What's New

The results of this the Central Okanagan East and Central Okanagan West director elections will not be officially declared by the Chief Election Officer until Wednesday, November 19^th by 4:00 pm.

(November 18, 2008)

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Unofficial Election Results

On Saturday, November 15^th, eligible voters in the Central Okanagan East and Central Okanagan West Electoral Areas cast ballots in an election to determine their new Regional District Directors.   Here are the unofficial results of the two elections:

Central Okanagan East Electoral Area Director

It’s estimated there were 3,430 eligible voters in the Central Okanagan East Electoral Area director election.  The total number of ballots cast is 460.  The results of the election will not be officially declared by the Chief Election Officer until Wednesday, November 19^th by 4:00 pm.

Central Okanagan West Electoral Area Director

It’s estimated there were 7,330 eligible voters in the Central Okanagan West Electoral Area Director election.  The total number of ballots cast is 597.  The results of the election will not be officially declared by the Chief Election Officer until Wednesday, November 19^th by 4:00 pm.

(November 15, 2008)

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Recreational Lakes Marine Facilities Study

The Regional Board has received a detailed final report from the consulting team that has been studying recreational marine facilities on Okanagan, Kalamalka and Wood lakes within the Central Okanagan.

The study was developed through extensive public and stakeholder consultation and research.  The final report makes a number of recommendations regarding present and future amenities for the boating and marine community in the Central Okanagan. 

The Board has recommended that the final report be sent to member municipalities for their consideration and response in light of possible financial implications.

Report Links:

• Executive Summary (6 pages)
• Part A - Understanding the Area and Issues Report (44 pages, 1.1MB)
• Part B - Analysis and Synthesis Report (46 pages)
• Part C - Environmental Issues/Impacts (102 pages, 6.2 MB)
• Part D - Recommendations and Conclusions (10 pages)
• Maps (25 pages, 6 MB)
• Appendices (8 pages)

(October 28, 2008)

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Yard Waste Pickup Delays Possible

Due to huge volumes of yard waste being set out at the curb for collection this fall, and because of a shortage of manpower, the waste haulers have fallen behind schedule in some areas. If your yard waste was not collected on your assigned yard waste collection day, please leave it at the curb and a waste hauler will pick it up as soon as possible.

Remember, yard waste must be in clear plastic bags, in reusable containers or prunings bundled and set out by 7am.

For further information, call Waste Management of Canada at 250-861-8788.

(October 27, 2008)

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Westside Landfill Closure and Concept Plans

Key plans are being drafted to help guide the Regional District of Central Okanagan with the planned closure during 2010 of the Westside Sanitary Landfill.  The landfill serves residents and businesses through the Westside District Municipality, District of Peachland and Westbank First Nation reserves. 

The Engineering consulting firm CH2M Hill was contracted to develop the Detailed Closure Plan and a Concept design for a possible convenience transfer station that could be located at the landfill, once it is closed and no longer burying solid waste materials.  The Regional Board was recently updated on the process of developing those plans and a similar briefing is scheduled for the Westside District Municipality council tomorrow. 

In the mid-90’s, the Provincial Government approved a Landfill Operations and Closure Plan for the Asquith Road landfill site.  Now that the planned 2010 closure is approaching, a more detailed plan is required in order to meet current Ministry of Environment requirements, including possible landscaping, allowable uses and monitoring of the site for at least 25 years after it is closed.

The consulting team is also working on the concept design, costs and services that could possibly be offered at a convenience transfer station facility, which would be essential in meeting objectives of the Regional Solid Waste Management Plan.  With the introduction of the automated waste collection cart program early next year, all residential curbside waste collected from the Westside District Municipality and District of Peachland will be transported to the City of Kelowna Glenmore Landfill.  This should result in a corresponding reduction of traffic and activity in and around the Westside landfill. 

