents of two water systems of the Regional District of Central Okanagan are receiving new water meters thanks to $345,000 from the federal the Gas Tax Fund.  The Regional District has contracted the installation of meters in homes connected to the Killiney Beach and Westshore Water utilities.  These homes are the last of the Regional District’s five water systems to receive meters.

“Fresh water is one of our most treasured natural resources and it should be well managed,” said the Honourable Stockwell Day, President of the Treasury Board and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway. “Through the Gas Tax Fund, the Government of Canada is supporting the Central Okanagan Regional District in its efforts to improve water management to ensure the long-term sustainability of its communities.”

“The regional district should be commended for making this project a priority,” said Minister of Community and Rural Development Ben Stewart. “Improved water management is a key component of sustainability in the Okanagan Valley.”

Regional District Chair Robert Hobson says, “Water meters are an important tool for measuring the demand for treated water.  Based on the experience of other metered water systems, the Regional District anticipates these new meters will provide an opportunity for individuals to reduce their water bills by better understanding their water use and taking steps to control their consumption.  The meters should also result in reduced repair costs by extending the life of existing equipment on the water systems.”  (Link to Water Metering Project webpage)

The Government of Canada’s Gas Tax Fund is a tripartite agreement between Canada, British Columbia and the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) delivering infrastructure funding to local governments for capital projects that lead to cleaner air, cleaner water or reduced greenhouse gas emissions. UBCM administers the Gas Tax Fund in B.C. in collaboration with Infrastructure Canada and British Columbia.

“The addition of meters to these water systems provides a valuable tool for regional water conservation,” said UBCM President Harry Nyce. “We are very appreciative of the federal and provincial support for this improvement to the region’s infrastructure.”

For more information on the Government of Canada’s infrastructure investments in British Columbia, visit www.creatingjobs.gc.ca.

For information on the Gas Tax Fund, visit www.infc.gc.ca.

(June 30, 2010)

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Gibson House Tours

Delve into a bit of local history at the Gibson Heritage House in Kopje Regional Park on Carrs Landing Road in Lake Country.

It’s open for tours from noon to 4:00 pm each Saturday and Sunday during July and August.  Regional Parks staff and volunteers will guide you through the 1912 heritage house which has been restored and refurnished by community donations.

For more information on this and other Regional Parks programs please check out 'Your Guide to Regional Parks 2010’. or contact the Environmental Education Centre for the Okanagan at 250-469-6140.

(June 28, 2010)

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Safe Harbour Boat Launch Temporarily Open

As the busy summer boating season approaches, the Okanagan Centre Safe Harbour Regional Park main boat launch is temporarily open again.

Communications Coordinator Bruce Smith says, “Higher lake water levels and more detailed investigation of the existing main launch have identified a temporary repair that will be made shortly, allowing the Regional District of Central Okanagan to make the main launch available for use by recreational boaters.  This is a temporary fix so that we can get the popular launch back in service for the recreational boating community. Our staff will monitor the lake level and the condition of the boat launch daily.”

Smith adds, “We are still planning to replace the complete launch structure later this summer as new, engineered pads must be installed. This will likely result in another temporary closure while work takes place on site, the concrete is poured, cured and the new pads are installed.  We recently received the environmental approvals we were seeking to conduct work in the water while protecting the fish spawning habitat.”

The main launch has been closed since January because the farthest pads were damaged and separating, which combined with low lake water levels could result in potential damage to vehicles, trailers and boats.

Smith says, “We appreciate the patience of neighbours, recreational boaters and other users of the Okanagan Centre Safe Harbour Regional Park and have endeavoured to keep them informed of the status of the boat launch.  We’ll continue to keep everyone informed of any future closure plans at the facility.  Throughout though, the Safe Harbour has been and remains available to boaters for shelter and refuge during storms, poor weather or any other emergency needs.”

Between May 1st and September 30th, the gate to the Regional Park, boat launch, small beach and parking area along Okanagan Centre Road in Lake Country is locked daily from 10:00 pm to 5:00 am.

