tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47854720809541710942024-03-19T05:45:00.265-07:00Lake Country BC CAOWeekly journal about the activities of the District of Lake Country in the Okanagan, British Columbia, CanadaLakeCountryBChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00725668944885166848noreply@blogger.comBlogger136125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785472080954171094.post-19079564706227136842012-11-23T15:38:00.001-08:002012-11-23T15:38:54.614-08:00The Lake Country Momentum<span xmlns=''><p>Reflecting upon the past year serving the community, I have come to the realization that there is much on the go and much has been accomplished by our local government. A number of road improvements, for instance, have been completed, bringing with them a much higher sense of safety in the community. Lodge Road is an example and as I am writing this article, Lake Country staff members are working on an even safer path for pedestrians reaching from the Copper Hill subdivision down to Lodge, especially students that go to and from George Elliott Secondary. But I also think of the important improvements on Davidson Road, Camp Road, and Robinson Road to cite a few. Even the provincial work on the new Highway 97 section, which will be finished in the summer of 2013, is seen as a major improvement that will definitely benefit the community. Since I have moved to Lake Country, my family and I have been a bit reticent in driving along Wood Lake at night and even during the day on those gloomy cold days in the snow or rain – that section of the Highway is not safe and the new section is a great relief to all drivers.<br /></p><p>The District is also actively working to solve many issues related to water service and quality. The major one is the water quality in Oyama. Finally it can be said that much improvement is being made through the Kalamalka Lake Interconnect project that will be completed in the spring of 2013. The improvements will be fully available at that time and the Oyama residents will be able to finally access good quality water, something they have not enjoyed probably for as long as they lived there. The major drive for this focus is the Water Master Plan, which has been in the works for three years now. The final version was presented to the Water Advisory Committee which unanimously recommended Council's approval. As I wrote many times before, the Plan provides a 20-Year infrastructure vision that comes with a cost, but a necessary one, and Council just approved the necessary increases over the next four years to get on with the Plan - $50 a year per residential property on the District's water system beginning in 2013 and ending in 2016. This was not an easy decision by Council but was supported by the findings in the Water Master Plan and even pushed a bit by some mandated requirements from Interior Health. But this is positive because water, after air, is the most precious commodity we have. For years we have lived ignoring the reality that water, like everything else, is not endless and that, as any other organic material, is subject to possible contamination. Lake Country is certainly leading the Valley in ensuring protection of this critical resource in terms of quality and conservation and other governments are looking at the District's Plan as an example of a progressive approach to deal with such an important issue.<br /></p><p>Other things are also happening. I can think of the healthy reorganization the District went through this year. This has improved a number of processes and is going to also provide needed funds for important infrastructure projects, which are suffering from the lack of grants available from both the federal and provincial governments because of the economic times we are living. Staff have been praised a number of times for changing gears in dealing with "customers" and in processing applications. With the rare exception, the level of satisfaction from members of the public has exponentially increased.<br /></p><p>The addition of an Economic Development Officer has also introduced an element of energetic marketing activity that is bringing much deserved attention from investors in diverse areas of the Country, and even from across the border. A big piece of land on Main Street has finally been sold to a developer and we are waiting to hear about another piece of land on the same street that has captured the interest of a number of investors with an ambitious vision for the Town Centre. <br /></p><p>There is more but suffices to say that it seems to me that Lake Country is gaining momentum. And it will do more so once a sustainable plan for the whole community is initiated and completed. The District has received a grant for this and it is in the process of selecting a firm to guide the community through the process. This plan – which is formally called the Integrated Community Sustainability Plan (ICSP) – will be prepared with the purpose of creating a holistic community vision in the four pillars of quality living: economic, social, environmental, as well as land use and infrastructure. This plan is so critical that a number of other plans have been put on hold until the ICSP is completed and approved. Furthermore, the public and community stakeholders will be directly and extensively involved in the creation of the plan because this is theirs – or ours as I live here with my family. <br /></p><p>So stay tuned and be ready to participate!<br /></p><p>adf</p></span>LakeCountryBChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00725668944885166848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785472080954171094.post-1390259727266200702012-11-16T15:14:00.001-08:002012-11-16T15:14:53.972-08:00One Year with the New Council<span xmlns=''><p>The most recent local government election was held last year on the third Saturday of November – so pretty soon we will celebrate the new Council's one year in office. Four out of six councillors are new and three of them come from three wards. Our system is unique in British Columbia but it is reflective of the varied diversity that we enjoy in Lake Country. By the same token, though, our Community, Council and Staff are also proud of the fact that Lake Country is one community, one municipality where the sense of history, diversity, and cultural variety stemming from the four wards blend into what best represents life, the Okanagan way. I cannot imagine a better place to live, visit, and do business than Lake Country where three of the most beautiful lakes in the province and beautiful natural settings offer the opportunity for a quality in life that is the envy of many visitors.<br /></p><p>Since incorporation, the various councils have worked hard to build this wonderful community and have done many good things that other municipalities only dream about. It is no different with this new Council. They have been working as hard to continue to provide the same – or even better – level of life enjoyment notwithstanding the challenges that we all face due to the continuous struggles in the global economy. <br /></p><p>In previous articles, I have attempted to share many of the accomplishments that we were able to make just in the last year. You can certainly read those again on our state of the art community portal at <a href='http://www.okanaganway.ca'>www.okanaganway.ca</a> and specifically under the "Blog" section. However, today I think that it would be better if I wrote about the future and specifically some of the things that will happen and come up in the next few months.<br /></p><p>Budget deliberations start on Tuesday, November 20<sup>th</sup>. The first meeting will be held at Municipal Hall, in the Council Chambers, commencing at 3:30pm. The intent is to provide Council with an update on the current 2012 numbers and introduce plans for 2013 and beyond. Council has to approve a 5-Year Financial Plan under current provincial legislation; hence, the whole discussion cannot be isolated to the 2013 budget, although next year will be looked at in more detail than the following four years. <br /></p><p>The new budget will benefit from some of the cuts that were applied to the District's operations last April and hopefully those cuts will assist increasing the amount of money that we need for capital projects such as roads, parks, and so on. And while, as I just said, the minimum requirement of the financial plan is to forecast for the next five years, Lake Country staff have been working over the last two years on 20-Year plans for managing our assets properly and wisely. The first piece of this planning exercise is the Water Master Plan, which will be finally adopted before the end of the year. The infrastructure component of the plan has been known for about two years now and calls for a $79 million price tag over the next twenty years – all this for clean, affordable water and the ability to foster proper conservation practices both at the institutional and family/individual levels. In order to accomplish all that, water fees – obviously only for those who are on District's water system – will need to be increased; and Council has agreed to a 5-Year increase beginning in 2012. District of Lake Country water customers' bill went up $49 this year and, according to the plan, should go up $50 per year in the next four years, from 2013 to 2016. <br /></p><p>Other plans regarding the long-term Integrated Transportation Framework – which includes roads, trails and pedestrian connections –; and the long-term Liquid Waste Water Management Plan – which includes our sewage system – are close to completion and in 2013 we will have a clear picture of our infrastructure priorities. <br /></p><p>Finally, in December and January, Council will make more specific decisions on the overall budget and specifically what projects will be approved and how much service will be provided to the community. In the first case, Staff is proposing to use most of the money saved through the District's reorganization for capital, infrastructure projects. In the case of services – in other words the daily operations of the community (maintenance of infrastructure, firefighting and fire prevention, bylaw enforcement, legal services, financial services, leisure programs, policing, the theater and more) – Staff will have to establish the impact of current contract increases, cost of living, slow growth and so on to see how much needs to be allocated to cover for those expenses. An example is that the current RCMP contract will cost an extra $120,000 in 2013 which is the equivalent of a 1.5% tax increase.<br /></p><p>In December, the District will begin the process of creating an overall Economic Development Strategy. This has been a priority of Council and now that, through the recent reorganization, the District has an Economic Development Officer (EDO) we have the capacity to begin and complete this task. Our EDO is working with a number of stakeholders to ferret out the details of the strategy and come up with a plan, including priorities and actions. In addition, Council will also review its Strategic Priorities to see what is still relevant and what needs to be added. Much of it will have to deal with how resources can be properly allocated to exploit current capacity efficiently and effectively. In this past year, Council members were able to evaluate for themselves where some efforts need to be made and this may mean that some priorities might be shifted or new ones could be created.<br /></p><p>Pretty soon, the new municipal website will be up and running. It will look much like our community portal (the okanaganway.ca). The site will be easier on the eye, information easier to find, and browsing more user-friendly. I wish to thank the Corporate Services group that has been working very hard on this project for the last few months. We were told that our current website needed an overhaul and we have done it. I am convinced that the new one will offer a much better experience to both the skilled and the less skilled web navigator.<br /></p><p>In conclusion, I wish to spend just a few words on an important piece of our Business Systems Review – which is the streamlining of land use applications, including processing and information gathering for development permits, building permits, and so on. Council approved many changes that have allowed for much faster application course. Soon, the Planning & Development group will be able to tell us how much time we are saving for the applicants and staff through the new process. However, the most important change is that we are seeing more appreciation for the service provided by staff. In the past, it was felt that the District had an issue with the quality of customer service. Whether that was a perception or reality, Staff have been working hard to change that. In order to monitor our efforts, the Planning & Development group has created a Customer Comment Card to monitor the level of satisfaction of their customers and receive important feedback for things that need improvement. Just a few days ago, a customer filled out the card and he was very complimentary of the two staff members providing assistance to him, and ranked our service as top notch. The card contains very nice comments and I believe it is a testimonial to our sincere efforts to do our best for the community as a whole and to those individuals we come in contact with every day at the counter. <br /></p><p>So a big "Thank You" to staff for their selfless desire to be their best!<br /></p></span>LakeCountryBChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00725668944885166848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785472080954171094.post-70273852980305502212012-08-30T13:53:00.001-07:002012-08-30T13:53:56.139-07:00Lake Country Phase 2 of Business Systems Review Underway<span xmlns=''><p>In May of this year, Council passed a resolution that, as the Administrator, I look further into the Business Systems Review recommendations and suggest further implementation of those that are going to affect the budget in coming years, beginning in 2013. As a result, I submitted a number of suggestions to Council which were approved as action items to be implemented as the second phase of this project.<br /></p><p>Just as a brief reminder, the first phase of the reorganization dealt mainly with two areas: the organization itself and the development permit process. The first one was a response to a clear mandate to find operational savings in view of economic difficulties and alleviate the tax burden to the community. I would also add that the savings gained through the reorganization will also be allocated to much needed infrastructure works. As you may know, Lake Country, and the rest of the municipalities in Canada, are struggling to find sufficient funds to maintain old and failing infrastructure and improving basic needs such as water quality, proper sewer systems, and safe roads and transportation. The second one was a much overdue streamlining of the land development process, by many characterized as long, cumbersome, and difficult for both the individual applicants – typical property owners that wish to improve their home – and professional developers, which we wish to have investing in the community with the aim to increase our tax base for the same reasons I just explained with respect to the organizational changes.<br /></p><p>As a result, the District has had to reduce its staff complement by eliminating four management positions and six union positions. We also added three positions to meet the strategic priorities of Council and balance our current capacity issues, which have not gone away but, to some extent, have increased. The net annualized savings are just below $700,000, which will be useful to funding a number of much needed capital projects (this is the equivalent of about 8% tax increase).<br /></p><p>Also, Council approved the amendments to the Development Permit Application process. <span style='background-color:white'>We have made significant changes to applicable Bylaws to streamline the process and timelines to make it easier for people to work with the District of Lake Country and move forward on their projects. As I mentioned in a blog in July, processes and procedures are reviewed with the intent of cutting red tape and making things easier for the taxpayers, residents, businesses and potential investors – that is a key area of focus and a mandate given to us by Council. Fees are also part of the change and they have been reviewed and new ones will be approved by Council at the beginning of September.<br /></span></p><p><span style='background-color:white'>I have been approached by many taxpayers and received a number of e-mails thanking the District and Council for the direction we have taken on this. I always tell them, and staff at the District, that this is an ongoing process and that change is an important leadership tool for the community. More change will come and will continue to come in future years.