Regional District staff will continue to work with the Westside District Municipality and other stakeholders throughout the development of the Closure Plan and Conceptual Design to determine the feasibility of providing a convenience transfer station and the associated costs, once the landfill is closed.  As the development process is continuing, earlier plans for public sessions in early November have been postponed.  The Regional District remains committed to hosting a number of information meetings, providing residents and stakeholders with the opportunity to comment on the proposed plans, services and costs. 

The Regional District has developed a webpage with information regarding the Westside Landfill Closure.

(October 27, 2008)

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Soar with the 'Birds of Prey' at the EECO

If it hunts and it flies, it comes down from the shimmering sky!

Monday, October 20^th, the doors open on the new exhibit at the Environmental Education Centre for the Okanagan.  It’s called ‘Birds of Prey – Down from the shimmering sky’ and features displays and activities about these birds that hunt primarily while flying using their exceptionally keen senses.

Communications Coordinator Bruce Smith says, “These birds are also known as raptors and include such Okanagan species as Falcons, Hawks and Owls.  As well as their highly tuned vision, these birds generally have large and powerful talons and beaks that have been adapted for dealing with food that they’ve captured.”

Smith adds, “Owls have figured prominently in literature, most recently in J. K. Rowling’s fictional Harry Potter series.  But these birds do much more than deliver the mail.  Our EECO exhibit, which runs through mid-March, helps you investigate what makes Birds of Prey, different from other birds.”

“New information and features” Smith says, “will be added throughout the exhibit run so you may want to visit a few times before the spring when the ‘Birds of Prey’ fly off.”

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 and from November to March its hours will be 10:00 am to 3:00 pm each weekday and 10:00 am to 4:00 pm each Saturday and Sunday.

For more information about this and other EECO programs visit the Environmental Education Centre for the Okanagan wepage or call the EECO at 250-469-6140.

(October 16, 2008)

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Discovery Backpacks

This is a great time of year to discover the natural secrets of Mission Creek Regional Park!

Stop by the Environmental Education Centre for the Okanagan (EECO) in the park at Springfield and Durnin Roads and sign out a ‘Discovery Backpack’.  You’ll head out into the park armed with all the equipment and keys you need to unlock the natural mysteries of the park.  You can choose from three different backpacks including a pond study, a nature walk and the Kokanee lifecycle.

For more information on this and other EECO programs, check out Your Guide to Regional Parks or contact the EECO at 250-469-6140.

(October 14, 2008)

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Open Burning Season

Open burning season is slated to begin Wednesday, October 1^st for those Central Okanagan property owners who are eligible to burn yard waste. 

Those with properties greater than one hectare are allowed to burn outdoors, but only after receiving a permit from their local fire authority and only when both air and venting conditions are favourable.  Farmers and large lot owners must also follow any regulations before lighting any fire.  Under the Regional District of Central Okanagan and municipal fire bylaws, all permitted burning must be complete by April 30^th however area fire chiefs may shorten or extend the burning season depending on the fire hazard. 

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.  Link to Fire Authority Contacts

Before lighting any approved fire, all property owners must call the Outdoor Burning Hotline (250-470-5155, Select 1, then 2).  The Air Quality and Venting Indices must be good, before any burning begins.  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, Westside District Municipality and the Central Okanagan East and West Electoral Areas or under the bylaws of the District of Peachland.   

Violator’s could receive a fine or be charged with the cost of putting out the fire.  Residents are encouraged to report anyone who is illegally burning on a non-burning day by calling the Kelowna Fire Department at 250-469-8577. 

While property owners with smaller lots are not allowed to burn outdoors they are encouraged to take advantage of other options to dispose of their yard waste.   The fall curbside yard waste collection program is underway and anyone may use the year-round free yard waste program at either the Glenmore or Westside landfills.  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 any time of the year.  When transporting loads to the landfill, please make sure they are covered.  Loads exceeding the maximum weight will be charged $25.00 per ton 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. 

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 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 26, 2008)

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Fall Yard Waste Pickups

It’s yard waste collection time again-and it starts next week for residents living in the Lake Country, Joe Rich and Ellison areas. And like last year, residents will have three chances to put yard waste at the curb for collection from September through November.

