To view documents relating to the Terrace Mountain Fire, please click here.

Westside Landfill Information Open Houses

Residents living on the westside of Okanagan Lake will have a few opportunities to learn more about the future plans for services at the Westside Landfill.

Communications Coordinator Bruce Smith says, “Five public Information Open Houses are planned during April to bring residents up to date as the Regional District progresses on developing a temporary convenience solid waste disposal and recycling centre at the site along Asquith Road.  The landfill’s active life is nearing an end and we plan to stop burying garbage by mid-year.  At that point we’ll continue to offer an outdoor, residential drop-off for self-hauled garbage, recycling, yard waste, wood waste and appliances and will be open four days each week, which reflects customer use for disposal service.  But instead of burying the garbage in the landfill, once it’s closed we’ll be transporting garbage and yard waste for disposal at the Glenmore Landfill which will be the only active landfill in the Central Okanagan.”

The sessions will also update residents on the costs associated with operating the temporary Westside Residential Waste Disposal and Recycling Centre for the convenience of people living in West Kelowna, Peachland, Central Okanagan West Electoral Area and Westbank First Nation reserves.  As well, those attending will learn about what the landfill will look like when it is closed and the Regional District’s ongoing responsibilities for environmental monitoring.  They’ll also have the opportunity to make suggestions about possible future uses for the landfill site and provide feedback on options for the Residential Waste Disposal and Recycling Centre operations.

Information Open Houses are scheduled for:

• Monday, April 12^th in Peachland at the Peachland Recreation Centre, 4450 6^th Street – 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm

• Tuesday, April 13^th in West Kelowna at the Westbank Lions Hall, 2466 Main Street – 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm ( plus a second meeting to be scheduled and advertised)

• Wednesday, April 14^th at Killiney Beach Community Hall, 514 Udell Road – 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm

• Thursday, April 22^nd at Wilson Landing Fire Hall, 2396 Westside Road – 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Smith adds, “Those attending the Open Houses will have the opportunity to fill out a questionnaire and enter a draw to win a free backyard composter.  Reports and information regarding the meetings will also be available on the Westside Landfill Closure page of the Regional District website.”

During 2008, more than 1,200 residents filled out a questionnaire and another 250 responded to a statistically valid telephone survey and very strongly supported continued provision of a convenience residential waste disposal and recycling centre after the landfill was closed.  The 1993 Landfill Closure Plan and a subsequent 2009 Concept Closure Plan suggested the Asquith Road site could offer such services.  The Concept plan also proposed that once the landfill was closed, it would be capped and covered with soil suitable for seeding with native grasses and other natural vegetation to blend in as much as possible with the natural surroundings and that it might be considered for future development as a passive community park.

Once this pre-closure phase is complete, a final closure plan must approved by the Ministry of Environment.

(March 11, 2010)

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Register now for the free 'Tracks Walking Club' program

If you’ve been thinking about getting out for some exercise, the Regional District has a great program to turn your thoughts into action.

It’s called the ‘Tracks Walking Club’ and is perfect no matter what your fitness level.  But in order to get involved with this free, 12-week program, you have to register at the Environmental Education Centre for the Okanagan (EECO) in Mission Creek Regional Park.  As a member of the ‘Tracks Walking Club’ you’ll receive a walking journal, walking lessons, seminars and motivational tips to help you stride your way to a more active lifestyle.

Regional Parks Interpreter Heidi Hicks says, “Our first walk is on Tuesday, April 6^th at 9:30 am.  Each week through June 30^th there are three walks scheduled for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings in Mission Creek Regional Park, Springfield and Durnin Roads and along the Mission Creek Greenway.  Our walking leader has designed this program to improve your overall walking speed, stamina and activity level.  We’ll gradually increase the duration of each outing so that by the end of the 12-weeks participants will be walking from 60 to 90-minutes.”

Walking is such a great form of physical activity. Hicks adds, “It’s easy to do, doesn’t require a lot of equipment and can be enjoyed alone or with others, in any type of weather.  And walking for up to 30 minutes a day can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, obesity and diabetes.  Take the first step with us along the path to a healthier lifestyle.  There’s no cost to register for the ‘Tracks Walking Club’.  Just drop in or contact the EECO at 250-469-6140 or email eeco@cord.bc.ca.”

The Regional District created the Get Active – Join Tracks and Walk with Nature program thanks to a grant from Walk BC, which is a joint initiative of the BC Recreation and Parks Association and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC and Yukon.  Funding is being provided by the Healthy Living Alliance, with support from ACTNOW BC.