<br /></span></p><p><span style='background-color:white'>Phase 2 deals again with some organizational matters but also with contracted services and regional functions. With respect to the organization, Council approved my recommendation to review all management salaries to see if they are aligned with other municipalities, comparable public sector organizations, and comparable private sector organizations. It is important for Council to know if their managers are paid fairly, are overpaid, or are underpaid. Some think that salaries are too high and certainly higher than in the private sector. Our recent experience in hiring from the private sector has shown us otherwise with difficulty filling positions because we pay much less than the private sector. This will shed a light on comparability and will introduce a more balanced approach to pay, where not all managers are paid the same but based on their responsibilities, including budget administered, staff managed, and complexity of decision-making. <br /></span></p><p><span style='background-color:white'>As for contracts, some current arrangements seem to be costly and operationally cumbersome. In particular, the current Sewage System Operational contract, the Road Maintenance contract, and the regional contract for Mapping Services with the Regional District (called GIS – Geographic Information Services). With respect to the Sewage System Operational contract, the District is working on securing a grant to double our Treatment Plant capacity. The issue of operational control, also in view of the proposed Liquid Waste Management Plan envisioning the current plant to provide waste management to the whole community, is becoming more front and centre for our operations and needs to be addressed. The Roads Maintenance contract has lost its competitive edge and needs to be revamped in order to maximize its value-for-money. Finally, Council decided not to renew its GIS contract with the Regional District whose cost has almost doubled since West Kelowna abandoned the function. Feasibility and practicality are going to be a factor of whether the District can continue to be serviced by the Regional District in this area.<br /></span></p><p><span style='background-color:white'>One more issue is the Regional Rescue Services. The Central Okanagan Regional District has initiated a review last year. The report generated by the consultant was not satisfactory to the District and the rest of the municipalities utilizing the function. There are 12 different services and administration fees – both from the City of Kelowna and the Regional District – are escalating leaving the partnering municipalities with higher bills. The delivery of these services is also under review. As some of them are contracted out and paid only upon usage, the question that lingers in the minds of all partners is why we receive an annual bill even if the service is not utilized.<br /></span></p><p><span style='background-color:white'>Finally, a review needs to be done of our development cost charges (DCC's), which are paid to build critical infrastructure. In fairness, our DCC's are the lowest in the region but the review will also be undertaken with the assistance of the development community. The Urban Development Institute has created a liaison committee which meets on a regular basis and is composed of developers and municipal staff from the District. This is a huge asset for us and I feel that it will take us to a new, much more modern approach to doing business.<br /></span></p><p><span style='background-color:white'>I also acknowledge that change spurs negative reactions and I also know that this is the nature of the business I am in. This is part and parcel of a growth process: growth cannot come without some pain. But Council is showing strong leadership in focussing on its vision and its goals rather than been passive spectator to the future of the community. So, kudos to our community leaders that have chosen the less walked road.<br /></span></p><p><span style='background-color:white'>adf</span></p></span>LakeCountryBChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00725668944885166848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785472080954171094.post-86032586666731868292012-08-17T09:07:00.001-07:002012-08-17T09:27:41.581-07:00Here we Go Again! Time to Get some Action from our Provincial Government<br />
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In about a month the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Convention will be held in Victoria. The convention has three main purposes. The first and foremost is for individual councils to meet with provincial ministers and lobby them for important issues to be resolved, projects to be approved, and funds to be granted. The second is to form a ‘local government’ united front in dealing with provincial policy affecting local governments, such as, for instance, use of Crown land or how water is protected and distributed to users. The third is networking opportunities and learning best practices through a series of workshops on momentous issues that are affecting municipalities and regional districts throughout the province.</div>
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Council is preparing to attend and has requested a number of meetings with a few ministers. Usually, not all of them are approved by provincial officials but we try to get as many as we can.</div>
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In the past, the District has been effective in dealing with these meetings and much has been accomplished. We hope to do the same this year but the political atmosphere and the economic difficulties we are living in may be somewhat limiting. Notwithstanding this, our new Council (for a few of them this will be their first UBCM convention) is determined to make a difference for their community.</div>
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The District has requested meetings with Minister Chong (Community Development – formerly Municipal Affairs), Minister Lekstrom (Transportation and Infratsructure), Minister Thomson (Forest and Land), and Minister Polak (Aboriginal Reconciliation). The topics range from the current construction of the new Highway 97 stretch from Winfield to Oyama, to funds for an expansion of our current Sewer System Plant. Let me just review a few of these topics of discussion.</div>
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Sewage Treatment Plant. We have known for the last two years that the District’s Sewage Treatment Plant is almost at capacity and needs to be expanded sooner rather than later. The cost of the expansion, which will double the current capacity, is in the order of $6 million. Last year, the District applied for a grant to the Provincial and Federal governments for two thirds of the total cost, but it was unsuccessful. We thought it was going to be a no-brainer but the money went to the City of Cranbrook instead. We know that money is limited and the funds are oversubscribed and so, although we were disappointed, we also understood that provincial priorities, when it comes to these grants, takes into account a much larger picture. So this year we have applied again. The Regional District is also contributing to the project and has allocated at least $750,000 for the septage facility component. But we definitely need the $4 million from the province and the feds. Minister Chong’s department handles these applications and we have had numerous meetings with her in the past to show her our leading edge long term infrastructure plan, one of the first and best in the province. We hope this year is the year. Failing that, we will really need to think hard at options that we do not really want to go to, such as, for instance, borrowing. We’ll keep positive and be confident that, this time, the grant will be approved.</div>
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The new 8km stretch of Highway 97 will be soon completed and with that the current portion of highway along Wood Lake will be given to the District. We have been asking for assistance in planning for the transition from the province to the District of this beautiful piece of asset. The questions are: will the old section of highway be given to the District in a decent shape (in other words, will the province do some repair and safety work before it gives the stretch to us)? Will they help with the maintenance initially (the cost to the District could be between $100,000 and $150,000)? Will they want the road to continue to be such or are we allowed to do something with it as well? This is a beautiful piece of infrastructure with a huge potential and Council will begin public consultation on the vision and use of the soon to be acquired asset. But in the meantime, those questions need to be answered. We asked before but we have not received any real answers. Let’s hope we do this time.</div>
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Finally, the concern of water protection continues to be an issue when Crown Land rights are shared with private individuals for recreational purposes. The concerns are many: water is used (often without specific protection mechanisms) by private lease owners to the possible detriment of expanding reservoirs for public uses, and with that, the rights of the Okanagan Indian Band to a protocol on surety of structures and protection of natural resources, mainly water, in the same area.</div>
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These are all complex issues that take time to unbundle and be solved. The work that is done at UBCM is not quick but it is a patient labour of puzzle piece fitting. We just hope that, for some of these, the picture is almost complete.</div>
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adf</div>
LakeCountryBChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00725668944885166848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785472080954171094.post-69868594853315786682012-06-13T11:32:00.001-07:002012-06-13T11:32:17.893-07:00From Hay Field to Premiere Soccer Facility<span xmlns=''><p>Beasley Park is a community legacy thanks to thousands of hours of volunteer work, several fundraising projects and donations from local businesses and individuals. When the Lake Country Soccer Society (LCSS) has a vision, they see it through to fruition; and in this case, the broader community has benefited from their dedicated efforts. <br /></p><p>To bring you up to speed on how the past 20 years has unfolded resulting in Beasley Park being transformed from a hay field to one of the premier soccer facilities in the Okanagan Valley, we must recognize the dedicated efforts of the Lake Country Soccer Society directors and members. The land for Beasley Park was originally purchased by the Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) twenty years ago (1992) and then was transferred to the District of Lake Country upon incorporation in 1995. The Lake Country Soccer Society was also established in 1995 and had a strong vision for furthering the sport of soccer in the community. <br /></p><p>It was that passionate vision and a strong volunteer work ethic that created the two original soccer fields from an old hay field at what is now known as Beasley Park. The success of the park sparked the need for a facility to house the club and provide adequate dressing rooms for the high profile soccer matches that the park was then attracting. From that need, the Beasley Community Centre was constructed in 2001; and many sports teams and community groups have enjoyed the use of this facility for various functions and activities. <br /></p><p>In 2010 the District of Lake Country took over the management of the soccer fields from LCSS and then in 2011 assumed the maintenance responsibility for the fields as well. To continue and build on the traditions started by LCSS, the Parks & Recreation staff have increased aeration and fertilization, installed a new central computerized irrigation control system to improve the efficiency of water distribution, utilized new mowing equipment to keep the fields in top condition and a sweeper to clear goose droppings from the soccer fields. The management and maintenance of the community centre also became the responsibility of the District in 2010; and retrofits and upgrades have included a new air conditioning system, bleacher enclosure to reduce vandalism, storage space enclosure, as well as repairs and upgrades to bring the facility up to the current fire code. Community centre renovations will start in November and lighting installation for field #2 will be complete in August 2012. These two projects are made possible through the Community Recreation Grant program in the amount of $400,000. And as part of the District increased heritage program, a new Heritage marker will be installed this month on the Beasley Park site adjacent to the public art. <br /></p><p>So our heartfelt thanks go out to the many hard working volunteers and organizations for their contributions towards creating a superior soccer facility and community amenity which provides increased recreation opportunities for people of all ages and abilities!</p></span>LakeCountryBChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00725668944885166848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785472080954171094.post-61247634969717629142012-05-09T15:39:00.001-07:002012-05-09T15:39:46.809-07:00Roads and Water Projects Moving Forward in Lake Country<span xmlns=''><p><span style='color:#666666'>Many changes are occurring within the Lake Country local government organization and to the way the District does business. However, notwithstanding the difficult times we are going through, I actually have something positive to talk to you about, milestones achieved in moving towards our goal of creating a more liveable community with vibrant and environmentally friendly transportation networks. A few projects that you've heard about in this blog, the news media and from Mayor Baker and Council in the last few months are now in the works or are completed. <br /></span></p><p><span style='color:#666666'>The Lodge Road Lift station upgrade is now complete. The upgrade increases capacity for liquid waste collected from all of Lake Country – including the Clearwater subdivision, Woodsdale Road and the Lakes. This project was strategically scheduled to ensure it was completed before the Lodge Road transportation corridor upgrades started. <br /></span></p><p><span style='color:#666666'>Speaking of which, the tender closes on May 10<sup>th</sup> for the Lodge Road transportation corridor project, which will improve safety for pedestrians and help connect neighbourhoods to schools. Once the tender is awarded, the construction will start as soon as school finishes for the year. That means an intense period of work during the summer, so the project can be for the most part complete when the kids go back to school in September. <br /></span></p><p><span style='color:#666666'>Recognizing that there will be disruptions to the traffic flow and inconveniences during the construction period this summer, the contractor will be giving all residents updates so that alternate travel routes can be planned and people are made aware of what is happening at each stage of the project. The safety improvements planned within this project were recognized by ICBC, and as a result they are contributing $102,000 towards this $1.5 million project. We are also thrilled to be receiving $146,000 from BC Transit to include bus shelters and pullouts along Lodge Road. <br /></span></p><p><span style='color:#666666'>If you weren't able to attend the Open House on April 11<sup>th</sup>, and you'd like a better understanding of what the roundabout at the intersection of Bottom Wood Lake Road and Lodge Road will look like, or what the concept is for the separated sidewalk and pedestrian bridge over Vernon Creek, drawings of the project are available for viewing right now in Municipal Hall and on the <a href='https://lakecountry.