Regional District of Central Okanagan

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Cameras Target Curbside Trash Contaminators

Repeatedly tossing the wrong materials into your curbside waste carts could find you receiving a $150 fine.

Starting this month, new technology will be used to enforce Solid Waste Management bylaws for Kelowna, Lake Country, Peachland and Central Okanagan electoral area residents receiving curbside garbage and recycling collection and the bi-weekly pick up of yard waste between March and the end of November.

Regional Waste Reduction Office manager Peter Rotheisler says “We’ll monitor compliance by individual households using technology approved last year in the three municipalities and two electoral areas. Collection trucks are mounted with cameras that can differentiate the type of materials* dumped into their hoppers from the wheeled waste carts, imbedded with radio frequency identification tags linking the carts to a specific address.”

Residents placing improper items in the cart will be notified by the Regional District of a problem: either materials that were not supposed to be in the cart or that the cart was not set up properly at the curb. They’ll also receive a copy of photos taken at the time of the infraction along with educational material on what should or should not be included in the cart. For subsequent violations, the offender’s municipal bylaw department will be notified and the resident could receive a $150 fine.

While the overwhelming majority of residents in the participating program areas** put the proper materials into their carts, some people don’t. “This new approach” he says, “is meant to specifically target individual households and residents that are misusing the curbside program, something that isn’t possible with traditional awareness, education and advertising campaigns.”

“Contaminating the various waste streams is expensive and unnecessary. The wrong item in the garbage, recycling or yard waste cart can damage equipment, cause workplace injuries and typically costs hundreds of thousands of dollars a year for extra monitoring, sorting, handling and equipment. It’s an ongoing problem that has not improved in recent years. We anticipate this targeted monitoring and enforcement program will bring some improvement.”

There are other benefits to the program. Data collected will help address resident inquiries about missed collections, improve route efficiency, monitor contractor performance, evaluate contract costs, help identify and study trends in waste management behavior and evaluate pay-as-you-throw based billing structures.

Follow these links more information on the curbside automated program or what to recycle or place in your wheeled carts regionaldistrict.com/recycle. You may also email recycle@cord.bc.ca or call the Regional Waste Reduction Office at 250.469.6250.

* The camera resolution can differentiate material types (cardboard vs. yard waste) but isn’t high enough to decipher sensitive personal information that may be contained in curbside waste such as brand names and document text.

** City of Kelowna, District of Lake Country, District of Peachland and Central Okanagan East and Central Okanagan West electoral areas receiving curbside collection. The District of West Kelowna is not participating in the program.

(February, 2, 2012)

EECO Adjusts Schedule

The Environmental Education Centre for the Okanagan is moving to a six day a week schedule.

Starting Monday, February 6^th, the Regional District EECO interpretive centre in Mission Creek Regional Park will be open Tuesday through Sunday and closed on Monday.

Communications Officer Bruce Smith says, “The Monday closure will allow our interpretive staff to work on an exciting initiative. We’re undertaking a program to improve the experience of people visiting our various regional parks. This includes updated and more on-site information kiosks, trail mapping and identification and improved trail directional signage. Our goal through this multi-year program is to gradually improve the experience of people using our regional parks. Later this year people should begin to see the results of this program starting with Mission Creek Regional Park and over time in other regional parks.”

Even with the Monday closure, nearby Mission Creek Regional Park remains open and fully accessible for visitors to explore. Anyone that wants to book Regional Parks and facilities will still be able to do so. They can contact EECO staff at 250-469-6139 or email eeco@cord.bc.ca. As well, teachers will still be able to book or hold special field trip interpretive programs on Monday’s in the downstairs classroom at the EECO.

Smith adds, “Monday’s traditionally see fewer visitors to the EECO and as a result, we anticipate the closing will have less impact. Many other local and national interpretive facilities and museums also have early week closures, so that their staff is available to work on other projects.”

(February 2, 2012)

Bonus Day to Save on 2012 Dog Licence Renewals

Central Okanagan dog owners have a ‘bonus’ day to save on their dog licence renewal. That’s because this is a Leap Year and February 29^th is the deadline for 2012 dog licence renewals without a $20 late fee.

Regional District Communications Officer Bruce Smith says, “Dog owners can renew their pet licence for $20 if the dog is spayed or neutered and $60 if it isn’t. Starting March 11^st, renewals will cost an extra $20.”

Licenses can be renewed at 28 vendor locations across the Central Okanagan including all local government offices and many veterinary clinics and pet stores. A full list of licence locations is available on the back of renewal notices or by visiting regionaldistrict.com/dogs.

