Regional Director Newsletter

September 2011 Regional Director Newsletter

Jim Edgson - Director of Central Okanagan West (COW) Electoral Area
 
Welcome to the fall of 2011! September was an interesting month – it started out very dry with a forest fire in the middle of the Electoral Area, and ended up with pleasant fall weather. While outdoor burning is still not permitted (for eligible property owners until at least October 15th), I would urge everyone who reads this to be cautious while working outdoors, keeping an eye on preventing forest fires.

The Bear Creek fire early this month brought several issues to fore with the Westside Road. While there is a very well-marked emergency exit from the Westside Road intersection at Traders Cove along the Bear Creek Main, it was not of much use because it was within the forest fire evacuation area. This highlighted the lack of other emergency exits. As well, the majority of the people from Traders Cove had to evacuate, at night, going north from Bear Creek Park along the Westside Road. For people not familiar with this road, it can be a very trying journey in daylight. If it is necessary to travel at night, and you are not familiar with it, it can be a very interesting adventure.

Knowing the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) was occurring at the end of September, and knowing there were opportunities to meet with Premier Clark and perhaps some Cabinet Ministers, what had and had not been done with the Westside Road was reviewed over the last 12 years. There was no long term planning for the road, because it was not a major priority of the Province. The responsibility for the road is split between the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) in Vernon and Penticton. The level of maintenance seems to vary between the two jurisdictions – in some cases, quite dramatically. There was a need for more Emergency Exits. Even while considering all this, it must be noted that the road is really quite scenic!

This review led to the making of a brief Power Point presentation called “A Tale of Two Roads”. Copies of this presentation were put on CD’s.

In the first meeting with the Premier, two of these CD’s were given directly to the Premier – one for her, and one for the Minister responsible for the MOTI, Blair Lekstrom. A brief follow up occurred in the second meeting with the Premier. On Tuesday afternoon, our MLA, Ben Stewart called noting that a meeting had been set up for me and RDCO Chair Robert Hobson with Minister Lekstrom. At that meeting Minister Lekstrom noted that the approach taken during our meeting (calling for better planning and coordination of maintenance) was an excellent way to go. He also noted there was a fair amount of money in the 2012 budget for the Westside Road for re-paving, and that he would review what was said at out meeting with an idea to be sure that money was spent wisely.

I am encouraged by the results of the three meetings I had at the UBCM, and it is my hope the 2012 season will result in some priority work being done on the Westside Road.

I look forward in October to seeing some of the tourism initiatives brought forward in our Electoral Area. The Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission (COEDC) continues to work on the Fintry New Farm initiative, with an eye to working with the residents of Fintry Delta while being sure the initiative will serve the tourism industry well while providing a training facility for agricultural students. In addition, the initiative being taken concerning tourism with Tourism Westside will be presented to the RDCO Board in October.

For Your Information –Log on to my website www.edgson.ca  for regularly updated information and useful links! The Regional District website ( www.regionaldistrict.com ) also has webpage information and updates regarding Environmental Services water projects (select Departments/Environmental Services/Projects & Studies/Current Projects). You can refer to these pages at your convenience to receive status updates on these projects.
Please remember that should I be away on Regional District and/or Electoral Area business, I do check my RD phone messages and e-mail and will return calls as soon as possible (see numbers below).

Until next time,

Jim

Summer 2011 Regional Director Newsletter

Jim Edgson - Director of Central Okanagan West (COW) Electoral Area

We have just come through another forest fire, this one at Bear Creek Provincial Park on the Westside Road. It appears to have been “human caused”. I would like to take the opportunity to discuss how these events affect the people living in the area as well as all the people in the Central Okanagan and from outside the area. Hopefully people who read this and think about it will consider the reasons why all of us need to personally do something to mitigate the problems related to the circumstances around these events.

The primary concern is the two categories of people who needed to be evacuated. First, the residents of Traders Cove who were jolted up in the middle of the night and had to travel north around Okanagan Lake to register in a Reception Center set up in West Kelowna. The reason these people who live closer to West Kelowna and Kelowna needed to do this was because the Westside Road was closed at Bear Creek Provincial Park and there was no other exit. Unfortunately, the well signed but rough emergency route leading out of Traders Cove along Bear Main Forest Service Road was cut off and in the evacuation area. For those familiar with Westside Road, travelling the route they took is “interesting”, even during the day. At night it is far more challenging.

Then there are those evacuees who were visiting our area – both relatives and those camping at Bear Creek Park. Not only did they have to leave their belongings, tents, trailers and boats behind, pack up whatever they could in their vehicles but also travel this ‘interesting unfamiliar road’ in the middle of the night to a reception centre two hours away.

What about all the people in Kelowna, West Kelowna, Peachland and Summerland who worked for the better part of a 24 hour day in the Emergency Operations Center and the Reception Center? What about the fire fighters working in darkness, steep difficult terrain and extreme heat?
Thankfully we have systems in place to deal with these issues. That being said – pause and think about the apparent cause of the fire: Human. Frankly it is immaterial what form of human activity caused the fire if that is the case. If it was caused by humans, it was no accident. It would have been avoidable.

I ask all of you to think the next time you travel anywhere or do anything which could potentially lead to a fire how one careless act can so adversely affect so many people: residents; visitors; workers. Someday you may be the one having to go through what people in Traders Cove and Bear Creek Park had to go through.
I again urge you and your family to prepare an Emergency Plan and Grab and Go Kit. Visit www.regionaldistrict.com/emegencyplan  or www.getprepared.ca  to find out more.