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=18865'><strong>District of Lake Country website</strong></a>. <br /></span></p><p><span style='color:#666666'>Our goal for Lake Country is to develop and implement an Integrated Transportation Framework. Basically, this is a project that looks at all modes of transportation in Lake Country, not just vehicle traffic. It promotes liveability and good health, connects neighbourhoods to schools and parks, includes multi-modal transportation options for transit and accessibility and makes transportation convenient, easy to use and barrier free. The key theme of an Integrated Transportation Framework is: sustainable service delivery and active transportation. So anytime work is done on infrastructure renewal we consider making active transportation improvements. And you will hear more about this in the weeks to come as the details are finalized on renewal projects on Trask Road, and on Camp Road to address issues of resurfacing, ditching and pedestrian pathways. <br /></span></p><p><span style='color:#666666'>On another note, focusing on some essential and fundamental targets in the area of water quality, safety, and well maintained infrastructure, the Kalamalka Lake Interconnect project will bring significant improvements to water quality for all water customers in Oyama. This $5 million project includes a new reservoir and chlorination system at the Oyama Lake intake, the installation of a UV treatment system at the existing Kalamalka Lake Pumphouse, and a new booster station at Sawmill Road. Construction is set to begin this spring and to be completed in the spring of 2013. With this new infrastructure in place, we will be able to supply customers that currently receive water from Oyama Lake source with treated water from the Kalamalka Lake source. This will much improve ongoing issues with system reliability, capacity and water quality experienced by customers on the Oyama Lake system, and will enable us to remove the current permanent boil water notice. <br /></span></p><p><span style='color:#666666'>Speaking of water, the spring melt is underway and we continue to monitor our lakes and creeks for potential risks associated with run-off. Run-off has progressed in a steady fashion and for the lower elevations is mostly complete. The upper watersheds (above Oyama and Beaver Lakes) are melting now. Risk of flooding is low. At the same time, our upper lakes are full, indicating a robust supply of water available to carry us through the irrigation season. <br /></span></p><p><span style='color:#666666'>Seasonal run-off can impact water quality. Customers supplied by the Beaver and Oyama Lake sources may notice elevated colour, which is considered normal for this time of year. Water turbidity (cloudiness) has been slightly elevated at times, but remains within an acceptable range.<br /></span></p><p><span style='color:#666666'>We are of course at the mercy of Mother Nature – a change in the weather could impact water quality and flood risk. At this time, however, the news is good.</span></p></span>LakeCountryBChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00725668944885166848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785472080954171094.post-73686156567913653272012-03-20T18:34:00.001-07:002012-03-20T18:34:57.692-07:00Beasley Park Gets a Grant<span xmlns=''><p>When Premier Christy Clark announced the funding to be provided through the Community Recreation Program, at the Union of B.C. Municipalities convention in September 2011, the District of Lake Country wasted no time in putting together a case for receiving a grant to renovate the Beasley Park community centre and add lighting to the fields. <br /></p><p>How excited we were to find out that $400,000 in funding from the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development was approved for the proposed projects in Lake Country through the Community Recreation Program. Many residents, visitors and sports groups in Lake Country regularly use the fields and facilities at Beasley Park. These some 21,500 people participate in recreational activity using the park amenities as part of their healthy lifestyle. And we want to make it even more attractive for people of all ages and abilities to get out there and enjoy recreation at our parks. <br /></p><p>As Mayor Baker mentioned recently, local government, the province, and the health authorities want to work together to provide opportunities that make it easier for people to make healthier choices, every day. And what better way to demonstrate effective collaboration, than by making quality recreation infrastructure easily accessible – which will attract residents and tourists to the community. <br /></p><p>Maybe you heard the funding announcement on AM 1150 News/Talk/Sports show on Saturday, or saw the news crews and dignitaries tromping around with Mayor James Baker, MLA Norm Letnick and Director of Parks Steve Schaffrick at Beasley Park on Saturday, March 17th to participate in the formal announcement of the $400,000 investment. <br /></p><p>So what is going to be done with the $400,000 you wonder? For starters, the Beasley Community Centre will get a new multi-use deck (approx. 1,840 sq. ft.); as well as new wood floors, a fitness system mounting and relocation of the sound system; plus a renovation of the showers and washroom facilities; and a new toilet room. Then when you step outside on to the fields, there will be new field lighting towers on Beasley Field #2, and more work done on the landscaping. <br /></p><p>Kelowna-Lake Country MLA Norm Letnick acknowledged, "Both the upgraded community centre and soccer fields will be put to great use. The Youth Soccer Association will be pleased with this project. Bigger isn't always better, but Beasley Park is about to be both." <br /></p><p>Click on this <a href='http://www.lakecountry.bc.ca/siteengine/activepage.asp?PageID=17'>link</a> to browse page by page through the exciting Spring 2012 Lake Country Leisure Guide and decide what activities you, your friends, and family members can participate in at our beautiful parks and facilities. And mark your calendar so you can plan to come out to Beasley Park to join in the local celebration on Canada Day, July 1<sup>st</sup>.<br /></p><p>Karen Miller – Lake Country Customer Service<br /></p></span>LakeCountryBChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00725668944885166848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785472080954171094.post-42047925967767755392012-03-09T13:37:00.001-08:002012-03-09T13:37:05.976-08:00Council Approves Preliminary Budget<span xmlns=''><p>As many of you would know, Council has been deliberating on the 2012 budget for the last few weeks. On Thursday, March 8<sup>th</sup> (International Women's Day – and I hope you did not forget to honour the women in your life), Council concluded the first part of deliberations by approving a 'provisional' budget pending further adjustments that may be recommended as part of the Business Systems Review, which is underway. Council had to deal with infrastructure and capital pressures, impact on the taxpayers, and maintaining a decent level of services for the community. It is a complex exercise like in a puzzle, putting all the pieces in the right place will cause a harmonious picture to be created. But a budget is not a work of art. It is, rather, a forecast which remains slightly prone to changes as the unpredictability which comes with it unfolds throughout the year. For instance, because of the economic crisis (which does not seem to be getting better), much of the revenue forecast from building inspections, engineering fees and land use applications in 2011 was a disappointment, therefore new targets needed to be set for 2012.<br /></p><p>The focus of the budget exercise for this year has always been to minimize the overall impact on the taxpayers, knowing that in order to maintain the same level of services we would have to keep up with inflation. In addition, it was necessary to increase the funding for capital works as it is very low compared to other municipalities with similar population. At the end, Council decided to adopt a preliminary budget with an inflationary increase of 2.5% for property taxes and to reduce the proposed water fee increase necessary to carry on with our water master plan to less than half of the original proposal ($49 instead of $114). All other fees will remain the same. This will accomplish a few things:<br /></p><ul><li>The operating budget, which includes the general fund that comes from property taxes, the water fund and the sewer fund, both of which come from user fees, will see a slight increase (less than 1.4%) to factor in some contractual obligations that will also increase due to inflation;<br /></li><li>The portion of the capital budget funded through property taxes (general fund) will increase from about $350,000 last year to $410,000 this year. This is good for the community as 50% of our infrastructure will need to be properly repaired, maintained and replaced in the next 20 years. To put things into perspective, the District would need between $1 and $2 million a year in property taxes to take care of our assets (roads, water and sewer systems, parks, etc.);<br /></li><li>The capital program for 2012 will be just shy of $9.8 million which is almost the same as last year.<br /></li></ul><p>All this with the lowest tax increase ever in the history of Lake Country (the lowest tax increase prior to this was 3.2% in 2007). Kudos to Council. They had the leadership to direct staff to prepare a budget that would address their strategic priorities, guarantee the same level of services (or in other words quality of life) and begin to address our infrastructure needs properly. This is a visionary effort which will pay back in the next few years and in the long run. Further adjustments may be made once the business systems review is concluded. But those adjustments will mean either less taxes or more money for capital projects.<br /></p><p>To bring perspective to the numbers, the municipal portion of the tax bill we pay is only 52% of the whole (in other words on $1,000 collected, $520 go to the municipality and $480 go to other agencies, such as the province, the regional district, BC assessment and the likes). A 1% tax increase equates to $2.94 for every $100,000 of assessed value. To make things simpler, if your home is assessed at $500,000 a 1% increase would be $14.70. So a 2.5% increase would be $36.75 for the whole year. This year, the District will complete the following major capital projects:<br /></p><ul><li>Lodge Road reconstruction for a total of $1.6 million;<br /></li><li>The Kalamalka Lake Booster Station, UV Treatment and Reservoir, which will improve water quality in Oyama, for a total of $4.2 million;<br /></li><li>Sanitary Sewer works in various areas of the District for a total of $780,000;<br /></li><li>Beasley Park upgrades, including works at the Community Centre, a Park 'n' Ride, and parking lot improvements for about $1 million;<br /></li><li>Swalwell Park parking lot and Farmers Market for $220,000;<br /></li><li>A number of road and pedestrian safety improvements in different locations, including Bond Road, Sherman Road, and Beaver Lake Road for a total of $150,000.<br /></li></ul><p>A copy of the budget package is available online at <a href='http://www.lakecountry.bc.ca'>www.lakecountry.bc.ca</a>. If you have any questions about the budget and the process for its approval, call the Finance Department at 250-766-5650.<br /></p><p>adf<br /></p></span>LakeCountryBChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00725668944885166848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785472080954171094.post-1175913280323966642012-02-08T13:04:00.001-08:002012-02-08T13:04:08.019-08:00Census Stats and Other Lake Country Stuff<span xmlns=''><p>The numbers are out and Stats Canada has released them. In the last five years Lake Country has grown in population a total of 21.9% and has now 11,708 people living "Life. The Okanagan Way". Lake Country is the fastest growing municipality in the Central Okanagan and the Central Okanagan is the fastest growing area in BC, second only to Greater Vancouver. 21.9% means an average of 4.38% annually, which is above the 3% average forecast in our Official Community Plan. Now this does not mean that we will continue to experience these growth rates. The current real estate market is very slow due to economic conditions, but when those conditions get better, and they will, we will experience more growth in those areas that Council has identified in our plans. So, investors beware! Lake Country is open for business and this is where the Central Okanagan is really growing. We will need more commercial services and vibrant community to provide what newcomers will need in terms of living our Okanagan experience fully. And growth also means gaining needed tax base to properly maintain our infrastructure which is becoming old. Our 20 year plan cannot be accomplished without new growth and other levels of government assistance. Water quality and conservation, as well as transportation, parks, sewage and other infrastructure do not come cheap and they are beginning to come to the end of their life span. When the municipal budget is up for consideration, Council will have to decide what to prioritize, what to delay and what to cut. Remember, municipalities only get 8 cents or less for every dollar we pay in taxes. The rest (a whopping 92%) goes to the federal and provincial governments. <br /></p><p>And speaking about budget, Council will begin discussing it on February 16<sup>th</sup>. Staff are planning to provide an overview of the current budget and long term plans, incorporate the priorities that were approved by Council in December and come up with a formula that will provide the level of services needed in the community. The current economic times are tough and so Council will be aware of what can be afforded. A business systems review is underway and its final outcome will provide opportunities to scale back some services, save some money and minimize the impact of municipal operations to the taxpayers. We hope to have a final, clear direction from Council next Thursday. I have challenged staff to submit a 'no tax increase' budget, which can be a double edged sword: it could be a temporary relief to the taxpayers but it is also a detriment to future projects as reserves would need to be used in order to continue to make things work. Not an easy task but a very important one for the future of our community.<br /></p><p>On another note, I read in the paper that the District is considering a marina on Wood Lake. I have never heard of this before, in fact I was surprised when I read it. I thought maybe I had missed something in the last couple of years. So I asked staff and they were as surprised. We also checked the books and there is no application for such a thing. Maybe the newspaper should ask the District first if this is true before writing something that is not accurate. If, in the past, there was a proposal it is now defunct as far as the District is concerned. Furthermore, deliberations about these things are, by law, made in the public realm and cannot be considered in a closed meeting. In fact, we rarely have closed meetings and only to discuss legal issues, land negotiations and personnel matters. Even in that case, most of the times the resolutions adopted in a closed meeting are brought forward to a public meeting for public knowledge. No secret on this side.<br /></p><p>Finally, I wish to highlight the fact that the District of Lake Country has received a grant to do an Integrated Community Sustainability Plan. This is very important for us as our current plans are not fully inter connected. The Plan will include extensive public consultation and will represent a solid picture of where the community sees itself and wishes to be 30, 50, or even 100 years from now. If we don't do this, provincial and federal grants may be not be awarded as those levels of government now require municipalities to take an integrated approach to economic, social, environmental, and infrastructure issues. No big picture, no money. Staff are working on the terms of reference and we hope to begin the process in the spring.</p></span>LakeCountryBChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00725668944885166848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785472080954171094.post-86041372096538639292012-01-19T09:06:00.000-08:002012-01-19T09:06:16.711-08:00Lake Country Needs More Economic Growth<span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I received a few e-mails asking that I
clarify my position with respect to the article “Just a Bit More Balance,
Please” published last week in The View as it relates to Lake Country. I am
happy to do so with this blog.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-CA"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The article, which was written by Tom
MacDonald in Victoria, was not at all concerned with Lake Country business or
the Lake Country Chamber. It was a general reflection on the economic crisis
and reactions to it, including some from a number of local government
officials.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The issue in the
article was about the continuous reports from the Canadian Federation of
Independent Business (CFIB) about businesses being taxed too much by local
governments and statements by CFIB with respect to the value-for-money from
local governments in general. The Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) has tried
to counter CFIB claims (for a copy of the UBCM report on CFIB claims please go
to </span><span lang="EN-CA"><a href="http://www.ubcm.ca/assets/Library/Policy~Topics/Policy~Papers/2011/Comment%20on%20Fiscal%20Mgmt.pdf"><span style="color: blue;">Comments
on Fiscal Management in BC Municipalities</span></a>) </span><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">and I did have some discussion with provincial staff on the Premier’s
position about local governments. In my opinion, CFIB comments are one sided.