(March 10, 2010)

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Tree Removal Projects in Regional Parks

People visiting several Regional Parks this month will find closed trails as crews remove beetle-infested hazardous trees.

Two of the projects will be taking place in sections of Mission Creek Regional Park.  Trees will be removed throughout the Sutherland Hills area of the park and debris will be transported to the Hall Road clearing for removal from the park.  As well, another crew will be falling trees in the sloped area of the park between the Mindy Tran Bridge and Kokanee spawning channel.  In each case, while crews are working in an area, trails will be closed and park users are asked for their safety to stay out of any closed area.

Another crew has been contracted to remove infested hazardous trees from a section of Glen Canyon Regional Park in West Kelowna.  Workers and equipment will be in and around the Hebert Road access to the park below Pineridge Place.  Hikers are again asked to obey trail closures and stay out of this area while work is underway.

Gellatly Heritage Park has been closed since last summer’s Glenrosa wildfire.  In the time since, hazard tree assessments were completed and some mitigation work has been done to trees that were impacted by the blaze.  However over the next few weeks, dangerous trees will be removed by crews using specialized equipment in order to preserve and protect the heritage values of this Regional Park.

Communications Coordinator Bruce Smith says, “We’ve had tremendous public support over the last few years whenever we’ve had to close trails for fuel modification and hazard tree removal.  We thank people in advance for staying out of closed areas that will be signed and marked, while crews are doing their work over the next few weeks.”

(March 4, 2010)

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What's On in Your Regional Parks!

From activities and programs to EECO exhibits, the new 2010 Guide to Regional Parks has everything you need to know about regional parks this year!

Communications Coordinator Bruce Smith says, “You’ll want to pick up a copy and keep it around the house because the guide’s handy ‘Year at a Glance’ provides important information about all the programs that will be offered from now through November in our Regional Parks.  With spring break fast approaching, parents may want to check out the dates, times and registration prices for this year’s ‘Spring Break Camps at the EECO’, and for those planning way ahead, the ‘Junior Naturalists Day Camp’ program which is returning over July and August.”

Smith adds, “The Regional Parks guide also details a new program that will be offered from April until the end of June.  Adults between 35 and 55 are encouraged to join the ‘Active Tracks Walking Club’.  Over the 12-week program, participants will take part in three walks each week, gradually increasing the duration of their outings as they stroll their way to a more active lifestyle.  And there are other benefits as well to becoming a walking club member!”

The 2010 Guide also includes information about some of the local history preserved in our Regional Park system, gives you advance notice of the exhibits planned during the year at the EECO and of course has a map showing each Regional Park, its location and some of the features and amenities you’ll find when you get there!

The colourful eight-page foldout pamphlet is now available at many locations across the Central Okanagan including the Regional District office (1450 KLO Road), the Environmental Education Centre for the Okanagan (EECO – 2363 Springfield Road) in Mission Creek Regional Park.  You may also pick up your copy at any municipal office, recreation centre or tourist and information offices from Peachland to Lake Country.

Smith says, “The guide is always as close as your computer and available whenever it’s convenient to you.  Last year the online version was visited more than 16,000 times making it one of the most downloaded documents on the Regional District website.”

For more information about any Regional Parks programming, visit the Regional District website (regionaldistrict.com) or call the EECO at 250-469-6140.

(March 1, 2010)

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Yard Waste Pickup Is Back On

It’s time to start filling up your yard waste cart!

Starting March 1^st, all residents on municipal curbside garbage collection will benefit from yard waste pick up every two weeks from March through November. Simply place yard waste directly into the cart with the green lid and wheel it out for pickup every other week (on the non recycling pick up weeks). To determine your yard waste collection week, please refer to your Living Greener Calendar, or visit the Bi-Weekly Yard Waste Collection webpage and refer to the collection area maps.

Waste Reduction Facilitator Rae Stewart says last year alone the new curbside yard waste cart pickup program saw remarkable participation.  Approximately 8,500 tonnes of yard waste was collected at the curb and turned into reusable compost instead of being buried at the landfill.

Stewart adds, “The curbside yard waste collection program is a winner all round. It helps residents who don’t have a vehicle to take their yard waste prunings and garden waste to the landfills. It reduces long traffic lineups and congestion at the landfills by eliminating the need for drop off. And with the new bi-weekly collection system, residents don’t have to wait like they used to for seasonal collections. Now they can put yard waste out every other week. Not only that, it gives us the chance to compost all this yard waste, thereby saving valuable landfill space.”