The yard waste collection dates are as follows:

Kelowna A and Westside	Kelowna B and Peachland	Lake Country and Joe Rich/ Ellison
September 29- October 3	September 22-26	September 15 – 19
October 27-31	October 20-24	October 6-10
November 24-28	November 17-21	November 3-7

“This yard waste collection program is a win-win program,” says Waste Reduction Facilitator Rae Stewart. “It means residents don’t have to take their yard waste to the landfills, thereby reducing long traffic lineups and congestion at our landfills. It also lessens the cases of  illegal dumping of yard waste on back roads and crown land, and all the yard waste is composted, saving valuable landfill space. “

Stewart adds in the fall of 2007 alone, almost 22 hundred tonnes of yard waste was collected and diverted from area landfills. She says, “Collecting and composting yard waste is a major component of our waste reduction program. Once the yard waste is collected, it’s brought to the landfills, debagged, composted, screened, and then sold to residents as Glenmore Grow. This great soil amender is so popular, it often sells out as soon as it’s available!”

You are reminded to put your yard waste out for collection by 7 a.m. on the morning of your regular garbage day. Bags must be see-through, and each bag or re-useable container must weigh less than 23 kilograms (50lbs). Prunings ½ inch or smaller can also be bundled, but the bundles can not be longer than one meter.

For more information, please check the Seasonal Curbside Yard Waste Collection webpage , view the Information Poster or call Waste Management at 250-861-8788.

(September 11, 2008)

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Be Bear Aware

It’s the time of year that Central Okanagan residents should raise their bear awareness radar.

As the fruit crop ripens and the regular high elevation food sources start to decline, bears are making more visits into the valley.  Recently, bears have been sighted by Regional Parks staff and park visitors along the second phase of the Mission Creek Greenway, and in Mission Creek, and Hardy Falls Regional Parks.

Communications Coordinator Bruce Smith says, “As bears are reported, signs will be posted advising users of bear activity in a specific park.  To reduce your chance of meeting a bear, you can travel in a group, and make noise or carry something that makes noise, such as a bell when you are hiking.”  Smith says, “At this time of year with the fall fish spawning season underway, it’s not unusual for bears to be encountered along local creeks and rivers, as the fish provide 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 anywhere stay well away from it.”

Provincial Conservation Officers are aware of the bear sightings throughout the area and are monitoring the situation in local parks along with Regional Parks staff.  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.

Helpful links:  Bear Aware program and Ministry of Environment Bear Smart program

(September 2, 2008)

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Automated Waste Collection Testing Underway

The waste haulers need to learn how to operate the new automated collection trucks, and an area on the Westside has been chosen as the training ground. Starting this week, garbage, recycling and yard waste carts will be delivered to about 300 homes off Westlake Road so the drivers can practice using the automated arm and learn how to maneuver the new trucks in tight spots.

The Central Okanagan is changing how waste is being collected. Starting in February residents will put their waste into carts, supplied by their municipal governments, and have it collected with automated trucks. The three specially designed wheeled carts – one for garbage, and two larger ones for recycling and yard waste – will be emptied using a mechanical arm on the garbage truck, instead of workers lifting and emptying cans by hand. Residents will not have to buy plastic recycling or yard waste bags, as the yard waste and recycling will be put into the cart loose. Plus, yard waste will be collected every two weeks, alternating with recycling collection.

“We want to give the drivers a chance to become familiar with how the arms work, and of course to train new drivers on how to operate the trucks,” says Lance Shaw, owner of OK Environmental Waste Systems, the local company contracted to provide the service for the region. “We want to ensure that all our drivers are well-trained beforehand, and on-the-job training is the perfect way to learn. We want everything will run smoothly when we do start collecting waste for the entire region in the spring.”