There are not only issues with local governments taxation systems, if you wish,
but also with the way both federal and provincial governments are dealing with
the economic crisis and the impact (or not) on the work force and the
taxpayers. Having said that, I believe that:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 39pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The 2008
bailout was wrong and created a bigger gap between the middle class and big
corporations. In fact the ‘Occupy Wall Street’ which the article talks about
was a reaction to the way the bailout money was utilized;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 39pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The small
and medium businesses came out with the short end of the stick in the current
economic crisis;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 39pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The issue
of taxation is real for business and residential taxpayers alike but small
business is also struggling more than others because of the economic crisis and
cannot afford more taxes and rightly questions the value-for-money for the
services they receive (or not) from local governments;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 39pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">All
taxpayers are reaching a capacity limit in what they can pay to sustain
community and all governments services;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 39pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We need to
work together to find solutions. Conflictual positions do not help.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In Lake Country we need more business and more
economic growth. We cannot be sustainable on residential tax base only. It just
does not work. In addition, the existing businesses cannot afford to pay more
or they will collapse. Furthermore, I know and I appreciate much of the hard
work and countless volunteer hours that members of the business community and
the Chamber provide to Lake Country. I don’t think a community could really be
such without those contributions. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I understand the
issues the District of Lake Country is facing and I will continue to work with
all stakeholders to make our community an even better place for residents,
tourism and business investment. As a supporter of economic development, I will
continue to make an effort in cutting back our budget to relieve the taxpayers
of unnecessary tax increases, and I am confident the new Council will make the
right decisions for the community on this. The vision is there and I will
pursue it with vigor. Finally, I also hope that we can all support the efforts
of our good District staff, recognizing that adjustments need to be made to the
organization and work together to make those adjustments. Cooperation is the
key and our partnership with the Lake Country Chamber of Commerce and other
important stakeholders in the community will be critical to accomplish our goal
of creating a unique place to live.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">adf</span></span>LakeCountryBChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00725668944885166848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785472080954171094.post-13606714103439342052012-01-06T09:19:00.001-08:002012-01-06T09:19:16.548-08:00Just a Bit More Balance, Please<span xmlns=''><p>I just recently came across an article by Tom MacDonald, the Executive Director of the Local Government Management Association (LGMA) of British Columbia and 2011 Silver Medal Lieutenant Governor Award of British Columbia. The article fully reflects my sentiments about the subject topic of local government taxation and relationship with the business community and so I asked Tom if I could publish his article in my blog. He agreed and here it is:<br /></p><p>"I can't think of even a single time over the past eight years where anything even remotely political in nature has been the subject of this report. After all, normally we leave the politics to the folks at UBCM (Union of British Columbia Municipalities). However, a few weeks ago I was out walking with a local government colleague and we got onto the topic of the various "Occupy" movements that were manifesting themselves across North America including Toronto, Vancouver and Victoria. While the "Occupy" groups seem to be at best incoherent collectives of people with beefs against "the system," the prevailing theme of the movement is that corporate greed has led to a situation where a very small percentage of the population controls much of the wealth, and that the gap between the rich and poor continues to grow.<br /></p><p><br /> </p><p>So what does any of this have anything to do with local government in British Columbia? Well, most of you who are our members and readers will know that local governments have been under a concerted attack this year by business lobby groups who are saying that local government spending is out of control, that business pays too much, and that business has no voice in how they are taxed. Earlier this year, an excellent response to these concerns was prepared by the UBCM in collaboration with LGMA and GFOA to address these specific points. (See www.lgma.ca: Resources and Publications for a copy of the report.) While not wanting to rehash the report, it did acknowledge that local government expenditures and taxes were rising, but that in virtually all cases, these costs were coming from the local taxpayers who were demanding the increased services. It also provided data showing that the business share of property taxes has actually gone down over time versus residential taxes, and that the majority of elected officials in B.C. were from a business background.<br /></p><p><br /> </p><p>So now back to my walk with my colleague and our conversation about the "Occupy" movement sweeping North America. "How is it," he said, "that the business community and Chamber of Commerce groups often lead the charge for pressing local governments to provide additional services – deal with homelessness/street people in business areas, deal with criminal gangs, undertake beautification projects in business areas, provide more downtown parking, install new underground infrastructure to facilitate development, etc., etc. – but in the next breath, they attack local governments for increased expenditures? Isn't this just a bit hypocritical that the business lobby always seem to want more but that they want others to pay? Could this be a version of the same principle that the "Occupy" movement has seized upon when they complain that a very small minority control the wealth while the rest of the population bears the burden?" Of course my friend also raised the point that any business person reading this article would simply make the assertion that as local government employees, comments such as these from us are just self-serving and an attempt to protect our fat-cat jobs. In response to this, one might ask, how many local government managers make up that 1% who control the 99% of the wealth compared to those who are business people? <br /></p><p><br /> </p><p>"Just a bit more balance on this debate please!" said my colleague."<br /></p><p><br /> </p><p>The article speaks for itself…thank you for listening.<br /></p><p><br /> </p><p>adf<br /></p><p><br /> </p><p><br /> </p></span>LakeCountryBChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00725668944885166848noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785472080954171094.post-48346452457637066092011-12-13T10:22:00.001-08:002011-12-13T10:22:00.998-08:00Lake Country is Moving Forward<span xmlns=''><p>On Thursday and Friday last week, Council and staff met to establish the District's priorities for the new term and the debate was about narrowing down the District's focus to some essential and fundamental targets. There was much debate but in the end it looks like economic development, water quality, and safe and well maintained infrastructure are at the top of the list. <br /></p><p>The group was able to identify more than one hundred projects and issues for discussion but was also comfortable to combine many of those under a number of categories to establish the top priorities to tackle in the next first months in office.<br /></p><p>The Water Master Plan and its implementation were again at the top of the list. As you may recall, this was also the top priority in the previous term. Much was done in the last two years, to the point that a preferred option was chosen by Council and information sessions were held in order to create awareness of the plan and the chosen option. The next step will be to acquaint the new Council members with the plan, the capital projects that are needed to implement the strategy and the corresponding cost, and finally to have the plan finalized and approved prior to the 2013 budget cycle. The first step will be to present the plan and the necessary background information to Council in January and work with the consultant to prepare the final consolidated plan. <br /></p><p>It is important to remind that the volunteers sitting on the Water Advisory Committee spent countless hours to steer and guide the process this far. They have supported the preferred option and have assisted with the public information process. It is also important to remind that there are some immediate needs that the District is already working on. Probably the most significant is the former Wood Lake water system, which will positively affect and improve the long standing issue of water quality in Oyama. We have repeatedly said that the new system will be ready in 2013 and that work has begun this year thanks to a grant from the provincial and federal governments. Finally, the issue of water rates will have to be discussed as part of the budget process. The question is whether a major increase is necessary immediately or it can wait until the next budget process. Again, this is something Council will debate and decide likely in January.<br /></p><p>With respect to infrastructure, Council is well aware of the issue of aging, which is not unique to Lake Country but is common to all Canadian municipalities but safety is paramount for our community. So called 'Active Transportation Hot Spots' will be on top of the agenda, such as Lodge Road and Davidson Road. Council will review the list staff has been working on for the last couple of years and prioritize them in order of urgency and funding criteria. We need no reminder that funds are tight and will be even tighter as we meander through a global economic crisis that still lingers on. The District has already been working on this in the last two years and seeing this again on Council's agenda is a good sign that we are going in the right direction.<br /></p><p>With our Waste Water Plant at capacity, another priority is also the finalization of our Liquid Waste Management Plan and securing the Ministry of Environment and Interior Health 'go ahead' with the expansion of our septic facility and the ability to provide a long-term sustainable approach to liquid waste (another item from last term priority list).<br /></p><p>Finally, Economic Development and the Town Centre are back on the top of the agenda. Focus on a strategy, possible incentives and an understanding of market dynamics will help to successfully accomplish the economic rebound that our community needs, especially in view of the fact that almost 90% of our tax base is from residential properties.<br /></p><p>As we work on finalizing these priorities, the Corporate Business Plan will be prepared accordingly and the budget submitted on the basis of these priorities. We will continue to communicate to the public through our social media and the traditional press and we are thankful to our local newspapers for the support they provide in communicating these important issues to the community.<br /></p><p>Lake Country is truly moving forward.<br /></p><p>Adf.<br /></p></span>LakeCountryBChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00725668944885166848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785472080954171094.post-58180946147543987332011-11-25T14:08:00.001-08:002011-11-25T14:13:29.331-08:00There Is More Than Meets the Eye<span xmlns=""></span><br />
<span xmlns="">With a new Council and the highest election turnout in Lake Country's history of local government elections, interest in what we do and how we do it has increased. I am very pleased about this, because one of the biggest issues we face at the local level is apathy for municipal government. I love my job and I have passion for what I do and the community I serve and live in. In addition, as a local government administrator I deal with a very complex field and a wide variety of issues: from road construction and maintenance, to parks amenities and recreation centres; from water quality and conservation, to saving lives and properties; and the list goes on. In addition, as the Chief Administrative Officer of a municipal corporation I have the blessing (or for some the curse) of two main responsibilities: first to advise Council to the best of my ability on the options they have in order to make an informed decision; and second, to carry out those decisions with the assistance of staff. It takes an entire organization to do that.</span><br />
<span xmlns=""><br /></span><br />
<span xmlns="">In my life experience, I have worked in many jobs. I sold computers, I reported for newspapers, I served in the military, I practised law, I consulted private corporations on management and business plans, I taught, and finally I worked (and work) in local government. I believe that my variety of experiences has provided me with good common sense and decent business practices. I have to say that, in all honesty, working for local government is not for the faint of heart. You have to keep motivated all the time and you have to fight constant misinformation on what staff do and how we are organized and operate. Notwithstanding all that, my job is a constant inspiration to me and to the majority of our staff. I remember a few years ago I hired a new Director of Finance for a municipality from the private sector. She had never worked in local government but she was the best fit for the job and I was right. She did a wonderful job and she earned the respect of many colleagues who have never worked in the private sector. She used to tell me that she had never been so busy in her entire career. Indeed her job with that municipality was very demanding on her. Just a couple of years ago she left that local government and is now working for a progressive, rapid growing private company expanding its business throughout BC and Alberta. In fact, she has become a partner in the company. One day we were having a conversation about differences in work environments and she said to me: "I never thought working in local government would be so hard, busy and demanding. Compared to the work I did in private corporations, some of them very big, local government is the most challenging and demanding." I believe so too.</span><br />
<span xmlns=""><br /></span><br />
<span xmlns="">Lake Country as a community will face hard times and the new Council will have to meet new and old challenges, especially doing more for less. So, if working in a municipality was busy and demanding in the past, it is even more so today. In thinking of these challenges, may I suggest that it is our responsibility, collectively, individually and in all of our respective roles to do the following:</span><br />
<ol>
