Funding sought for North Westside study

The Regional Board has adopted the Scenic Canyon Parkland Exchange Bylaw No. 1473 following a successful Alternative Approval Process. The bylaw outlines the terms of an exchange of land between the Regional District and a private property owner affecting the Regional Park. The RDCO will acquire approximately ten hectares of new park land and a .86-hectare Statutory Right of Way to provide for future trail and park connections between Scenic Canyon, the Mission Creek Greenway and City of Kelowna parks and trails. In addition, the Regional District will receive approximately $454,000 in net compensation for the difference in the land valuation. In exchange, the Regional District will transfer 8.67-hectares of land in the park to the property owner. The Alternative Approval Process required 20,598 electors to submit response forms to prevent the bylaw from being adopted without first holding a referendum. Two electors submitted forms in opposition.

The Regional Board has authorized approval of a covenant for just over 125-hectares in Black Mountain – sntsk‘il’ntən Regional Park. The covenant with the Central Okanagan Land Trust will strengthen the long-standing partnership with the RDCO and allow the organization to contribute $15,000 towards the original purchase of two properties within the Regional Park. The Board agreed to proceed with the covenant after consulting with Westbank First Nation.

Financial Plan budget update

The Regional Board has approved including two additional funding requests in the proposed 2021-2025 Financial Plan. The first adds $40,000 to the Regional Air Quality Program budget in order to better serve orchardists and significantly reduce the Agricultural Wood Chipping Program backlog. The second addition will see $50,000 allocated from the RDCO feasibility service fund for a study to consider establishing a Regional First Nations Engagement Service. It’s envisioned this would further reconciliation efforts while enhancing and building on the RDCO’s strong working relationships with First Nations in the Okanagan.

Regional Board observances

The Regional Board recognized the National Day of Observance to remember the lives lost in the past year to the COVID pandemic and grieving family and friends. Chair Given also thanked essential service workers for their efforts and encouraged all Central Okanagan residents to continue to follow health and safety guidelines.

The Board also provided its condolences to the family of former School District 23 Board Chair and Trustee Rolli Cacchioni on his recent passing. As a long-time educator and community leader, he touched so many lives.

Regional Board meetings

Regional District office – 1450 KLO Road, Kelowna (Woodhaven Boardroom) – No public attendance allowed with health orders on public gatherings

· Thursday, March 18 – 8:30 a.m. second review 2021–2025 Budget & Financial Plan

· Monday, March 29 – 7:00 p.m. Final adoption of 2021-2025 Financial Plan

Live/Recorded meeting video

When a meeting begins, a Live Stream Video link will be available for that meeting in the Upcoming Meeting agenda section of the rdco.com website. When available, a link to the Video recording will be posted in the Past Meetings section for the individual meeting date. Links at rdco.com/agenda

by Pete McIntyre

Funding sought for North Westside study

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