Yes, I and others will work hard with the Province to get better achievable plans for the Westside Road including better maintenance, better quality of road and more viable and maintained emergency exits. Yes, we will work hard to work hard on solutions to mitigate forest fuel hazards. In the meantime I ask all of you to do your part by not throwing your cigarettes out of your car if you smoke; not to light fire crackers or start campfires in tinder dry areas; and ensure any campfire is completely extinguished so that it’s cool enough that you can bury your hand in the middle of it. Until this happens; until all of us realize that what we do affects others; we will continue to have to jerk people from their homes and/or campsites and at least temporarily ruin their time in the Central Okanagan West and in British Columbia. Please love our Province enough to care.

For Your Information –Log on to my website www.edgson.ca for regularly updated information and useful links! The Regional District website (regionaldistrict.com) also has webpage information and updates regarding Environmental Services water projects. You can refer to these pages at your convenience to receive status updates on these projects.

Please remember that should I be away on Regional District and/or Electoral Area business, I do check my RD phone messages and e-mail and will return calls as soon as possible (see numbers below).
Until next time, Jim Phone: 250-212-7296; Email: jim.edgson@cord.bc.ca

June 2011 Regional Director Newsletter

Jim Edgson - Director of Central Okanagan West (COW) Electoral Area

June has come and gone, and the weather has finally warmed up! I would like to take the opportunity to review some things which have been going on over the last three years in Central Okanagan West, leading to an update on what is what is happening today. This theme will continue over the next few months.
When I took office in 2007, my goals were simple – find out where things could be potentially improved and how the Regional District of Central Okanagan could better serve the newly formed Central Okanagan Electoral Area. COW was formed out of the remaining portions of the Westside Electoral Area after the District of West Kelowna was incorporated. There was an arms length list of wants; but a shorter list of real needs.

One of the first needs to be addressed was getting water to some dry land subdivisions– not only for drinking – but for fire protection. Residents of Upper Fintry, Shalal Road and Valley of the Sun requested this water servicing, and worked with me and Regional District staff to successfully show the affected ratepayers how this could be done. This project should be completed by year end.

We all wanted to be better served by BC Hydro. Hydro is not the jurisdiction of the Regional District. There was a need to address the many power outages which people suffered. I viewed part of my job being familiar with Provincial entities which serve Central Okanagan West. By doing so it was my hope that the Regional District of Central Okanagan and those Provincial entities could better work together to be better serve COW residents. This is exactly what happened with BC Hydro. Over the last three years we have seen an excellent upgrade of Hydro’s infrastructure resulting in very predictable electrical service.

There are also potential new water systems which are being looked at. When the Regional District puts in new systems they will serve people for decades to come – both for drinking water and for fire protection. Part of the process of working towards these water systems is determining what needs to be done, the costs to do so, and the amount of time which is needed to bring these projects to fruition.

The Regional District of Central Okanagan also has existing water systems. As long as these systems work well, there is a tendency to not realize they need upgrading to meet updated Interior Health quality and other standards including the demands resulting from new housing– in some cases for both drinking water and fire protection. One example is the water system in Killiney Beach.

In 2007 – 2008 I and RDCO staff began working diligently to put some impetus to finish a thorough examination of the Killiney Beach system. Staff met their commitment to get this done in three to four years. The resulting 20 year plan will move forward as funds, grants and budgets allow. Indeed, they have been successful in getting grants which allowed them to put in water meters at no cost for existing residences.

It has become very obvious to me that we have excellent Regional District staff which continues to work towards meeting those needs and/or wants in a very efficient, thorough and planned fashion. This we can all be thankful for.

For Your Information –Log on to my website www.edgson.ca  for regularly updated information and useful links! The Regional District website ( www.regionaldistrict.com ) also has webpage information and updates regarding

Environmental Services water projects (select Departments/Environmental Services/Projects & Studies/Current Projects). You can refer to these pages at your convenience to receive status updates on these projects.

Please remember that should I be away on Regional District and/or Electoral Area business, I do check my RD phone messages and e-mail and will return calls as soon as possible (see numbers below).

Until next time, Jim Phone: 250-212-7296; Email: jim.edgson@cord.bc.ca

May 2011 Regional Director Newsletter

Jim Edgson - Director of Central Okanagan West (COW) Electoral Area

This month brings exciting news to the North Westside Fire Rescue (NWFR) Service Areain the electoral area. The Regional Board agreed with staff's recommendation to proceed with the purchase of a Marine Mobile Water Supply (fire boat) - more commonly known as "the Boat". This is a project which has taken up a lot of personal and community time within the northern part of Central Okanagan West - for about six years now. This has been the most thoroughly studied project I have seen since the First Medical Responder issue in the early 2000's. There was plenty of communication from both those who were for it and against it, and - I hope - a more complete understanding of the positive impact the vessel will have for the community.

This asset should be a source of community pride for Central Okanagan West. Municipalities and Regional District’s from southern BC are already showing interest in this project. There is a potential for use of such a Fire Apparatus in their jurisdictions.