<li><span xmlns=""><strong>Be informed</strong>. Get to know your local government by approaching staff and asking questions on how things work and what we do. Try to understand the demands of your community and how we are trying to meet them. Finally, approach your elected officials and ask them good questions about the goals and objectives of your municipality.</span></li>
<li><span xmlns=""><strong>Be connected</strong>. In a society where social networks are the norm of communication now, the District has a Facebook page, a Twitter account, and a You Tube account. Subscribe and keep informed on what's happening in your community. Our Parks & Recreation department also has a Facebook page. Visit our new beautiful website at <a href="http://www.okanaganway.ca/">www.okanaganway.ca</a> and the information in it. You will find useful stuff that will help you explore our community in more depth.</span></li>
<li><span xmlns=""><strong>Be part of the solution, not the problem</strong>. Your feedback is important to us and we understand that sometimes you can be frustrated by the bureaucracy imposed by the many laws that regulate us. Sometimes even staff scratch their heads at some of the legislation they have to deal with. The reality is that local governments have a very limited autonomy and it all comes from the provincial government. They pretty much decide what we do and how we do it. In addition, they are downloading more and more responsibilities to local governments without giving them the resources to do it. It is as frustrating for us as it is for you.</span></li>
<li><span xmlns=""><strong>Be positive</strong>. Recently, I received an e-mail from one of my staff who also has had a long experience in the private sector. In a nutshell, he was concerned at the tone of some election campaigning, not just in Lake Country but everywhere else in BC. He commented: "... I've been thinking a bit about working in local government lately, with the election coming and some candidates, journalists, and forum respondents passing various types of comments about municipal staff being lazy, incompetent, etc. While I know it is a common misconception for people to think that public servants are lazy, incompetent, etc. due to the bureaucracy, it concerns me how advocating and voicing these misconceptions can affect the entire organization [and the community] in the long term… I don't believe they consider how attacking the reputation of the municipality has many unintended impacts. .. I'm sure these claims do not help how employees see themselves. Worse yet, they will no doubt affect our ability to attract the bright talent that we need to develop and improve as an organization, or to retain the talent that we have already. I believe that while we do have areas to improve upon as an organization, we have taken many steps lately to get better and we have many highly qualified and talented professionals working [in local government]. As someone who has worked in the private sector and in various municipalities, and is committed to working in the local government field, I find it troubling that public service … seems to be valued less [than other services]."</span></li>
</ol>
<span xmlns="">Staff are here to help and are committed to provide the best service to the public and the community. I know that, like all organizations, there is always room for improvement and we are working hard on making those improvements happen. The majority of our staff are local taxpayers and care for the community as they care for their family's and individual quality of life. Also those who don't live in our community are caring individuals that take pride in what they do. Give us the benefit of the doubt. There is much more to local government operations than meets the eye.</span><br />
<span xmlns="">adf</span>LakeCountryBChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00725668944885166848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785472080954171094.post-63748361340819904122011-11-21T10:01:00.001-08:002011-11-21T10:37:26.878-08:00The Future is Now<span xmlns=""></span><br />
<span xmlns="">The municipal election is over and the dust is settling. In Lake Country, the Mayor, James Baker, was re-elected and so two of the incumbent councillors, Penny Gambell (at Large) and Barbara Leamont (Carr's Landing). We also have four new councillors: Jamie McEwan (at Large), Rob Geier (Winfield), Owen Dickie (Oyama), and Lisa Cameron (Okanagan Centre). I congratulate the new elected Council and I am looking forward to the new term with them. I also wish to thank those who were not elected for their dedication and hard work. Each one of them brought a unique set of skills that provided good leadership and vision for the community.<br />
</span><br />
<span xmlns="">What now? I would say: the future is now. There is much that needs to be done and the new Council will begin working immediately to understand their role, their function, and their responsibilities and to set the priorities for the next three years. On December 6<sup>th</sup>, the new Council will be sworn in and a number of orientation sessions will be held beginning next week. We will also hold a priority setting session at the beginning of December and an initial budget session. We do not waste our time at the District but we work hard to get things going. <br />
</span><br />
<span xmlns="">One of the things we are working on is a business systems review with the purpose of streamlining our organization and operations and alleviate potential tax increases in the future. In addition, there are critical capital projects and plans that need to continue to be pursued. We have not heard from the province yet regarding our grant submission for the expansion of our sewer plant. The Regional District is contributing to the project but we cannot proceed without the bulk of the funds that could come only through a grant. Lodge Road design is near completion and we should be able to start the work in the spring of 2012. This is a much needed improvement that will benefit both vehicular and pedestrian traffic, especially the many students that walk that road during the school year. The province will contribute to the funding of the project and we made an application to ICBC for some money as well. The Water Master Plan will be discussed as part of the budget process as the model calls for fee increases in the next two years. <br />
</span><br />
<span xmlns="">Then there is some important stuff that will need to be addressed. Boundary readjustments with the City of Kelowna and possibly more collaboration at the political and administrative levels between the City and the District; increase partnership opportunities with the Okanagan Indian Band through the provision of services and the implementation of economic and tourism development projects; and of course our Town Centre and the District economic development strategy. <br />
</span><br />
<span xmlns="">On top of all of this, there are many other projects that are in progress and there is the day-to-day operational load. It is good to be busy and we welcome opportunities. Definitely, we will not be idle and the new Council will begin its work at a rapid pace. Again, the future is now for Lake Country.<br />
</span><br />
<span xmlns="">adf</span>LakeCountryBChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00725668944885166848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785472080954171094.post-22102381312022980132011-11-08T14:21:00.000-08:002011-11-08T14:21:13.190-08:00Lake Country Endorses Progressive Plan to Reduce Municipal Carbon Footprint<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Lake Country, BC</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> – In an effort to reduce the
carbon footprint of their municipal operations and meet the terms of the
provincial Climate Action Charter, the District of Lake Country Council
recently developed and endorsed a new Carbon Neutral Operations Plan. Lake
Country signed the province’s Climate Action Charter in 2007, requiring them to
become carbon neutral in their municipal operations by the end of 2012. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">By reducing or offsetting their
municipal carbon emissions, Lake Country intends to provide an example of how
municipal carbon neutrality can become a reality, and by doing the right thing can
also position themselves for continued senior government grants. “This plan has
allowed us to inventory all aspects of the municipal operation over time,
identify cost saving areas and historic trends, as well as narrow in on those facilities
needing the most attention” says Mayor, James Baker. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Development Services Manager,
Mark Koch, explains that “the different energy sources used by the municipality
over the past three years were tabulated, and converted into tons of carbon
equivalent, allowing the municipality to understand the true carbon footprint
of the District’s water system, sewer infrastructure, arena, works facilities
as well as other District functions”. While not tying the District to any one
solution, the plan provides a framework for future green technology investment
decisions to be made in the most impactful areas, favoring local reduction
solutions over offsetting, where possible. </span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">While the District believes that
reducing their consumption of electricity, gasoline, natural gas, and all other
fuel sources simply makes good business sense, they also plan on using revenue
from the award winning Lake Country Hydroelectric Generating Station to help
offset costs associated with becoming carbon neutral.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">For more information, contact:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Mark Koch, Development Services Manager</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">250 766 6674 <a href="mailto:mkoch@lakecountry.bc.ca">mkoch@lakecountry.bc.ca</a></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Alberto De Feo, </span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Chief Administrative Officer</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">250 </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> 766 6671 <a href="mailto:administrator@lakecountry.bc.ca">administrator@lakecountry.bc.ca</a></span></span></div>LakeCountryBChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00725668944885166848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785472080954171094.post-73215438968386727672011-11-03T15:08:00.000-07:002011-11-03T15:08:33.545-07:00November 1st Council Meeting Highlights<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Due to the upcoming election, Regular
Council meetings will not be televised on Shaw Cable until after the General
Voting Day on November 19<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>. In addition, there will be no Public Comment
or Councillor Comment periods during Regular Council meetings until after the
Election.</span><br />
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<br /></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Lodge
Pine Estates Bylaw 675, 2008<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Bylaw
675 rezones a narrow strip of land from Rural Residential to Direct Control and
Park to construct 4 duplexes has been on the District’s books for several years
because of outstanding issues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
applicant has dedicated the required park land to the District and Council gave
final reading and adopted the bylaw. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Carbon Neutral Operations Plan<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">In 2010 the District signed the Climate Action
Charter and made a commitment, along with all BC municipalities, to achieve
operational carbon neutrality by 2012.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Staff
presented an operational plan to inventory </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">District emissions and establish broad principles for
reductions opportunities. The inventory will help calculate carbon-offsets that
may be needed to achieve carbon neutrality but does not commit the District to
anything. The emissions inventory will be reviewed and updated annually to
provide up-to-date information on the<span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> </span>amount
of carbon being emitted by the District. </span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">See the complete </span><a href="https://lakecountry.civicweb.net/FileStorage/A86F17A7F23E44549042C85FAE808061-WorkspaceCarbon%20Neutral%20Operations%20Plan.pdf"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: blue;">Carbon Neutral Operations Plan</span></span></a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><u><span style="color: blue;"> </span></u></span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">that was
endorsed by Council.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Shanks Road Development Variance Permit<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Council approved the application to vary
the floor area of a number of accessory buildings at </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">8051 Shanks Road </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">from 100m2 to 460m2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
applicants would like to build a new residence on a farm property and convert
the old residence into a storage building.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The total floor area of the old residence and a variety of storage buildings
on the property used for farming purposes exceeds the total allowable floor
area for accessory buildings on property zoned Agriculture 1 which does not
have farm assessment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The approval of
DVP2011-009 will allow t</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">he applicant to build a new single family dwelling and keep the
existing accessory buildings for storage and farm use. <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Whiskey Cove Road Development Variance Permit<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">The applicant applied for a variance
to construct a new pool and outdoor lounge area on the property at 15510
Whiskey Cove Road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The proposed plan
requires a variance of the sight line and north and south side yard setbacks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Staff recommended that the variance not be
supported as there are opportunities for the plans to be modified to eliminate
the need for both the side yard setback variances and the sightlines variance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a lengthy discussion Council approved
the applicant’s request to vary the site line requirements and the south side
yard setback although denied the request to vary the north side yard setback. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">McCreight Road Development Variance Permit<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The applicant
for the property at 13210 McCreight Road applied to vary the sight line
requirements from 120 degrees to 80 degrees to remove the exiting dwelling and
construct a new single family dwelling with a pool and outdoor living area
facing the lake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Council approved the
Development Variance Permit DVP2011-013 as the existing views from the
neighbouring properties are skewed to the south and will not be significantly impacted.