Smith adds, “Many renewing dog owners are taking the opportunity to purchase the new permanent dog licence from either the Regional District office (1450 KLO Road) or the Regional Dog Pound (860 Weddell Place). The permanent licence is the only dog tag they’ll have to attach to their pet’s collar and it allows them pay for future licence renewals online.” This is a particular benefit for those snowbirds that may not be here during licence renewal time.

Smith adds, “Revenue from the sale of licenses helps offset the cost of providing Dog Control services throughout the entire regional district and keep people, dogs and other animals safe while promoting responsible dog ownership. The benefits are very clear. Having a dog tag on your pet’s collar makes it very easy for our dog control officers and pound staff to re-unite stray pets with their owners. It’s often a matter of just a couple of phone calls, so paying the $20 licence fee now is a small price and could save you money. Last year almost 65% of the dogs that ended up in the pound were not licensed. So before they had their pet returned, these owners had to pay an additional $100 fee, on top of the regular impound and licensing fees.”

Dog owners are reminded that the Dog Control bylaw only requires the Regional District to hold a dog at the pound for up to 72 hours. Smith says, “That’s why we encourage the owners of dogs that unfortunately do get away to contact our Dog Control staff as quickly as possible so that we can facilitate a happy reunion.”

(February 1, 2012)

'Hunters in the Sky' Exhibit at the EECO

Falcons, Hawks and Owls have taken over the Environmental Education Centre for the Okanagan in Mission Creek Regional Park.

These Okanagan raptors are the key animals featured in the ‘Hunters in the Sky’ exhibit at the EECO. It features displays and activities focusing on Raptors: birds that use their exceptionally keen senses to hunt primarily while flying. The exhibit, which runs through May, helps you investigate what makes these Birds of Prey, different from other birds. Teachers and community group leaders may also wish to request the popular ‘Owls of the Okanagan’ program and you can book your space by contacting the EECO at 250-469-6140.

The Environmental Education Centre for the Okanagan or EECO is located in Mission Creek Regional Park at Springfield and Durnin Roads. For more information visit the Regional District website regionaldistrict.com/parks or contact the EECO at 250-469-6140 or email eeco@cord.bc.ca

(January 30, 2012)

EECO Story Time

The Environmental Education Centre for the Okanagan or EECO offers a fun program for pre-schoolers this winter. Participation is by donation as three to five year old children and their caregivers take part in EECO Story Time on Wednesday mornings through February 29^th.

The sessions run from 10:00 am to 11:00 am and during the hour, you’ll be treated to a nature story, songs, games and crafts for the youngsters. It’s a fun and active way to learn more about our Regional Parks and the animals of the Okanagan. There’s plenty of parking at the EECO, located in Mission Creek Regional Park at Springfield and Durnin Roads. View Poster

For more information visit the Regional District website regionaldistrict.com/parks or contact the EECO staff at 250-469-6140.

(January 30, 2012)

2011 Annual Review Released

Completion of several large construction projects along with adoption of two new Official Community Plans are among the initiatives planned for the Regional District of Central Okanagan this year.

Information about these and many other projects and programs is available in the 2011 Annual Review. It’s available online anytime at regionaldistrict.com or you can pick up a copy at the Regional District office, 1450 KLO Road in Kelowna.

The 31-page publication highlights the accomplishments of each Regional District department and program during 2011 while providing insight into some of the goals and initiatives planned through 2012.

2011 Highlights include:

Activation of the Regional Emergency Program and Emergency Operation Centre due to spring flood potential and the Bear Creek Wildfire.
Completion of foreshore and Kokanee spawning habitat restoration in Bertram Creek Regional Park; installation of new trail stairs in Mission Creek Regional Park and reconstruction of a new boat launch in Okanagan Centre Safe Harbour Regional Park.
Increase in court support and accompaniment for crime victims through the Regional District police-based Victim Services program.
Calculation of the first Living Wage information for the Central Okanagan.

2012 Initiatives include:

Completion of Stage 3 construction of the Westside Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant to service anticipated future growth and demand within West Kelowna, Peachland and Westbank First Nation lands.
Commissioning of the first water system to service more than 350 properties in the Upper Fintry, Shalal Road and Valley of the Sun subdivisions.
Delivery of a new mobile marine water supply fireboat for North Westside Fire-Rescue.
Adoption of Official Community Plan bylaws for the June Springs/south Lakeshore Road (South Slopes) and Brent Road/Trepanier areas.

Communications Officer Bruce Smith says “The annual review is an excellent overview of the activities, programs and services provided by Regional District for Central Okanagan residents. Some people might be surprised by the depth and variety of programs that we offer across the entire region and as the local government for our two electoral areas.”