You’re reminded to put your yard waste out for collection by 7 am on the morning of your regular garbage day.  Accepted items include:

• Grass clippings
• Leaves
• Needles
• Branches and pruning’s up to 5 centimetres (2 inches) in diameter and less than one metre (3 feet) in length

NOTE: Yard waste is no longer allowed in the garbage, and must fit in the cart with the lid closed. No plastic bags, rocks, sod, flower pots, fruit droppings or kitchen scraps please.

Up to two additional 360-litre yard waste carts can be purchased from your municipality.   For additional yard waste carts and collection options, contact your municipality or visit the Automated Collection Program webpage.

(February 24, 2010)

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Wood Stove Change Out Program Savings Return!!

Over the next two months many Central Okanagan residents will help to reduce air pollution and save some money!

That’s because during March and April anyone replacing an old wood burning appliance with a new, cleaner burning and higher efficiency one from a participating retailer can take advantage of the savings offered during the 10^th annual ‘Great Okanagan-Similkameen Wood Stove Change Out Program’.

The Regional Air Quality program gives consumers a $250 rebate (funding is limited) when they purchase a new EPA/CSA emission-approved wood, gas, pellet or electric appliance and replace their old smoke-belching wood stove.

Participating manufacturers, distributors and retailers also offer a minimum rebate of $150 off the suggested retail price of new EPA/CSA approved replacement appliances. Consumers receive the rebate when they surrender their old wood burning appliance for recycling.

This program has made a significant difference when it comes to air quality in the Central Okanagan.  Valley-wide over the past nine years, 1,256 old wood burning appliances have been traded in for new, certified cleaner burning ones.  As a result, approximately 450 tonnes of smoke particulates have been kept out of our airshed.  That equates to approximately 15,000 fewer cords of wood burned, a woodpile lined up end to end running the length of 363 football fields.   Now that’s a reason we can all breathe easier!

So who could benefit from the change out program?  The owners of approximately 19,000 Okanagan homes with inefficient, conventional wood stoves or masonry fireplaces.  Each year, it’s estimated that their chimneys pump out a combined 478 tonnes of smoke pollutants.

Regional Air Quality Program Coordinator Nicole Marzinzik says, “It’s clear that wood stove smoke contributes to poor air quality.  Replacing old wood burners with new certified appliances will help to make a difference since they burn 1/3 less wood and reduce smoke by up to 90%.”

Marzinzik adds, “To learn more about smart wood heating, there’s a quick, interesting and informative video you can watch on our websites.  If you’d like a copy, limited numbers are available through the Regional District or City of Kelowna.”

To learn more about new technology wood stoves and the Change Out program, you’re invited to attend a free ‘Wood Heat Workshop and Showcase’ on Wednesday April 7^th from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm in the City of Kelowna Council Chamber (1435 Water Street).  The two-hour workshop will provide expert advice on installation safety, firewood and wood heat options, system maintenance and how to properly locate a chimney. Learn why creating smoke is a sign that you may be operating your appliance improperly and creating a safety hazard for yourself and others.  More information about the workshop will be released in March.

The ‘Wood Stove Change Out Program’ is a limited time offer ending April 30^th.  Follow these links for more information, a list of participating retailers or other program details .  You may also contact Nicole Marzinzik at 250-469-8408.

The 'Wood Stove Change Out' is a clean air program of the Central Okanagan, North Okanagan and Okanagan-Similkameen regional districts.  Link to Regional Air Quality Program webpage for other ways you can help improve our air!

(February 24, 2010)

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Spring Break Camps at the EECO

Registration is underway now for the upcoming Spring Break Camps at the EECO in Mission Creek Regional Park (Springfield and Durnin Roads).

Activities for Junior Naturalists age 5 – 7 run afternoons March 8^th to 10^th and mornings March 15^th to 17^th.  Youth age 8 to 11 will participate in the afternoon March 15^th to 17^th, while a special Parent and Tot camp will run each morning March 8^th to 10^th.   During all the camps, participants will enjoy a variety of fun indoor and outdoor activities that are designed to encourage an interest in the natural environment.  View More Information

Please register in advance for the camps at the EECO.  The cost for each three-day camp is $60 or there’s a single day rate of $25.

For more information contact the EECO at 250-469-6140, email eeco@cord.bc.ca or drop into the centre at 2363A Springfield Road in Mission Creek Regional Park.