<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Sawmill Road Development Variance Permit<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Kon Kast Holdings Ltd. applied to relax the requirements of the
District’s Subdivision and Development Servicing Bylaw in order to construct </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">a 36,600 sq.
ft concrete production and casting facility at 15670 Sawmill Road. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The servicing standards require sidewalks,
curbs and gutter, community sewer, underground wiring and street lighting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Staff recommended approval of the variance as
none of the surrounding properties have urban services and the economic
development value of the development will expand the community’s industrial
base.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The applicant will be required to
provide full water service and roadway improvements along Sawmill Road in order
to accommodate anticipated loads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Council
approved the variance adding the requirement that a buffer be installed to
shelter the neighbouring properties and also that additional lighting be
installed on the existing hydro poles along Sawmill Road. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">MTI & Bylaw Enforcement Amendment Bylaws</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri-Bold","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri-Bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Due
to a minor error the current MTI and Bylaw Enforcement bylaws do not cite the
correct sections of the new Building Regulation Bylaw 709, 2011. <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Council gave 3 readings to Bylaw Notice
Enforcement Amendment Bylaw 805, 2011 and Municipal Ticketing Information
Amendment Bylaw 804, 2011 so that the bylaws </span>accurately cite the
relevant sections of the municipal bylaws that the ticket is issued under.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Padel Licence of Occupation at Jack Seaton Park<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">There are two PADEL courts set up in Lake Country on
the old tennis courts with a third one being planned. Mr. Thorburn operates the
PADEL courts and since the sport began in Lake Country, has run camps, junior
programs and ladies programs, all of which have met with great success. PADEL
supports the District’s drive to increase physical activity for Lake Country citizens
and Mr. Thorburn has already invested in the development of the site such as walls,
fixing cracked areas of the old tennis courts and the re‐anchoring of the nets.
The proposed Licence of Occupation to operate the courts at Jack Seaton Park will
require the maintenance of the area, an annual fee of $500 and appropriate
liability insurance. There has been great enthusiasm from the community for the
sport which was showcased by CHBC and there has also been some early
discussions about an interprovincial tournament that could be held in Lake
Country next year. Council approved the Licence of Occupation for the period of
June 2011 to December 2015.</span>LakeCountryBChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00725668944885166848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785472080954171094.post-59898024704602160332011-10-31T15:59:00.000-07:002011-10-31T16:02:12.429-07:00Is there Anything Happening in Lake Country? Part 3<span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This
week I would like to continue the story of what’s happening in Lake Country
with more details on infrastructure, water and the Parks and Recreation
Department.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you have read Alberto’s
blogs then you are familiar with his story of the grasshopper and the ant where
the grasshopper spends all summer with his feet up, relaxing while the ants run
around preparing for the long, chilly winter ahead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course we all know that the District’s
infrastructure is vital to the wellbeing of our citizens and businesses. But
did you know that much of our infrastructure will be reaching the end of its
useful life over the next few decades?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
District has prepared a 20 year plan called the Integrated Asset Management
Capital Plan (IAMCP), which is a really long name for a plan that tells us what
needs to be replaced, when it needs to be replaced and how much it’s going to
cost. The IAMCP is the District being ants. Not only are we going to be
prepared for when the time comes, we are already working like little ants to
get ready for the long winter ahead. Some of the things already underway are:<o:p></o:p></span></span>
<br />
<div class="Default" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Liquid Waste Management Plan, which is being updated with the
Ministry of Environment, gives us a 20 year plan for how we collect and manage
liquid waste. It is being done at the same time as the predesign for the
Wastewater Treatment Plant Phase 3 Expansion to make sure we are continuing to
move forward with our plans. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The $5 million Kal Lake Interconnect project will give us the
ability to put Kal Lake Water into the Oyama Lake water source giving us more
options, and more water, in times of drought and during peak seasons. It will
include 1 new reservoir, a new pump station, new pipelines (already done!) and
ultraviolet disinfection capabilities. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Default" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m hoping everyone has heard of our Water Master Plan project? We
have done mail outs, held information sessions and done presentations to as
many committees (both internal and external) that we could get to. The Water
Master Plan final documents will be presented to Council in early 2012 and then
water rates will be discussed by the new Council during budget time. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And
where do we even begin with the Parks and Recreation Department, which is now
called the Parks, Recreation and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Culture</i>
Department. Their list of Capital Projects goes on for an entire page! Just
look at all the great amenities we have in Lake Country: tennis courts, the
Trethewey Splash Park, Padel courts and some of the most beautiful and sought
after soccer fields in the entire Okanagan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This
year the Lakes Resident Association and the District joined forces to build the
Apex Drive Park project. The Association provided free pizza and masses of
people (ok maybe not masses but definitely swarms) came out to help build this
wonderful asset to the community. </span></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Winfield Recreation Centre is continuing
along its expansion phases which saw new dressing rooms and door upgrades last
year with refrigeration, compressors, dehumidifier upgrades and a lighting
retrofit in 2011.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only did the
lighting upgrades help us reduce our carbon footprint by replacing 35 year old
light fixtures with a new, high efficiency system, we were also able to install
some groovy lights that make the winter DJ skates a huge hit! Check out this
<a href="http://youtu.be/tXgPo2ZI1lc" target="_blank">video</a> from the first skate event using the new system. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The
Parks, Recreation and Culture Department also made the move of bringing contracted
services in-house this year which has turned out to be a huge advantage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Services have improved significantly with no
budget impact, the parks staff are highly skilled and have the specific
knowledge, equipment and training to get at the problem, get it fixed and do it
quickly.</span></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This
was also the first year that Lake Country got involved in the Communities in
Bloom Project with Kelowna offering to mentor us for the first go around. Everyone
in Lake Country dashed around cleaning, planting and making our already
beautiful community shine. On July 20<sup>th</sup> the judges arrived and were
loaded into a bus for the grand tour. And do you know what they saw? Shiny,
happy people… …everywhere! A family was enjoying a beautiful afternoon at Kopje
Park, the Lake Country Boys and Girls Club had the kids on a field trip at the Swalwell
Park, there was a tournament being held at the tennis courts, a group of people
from the Connect Brain Injury Clinic were visiting the Community Gardens, Padel
was in full swing, the soccer fields were full and kids were enjoying the
playground at Jack Seaton Park. Not only were the judges impressed but staff
were moved by what they saw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes just
stepping back to see and appreciate what we already have in our wonderful little
Lake Country can inspire us in moving forward and making it even better. </span></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The
Parks projects may be ones that are most visible in the community but there are
so many other things going on behind the scenes (and under the ground) in the District.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All these projects, and the dedicated staff
that are working on them, are so vitally important to the growth,
sustainability and health of our community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We are planning and working for the future so we can continue to live
Life…the Okanagan Way. </span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Reyna</span>LakeCountryBChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00725668944885166848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785472080954171094.post-91037974464906034942011-10-19T12:32:00.001-07:002011-10-19T12:35:08.021-07:00Reduce and Simplify<span xmlns=""></span><br />
<span xmlns="">The District of Lake Country has experienced rapid growth in recent years and it also depends heavily on its residents rather than local businesses and industry for its tax revenues. It just makes sense, then, that the District operates effectively (doing the right things), efficiently (doing things right) and economically (operating at least cost). Current economic conditions are not conducive to much growth and real estate business has been flat for a while now. For these reasons, our taxpayers will be hard pressed to foot a high tax increase or one at all. In order to find the budget efficiencies we need to balance our budget by keeping our levels of service the same without any substantial tax increase, we have initiated an organizational review and I wish to provide some information on the scope and work-plan of this project. </span><br />
<span xmlns=""><br /></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><strong>SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES</strong></span><br />
<span xmlns="">The scope of this review is to examine all District services and contracts with the exception of the fire department and police service (we just completed a fire department strategic plan and the RCMP is not under our direct jurisdiction). In addition, we have identified the following three objectives that the review will focus on:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span xmlns="">Examine the organization structure to determine if it can be more effective and efficient;</span></li>
<li><span xmlns="">Identify opportunities to reduce, prevent, control and recover operating costs; and</span></li>
<li><span xmlns="">Coach District leaders in improving municipal administration and operations.</span></li>
</ul>
<strong>WORK-PLAN</strong><br />
<span xmlns="">There will be an initial information gathering phase where we are going to: a) define role, responsibilities, accountabilities, concerns and ideas for improvement; and b) review financial statements, budget, OCP and other municipal reports and statistics. The second phase will be to identify key business processes in the District, such as issuing development permits, building inspections, bylaw enforcement, tax billing and collections, recreation planning, and economic development, to cite a few. During this phase we will also asses three key business processes to identify improvements and cost reduction opportunities by reviewing resource requirements, cycle times, reporting, service levels, and customer satisfaction. Then we will apply core service review criteria to the major District services and compare District's operations and costs to other municipalities, we will identify opportunities for improving costs, and we will develop and assess opportunities to improve the organization structure and accountabilities.</span><br />
<span xmlns=""><br /></span><strong>WHEN WILL THIS BE DONE BY?</strong><br />
<span xmlns="">The information gathering has already started and, except for a brief break for Christmas, we will continue this review with the hope to provide initial recommendations to Council for budget purposes sometime in December. A final report is expected to be submitted to Council in February 2012. Due to the aggressive timeline we have set out to meet, we will need the assistance of a consultant. The person who will do this review for us is Dugal Smith, a management consultant for 37 years who spent 14 years as a partner with Price Waterhouse.</span><br />
<span xmlns=""><br />Thank you very much for your support on this and if you have any specific questions, please feel free to contact me in writing at <a href="mailto:administrator@lakecountry.bc.ca">administrator@lakecountry.bc.ca</a></span><br />
<span xmlns="">adf</span><br />LakeCountryBChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00725668944885166848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785472080954171094.post-55082329666544766952011-10-18T11:53:00.001-07:002011-10-18T11:58:00.751-07:00What’s on the Agenda Tonight? Only three Council Meetings before the Election<span xmlns=""></span><br />
<span xmlns="">We have another Council meeting this evening. After this one, there will be only two more left for this Council due to the municipal election on November 19<sup>th</sup>. Let's take a peak of what's on the agenda for tonight.</span><br />
<span xmlns=""><br /></span><br />
<span xmlns="">DAVIDSON ROAD IMPROVEMENTS</span><br />
<span xmlns="">At the last Council meeting, Councillor Gambell tabled a Notice of Motion requesting that we do more improvement work on Bond road following the improvements we have made don Davidson road. In addition, Councillor Gambell would like to widen the road stretch at the westbound stop intersection of Davidson and Bond as some concern was expressed on the new design of that intersection. She would like also this work to be done now for safety reasons. As this is a budget issue ($25,000 will be needed to do this), there will be some discussion at the Council table about the motion. The issue of safety was addressed in a report from Greg Buchholz, which is on the agenda. The design and work was done by expert engineers and workers and it was checked by ICBC for safety. Staff has been assured that the work has increased the safety of the intersection but residents feel otherwise. So this evening, Council will attempt to find a solution.</span><br />
<span xmlns=""><br /></span><br />
<span xmlns="">ANNOUNCEMENTS </span><br />
<ol>
<li><span xmlns="">We are still looking for volunteers for our committees. We know that it is difficult to give precious time to the community when economic times are so tough, but we hope to have a good number to get these committees going. </span></li>
<li><span xmlns="">The semi-annual water bills are due on October 31<sup>st</sup>. </span></li>
<li><span xmlns="">This week (October 17<sup>th</sup> – 23<sup>rd</sup>) is Waste Reduction Week. Please be conscious of waste reduction efforts at home and at work and recycle all that you can. It's important to our quality of life. <span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;"><br /> </span></span></li>