The 2010 Annual Review was viewed almost 7,500 times during 2011 on the Regional District website.

(January 23, 2012)

New App Makes Managing Household Waste Easier

Need a reminder in the morning to take out the trash? There's now an app for that!

The Regional Waste Reduction Office has launched a free mobile phone and tablet application for recycling and garbage, called My-waste.

Waste Reduction Facilitator Rae Stewart says downloading the My-waste app is free and easy. “For residents who’ve got an internet-enabled smartphone or tablet, you can now get the Central Okanagan’s garbage, recycling and collection details right at your fingertips, anytime you want them. The My-waste app lets you download the full range of info found in the Living Greener Calendar, set up regular reminders for garbage, recycling and yard waste collection. Plus it provides depot locations and hours, and recycling and disposal options for dozens of materials. It’s like having the Living Greener Calendar on your smartphone!”

Download the My-waste app at regionaldistrict.com/mywasteapp, then either scan the QR code or select the link that will take you to the store or marketplace for your device. There are currently versions of the My-waste app for iPhone, iPad, Android and new 2012 Blackberry devices.

Stewart explains, “This is a new way for us to connect residents with local waste disposal and recycling programs. We’ll be able to update the information on the my-waste app as needed during the year, so it will always be current. Residents will never forget a collection day and that should lead to increased recycling. Everybody wins!”

Stewart adds information on collection schedules will still be on the Regional District website and in printed form with the Living Greener Calendar for residents who prefer to use traditional educational materials. Print copies of the calendar are available at all local government offices in the Central Okanagan.

For more information on the My-waste app, visit regionaldistrict.com/mywasteapp or call the Regional Waste Reduction Office at 250.469.6250.

(January 20, 2012)

Important Information for Water Customers

Customers of the Regional District water system will be receiving an important information letter advising of the change in the water system utility billing cycle. This change is being made to allow the anticipated implementation of consumption-based billing later this year. Instead of billing at the start of a three month period, water utility invoices will be sent after the end of the period, allowing the Regional District to charge for the amount of water used during the previous quarter. It's expected the Regional Board will consider a consumption-based water rate structure in January or February this year. View Information Letter.

For more information please contact Finance Services by email at utilities@cord.bc.ca or call 250-469-6239. Visit regionaldistrict.com/water for information about the RDCO water systems.

(January 11, 2012)

Climate Action Annual Report

Through its participation in the Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program (CARIP), the Regional District of Central Okanagan publicly shares the accompanying CARIP Progress Report each year.

The report details actions taken in 2011 and proposed actions for 2012, related to the Regional District’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Click on the following links to view the report:

(December 22, 2011)

Large Fire Hazard - Fuel Reduction Project Underway

Crews have started work on a large fire hazard fuel modification project in Rose Valley Regional Park.

For their safety and that of workers, park users are reminded to stay out of areas that are closed. Trails leading into work areas will be signed and barricaded. Failing to stay out of a closed area could result in a $500 ticket. As well, dog owners are reminded that they must keep their pet on leash and on trails in any regional park or they could be subject to a $100 ticket. Dogs that are not leashed may also pose a safety hazard with crews working on the fuel modification project.

This project will see pine beetle infested and dead hazard trees, brushing and ground fuels removed from approximately 50-hectares of the Crown land tenure between the Rose Valley Properties subdivision, Westlake Road, Rose Valley Elementary School, West Kelowna Road and McPhail Court. Project Map

In light of the size of the area and expected large volume of wood debris, the Regional District will be burning debris piles within Rose Valley Regional Park to remove the fire hazard. The project has received permits and approvals from West Kelowna Fire Rescue.

A letter explaining the project and map showing the work area in the park was mailed to residents in the immediate area. Local fire departments, the media and Rose Valley Elementary School will be notified before any debris burning takes place and a notice will also be placed on the Regional District website: regionaldistrict.com.

The Regional District will also be conducting fire hazard reduction and tree removal work on a ten-hectare Crown land portion of Glen Canyon Regional Park at the end of Smith Creek Road. Project Map

For more information visit the Regional District website, email parks@cord.bc.ca or call 250-469-6232.

(December 9, 2011)

Zoning Signs for Consistent Regional Parks Land Use

Visitors to several Regional Parks within the City of Kelowna shouldn’t panic if they come upon signs indicating a rezoning application has been made.

The Regional District has applied to the City for the rezoning some of the lands that are within the regional park system that are not presently zoned appropriately for park use. Communications Coordinator Bruce Smith says, “People shouldn’t worry when they see the signs; we’re not changing the park use. These lands require a P3 designation or Park Use zone to conform to the present use which is allowed under any zoning designation. A requirement of the rezoning process is the posting of signs indicating that the application has been made and is being considered.”