When new equipment for Fire Departments is planned for, taxation issues arise. The tax impact for this Boat was absolutely minimized for budget purposes. In 2011 the NWFR area now has approval to purchase the Boat, plus a new four wheel drive Engine is budgeted for. For this Local Service Area there will essentially be a decrease in Fire Protection taxes from last year. The parcel tax to buy that new Engine finished last year, so the overall tax impact to get both the Engine and the Boat will result in a decrease in taxes for the average home. As I write this letter I am reviewing my tax notice. For my home - the assessment of which is above average - the taxes for Fire Protection dropped quite significantly.

I would like to highlight the wonderful community building efforts of the North Westside Fire Fighters Society. As one of their many wonderful endeavours, that Society has started a building fund (tax receipts can be issued) to aid in the building a Boat House for the new vessel, which they would like to dedicate to Regan Toker, a NWFR Firefighter who died in an industrial accident in West Kelowna. I spoke with the Father and Mother of Regan and they are personally thrilled that the Firefighters would even consider doing this! My hats off to the NW Fire Fighters Society for thinking about and working for the community they serve. I urge you to support their positive community efforts.

My hat also goes off to the group of ladies who are working so diligently with me to work towards a local community school out here in the future. They are level headed; enthusiastic people who realize this will be a long term project. They are working with me to gather information for their endeavour under the name of the Westside Road Community School Advocacy Committee (WRCSAC) and I would ask the community to also support them as they gather information to help build their case.

It is wonderful to see people in Central Okanagan West building and boosting the area we live in. I always encourage people to do this, and I hope the northern part of Rural Westside will continue to support their efforts.

For Your Information –Log on to my website www.edgson.ca for regularly updated information and useful links! The Regional District website www.regionaldistrict.com also has webpage information and updates regarding Environmental Services water projects (select Departments/Environmental Services/Projects & Studies/Current Projects). You can refer to these pages at your convenience to receive status updates on these projects.

Please remember that should I be away on Regional District and/or Electoral Area business, I do check my RD phone messages and e-mail and will return calls as soon as possible (see numbers below).

Until next time, Jim Phone: 250-212-7296; Email: jim.edgson@cord.bc.ca

April 2011 Regional Director Newsletter

Jim Edgson - Director of Central Okanagan West (COW) Electoral Area

April was a month all hoped would warm up! I and Anne have owned land in the Central Okanagan West since 1970’s; have lived here since 1998, and are hard pressed to remember this cold an April. Up in the northern end of COW we continued to see it snow until near the end of April, that snow totaling 72.25 inches for this 2010 – 2011 season. While this would be considered a relatively normal snowfall season, the coldness kept the snow from melting and the trees from budding at the time they would normally do so.

Your Director is busy working with the District of West Kelowna and the Westbank First Nation on a tourism strategy for the Westside of Okanagan Lake within the Central Okanagan. There are plenty of gems in the COW, some of those gems not being all that obvious. Coming up in May are Fintry Days – part of a tourist gem which continues to grow. We have two resorts – Lake Okanagan Resort, and La Casa. There are many cottage industries like studios and potteries. We have campgrounds from the north to the south. We have a new RV Park in Trepanier. All these entities need to be highlighted, along with the other attractions on the Westside. It is my goal to work on doing just that in conjunction with our Westside partners.

It is also interesting that our demographics appear to be trending younger. Several community minded mothers approached me about the schooling issue on the northern part of Rural Westside. At first I was concerned that they might not understand this was an issue which needed to dealt with over the long term. Not so. They were in it for the long haul; looking at up to five years out. They have formed a committee with their Electoral Area Director called the Westside Road Community School Advocacy Committee and have met with me twice so far. We are working with the appropriate School Divisions on this project. I am pleased to see these young community boosters and am encouraged by their well-directed enthusiasm.

A Town Hall was held on April 28 to highlight two things: an information session with GranFondo organizers, and the COW portion of the budget. GranFondo is essentially an organized bicycle rally. It will leave Kelowna, go up to Vernon, over the top of the Lake and down Westside Road returning to Kelowna. The GranFondo organizers are working on a required traffic safety plan with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure. They are also communicating with businesses, communities and entities like Fintry Park to discuss that plan. Assuming this event proceeds, it will highlight the Westside Road – not only from a tourism perspective, but by drawing attention in an effective manner to the need to fix and improve the Westside Road.

As the COW budget includes the Local Service Area of the North Westside Fire Rescue, NWFR Fire Chief Wayne Carson was invited to attend the Town Hall to explain the reasons why the Marine Mobile Water Supply – “the Boat” – was needed for the community the NWFR serves. There was an active discussion and many questions which he very effectively addressed.

Community Building Meetings – Two events stand out - the Town Hall at La Casa on April 28; and a very well attended Community Information Day at the Killiney Beach Hall on April 30. It is always encouraging to see the excellent community turnout at these events, not only so people can meet people, but so I can have the opportunity to listen to their concerns and community boosting ideas.

For Your Information - My website www.edgson.ca  is up and running. Log on for regularly updated information and useful links! The Regional District website ( www.regionaldistrict.com ) also has webpage information and updates regarding Environmental Services water projects (select Departments/Environmental Services/Projects & Studies/Current Projects). You can refer to these pages at your convenience to receive status updates on these projects.

Please remember that should I be away on Regional District and/or Electoral Area business, I do check my RD phone messages and e-mail and will return calls as soon as possible (see numbers below).