<li><span xmlns="">British Columbia Youth Parliament is seeking for applicants. If you know of a young man or woman that are interested in politics and in learning how our political system works, please talk to them about this great opportunity. Applications are found at <a href="http://www.bcyp.org/">www.bcyp.org</a><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;"><br /> </span></span></li>
<li><span xmlns="">Finally, if you are going to be out of town on Municipal Election day (Saturday, November 19<sup>th</sup>) or have made other plans to enjoy that weekend, you can vote on November 9<sup>th</sup> and November 15<sup>th</sup> at the Municipal Hall between 8am and 8pm. Don't be shy and come out to vote.</span></li>
</ol>
LAND USE APPLICATIONS<br />
<span xmlns="">The rezoning bylaw (Royston) for the property on Chase road, which is somewhat a continuation to the South of the Sage Glen subdivision, is going to Council for final adoption. It could have been approved at the last meeting two weeks ago, but Council had requested more information about water availability to both the new development and the farm properties in the area. The answer is that there is enough water and more for that area and that response was provided to Council.</span><br />
<span xmlns=""><br /></span><br />
<span xmlns="">A request for a Temporary Permit to store heavy equipment on a property on Chase road against zoning regulations is again on the agenda. Staff has recommended Council to deny the request after Council had asked that the property owner be given an opportunity to comply with regulations and address other zoning issues to no avail.</span><br />
<span xmlns=""><br /></span><br />
<span xmlns="">In order to correct some minor errors, the Lakestone property will have to go through a 'cosmetic' amendment (if I can define it that way). Because there is absolutely no change in the purpose and scope of the development, staff have requested Council to waive the Public Hearing requirements.</span><br />
<span xmlns=""><br /></span><br />
<span xmlns="">OTHER MATTERS</span><br />
<span xmlns="">We have a delegation from the Open Air Performances. Carmelo Scarpino (a nice Italian fellow J) will provide Council with the highlights and review of the 2011 season, which went very, very well.</span><br />
<span xmlns=""><br /></span><br />
<span xmlns="">A couple of Bylaw Enforcement matters: a house on 4410 McCoubrey road did not pass the final inspection so Council will be asked that we place a Notice on Title on the property. A garage was built but no inspections were completed at 15611 Roberts Road. In addition, there are setback problems and the property owner has not provided the required documentation. Also in this case, Council will be asked to place a Notice on Title.</span><br />
<span xmlns=""><br /></span><br />
<span xmlns="">The Finance Department is recommending Council to approve a grant-in-aid to the Lake Country Food Assistance Society in order to waive the rent of the Creekside Theatre for the Society's Christmas Musical Fundraiser event, which will be held on December 10<sup>th</sup>.</span><br />
<span xmlns=""><br /></span><br />
<span xmlns="">Finally, the Fire Prevention Bylaw is on the agenda for final adoption.</span><br />
<span xmlns=""><br /></span><br />
<span xmlns="">SOME ELECTION PROCEDURAL MATTERS</span><br />
<span xmlns="">The Public Comment period and the Council Questions and Answers period will be taken off the agenda as of tonight and until after the election to guarantee a fair election process (in other words, one can't campaign by using a public meeting).</span><br />
<span xmlns=""><br /></span><br />
<span xmlns="">Reyna will provide you with the outcome of the meeting</span><br />
<span xmlns="">adf</span>LakeCountryBChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00725668944885166848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785472080954171094.post-83941139848556081192011-10-14T10:15:00.001-07:002011-10-14T10:19:54.088-07:00Is there Anything Happening in Lake Country? Part 2<span xmlns=""></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="color: #333333;">This week's contributor is Reyna Seabrook, the District's Executive Assistant and Communication Officer. There are also two pictures of the proposed design for Lodge Road. If you click on the picture you will be able to enlarge it to see some of the details.</span></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><br /> </span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="color: #333333;">"A few weeks ago Alberto gave an update on what's happening in Lake Country. He spoke about economic development, branding, Town Centre development and other achievements that are not only putting Lake Country on the map, but creating a strong, sustainable and vibrant community. </span></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><br /> </span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="color: #333333;">So what else has been going on in Lake Country? I thought about listing all of our capital projects, but by the time I got to page 4, I started to think about how much room I actually have in this article. Needless to say, there are many (all listed in the 2011 budget) and we are working on all of them. </span></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><br /> </span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="color: #333333;">One big change the District made this year, which is turning out to be a huge success, was the decision to bring some of our roads contracts in-house. You may have seen Gary and Al around the community doing all sorts of jobs from painting to picking up garbage, talking to people in the community, responding to calls for drainage issues and animal pick-up. The switch to in-house has allowed us to be more proactive with our maintenance programs resulting in less weather related problems and has also improved service call response time exponentially. Gary and Al are both long-time residents of Lake Country and like many residents they are proud to live here and want to see this community look its best. </span></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><br /> </span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="color: #333333;">Have you ever heard someone say "Lake Country is a great place to live – but not always the easiest place to get around?" I can see you nodding your head, and we are nodding along with you. One of our top capital priorities is the Integrated Transportation Framework; a project that looks at all modes of transportation in Lake Country, not just vehicle traffic. It promotes liveability and health, connects neighbourhoods to schools and parks, includes multi-modal transportation options for transit and accessibly and makes transportation convenient, easy to use and barrier free. </span></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><br /> </span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="color: #333333;">So how are we going to do this? Let's go back to our Capital projects list and talk about a couple of more projects that fit into the Integrated Transportation Framework. First up, Lodge Road: We all know how many people use Lodge Road, especially the kids walking to GESS, and we all know that something needs to be done to improve this area. The Lodge Road Transportation Corridor design is well underway with pre-design and preliminary cost estimates already completed. The Lodge Road Project will be going out to tender in early 2012 and construction is planned to begin in the summer of 2012. Some of the highlights of the project include:</span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span xmlns=""><span style="color: #333333;">a round-about at Lodge and Bottom Wood Lake Road intersection</span></span></li>
<li><span xmlns=""><span style="color: #333333;">3.5 metre travel lanes and a 1.5 metre bike lanes</span></span></li>
<li><span xmlns=""><span style="color: #333333;">2 metre sidewalk – separated from the roadway with a <a href="http://www.eoearth.org/article/Bioswale?topic=58075">bio-swale</a>* to control and treat Stormwater drainage prior to entering Vernon Creek (ps if you are thinking "what the heck is a <a href="http://www.eoearth.org/article/Bioswale?topic=58075">bio-swale</a>?" don't worry, I asked the same question. Basically it's a section of gently sloped land with native plants and vegetation separating the road from the pathway to control runoff water.)</span></span></li>
<li><span xmlns=""><span style="color: #333333;">Pedestrian Bridge at Vernon Creek</span></span></li>
<li><span xmlns=""><span style="color: #333333;">LED Street Lighting & landscape trees</span></span></li>
</ul>
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<span xmlns=""><span style="color: #333333;">The Davidson Road Project was another capital project identified as an area that needed improvements to both infrastructure and safety. The approximately 450 metre asphalt curb and pathway was done in a completely cost-effective manner with all the engineering standards being met or exceeded. The pathway was also completed in time for the students returning to school. </span></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="color: #333333;">We definitely have to acknowledge one of our biggest partners in helping us work towards achieving our goal of integrated transportation in Lake Country. The Walk Around Lake Country, or WALC as they are known, volunteers are un-ending in their devotion to this community. They are helping the District identify the top pedestrian active transportation linkages and working with us to integrate them into the Integrated Transportation Framework plan. </span></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><br /> </span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="color: #333333;">Other projects that you may have noticed around the community:</span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span xmlns=""><span style="color: #333333;">In response to meeting and working with the group GESS Student group, Teens 4 Change, a 30 km/hr school zone was put in in front of the school along with an additional crosswalk to increase student safety. </span></span></li>
<li><span xmlns=""><span style="color: #333333;">In response to a petition received from residents in the Lakes subdivision about the speed of traffic on Lake Hill Drive, traffic calming devices were installed at the Shoreline intersection and rumble strips were placed at the Oceola intersection. Next year we will also be putting in a crosswalk at Oceola and Lake Hill Drive. </span></span></li>
<li><span xmlns=""><span style="color: #333333;">Middle Bench Road was renewed and the drainage was improved.</span></span></li>
<li><span xmlns=""><span style="color: #333333;">We received a beautification grant from BC Hydro to remove the power poles along Main Street and Bottom Wood Lake Road which also helps improve site line visibility in the school zone. </span></span></li>
<li><span xmlns=""><span style="color: #333333;">To help improve transit we installed 7 brand new bus shelters complete with solar lighting.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span xmlns=""><br /> </span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="color: #333333;">These projects are just the starting points to an </span>idea of creating a living community with vibrant and environmentally friendly networks<span style="color: #333333;">…and just think how sweet it will be to hear …. "Lake Country is so easy and enjoyable to get around while being safe at the same time!"</span></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><br /> </span><br />
<span xmlns=""><span style="color: #333333;">Reyna Seabrook"</span></span>LakeCountryBChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00725668944885166848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785472080954171094.post-72834913134606917892011-10-05T16:11:00.001-07:002011-10-05T16:12:00.721-07:00October 4th Council Meeting Highlights
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Zoning Amendment (Royston) Bylaw 795, 2011<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Royston Zoning Amendment Bylaw proposes to rezone the property at
9614 Chase Road from single family to duplex. After a discussion and a request
for additional information from staff on the water supply to the property,
Council gave Bylaw 795 third reading. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Zoning Amendment (Russo) Bylaw 784, 2011<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Russo Zoning Amendment Bylaw proposes to re-zone 8 large rural lots
along Oyama Road and was met with some controversy at the Public Hearing on
June 7<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>. Residents expressed concern about the subdivided property
sizes and sufficient ground water in the area. The bylaw had been referred back
to staff to consider a reduction in density and a site specific zone of Rural
Large Parcel Oyama Road which would allow limited subdivision while maintaining
the OCP vision of a rural area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
amended bylaw </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">reduces the number of lots on the northernmost properties by 3.
Council had a lengthy discussion about the water availability on the properties
and the effect that subdividing would have on the surrounding properties.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Council’s motion to send the bylaw back to a public
hearing was defeated and a second motion giving the bylaw 3<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">rd</span></sup> reading
subject to receiving a hydrogeological report that meets the satisfaction of
the Approving Officer prior to 4<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> reading, was passed.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Development Variance Permit 12976 East Ridge Ct. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The applicant received a Building Permit authorizing the
construction of a single family dwelling unit at </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">12976 East Ridge Court. The structure was located within the
rear‐yard setback of the property. The applicant built the home as per the
plans and a variance permit is now required to authorize the encroachment into
the setback before final occupancy can be issued. Council approved Development
Variance Permit 2010-010 relaxing the rear yard setback from 6 to 3.7 m. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Subdivision Application 15042 Oyama Road<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">A portion of Oyama Road crosses private property located at 15042
Oyama Road and the owner of the property suggested swapping a laneway located
along the rear side of the property for the trespassing roadway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The laneway is also owned by the District and
Council supported staff’s recommendation in rejecting the proposed application
on the basis that the travelled portion of Oyama Road is protected under the
Provincial Transportation Act. If the land swap was approved the District would
be trading its own land (the laneway) for land that the District has control of
by way of provincial legislation.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Corporate
Business Systems Review<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">In view of the </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">unfortunate
threat of another recession being more real than ever </span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">and in order
to alleviate possible tax increases in the 2012 budget the Chief Administrator
Officer requested that Council initiate a Business Systems Review with the
intent of finding efficiencies within the budget. </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">It was suggested
that Council contemplate a conservative financial plan and find efficiencies
within the current and future budget to minimize tax and fee increases to the
maximum extent possible while trying to minimize the effect on current services.