(February 22, 2010)

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Community Responds to Announced Drop-In Centre Closure

Organizations actively working together with homeless/at-risk people in the Central Okanagan are responding to an impending need in the community.

News of the announced closure of the Kelowna Drop-In and Information Centre has prompted representatives of at least ten community organizations to come together and identify potential gaps in service and other needs of those most affected.

Christene Walsh, Drug Policy Coordinator with the Regional District of Central Okanagan says, “Our goal is to ensure that vulnerable people will not be left behind or forgotten. This sample of experienced and knowledgeable organizations with a positive track record working with the homeless is coming together in response to this unfortunate circumstance.  We want all Central Okanagan residents to realize there is a wide range of resources that will still be provided after March 31^st.”

As the Drop-In Centre moves towards its announced closure, these and other community organizations are moving forward by identifying the possible next steps and addressing any outstanding needs.  Walsh adds, “These organizations are all experiencing challenging economic times with limited financial resources yet they remain committed to supporting this vulnerable population that they jointly serve.”

There are several immediate areas of action that appear to require attention to minimize any disruption in service.  One is to find a way to sustain in our community’s downtown core, the BC Housing contract which currently provides funding for a breakfast program.   Another is to find a location for the Ministry of Housing and Social Development Third-Party program that provides an alternate Income Assistance cheque pick-up location for those banned from the Dilworth office.  As well, these and other community organizations are anticipating assisting with a smooth transition when it comes to the safe storage of confidential information and personal belongings of clients.

Walsh says, “One of the key roles of the Regional District’s Drug Policy Coordinator is to promote ongoing communication and collaboration among service providers.  This action is a strong example of our community’s commitment to work together and address any concern that may arise in order to ensure a safe and strong community for everyone.”

Service providers and members of the public interested in learning about programs and services available within the Central Okanagan can visit an online Community Info Search at www.kcr.ca or may phone Kelowna Community Resources at 250-763-8008.

(February 16, 2010)

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Westside Road Residents Information Meetings

The Regional District of Central Okanagan is holding two information meetings that will be of interest to residents living along Westside Road in areas from Trader’s Cove to Westshore Estates.

Staff from the Environmental Services section will be on hand to provide information and updates regarding rates and several projects including water systems and solid waste management.

The first meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 14^th from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Killiney Beach Community Hall (514 Udell Road).  Information will be provided on the following topics:

• Upper Fintry/Valley of the Sun/Shalal Road water system
• A petition process regarding the Fintry Utility water system;
• Planned improvements and upgrades to the Killiney Beach and Westshore water systems;
• Utility billing rate increases for Solid Waste Management and Recycling programs at the Sugar Loaf Transfer Station;
• Westside Landfill Closure and temporary residential convenience solid waste transfer and recycling facility.

The second meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 22^nd from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Wilson Landing Fire Hall (2396 Westside Road).  At this meeting residents will learn more from the Regional Waste Reduction Office about:

• Utility billing rates for Solid Waste management and Recycling programs at the Trader’s Cove Transfer Station;
• Westside Landfill Closure and temporary residential convenience solid waste transfer and recycling facility.

Information from each meeting will be made available after each meeting on the Regional District website.

(February 12, 2010)

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Greenway Trail Upgrading Means Section Closed

The next phase of the Mission Creek Greenway reconstruction project is underway and that means a section of the recreational trail is closed until the end of March.

Upgrading is being done to an area known as ‘the switchbacks’, an approximately 500-meter portion of the trail leading to the viewpoint below Gallagher’s Canyon at the end of Field Road.  Workers will be widening and resurfacing some parts of the trail, installing earth and wooden tie stairs and will be providing environmental protection features to reduce erosion and improve bank stabilization along this steep portion of the Greenway.

Signs advising of the closure are posted at both the Hollywood Road South and Field Road parking areas on both ends of Scenic Canyon Regional Park.  Link to Map

Areas of the trail that are closed and under construction will be fenced and signed and trail users are asked to stay out of closed areas to ensure their safety.  They should also be aware that while this work is underway they may encounter construction equipment accessing the construction area from other parts of the Greenway and Scenic Canyon Regional Park.

The total cost of this latest trail upgrading and the work completed last fall to along Phase 2 of the Mission Creek Greenway is just over $127,000.  Funding is provided by the Regional District and through a $42,500 grant from the Recreational Infrastructure Canada program.