Until next time,
Jim Phone: 250-212-7296;
Email: jim.edgson@cord.bc.ca

March 2011

Regional Director Newsletter
Jim Edgson - Director of Central Okanagan West (COW) Electoral Area

March saw the Regional District of Central Okanagan Budget tabled and approved. This Budget brought out the community spirit in the northern part of Central Okanagan West (COW). For all of COW the Budget is forward looking and well thought out.

Central Okanagan West is being very well served by Regional District staff. They worked hard to maintain tax levels for COW at reasonable rates, and – as always –looked carefully for areas which were underserved. Both staff and the Board listened carefully to all issues. If there were opposing views, they were carefully examined. Public input was received and carefully listened to as part of this process. Staff made considered recommendations; the Board made considered decisions.

For COW the Residential Tax Rate for 2011 for General Services went down 2.072% as compared to 2010.
There has been money set aside as part of my Budget to be used for COW Tourism this year, when and if a suitable funding entity is established through the new Westside Tourism Committee. This Committee is a cooperative effort between the District of West Kelowna, the Westbank First Nation, and COW. Improvements and projects for Central Okanagan (Regional District) water systems are moving forward through the Budget. Construction is underway on the new community water system servicing the more than 340 properties in the Upper Fintry, Shalal Road and Valley of the Sun.

The OCPs for Trepanier and Brent Road are fully underway and budgeted for to completion. I look forward to other pending studies moving forward this year.

As mentioned, the community spirit of the area came forward with flying colors. The RDCO Board had received many comments on the subject of a Marine Mobile Water Source for the North Westside (commonly known as “the Boat”) over the last 4 – 6 years. The Board requested two things prior to the final vote on the Budget – a report from our professional staff with recommendations, plus further public input. I personally received 109 letters of support amongst the 115 letters received by me over 10 days. This count reflected non-repetitive letters. At the Budget meeting, the public came out to express their opinions about “the Boat”. The public attending totalled about 46 people; about 40 of whom were in support. Many speaking in favour of the proposed budget were eloquent and to the point, bringing home the real need and desire for “the Boat”.
Every speaker was listened to and their points considered. Staff recommended the Boat project proceed. The Budget was voted on – including the part of the budget for the Boat. The vote was unanimous in favour of everything in the RDCO budget. As one person said, this was true democracy. Driven by the majority; driven by the community builders of the northern part of COW.

Community Building Meetings – I attended and encouraged the following well-attended meetings: March 10 at La Casa with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure; March 12 RDCO Staff at Killiney Beach for a water system update; March 19 Okanagan Regional Library at Peachland; March 29 BC Hydro at Vernon for stakeholders. On April 4 at 5:00 PM there was an OCP meeting for Trepanier and Brent Road at the Peachland Community Center; on April 28 I will be holding a Town Hall at la Casa.

For Your Information - My website www.edgson.ca  is up and running. Log on for regularly updated information and useful links! The Regional District website ( www.regionaldistrict.com ) also has webpage information and updates regarding Environmental Services water projects (select Departments/Environmental Services/Projects & Studies/Current Projects). You can refer to these pages at your convenience to receive status updates on these projects.

Please remember that should I be away on Regional District and/or Electoral Area business, I do check my RD phone messages and e-mail and will return calls as soon as possible (see numbers below).

Until next time, Jim
Phone: 250-212-7296; Email: jim.edgson@cord.bc.ca

February 2011  

Regional Director Newsletter
Jim Edgson - Director of Central Okanagan West (COW) Electoral Area

The reason this letter has been postponed was because there was a recent death of a member of a Central Okanagan West volunteer fire department. This death was not related to the person’s duties as a firefighter; it occurred at a site where he was working outside of COW. Nonetheless, this person was a valued member of the North Westside Fire Rescue. The people who serve the community of the North Westside through the NWFR are great community boosters; are well known and respected by the people they serve and serve that community well. They are a close knit family who are dedicated to their job. My heart and prayers go out to the deceased’s survivors and to the members of the NWFR.

The month of February has come and gone. It was an active month where the Regional District of Central Okanagan Regional Growth Strategy was highlighted through a survey which was communicated through the www.futureok.ca  website as well as Town Halls, through phone calls made to myself, and through individuals holding neighbourhood sessions. At the time this letter is being written over 500 residents of the Central Okanagan had completed the workbook. I am thankful for the great response, and I would recommend going to the noted website to get more knowledgably with the RGS.

Separate and in addition to the RGS process Town Halls were held for both Brent Road and Trepanier which highlighted the Official Community Plan process. I was heartened with the response in both of these meetings. Much information was shared and I feel confident that the residents of those two areas are willing to work towards the future of their neighbourhoods. For further information on these OCP’s you can go to www.regionaldistrict.com/ocp

As part of my duties to the community of the Central Okanagan, I was appointed by the RDCO as a Trustee for the Okanagan Regional Library. This has been an exciting position for me! As part of my duties in the ORL, I sat on the Strategic Planning Committee. The Strategic Plan was recently submitted to the ORL Board was passed unanimously. I look forward to seeing some of the items worked on including the Rural Services part of the Plan. I am also excited as a member of the ORL Policy and Planning Committee to see the Westbank First Nations sign on as an ORL Board member, continuing the ORL service agreement on WFN lands.