(June 17, 2010)

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Tussock Moth Aerial Spray Program Complete

June 16th Update

The Regional District of Central Okanagan and Ministry of Forests and Range have completed the remaining aerial pesticide applications in their program to manage the Douglas-fir Tussock Moth infestation.

Earlier this morning, a low flying helicopter applied the licensed biological pesticide Foray 48B (active ingredient B.t.k.) on identified private lands in the upper Ellison area of Central Okanagan East Electoral Area and in Stephen’s Coyote Ridge Regional Park and adjacent private properties.  The park will reopen this afternoon and has signs posted advising of the recent pesticide application.

With yesterday’s aerial application of the pesticide in the Trepanier area of Central Okanagan West, the Regional District has completed planned treatments under the Pesticide Use Permit issued by the Ministry of Environment.  The Ministry of Forests and Range will continue to monitor insect activity.

Residents and individuals in the treatment areas should follow these recommendations to minimize exposure to the aerial application and potential drift of the pesticide.

Spray information and updates will be also available on this webpage and the Tussock Moth Information Line 250-469-6266.

The Regional District thanks residents in advance for your continued patience and support.

General Information

Signs have been posted at entrances to all three Regional Parks included in the spraying program advising they have recently been treated with the licensed biological pesticide Foray 48B (active ingredient - B.t.k.).

It’s recommended all property owners within the identified treatment areas  follow these recommendations to minimize any potential exposure to the e pesticide:

  • After aerial application, residents within treatment areas should wash all fruit and vegetables from home gardens before eating.
  • Wipe down children’s play structures and any other structures used by children.
  • The spray does not cause damage to automobile, house, boat or trailer paints or finishes.  If left to harden it can be removed with water but may require more effort.  The sooner it is washed off, the easier it is to remove.

The permit and final treatment area maps for the spray program are available for viewing at the Regional District office, 1450 KLO Road in Kelowna (weekdays 8:00 am to 4:00 pm excluding holidays) or on the Regional District website.  The website also has links to more information and documents regarding the Douglas fir Tussock Moth, the pesticide B.t.k and the RDCO and Ministry of Forests and Range spray programs.  There is also a link to the HealthLinkBC website www.healthlinkbc.ca/kbaltindex.asp and a Health File on ‘Spraying for the gypsy moth’ (www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthfiles/hfile90.stm).  Information from public health nurses is also available 24 hours a day by dialing HealthLinkBC at 8-1-1.

Information may also be obtained from the Penticton office of the Ministry of Environment at 250-490-8200 or visiting the Ministry’s Integrated Pest Management webpage at www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/ipmp/ or the Pest Management Regulatory Agency website www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/pest/index-eng.php

The Regional District is working in conjunction with the City of Kelowna and Ministry of Forests and Range in coordination of this aerial spraying program.  The infestation of Douglas-fir Tussock Moth has been identified by the Ministry of Forests and Range on forested Crown land and public and private properties in these high priority areas.  The insect defoliates and kills trees very quickly posing a fire hazard but may also cause health issues with humans, dogs and horses through a condition known as Tussockosis, related to the hairs of the moth.  Some people suffer mild allergic type reactions ranging from general itchiness, watery eyes and skin rashes while in rare instances more severe respiratory conditions are possible.

Background:  Ministry of Forests and Range entomologist Dr. Lorraine Maclauchlan provided information to the Regional District Governance and Services Committee at its August 2009 meeting and an update was provided from Parks Services staff in September 2009.  Central Okanagan residents and property owners may wish to view the following links to the Ministry of Forests and Range for more information and documents regarding this insect pest:

(updated June 16, 2010)

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Summer Day Camp Registration Underway

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, half-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 half-day camp is $60 per child, $80 per child for a four half-day camp or $100 per child for the five half-day camp.