Some of the Regional Park parcels that are part of this housekeeping rezoning project include: Bertram Creek, Cedar Mountain, Scenic Canyon, Robert Lake, Mill Creek, Stephens Coyote Ridge and the Mission Creek Greenway. Smith adds, “Park visitors and users should understand that the rezoning project will not result in any change from the current park use and doesn’t impact our park management plans. It’s merely a housekeeping measure to bring the zoning in line with current park uses on approximately 312-hectares within the existing parks.”

The Regional District operates 29 Regional Parks throughout the Central Okanagan on behalf of all residents. Nine of them are within City of Kelowna boundaries.

For more information on this project you may visit Regional Parks Services online at regionaldistrict.com/parks; email parks@cord.bc.ca or phone 250-469-6232.

(November 18, 2011)

Inversions Trap Smoke In Valley

As colder weather comes to the Okanagan, temperature inversions become more common, resulting in cloudy, hazy winter days.

“A temperature inversion is caused by a warm air mass that moves over an area and traps the cooler air below,” says Kate Bergen, Regional Air Quality Coordinator. “During these inversions, air currents that normally carry smoke and pollutants higher into the atmosphere, slow or stop. This can cause pollutants to get trapped near the surface, leading to visible haze.”

To help alleviate air quality problems associated with temperature inversions, the Central Okanagan has implemented some of the most stringent air quality bylaws found anywhere in the Province, covering both residential wood burning and open burning.

Residents that burn wood, whether it is for home heating or an occasional fire in a conventional fire place, are only permitted to burn dry (seasoned) wood. To prepare your firewood, it must be properly cut, stacked and covered for at least eight months prior to use. Other Wood Heat Burning Tips

When it comes to open burning, Central Okanagan residents that are allowed to burn outdoors require a valid permit. Permits are available at your local fire jurisdiction and are only available for properties greater than one hectare. Only woody debris (e.g. branches and prunings) that is sufficiently dry is permitted to be burned. Compostable material (e.g. leaves and grass) and backyard barrel burning are not permitted. Burning is not permitted on land that is being converted from one use to another, for example agricultural land that has been cleared for development.

“To assist local farmers, we’ve developed a free chipping program, which is available for growers removing orchards for the purpose of replanting,” says Bergen. “Before you start removing your trees, please contact me and I would be happy to provide you with more details.”

For open burning to occur, residents with a valid permit are required to call the Central Okanagan open burning information line to confirm that the venting index and air quality conditions are acceptable. Before lighting any fire call toll free 1-855-262-BURN (2876) on the day you want to burn to confirm that burning is permitted.

If you’re concerned that illegal open burning may be occurring, first call the Central Okanagan open burning information line to check whether burning is permitted on that day. If burning isn’t allowed, contact the Regional Fire Dispatch Center at 250-469-8577 to report the incident.

For more information on Regional Air Quality Program initiatives in the Central Okanagan visit: regionaldistrict.com/airquality or contact Kate Bergen, Regional Air Quality Coordinator at 250-469-8408 or email kbergen@kelowna.ca.

(November 17, 2011)

State-of-the-Art Online Map System Unveiled

A new, more powerful and functional mapping system is now available for visitors to the Regional District of Central Okanagan website.

Communications Coordinator Bruce Smith says, “The new Geographic Information Systems (GIS) program was developed by our staff, using the latest industry leading technology from the Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) and using the Microsoft Silverlight development platform.”

Information Services Manager Richard Bruneau adds, “By utilizing Silverlight, online map users will be able to take full advantage of its powerful development tools, providing an engaging and interactive internet mapping experience.”

Bruneau says, “The new online GIS system uses the latest technology and replaces three older applications and an aging internal application. This will benefit the wide range of people that use the online mapping service, as well as Regional District staff and our Regional GIS partners from the municipalities of Lake Country, Peachland and the Westbank First Nation.”

Some of the great new features offered include:

Easy map navigation and searches for properties, roads or parks
View details of any map feature
Fully cached orthophotos for fast and seamless display
The ability to compare current with past orthophotos to view development history
Using a simple drag and drop the industry leading Document Management System allows users to link any number and type of document to any number of map features

For those who may not want to immediately move to the new map system, links will be left in place until the New Year to the older programs. The online maps are a very popular feature of the Regional District website. More than 37,000 visits have been logged so far this year to the GIS maps from over 11,000 unique visitors. The maps are often used by real estate professionals, consultants and staff and students from the University of British Columbia Okanagan and Okanagan College.