In March there will be two community meetings held. As both a Westside Road Improvement Committee member and a Regional Director, I am thankful that the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is holding a meeting at La Casa on March 10. On March 12 the RDCO is holding a water services information meeting for the residents of Fintry Delta as well as for Upper Fintry, Shalal Road, and Valley of the Sun at the Killiney Beach Community Hall. I will report on those in my next newsletter.

Community Building Meetings – a Town Hall meeting was held for Brent Road on February 3rd (the Trepanier meeting was held in late January). I attended the Electoral Area UBCM meeting and the Local Government Learning Academy meeting in Richmond where I learned about many things about current and pending legislation and how it could held out Electoral Area once enacted.

For Your Information - My website www.edgson.ca is up and running. Log on for regularly updated information and useful links! The Regional District website ( www.regionaldistrict.com ) also has webpage information and updates regarding Environmental Services water projects (select Departments/Environmental Services/Projects & Studies/Current Projects). You can refer to these pages at your convenience to receive status updates on these projects.

Please remember that should I be away on Regional District and/or Electoral Area business, I do check my RD phone messages and e-mail and will return calls as soon as possible (see numbers below).

Until next time, Jim Phone: 250-212-7296; Email: jim.edgson@cord.bc.ca

January 2011

Here we are in 2011! In my last newsletter it was noted that the amount of snowfall for the 2010/2011 season was below the amount we had in 2003. As of the end of January we have received a cumulative amount of 132 cm (52”) which is far more than we received last year and could be considered to be an “average” year looking at the snowfall between 2001 and 2011 YTD. While this is acceptable news for recharging water supplies, this season’s snow came with many cold snaps with their accompanying fuel requirements! Please remember to burn cleanly, efficiently and responsibly. For further information you can go to: www.regionaldistrict.com/airquality 
HB Lanarc has been chosen by the Regional District of Central Okanagan to be the consultant for the South Slopes of Central Okanagan East and the Trepanier/Brent Road OCP. RDCO staff is currently reviewing a draft bulletin newsletter which has been prepared by the consultant and will go out to all the residents in the OCP areas. This newsletter will include a public survey intended to identify key issues, concerns and ideas related to the communities of South Slopes and the Trepanier/Brent Road areas.
There has been an active group in the Trepanier area communicating with their residents about the OCP process. With this in mind a Town Hall was held for Trepanier residents on Friday January 28th to update those attending about the OCP and other matters of concern in that area. A Town Hall will be held on Thursday February 3rd in Brent Road to give updates on the OCP and other matters of interest to those attending from Brent Road. For more information on the OCP process visit www.regionaldistrict.com/ocp
Separate and in addition to the OCP process, the RDCO Regional Growth Strategy process is well under way. At both the Brent Road and Trepanier Town Halls booklets are being handed out showing how Regional District residents can participate in the process. If you are interested in getting more knowledgeable with the Regional Growth Strategy and how you can help plan your future, visit www.regionaldistrict.com/growth  or the Regional Growth Strategy website www.futureok.ca .

Recently my long-time advisor and friend Hugh McKenna stepped down from being my Alternate. I am thankful I can count on him in the future for advice about the “middle of COW” in the area from Shelter’s Cove to Traders Cove. My new Alternate, Trevor Dixon from Trepanier, has been very active in learning what needs to be done as Electoral Area Director and has been a great help in the “southern part of COW”. Trevor has been attending several Board meetings as an observer, and has attended one meeting as my Alternate when I was tied up with a critical Okanagan Regional Library committee meeting. Trevor has shown an interest in Brent Road as well and is planning on attending the Brent Road Town Hall.

Community Building Meetings – a Town Hall meeting was held for Trepanier Residents at Peachland on January 28thto discuss the OCP and Regional Growth Strategy. A similar Town Hall will be held at Brent Road on February 3rd.

For Your Information - My website www.edgson.ca  is up and running. Log on for regularly updated information and useful links! The Regional District website (regionaldistrict.com) also has webpage information and updates regarding Environmental Services water projects (select Departments/Environmental Services/Projects & Studies/Current Projects). You can refer to these pages at your convenience to receive status updates on these projects.

Please remember that should I be away on Regional District and/or Electoral Area business, I do check my RD phone messages and e-mail and will return calls as soon as possible (see numbers below).

Until next time, Jim Phone: 250-212-7296; Email: jim.edgson@cord.bc.ca

November 2010

Jim Edgson, Director of Central Okanagan West (COW) Electoral Area

November has come and gone! Based on the 25 cm (10”) of snow we received over the last week or so in Central Okanagan West, we can hope for a white Christmas! This cumulative amount is still far below what we received in the Novembers of 2003 (17.75”; 45 cm) and 2006 (33.5”; 85 cm). Both of those snow seasons ended up with about 80” (203 cm) of total snow. For those of us who live in the interface of COW, snow is a good thing for both recharging water supplies in the spring and for (hopefully!) lowering the forest fire risk in the coming summer.

The RDCO is moving ahead with preparation of an Official Community Plan for the Trepanier/Brent Road areas. The consultant selection process is progressing well and should be finalized soon. As noted in last month’s newsletter, once the consultant is selected, the timeline for moving forward will become clearer and will lead to many things including procedures and timing for public input and participation.
The two water projects in the Fintry Area are progressing well. As noted by the staff at RDCO, the paperwork, design, and the approvals are the vast majority of the job and the construction is the small part at the end of the job. That being said, residents on the ground see the construction as the big and most important part! The current big picture plan is to have the design complete by the end of January and to hold a public meeting shortly thereafter. A second public meeting to present the construction schedule and contractor is planned for the end of March. The construction is currently planned to begin sometime in April, with the system being tested and commissioned by the end of November.

