1. Tinhorn Creek Estate Winery – this is the second Oliver winery to approach the RDOS board with an application for a non-farm use and then proceed to the Agricultural Land Commission for a full service liquor license. The ALC has stated it will decide on a case by case basis and seeks input from the Regional District.

Confirming an earlier board decision on the general principle – the RDOS board denied the request but asked the ALC to amend its policy to allow for revisions to the present liquor license to allow other BC made products to be served. Appearing before the board was Sandra Oldfield who stated she did not want to have any of the land rezoned to commercial but wanted the restaurant at Tinhorn to be able to offer patrons similar products when compared to other quality eateries.

A second application from Hester Creek Estate Winery for the same purpose is on hold until the Commission makes a ruling on the Tinhorn Creek matter.

2. Raise limit on 911 telephone service to 1.7 million dollars – Presently the RDOS pays for its share of a contract with the RCMP to answer 911 calls – police and ambulance. That contract is under review with a number of Regional Districts looking for a less costly answer. Today the RDOS board in Penticton agreed to raise the limit for expenditures from $1.5 to $1.7 million.

3. 911 infrastructure meeting Saturday Penticton – All Fire Chiefs and regional politicians and staff will have an opportunity to discuss possibilities when it comes to renewing aging radio/mountain top communications systems vs telephone/cell/land line systems. The media also invited to the meeting as the RDOS want to ensure that the information that is getting out is accurate and relevant.

4. OK Falls growth projected at 1% per year until 2031.  A revised OCP plan calls for limiting growth to specific areas – including downtown and built up areas at Skaha Estates and Heritage Hills. The plan also calls for preservation of the industrial area where Weyerhaeuser Mill had been located – recommending that his land not be used for other purposes.

5. Osoyoos Mayor Stu Wells re-elected Chair of the Okanagan Basin Water Board with offices in Kelowna – a position he has held for a number of years.