(November 8, 2011)

New Online Service for RDCO Water System Customers

A new online registration service is available for customers of the Regional District of Central Okanagan water systems.

Communications Coordinator Bruce Smith says, “Residents can visit our website water systems webpage and register to receive a direct email of any future advisories or special notices affecting their water system. This new online service will help us get important messages directly to the inbox of customers of the Falcon Ridge, Killiney Beach, Dietrich/Star Place, Sunset Ranch, Westshore and the new water system that will service the Upper Fintry, Shalal Road and Valley of the Sun subdivisions later this year. Residents just have to go online to regionaldistrict.com/water and they’ll see a link to the Email Notification of Water System Alerts/Advisories sign up.”

Smith adds, “This new service is in addition to our traditional methods of getting information out about water system advisories and notices which includes news releases to the Central Okanagan media, neighbourhood sign boards and posters and of course updates on our website, regionaldistrict.com.”

“We hope,” he says, “that our customers will take a few minutes to sign up so that if needed in the future, we can get them important information directly to their email inbox.”

The Regional District water systems service more than 800 customers in the following areas: Killiney Beach, Westshore Estates, Falcon Ridge, Sunset Ranch and Dietrich/Star Place. Later this fall, a new water system is expected to begin service for approximately 350 property owners in the Upper Fintry, Shalal Road and Valley of the Sun subdivisions.

(October 6, 2011)

New Open Burning Phone Number starting October 15th

The continued moderate to high fire hazard means a later start for those eligible to conduct open burning. Central Okanagan fire chiefs have decided to begin issuing permits for open burning starting October 15^th.

When the season begins in the Central Okanagan, there will be a new twist.

Before lighting any fire, eligible property owners with a valid permit must call a new toll-free Outdoor Burning Hotline: 1-855-262-2876 . It will tell them if open burning is allowed on a particular day. Both the Venting and Air Quality must be good in order for burning to occur within Central Okanagan fire jurisdictions.

Under the Regional District Smoke Control Bylaw, creating nuisance smoke from open burning is not allowed in the City of Kelowna, the District of Lake Country, District of West Kelowna and the Central Okanagan East and West Electoral Areas or under the bylaws of the District of Peachland.

Violators could receive a fine or be charged with the cost of putting out the fire. Residents are encouraged to report anyone illegally burning on a non-burning day by calling the Fire Department Dispatch Center at 250-469-8577.

Fire authorities throughout the region will begin issuing permits effective October 15^th for those property owners that qualify to burn yard waste outdoors. Under Regional District and local fire bylaws, permitted open burning must be complete by April 30^th. Fire chiefs may however change the date depending on the fire hazard in their area.

Starting October 15^th, those people with properties greater than one hectare will be allowed to burn outdoors, but only after receiving a permit from their local fire authority (Fire Jurisdictions) and only after calling the Outdoor Burning Hotline to confirm both air and venting conditions are favourable. Farmers and large lot owners must also follow any regulations before lighting any fire.

Eligible property owners within the Central Okanagan East or the Central Okanagan West electoral areas may obtain a permit by calling the Regional District at 250-469-6223 (Long Distance Collect Calls are accepted) weekdays only between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm, excluding holidays. All other eligible property owners must obtain a permit from their municipal fire department.

All Central Okanagan property owners regardless of property size are encouraged to take advantage of other options to dispose of their yard waste. The bi-weekly curbside yard waste collection program is underway through the end of November and residents are reminded to only place leaves, grass, pine needles and small prunings inside their wheeled yard waste cart with the green lid closed. Residents may also choose to use the year-round free yard waste program at either the Glenmore landfill (Open seven days a week 7:30 am to 4:45 pm) or at the Westside Residential Waste Disposal Centre (Open 7:30 am to 4:00 pm Friday through Monday). Yard waste and pruning’s weighing up to 250 kilograms (550 pounds) and 20 centimetres or less in diameter may be dropped off for free at either location. When transporting loads for disposal, please make sure they are covered. Loads exceeding the maximum weight will be charged $25.00 per ton ($40 as of January 1^st, 2012) as long as the yard waste is separated from regular garbage. As well, a number of private companies offer wood chipping and grinding services or rent portable chippers. Some may also pick up yard waste for disposal.

Most of the burning permits that are issued in the Central Okanagan are for agricultural burning, which is allowed under Provincial Right to Farm legislation. However, farmers must also call the new Outdoor Burning Hotline to ensure burning is allowed before starting any fire. The Regional Air Quality Program is working with farmers to encourage the use of the Agricultural Chipping Program as an alternate disposal method.

(September 28, 2011)

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