We did have a power outage in the north end in November. Normally this would not be something to report on as this has been common and for the most part frustrating. This time was a bit different – the power outage was early on a Sunday and was noted to last until 11:00 AM. We were all pleasantly surprised to see the power back on early at 9:30! My thanks go out to BC Hydro for working so hard to upgrade and improve the service to COW and to Gene Bryant of BC Hydro for communicating so effectively! The major part of the work BC Hydro needed to do has been done, and well done. Just a reminder though, severe Winter Storms and possible power outages are something we should prepare for. You can find out more Emergency Planning information at regionaldistrict.com/EmergencyPlan.

Attendance at the Sustainable Communities conference in Kelowna was both interesting and fruitful for me and the COW. One of the most interesting things for me was the issue of water sustainability. It was obvious to me that the directions the Regional District of Central Okanagan and the residents of COW are going are working well towards the ultimate goal of sustainable water, not only for our Electoral Area, but for the Valley as a whole.
Community Building Meetings – a Town Hall meeting was held at Killiney Beach on November 25. While we had received 7.75” (20 cm) of snow, those who attended took part in a lively and fruitful discussion. Many things will be followed up on in the coming weeks.

For Your Information - My website www.edgson.ca is up and running. Log on for regularly updated information and useful links! The Regional District website (regionaldistrict.com) also has webpage information and updates regarding Environmental Services water projects (select Departments/Environmental Services/Projects & Studies/Current Projects). You can refer to these pages at your convenience to receive status updates on these projects.

Please remember that should I be away on Regional District and/or Electoral Area business, I do check my RD phone messages and e-mail and will return calls as soon as possible (see numbers below).

Until next time, Jim
Phone: 250-212-7296; Email: jim.edgson@cord.bc.ca

October 2010

Jim Edgson, Director of Central Okanagan West (COW) Electoral Area

November is here, and a lot of us are still putting down wood for winter heating. While all of us have heard this before, I would like to remind everybody who burns woodin order to reduce the impact on air quality in our region, please ensure you only burn dry, cured wood and do not burn treated wood or garbage. Please be Fire Smart and keep your woodpile away from your home. Being as I burn wood (with propane as a backup) I have invested in a wood moisture meter. It gives me that extra bit of comfort when I use wood as a fuel. To learn more about smart wood burning and other air quality initiatives please visit: www.regionaldistrict.com/boards_committees/committee_air.aspx

The Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) is preceding with its review and update of its region wide Strategic Growth Plan. At the present time, this is expected to take about 2 years and will include opportunities for public involvement. In addition, the RDCO is moving ahead with preparation of an Official Community Plan for the Trepanier/Brent Road areas and is seeking Requests for Proposals from consulting companies. I expect to be able to report on this first step in my November newsletter. Once the consultant is selected, the timeline for moving forward will become clearer. This first step will lead to many things including procedures and timing for public input and participation.

The two water projects in the Fintry Area are progressing well. There have been some sticking points in the Upper Fintry/Shalal Road and Valley of the Sun project, but Delphine Maja and Chris Radford in the Regional District have been diligently working on them along with me, our MLA Ben Stewart, and the Ministry of Transportation. The outcome looks very positive, which reinforces the necessity and value of working with all levels of government and the appropriate departments in those governments. Again, I look forward to reporting on this in the next newsletter.
There were several opportunities to dialogue with other Regional Districts and Municipalities while I was at the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) at the end of September to the beginning of October. As the RDCO has appointed me as its representative on the Southern Interior Beetle Action Coalition (SIBAC), I was part of a large Beetle Action Coalition group that met with Premier Campbell concerning support for the Coalitions across the Province. In his wrap up address to the UBCM he announced that the Coalitions (including SIBAC) will receive ongoing funding for the next three years. As a result, I have been working with the Okanagan Indian Band and the Westbank First Nation on a proposal which should benefit the Central Okanagan. This project will be discussed at SIBAC over the next couple of months.

Community Building Meetings – I have tentatively scheduled a Town Hall meeting at Killiney Beach for November 25. Once this has been confirmed, notices will be posted on the areas bulletin boards and e-broadcast in the area. I attended and served at the October 16th Seniors Thanksgiving supper in the North Westside which was very well attended. I love the meals at these events, and I love serving at them!

For Your Information - My website www.edgson.ca  is up and running. Log on for regularly updated information and useful links! The Regional District website ( www.regionaldistrict.com ) also has webpage information and updates regarding Environmental Services water projects (select Departments/Environmental Services/Projects & Studies/Current Projects). You can refer to these pages at your convenience to receive status updates on these projects.

Please remember that should I be away on Regional District and/or Electoral Area business, I do check my RD phone messages and e-mail and will return calls as soon as possible (see numbers below).

