Regional board meeting highlights, June 14

Contributed

Highlights of the regional district board meeting, June 14, 2012.

2011 Audited Financial Statements Adopted

The Regional Board has adopted the 2011 Audited Financial Statements for the Regional District of Central Okanagan. A copy is available for viewing online at regionaldistrict.com and at the Finance and Administration Services in the Regional District office, 1450 KLO Road, Kelowna.

South Slopes Official Community Plan (OCP)

The Regional Board has adopted the new South Slopes Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 1304. This is the first OCP for the area which includes the electoral area outside the City of Kelowna boundary between June Springs Estates and the south portion of Lakeshore Road and was developed after more than one year of extensive public consultation. One of the primary objectives in developing the area OCP is incorporation of several environmental Development Permit requirements that previously were not in place to ensure the protection of important environmental values and areas. The bylaw also identifies the ‘Kelowna Mountain’ properties as a Recreation Resort Study Area which indicates the secondary planning process required prior to consideration of any future change in land use.

Organic Solid Waste Management Study

The Regional Board has received a study and report regarding management options for organic waste across the Central Okanagan. The assessment evaluated feasible disposal methods for primary categories of organic waste like yard waste, biosolids, white and contaminated wood materials. The study found the current regional organic waste management system offered a high level of sustainability and that contrary to expectations, introducing a segregated food waste collection program wouldn’t likely deliver improved performance and could actually worsen the solid waste management system. As a result, the current program operations and functions will not see any changes however they may be adjusted in the future based on changes in Provincial mandates.

Shorts Creek Risk Assessment

The Regional Board has received a report prepared by Urban Systems assessing conditions posed by continued erosion from high water levels and flows in Shorts Creek in the Fintry Delta area near Fintry Provincial Park. The Board has asked Regional District staff to continue efforts to quickly bring together Provincial Government ministries and agencies to further discussions and possible short-term actions to reduce the potential impacts of further creek erosion and flooding issues that may be caused with future heavy rainfall and protect both road infrastructure and properties.

Regional Hospital District Spending Bylaws

The Regional Board has adopted 13 bylaws authorizing spending totalling $1,311,400 for its 40% share of capital equipment and projects within the Central Okanagan Health Region. Among the projects for Kelowna General Hospital: expansion of the pediatric area; purchase of three ultra-sound machines and two anaesthetic units with monitors; and an infant abduction system along with renovations of the Cottonwoods Care Centre tub rooms. The Hospital District Board also approved the 2011 Audited Financial Statements for the Central Okanagan Regional Hospital District.