Some of our image-laden pages may load more slowly depending on your internet service. Patience if they don't display immediately. You'll be glad you waited.

South Okanagan Photos

RDOS – a productive year

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) has had a busy 2016.

There have been many accomplishments over 2016 which have benefited the region. The South Okanagan-Similkameen Protocol Agreement with First Nations in the region, senior levels of government, member municipalities and client groups remains strong. The RDOS was able to provide support for the Governance Study which took place in Electoral Area “D”. The RDOS celebrated it’s 50th anniversary during 2016, and hosted an anniversary event as well as produced many videos showcasing information about the RDOS. The RDOS participated in Local Government Awareness Week and invited students from around the region to participate at an RDOS Board meeting. The RDOS has worked on a resolution of the Lower Similkameen Forest Corporation.

The RDOS Information Services (IS) department completed projects in 2016 that support many RDOS initiatives. IS supported RDOS fire departments and recreation centres with mapping projects for parks, trails and planning and updates to civic addresses. The department provided mapping and information technology support to the Emergency Operations Centre. The department updated various internal applications.

The RDOS Financial Services department facilitated the 2016 budget and conducted a public engagement process. The department collected data for the rate development study for the West Bench Water System. The department also conducted a financial policies review.

Protective Services which falls under the Community Services department activated the Regional Emergency Operations Centre three times for spring freshet and wildland interface fires. The department completed the build and testing of the 911 telecommunications upgrade project. A Fire Master Plan for the seven Regional District Fire Services was initiated.

RDOS Parks and Recreations which falls under the Community Services department replaced the Naramata Creek Park walking bridge, resurfaced the Skaha Lake KVR trail for 3 kilometers, completed a design for the KVR trail connection at Osoyoos Lake, renovated the Kaleden Pioneer Park restroom, and completed the Okanagan Falls off leash pet park. The department also completed a park development plan for Pioneer Park, Vintage Views park, Manitou Park and the Okanagan Falls waterfront. Resurfacing of the Kaleden Pioneer Park tennis court took place. A new restroom was constructed and utilities were installed at West Bench Selby Park. West Bench Mariposa Park playground was redesigned. The department also completed three parkland acquisitions in Naramata, and a donation of parkland in Coalmont. The Similkameen Rail trail received improvements in Keremeos, and a welcome sign was installed in partnership with Penticton Indian Band for the West Bench community.

Community Services also completed a Memorandum of Understanding with BC Transit for the implementation of a new local transit services for the West Bench. A statement of significance Heritage workshop was completed.

In Public Works, the Engineering department completed the Faulder Water system with a uranium removal system and back-up generator being installed. In Olalla the water system had an instrumentation and alarming system upgrade and the water main replacement was completed on Main Street. The Naramata back-up power generator was installed. A design, operation and closure plan was completed for Campbell Mountain Landfill (CMLF). Ongoing work on the Gas Capture Regulation compliance took place and the RDOS proceeded on the Organics Site Feasibility study. The RDOS office was renovated during 2016, and the project was managed by the Engineering Department. An Okanagan Basin Water Board grant for Water Conservation and Quality Improvement was received and work commenced. A design was completed for the Apex Mountain Transfer Station for the collection of garbage and recycling.

The Public Works department also assumed ownership of the Willowbrook Water system. The Similkameen Valley Watershed Plan Phase 3 got underway. The decommissioning of the Naramata Water System South Pump house took place. New computer software was installed at the Landfills. The department was involved in the invasive plant program, bear aware, starling control, goose egg addling, urban deer management, the water ambassador program and quagga/zebra mussel education.

In Subdivision Services, the Twin Lakes hydrogeological report was reviewed and a development variance permit was approved. Vintage Views phase 3, 24 lot subdivision registered and park donation was completed. Reflection Point, phase 1, 8 lot bare land strata subdivision was registered. Subdivision Services also supported member municipalities with subdivision and infrastructure related inquires.

The Development Services Department completed the Area D-1 Official Community Plan, the Gallagher Lake Area Structure Plan, completed the process to streamline the South Okanagan Regional Growth Strategy and reviewed and expanded Environmentally Sensitive Development permit areas. Building Inspection has their busiest year ever, with a construction value of $47,5000,000 to the end of September, with 448 building permits, including 105 dwelling units. Bylaw Enforcement developed and implemented a ticket tracking database, initiated vacation rental enforcement, and established dog shelter agreements with Penticton and Oliver.

The RDOS Board and Staff look forward to another busy and productive year in 2017. The Board of Directors and RDOS Staff wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season!