(February 5, 2010)

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Weed Awareness Just a Phone Call Away!

Their flowers may be attractive, but often these deceptions disguise the harsh reality these aren’t pretty plants for your garden or property.  In fact, they’re nuisance weeds that can, if unchecked, spread rapidly through our region.

That’s why the Regional District of Central Okanagan is partnering with the Invasive Plant Council of BC (IPCBC) to offer residents and groups a free opportunity to learn more about these ‘unwanted’ nuisance plants, like Dalmatian toadflax, purple loosestrife or yellow flag iris that masquerade as pretty flowers.

Invasive Plant Specialist Jessica Hobden with the IPCBC is available through March 31^st to deliver a free educational outreach program called ‘Stop the Spread’.  It can help local gardening and naturalist clubs and school and community groups learn to identify and remove invasive plants and to choose the right plant for the right place this growing season.  For information or to arrange a presentation email jess_hobden@hotmail.com or call 250-215-4459.

Invasive plants are often mistaken for wildflowers and are spreading through our natural ecosystems, agricultural lands and urban areas at an alarming rate.  These unwanted invaders can adversely affect our recreational opportunities by obstructing trails, forcing out desirable natural plants and vegetation.  They also reduce water quality by increasing erosion and sedimentation and negatively impact the forage quality of native grasses and rangelands.

As native plant communities are replaced by invasive plant infestations, biodiversity declines and habitats change.  In the absence of management these impacts are often irreversible and restoration can be extremely difficult and costly.  So the key is to stop them from taking root and spreading.  Individual actions can make a powerful difference!

Regional District Communications Coordinator Bruce Smith says, “One of the tools available to help Central Okanagan residents identify invasive plants is the ‘Weed Warrior Playing Card’ deck, which is available at the Regional District office (1450 KLO Road).  Each of the 52 playing cards sports a colour photo of an invasive weed.  The creation and production of the weed card deck was made possible with a grant to the Regional weed control program from the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands.”

The Regional District Noxious Weed Control Bylaw requires property owners to prevent the growth of noxious weeds and tall grasses and provides for their removal in the two Electoral Areas as well as in the City of Kelowna, District of West Kelowna, District of Peachland and District of Lake Country.  Follow this link for more information about the program, noxious weeds and the bylaw.

(January 29, 2009)

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Safe Harbour Boat Launch Closed

Effective immediately, the boat launch at the Okanagan Centre Safe Harbour Regional Park is closed.

Communications Coordinator Bruce Smith says, “One of the concrete pads has broken and there is exposed rebar so unfortunately it’s not safe for use.  Until environmental approvals are received and the repairs are complete people with smaller boats and trailers may choose to use the area to the south of the closed boat launch.  Because of the low lake water level anyone with a large boat should not use the Safe Harbour to launch.   Instead, they should launch or trailer their vessel in other locations such as the District of Lake Country Coral Beach launch in Carrs Landing or the City of Kelowna Water Street or Cook Street boat launches.”

The Regional District apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause.  Smith adds, “Even though the launch itself is closed, the Safe Harbour still provides shelter and refuge for boaters during storms, poor weather conditions or other emergency needs at any time.”

From October through the end of April, the gate to the Regional Park, boat launch, small beach and parking area along Okanagan Centre Road in Lake Country is not locked.  Between May 1^st and September 30^th, the gate is locked daily from 10:00 pm to 5:00 am.

(January 28, 2010)

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Hunters in the Sky Exhibit

It’s a new year and there’s a new exhibit for you to check out at the Environmental Education Centre for the Okanagan.

‘Hunters in the Sky’ features displays and activities focusing on Raptors:  birds that use their exceptionally keen senses to hunt primarily while flying.  In the Okanagan, you’ll find species such as Falcons, Hawks and Owls that along with their highly tuned vision generally have large and powerful talons and beaks that have been adapted for dealing with food that they’ve captured.

The exhibit, which runs through mid-April, 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 in the Classroom’ program.  It’s available until April 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.  It’s open daily through March from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.

For more information about this and other EECO programs visit the Regional District website or call the EECO at 250-469-6140.

(January 11, 2010)

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Waste Collection in Snowy/Icy Conditions

Winter snow, ice and cold can create challenges at the best of times. The Regional Waste Reduction Office would like to remind you during snowy and/or icy road conditions, your garbage and recycling collection may be delayed. However, OK Environmental Waste Systems staff will do their best to ensure regular collection schedules are maintained.