The assistance of an external, experienced professional is necessary to provide
an unbiased approach to the methodology a<span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">nd
Council authorized staff to proceed with the Business Systems Review allocating
$30,000 from prior years’ general fund accumulated surplus for this project which
will be completed </span>in time for budget deliberations.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Letter
of Support for the Okanagan Indian Band<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">The
Okanagan Indian Band is submitting a proposal to the BC Capacity Initiative to
assist in its land‐use planning goals and requested a letter of support from
the District Country to include with their proposal. The BC Capacity Initiative
is a federal initiative committed to “supporting First Nations to enhance their
capacity to prepare for consultation, negotiation, implementation or management
of land and resources components of current or future aboriginal title
settlement agreements”. Council was happy to assist the application by
providing a letter of support. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Fire
Prevention Bylaw<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">The
District’s previous Fire Prevention Bylaw was adopted shortly after
incorporation and as the District has evolved it has become evident that the
fire department requires prevention language in the bylaw to address specific
concerns within the community considering the department’s staffing and
resource capabilities. Besides providing updated language, the proposed Fire
Prevention Bylaw 800, 2011 will adopt the BC Fire Code, relocate the Regional
District of the Central Okanagan’s Fireworks Bylaw into the Lake Country bylaw
and be linked to the MTI and Adjudicated ticketing process for enforcement
purposes. The bylaw revision was one of the fire department’s 2011 strategic
objectives and Council gave 3 readings to Fire Prevention Bylaw 800, 2011,
Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw 801, 2011 and Municipal Ticketing
Information Amendment Bylaw 802, 2011<i><o:p></o:p></i></span><br />
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Davidson
Road Pathway<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">Councillor Gambell provided a Notice
of Motion for discussion by Council requesting that $25,000 from prior years’
general fund accumulated surplus be allocated to continue the pedestrian
pathway northwards up Bond Road and to straighten the pathway section at the
intersection of Davidson and Bond Roads and that the work be completed in the
Fall of 2011.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Staff will provide a
report on the Notice of Motion for the next Council meeting. </span>LakeCountryBChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00725668944885166848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785472080954171094.post-15246425463894617682011-10-04T10:11:00.001-07:002011-10-04T10:11:49.130-07:00Council Meeting News<span xmlns=''><p>ANNOUNCEMENTS<br /></p><p>We are still looking for volunteers for our committees as several positions are available because terms have expired. It is difficult to find people that wish to give free time when there is so much economic turmoil nowadays. We are also reminding people that Nomination Packages are available for the upcoming Municipal Election. I believe one aspiring candidate has filed with Hazel this morning. We are also informing the public that water bills have been mailed and payments are due on October 31. Finally it's going to be Waste Reduction Week the week of October 17.<br /></p><p>LAND DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS<br /></p><p>We are asking Council to approve a Development Variance Permit to relax the rear yard property setback for a home at the Lakes (12976 East Ridge Court). In this case, DLC incorrectly issued the permit for the structure so we are fixing the problem. We are also proposing adoption of rezoning of the property immediately south of the Sage Glen subdivision on Chase Road to allow the construction of attainable housing (mostly duplexes) on the property. We will then deal with a request to swap land with the District with the intent to close a laneway on Oyama Road. In reality we already own the road under provincial legislation so we are asking Council to reject the proposal. Finally, Council will deal with the proposed rezoning of large portions of land in Oyama to create 21 lots and subdivide them for future development. The owners wish to do this mostly to ensure that family members can have portions of their lands and live there, however there are concerns from the public on density and especially on servicing. It will be an item of great discussion around the Council table. In fact it will be the highlight of the evening.<br /></p><p>ADMINISTRATION<br /></p><p>In view of the recession and in order to alleviate possible tax increases in the 2012 budget, I am asking Council to initiate a Business Systems Review with the intent to find efficiencies within the budget. I am concerned that a tax increase would be too much at this time for our residents, especially those who have lived here for a long time and have very little disposable income. I hope to have this completed as part of the budget process.<br /></p><p>PROTECTIVE SERVICES<br /></p><p>The Fire Department is proposing a new Fire Prevention Bylaw and coordination with our Bylaw Enforcement Ticketing bylaw (Municipal Ticketing Information Bylaw). There is a lot of effort from staff to put together this bylaw and more coordination will be needed to complete it before final adoption.<br /></p><p>DAVIDSON ROAD<br /></p><p>The last item on the agenda is a Notice of Motion from Councillor Gambell which reads:<br /></p><p><em>That Council allocate funds of up to $25,000 from prior years' general fund accumulated surplus to continue the pedestrian pathway northwards up Bond Road and to straighten the pathway section at the intersection of Davidson and Bond Roads; <br /></em></p><p><em>And that the work be completed in the Fall of 2011<br /></em></p><p>A number of residents, although pleased with Council's action to complete improvements to Davidson Road, have expressed the desire to further improve the safety features at Bond and Davidson and I believe this motions is trying to address those requests.<br /></p><p>adf</p></span>LakeCountryBChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00725668944885166848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785472080954171094.post-73211023605403400642011-09-29T13:00:00.000-07:002011-09-29T13:00:27.532-07:00Lake Country Discusses Water, Infrastructure Management and Active Living with Provincial Ministries<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The District of Lake Country Council had
another busy and productive day at UBCM in Vancouver.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br /><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In a meeting with the Minister of
Community, Sport and Cultural Development, Ida Chong, Council discussed the
need for infrastructure grants as the issue of maintenance and replacement of
water, sewer and roads is becoming urgent in the community. The Minister
assured Council that if the Federal Government initiates new infrastructure
programs the Province will match their contribution and support the programs. The
UBCM Gas Tax fund is currently still available to municipalities and the
District has submitted an application to fund the upgrade and expansion of the Wastewater
Treatment Plant, which is almost at full capacity. The Wastewater Treatment
Plant project is also sponsored by the Regional District of the Central
Okanagan as the plant also functions as the regional septic facility.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Council also talked about the need for a
new Active Living Grant Program with Minister Chong, who noted that past
programs such as the Senior Parks Equipment program were initiated by the Province.
Notwithstanding the fact that there are no current programs available, the
Minister encouraged Council to write a letter requesting that the Province
consider creating new Active Living opportunities, especially in view of the aging
population.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br /><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Following the meeting with Minister Chong,
Council met with the Minister of Health, Mike De Jong, to address issues of
water infrastructure and coordination of water standards throughout the
Province. The Minister acknowledged the need for coordination of departments at
the provincial level in dealing with water policy and issues and reiterated
that grant programs could only be available through federal initiatives. He
added that his ministry is willing to work with the District to find solutions
that can be effective and less costly in order to provide the best options for
all residents.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“It was a very positive day” said Mayor
Baker, “we felt that progress was made, especially with respect to the
implementation of our Water Master Plan, which, without the assistance of the
Province, cannot be fully sustainable.”</span></div>
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LakeCountryBChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00725668944885166848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785472080954171094.post-35705513402330338742011-09-28T15:27:00.000-07:002011-09-28T15:27:47.513-07:00Lake Country Council Brings Municipal Issues to the Attention of the Provincial Government
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The District of Lake Country Council is in
Vancouver along with all BC local governments to participate to the annual
Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) convention. In addition to the Annual
General Meeting and policy sessions where various motions are discussed and
adopted for advancement to the Provincial Government, Mayors and Councils meet
with ministers in order to solve local issues on which the provincial
government has authority. On Tuesday Lake Country Council met with two
ministers and the Premier and participated in a number of workshops and policy
sessions of interest to the community.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The first meeting was with Minister Mary
Polak, Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation. Council discussed Lake Country
and the Okanagan Indian Band concerns for the protection of water sources on
crown land and also requested further assurance that lease lots not be sold to
private individuals, as announced by Minister Bell last year. Minister Polak reiterated
that lease lots will not be sold and congratulated Council for its exemplary
and successful relationship with the Okanagan Indian Band.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Council met with Premier Clark to discuss
the proposed Municipal Auditor General and also the District’s recommendation
to create only one department for water affairs as there are currently at least
four different ministries with conflicting views on management and protection
of water resources. Minister of Environment Terry Lake, who was at the meeting
with the Premier, confirmed that the government is already looking at options
realizing that the complexity of water service delivery requires proper
attention. Minister Lake also offered to meet with Mayor and Council to further
discuss their proposal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span>F<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">inally, Council met with the Minister of
Transportation and Infrastructure Blair Lekstrom to follow up on the future
maintenance and use of the current Highway 97 corridor along Wood Lake once the
four laning project is completed in 2013. Both the Minister and the
District acknowledged the value of the new highway stretch under construction
and the old corridor, which will be devolved to the municipality once the new
highway section is in operation. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Minister Lekstrom will request that his staff
work with the District to finalize the terms of the transition of the old
corridor from the Province to the municipality.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“So far, this has been another successful
UBCM convention” said Mayor Baker, “I feel that our concerns are being taken
seriously and that our collaborative approach is paying off. I also wish
to acknowledge the hard work of MLA Norm Letnick who is always a strong
advocate for our community and has the ear of Cabinet members.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">On Monday evening the District was
recognized by Clean Energy BC for its Hydroelectric Generating Station and
received the ‘Project of the Year’ Award. The City of Surrey was also recognized
as the Clean Energy Community of the Year for its efforts in planning for green
energy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">On Wednesday Council will meet with the
Minister of Community, Sport & Cultural Development, Ida Chong and the
Minister of Health, Mike De Jong. On the same day Lake Country will be
also showcased for its proactive approach to asset management.</span></div>
LakeCountryBChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00725668944885166848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4785472080954171094.post-5686436863978759132011-09-28T15:25:00.000-07:002011-09-28T15:25:53.756-07:00Neighbouring Cities Bloom Under Mentoring Program<span style="color: #211d1e; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Community
participation and the use of public art have won the District of Lake Country
its first award at the provincial Communities in Bloom Awards Ceremony last
week. The City of Kelowna also received recognition for mentoring the District
through its debut into the international beautification program.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -9pt 0pt 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Lake Country is such a beautiful
and diverse place, filled with natural landscapes, tended fields, vibrant
gardens and community art. We are so pleased to be recognized for the hard work
and dedication of the community,” says Lake Country Councillor Noreen Guenther.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -9pt 0pt 0in;">
<span style="color: #211d1e; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The annual
Communities in Bloom program is a friendly competition that encourages
municipalities to foster civic pride, environmental responsibility and
beautification through local gardens, community programs and green spaces. Each
year, members of the local community and city staff create a submission package
highlighting the horticultural features of the community and tour judges around
the area in August. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -9pt 0pt 0in;">
<span style="color: #211d1e; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This year the
neighbouring cities took their mentorship to a new level and partnered on a
common presentation theme: Art & Agriculture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -9pt 0pt 0in;">
<span style="color: #211d1e; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Being a seasoned
Communities in Bloom participant, it’s been our pleasure to mentor a number of
cities in the valley including Lake Country,” says Kelowna Communities in Bloom
volunteer Suzanne Anderton. “We look forward to one day working together as a
valley – from Armstrong to Osoyoos – promoting the Okanagan as a destination
for horticultural tourism and setting the whole valley in bloom.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -9pt 0pt 0in;">
<span style="color: #211d1e; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Setting the stage
for next year’s theme “Water”, the City of Kelowna was also awarded “Five
Bloom” status for the un-H<sub>2</sub>O Xeriscape Demonstration Garden at the
Mission Recreation Complex at this year’s provincial ceremony. Kelowna will
host the annual Communities in Bloom Awards convention in 2012.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: #211d1e; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">For more information
on provincial Communities in Bloom program, see bccommunitiesinbloom.ca. For
local program information, visit the Communities in Bloom pages on lakecountry.bc.ca
or kelowna.ca.</span></div>
LakeCountryBChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00725668944885166848noreply@blogger.com0