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

Please register at the EECO (Environmental Education Centre for the Okanagan) in Mission Creek Regional Park, by 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 2010’It’s also available at municipal offices, recreation and visitor centres from Lake Country to Peachland.

(May 28, 2010)

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Recycle Your Plastic Flower Pots and Plant Trays!

Remember to lift the blue lid after you’ve done any gardening around your home! Once you have put in the elbow grease and finished your planting, if you’re not going to re-use them, those plastic flowerpots and plant trays can all be recycled!

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.  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 cannot 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, “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.

For more info on recycling and other waste reduction program visit the Regional Waste Reduction Office webpage

(May 28, 2010)

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Mission Creek Greenway Closure

From June 1st to approximately October 1st, you won’t be able to cross the Mission Creek Greenway Regional Park at Gordon Drive.

That area will be completely closed while the City of Kelowna replaces the Gordon Drive bridge as part of the four lane road widening and recreational corridor project.

Signs have been posted at key access points along the Mission Creek Greenway multi-use trail, advising that you cannot pass through Gordon Drive while the bridge construction project is underway.  Trail turn-arounds will be in place at the Gordon Drive construction site from both the Lakeshore Road access to the west and the Casorso Road access from the east.

A number of alternate trailhead and parking locations are available during the construction closure.  People can still access the Mission Creek Greenway and parking areas at KLO Road, Casorso Road, Mission Creek Regional Park (Springfield and Durnin Roads and at the end of Ziprick Road) and the Hollywood Road south entrance to Scenic Canyon Regional Park.

When the bridge replacement and road widening is complete, an underpass will provide safe access to the popular regional Greenway recreational trail.

Follow these links for information regarding Mission Creek Greenway Regional Park and other access trailheads and parking facilities.  For information regarding the Gordon Drive Project view this news release or visit the City of Kelowna website: kelowna.ca/cityprojects

(May 26, 2010)

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'In the line of Fire' Exhibit

As a species, humans have a fascination with fire.   Perhaps this goes back to those times when our ancestors required the flickering flames for survival, keeping themselves warm and cooking their catch.

The very word ‘Fire’ conjures different images and emotions, from fear and destruction, to warmth and perhaps even peacefulness.   As people have tamed fire for their advantage, we haven’t forgotten that it’s a powerful force in nature.   Fire is an important factor in the health of our ecosystems and plays a part in the cycle of growth, death and decay and rebirth in our forests.

Until mid-August you’re invited to explore and learn more about fire’s role in nature at the ‘In the line of Fire’ exhibit at the Environmental Education Centre for the Okanagan in Mission Creek Regional Park, Springfield and Durnin Roads.  It’s open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Visitors will discover the aspects of fire that are beneficial to forests, the adaptations plants and animals have developed to survive the flames and what steps you and your family can take to minimize the impact of fire in interface areas by picking up a Homeowners FireSmart Manual.  As well, young children can dress up as firefighters and use their extinguishers to put out fires while adults can test their knowledge about wildfires.

For more information about this and other programs in Regional Parks, visit the Regional Parks webpage or pick up a copy of 'Your Guide to Regional Parks 2010', available at local government offices and visitor centres throughout the Central Okanagan.

(May 19, 2010)

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Document Download Problems? 

Recently the Regional District has become aware of periodic problems regarding the inability of some users of our website to open Adobe PDF documents that had been previously accessible.  They’ve received an error notice saying that the document they were trying to open is not available. 

We understand that the problem has been caused by a recent Microsoft Internet Explorer Security update.  This update on the user’s computer has broken the ability of the Adobe Acrobat Reader program to open and access previously downloadable PDF documents in Internet Explorer. 

Should this problem occur on your computer system, please download and install the latest free version of Adobe Acrobat Reader.  You can find this by following this link:  http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html or by clicking on the Adobe Reader icon on the bottom right corner on each page of our website. 

We thank you for your patience and appreciate your continued support of the Regional District of Central Okanagan website. 

For information or queries about our website please contact:  webmaster@cord.bc.ca

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