Until next time,

Jim
Phone: 250-212-7296; Email: jim.edgson@cord.bc.ca

Regional Director Newsletter

August/September 2010

Jim Edgson, Director of Central Okanagan West (COW) Electoral Area

As October is underway, along with the start of the open burning season within the Central Okanagan fire jurisdictions, I would urge all in the Central Okanagan West Electoral Area who are contemplating burning to go to the Regional District website www.regionaldistrict.com ; click on “What’s New”; then view “Open Burning Permits Available October 1”. This article does an excellent job of explaining who can burn and the permitting process required; when you can burn and alternates to burning; and who to contact for permits or questions. As noted, the season lasts from October 1st to April 30th, 2011 unless the season is shortened or lengthened by the area fire chiefs depending on the fire hazard in their areas.

As the Central Okanagan West Electoral Area Director I am very much aware of the large area that Central Okanagan West (COW) covers – the rural areas from Brent Road in the south to Westshores Estates in the north. It is always my goal to strive to represent all the residents by visiting the various subdivisions in COW and communicating with all those who work with me and the Regional District in a positive manner for the good of their communities and the Regional District as a whole.

Part of this goal is accomplished through the Board appointed Advisory Planning Commission (APC) which reports to that Board. As a good number of the APC referrals concern neighboring municipalities, and as most of the recommendations of the APC to the Board will be voted on by those municipalities, members of the APC include not only residents of the COW but one from West Kelowna and one from Kelowna. I believe this makes the recommendations from the APC to the Board much more viable.

Another person who has served the Electoral Area very well is Alternate Director Hugh McKenna. Hugh is a very strong advocate for the COW and I have valued, and continue to value, his direction and opinion. Hugh has found that he needed to resign to pursue retired life, and I must thank him for all his help and advice, and look forward to working with him as the longtime friend he has been.

Hugh was from Wilson’s Landing which, while being south of where I live in the COW, was still in the middle of COW. Hugh was gracious to me and gave me plenty of time to consider a replacement. Through those considerations, I decided that the need existed for a community representative from the southern part of COW. As time went on a person in Trepanier showed he was a hard worker for his community and was very open to learning how to work with the Regional District for the betterment of the various COW communities. After talking with people who worked with Trevor Dixon, I asked him to replace Hugh and he accepted. Since he was appointed, Trevor has been attending RD Board meetings and has taken a keen interest in how the Board works. I am a very fortunate Director indeed to have had Hugh as an Alternate; I am just as fortunate to have Trevor as an Alternate now.

COMMUNITY BUILDING MEETINGS – The Westside Road Interchange Project held a public meeting in Central Okanagan West at the Wilson’s Landing Fire Hall on Wednesday, October 22nd. This meeting was well attended by people all the way up North Westside down to Traders Cove. It was a well laid out presentation favorably received by those attending. It was noted that there will be a detour from the Westside Road along Nancee Way to #97 from the third week in October until the new interchange is completed, scheduled for August 2011. While there will be ongoing work to complete the Nancee Way overpass until about June 2012, the biggest part affecting the Westside Road should be done by August 2011. For further information, please contact Evelyn Lube at 250-864-7395 or by e-mail at elube@shaw.ca  .

FOR YOUR INFORMATION – My website www.edgson.ca  is up and running. Log on for regularly updated information and useful links! The Regional District website (regionaldistrict.com) also has webpage information and updates regarding Environmental Services water projects (select Departments/Environmental Services/Projects & Studies/Current Projects). You can refer to these pages at your convenience to receive status updates on these projects.

Please remember that should I be away on Regional District and/or Electoral Area business, I do check my RD phone messages and e-mail and will return calls as soon as possible (see numbers below).

Until next time, Jim
Phone: 250-212-7296; Email: jim.edgson@cord.bc.ca

July 2010

Jim Edgson, Director of Central Okanagan West (COW) Electoral Area

What a change in weather in July! In June the forests were greening up. For you berry pickers out there, the crop came on strong in July, but about 3 weeks late! In later July we were in a very hot, dry spell, and most of us had the 2009 forest fire season on our minds as the end of the month approached. So far it appears that most people who live in or are visiting the area are being cautious with fires. We all got severe jolts with the Seclusion Bay and Sailview Bay fires which, while not in the Central Okanagan West, certainly were close to it. It always of great concern to the residents of COW when it appears that forest/interface fires appear to be human caused. The best thing all of us can do is make sure we are not guilty in this regard, and to let our visitors know about how to prevent these fires.

Someone once told me that things like human caused forest fires were accidents. I disagree. I learned a long time ago the difference between accidents and collisions. An accident is when a DC-10 plane drops on your car – it cannot be avoided. A collision can be avoided. Human caused forest fires are collisions – not accidents, and they should not be sugar coated by calling them accidents.

The Regional District is preparing the documents necessary to go for a consultant request for proposal for the Official Community Plans for the Trepanier and Brent Road areas. At the present time it looks like the results from this RFP should be brought to the RD Board later in September.

One of the main reasons that the RD Board did not support a Front Counter BC – Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum application in July was due to the fact that a traffic impact assessment had not yet been completed to ascertain whether the road system is capable of handling the intended truck traffic and determination of the scope of improvement that should be completed along Westside Road to ensure public safety. As a result, the Board resolved that a letter be forwarded to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure with a copy to the local MLA’s, requesting that the Ministry hold a public meeting in the North Westside – COW with respect to residents concerns regarding improvements to Westside Road. This letter was sent to the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure and MLA Ben Stewart. I and the Regional District look forward to hearing back from the Ministry in this regard.