Rae Stewart, Waste Reduction Facilitator, is helping provide information to the residents in the test area on how to use the carts. She says, “The switch is really easy! You don’t have to sort your recyclables or put them, or your yard waste, in bags. Even the carts are easy to use. Almost everyone that participated in the pilot project last fall said they loved the system and that the carts were great.”

Stewart adds that based on other communities’ experience, the switch to automated collection really improves efficiency and tidies up neighborhoods. The primary reason the Central Okanagan chose to use an automated collection system was because of the difficulty the hauling companies had recruiting and retaining employees, which was impacting service delivery. Automated collection makes it easier for more types of people to drive waste trucks and for drivers to have long careers.

For more information about the new collection program, follow this link.

(September 2, 2008)

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Regional District Continues to Provide Services and Collect Utility Bills for RD Residents

The transfer of services from the Regional District to the District of Westside is almost complete. That means residents living within the District of Westside boundaries will now receive services from the new municipality and make their utility and other payments for services there as well. However, those residents living within Regional District electoral area boundaries – from Joe Rich/Ellison to the North Westside region – will continue to receive planning, engineering, building inspection, by-law enforcement and business license services through the Regional District. Residents will also continue to pay utility bills and other service payments to the Regional District.

Marilyn Rilkoff, Director of Finance, says, “The services will remain the same for the Regional District residents as before. There are no changes. For example, utility bill payments can continue to be made on-line, by mail, at most financial institutions, or in person at the Regional District office.”

Rilkoff adds, “Although there are no changes for Regional District electoral area residents, District of Westside residents will no longer be able to pay for services through the Regional District or its popular on-line web-site payment system. Westside residents who pay through their banking services will need to update their information to remove the Regional District bill payments and get set up to pay the District of Westside instead.”

The Regional District accepts payments on-line at www.regionaldistrict.com, by mail, or in person by cash, cheque or Interac. Pre-authorized payments can also be set up.

The areas that are part of the Regional District include the Central Okanagan East and West Electoral Areas, more commonly known as Joe Rich/Ellison and the North Westside Road areas. If residents are uncertain of where the District of Westside boundaries are, they may contact the District of Westside at info@districtofwestside.ca.

For more information about Regional District services, check out www.regionaldistrict.com or call 250 469-6239 for utility billing inquiries, or 763-4918 for general inquiries. The Regional District is located at 1450 K.L.O., Kelowna, BC, V1W 3Z4. It is open for service, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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Trepanier Creek Regional Park Opens

A natural forest trail, bordering the canyon of Trepanier Creek:  that’s what the newest Regional Park in the Central Okanagan is offering residents.

Trepanier Creek Greenway Regional Park is now officially open and encompasses 4.35-hectares situated between the Okanagan Connector (Highway 97-C) and Okanagan Lake in Peachland.  Access from Peachland is via Trepanier Bench Road and from the Westside via the Trepanier off ramp from the Okanagan Connector Highway 97C.

Regional District Chair Robert Hobson says, “This is the first property that has been acquired through the Regional Parkland Legacy Program, which will fund the purchase of and protect ecologically significant parcels throughout the Central Okanagan.  We’re always looking for opportunities to expand our park system for the benefit and use of present and future generations.”

Peachland Mayor Graham Reid welcomes the additional Regional Park.  "I am delighted that the Regional District, the Todd family and the Provincial Government have worked together to preserve for public use this vital link in the Trepanier Creek Greenway.  The District of Peachland is committed to partnering with the Regional District to acquire and develop a greenway that will link Okanagan Lake with the Okanagan Connector.

Trepanier Creek Greenway Regional Park includes a trail of approximately 800-metres along the creek, which has played an important role in the history of Peachland.  The remnants of a small hydro-electric dam that supplied power to the District from 1909 to 1947 can be seen along the creek canyon.  Link to General Park Information and Historical Interpretative Information

It’s anticipated that this trail will eventually link to the existing District of Peachland linear trail, creating a five-kilometre Greenway from the Okanagan Lake waterfront to the Okanagan Connector.

(August 21, 2008)

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