If your regular collection day is missed, collection will take place on the following day, weather conditions permitting. In extreme weather conditions, collection may be delayed more than one day.

Slippery roads, especially on sloped or more challenging streets are not safe for large collection vehicles, workers, or residents. The first priority is to clear roads to make them safe, and make collection possible. Residents whose garbage or recycling has not been picked up should continue to leave it out for collection, and the waste haulers will pick it up as soon as possible. (Do not bring your carts back in until they have been emptied to ensure your collection is not missed.)

In winter months, it may be necessary to alter the regular placement of your carts to ensure the collection vehicle can reach them.

• Find or clear an unobstructed site to put your carts out for collection. (Please note: It is the responsibility of the resident to clear appropriate space at the curb/roadway in front of their property for placement of carts.
• Put carts as close as possible to the street, without obstructing the street, sidewalk or bike lane. (Often placing your carts on either side of your driveway allows for greater ease for the collection trucks and for you.)
• Keep carts off the travelled portion of the roadway so as not to interfere with snow plows- do not place carts in a location where the snow plow will hit them.
• The cart should be no closer than three feet from any obstacle, parked car, or other cart - an arm’s length spacing is required between each cart. (When considering cart placement, it’s important to note the automated arm on the collection truck can only reach a maximum of eight feet from the truck, and up to one foot off the ground.)
• Do not place carts behind or on top of snow banks.
• Please have your carts out for collection by 7 a.m. (Avoid placing your carts out  the night before collection and bring them away from the road as soon as possible, to avoid interfering with snow plows often working in the very late and early morning hours to clear our roadways.)
• Clear your cart of snow and ice to ensure the lid opens when cart is tipped
• General Safety: As the waste collection carts are equipped with wheels, please use extra caution when wheeling them in snowy and icy conditions.

Click to View Larger Image

(November 25, 2009)

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Open Burning Permits Available October 15th

The open burning season in the Central Okanagan begins Thursday.

Fire authorities throughout the region will begin issuing permits effective October 15^th for those property owners that are eligible to burn yard waste outdoors.  The start of the season was delayed by local fire chiefs because of the high fire hazard and recent dry conditions.  Under Regional District and local fire bylaws, permitted open burning must be complete by April 30^th however, fire chiefs may extend or shorten the burning season depending on the fire hazard.

Starting October 15^th, those people 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.

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. Approximately 400 property owners in the two electoral areas received burning permits during the 2008-2009 burning season.  All other eligible property owners must obtain a permit from their municipal fire department.  Link to Fire Department Permit Contact Numbers

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, District of West Kelowna 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 Fire Department Dispatch Center 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 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 (green lid).  Residents may also choose to 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 either landfill location.  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.  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 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.  So far this year, almost 3,400 cubic meters of wood waste has been chipped from 11 Central Okanagan orchards that removed trees and are participating in this program.

Please follow the link for more information on the Smoke Control Bylaw and other Air Quality Initiatives within the Regional District.

(October 14, 2009)

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Two New Forest Insect Pests

There are two new insect invaders leaving visual evidence of their presence in Central Okanagan forests.

The Western Spruce budworm and Douglas fir Tussock Moth have been found by the Ministry of Forests and Range in parts of the regional district.

Both are native species and have been responsible for past forest health infestations.  However, the Douglas fir Tussock Moth is of particular concern as it not only defoliates and kills trees very quickly, but can also cause health issues with humans, dogs and horses through a condition known as Tussockosis.  Approximately one in three humans have allergic type symptoms ranging from general itchiness, watery eyes and skin rashes to full anaphylaxis in extreme instances.

The Ministry of Forests and Range is responsible for pest management on Crown Lands, completing aerial surveys looking for new outbreaks and determining the severity of damage.  It uses these assessments to determine and conduct an aerial spray control program.

While the Ministry is presently mapping the extent of Tussock Moth infestation in the Central Okanagan, preliminary data shows infestation in the Trepanier, Ellison and Glenmore areas.  Additional information is also being compiled as to the extent of any presence in the Joe Rich area.

Ministry Forest entomologist Dr. Lorraine Maclauchlan provided information to the Governance and Services Committee at its August meeting and the an update was provided from Parks Services staff in September.  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 these insects:

• Douglas fir Tussock Moth
  • Ministry Information webpage
  • Ministry Public Information Links
• Western Spruce Budworm
  • Ministry Information webpage
  • Ministry Public Information Links

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Greening Your Business

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

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

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

(January 31, 2008)

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