For those of you who are in the area north of Lake Okanagan Resort, BC Hydro is finishing off work on placing four new cables under the Lake from Lake Country to the Westside. These new cables and all the preparatory work Hydro has been doing over the last months should help alleviate power outages in the northern area above Lake Okanagan Resort to Westshores Estates for some years to come.

DID YOU KNOW? – the Regional District looked into the issue of Cell Phone Towers and where they are placed. A Cell Phone Tower is considered a utility, and as such, can be put pretty well anywhere. The RD does not have control over where these towers can be put. The only control the Regional District would have is if there was a building put up in conjunction with the tower that exceeded 10 m2 which would then require a building permit. As long as the proposed building met all the conditions required for that permit, the building permit would be issued.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION – My website www.edgson.ca  is up and running. Log on for regularly updated information and useful links! The Regional District website (regionaldistrict.com) also has webpage information and updates regarding Environmental Services water projects (select Departments/Environmental Services/Projects & Studies/Current Projects). You can refer to these pages at your convenience to receive status updates on these projects.

Please remember that should I be away on Regional District and/or Electoral Area business, I do check my RD phone messages and e-mail and will return calls as soon as possible (see numbers below).

Until next time, Jim
Phone: 250-212-7296; Email: jim.edgson@cord.bc.ca

June 2010

Jim Edgson, Director of Central Okanagan West (COW) Electoral Area

In May I commented on how damp and cold the month had been. I can now say June has also certainly turned out to be damper and colder in 2010 than a lot of us expected! The forests are greening up, and I am sure a lot of you berry pickers have noticed there is a bumper crop of wild berries out there, but about two weeks late. There is also an energy downside to this weather – my Hydro bill was up 33% over last year for the same period!

Summer is on us now, and the daytime temperatures are promising to be a lot warmer going forward in July. With all the dampness we have been having in May and June it is all too easy to forget what happened last summer. Hopefully forest fires will not impact the Central Okanagan West as they did last year, but all of us need to be careful. We can all start by looking at our own homes and being sure we keep the area around our homes clear of combustible debris. It is also always a good idea to put yourself in the boots of a fire fighter, police officer or ambulance paramedic. Can they get into and out of your home easily and safely? Can they find your home? Is the street address number clearly visible from the road? I would recommend you prepare for your and your family’s safety, and to do what you can do to protect your home and property.

For those of you who are in the area north of Lake Okanagan Resort, BC Hydro is now working on placing four new cables under the Lake from Lake Country to the Westside. These new cables and all the preparatory work Hydro has been doing over the last months should help alleviate power outages in the northern area above Lake Okanagan Resort to Westshores Estates for some years to come.

The Regional District is to the point where Development Services staff can begin looking at the Official Community Plans for Trepanier and Brent Road. I will be attending a Planning meeting early in July to look at the potential timing of events, including opportunity for public input.

It is sometimes interesting and informative to read the ancillary information on bills. Take for example your Hydro bill. If you left a 100 Watt bulb on for 10 hours, it would consume 1 kW.h. If you were in step 2 of your usage charge that would cost you about 8.8 cents. While this does not seem like much, it could add up. Similarly with your water meter, you could turn all your water off and then see if the meter is turning. If it is turning with all the water off, you have a leak. In this age where all of us are trying to protect our planet and save ourselves money, paying attention to supposedly small details like dripping taps and lights left on could be of great benefit. By the way, the new water meters being installed with Federal Gas Tax Funds in the remaining RDCO water utilities of Killiney Beach and Westshores have a built in leak detector in addition to a function where the meter can be read remotely.

COMMUNITY BUILDING – the petition process for Fintry Delta is going through its final stages prior to having the results brought before the Regional District Board.

I wish to thank the Wilson’s Landing Community Association for inviting me to their AGM in June. I was invited to speak and had the privilege of answering many questions of concern to both their area and the northern part of COW. I would like to compliment them on their openness, their love of their community, and their willingness to proactively work with both the Regional District and the Province.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION – My website www.edgson.ca  is up and running. Log on for regularly updated information and useful links! The Regional District website ( www.regionaldistrict.com ) also has webpage information and updates regarding Environmental Services water projects (select Departments/Environmental Services/Projects & Studies/Current Projects). You can refer to these pages at your convenience to receive status updates on these projects.

Please remember that should I be away on Regional District and/or Electoral Area business, I do check my RD phone messages and e-mail and will return calls as soon as possible (see numbers below).

Until next time, Jim

Phone: 250-212-7296; Email: jim.edgson@cord.bc.ca

May has certainly turned out to be damper and colder in 2010 than a lot of us expected! While the forests we live in are greening up quite nicely, the Regional District water systems within the Central Okanagan West (COW) Electoral Area are under Stage 1 water restrictions going to Stage 2 on June 15. This is a normal occurrence and reflects the year-round water use restrictions as set out in the RDCO Water Systems Bylaw #1268. We did have a winter with low snowfall resulting in lower lake and reservoir levels. While I live in a subdivision which does have an RD water system, many of us do not. The RD website has some interesting information for all of us where you can get information on where water restrictions are and at what stage and when, plus many links to water conservation tips which are useful whether of not you are on an RD website. Just go to:
www.regionaldistrict.com/departments/engineering/engineering_services_watersys.aspx 

Was there any effect on water sources within COW caused by the forest and interface fires of 2009? While I do not have scientific information, I do drive back and forth from the north and south ends of COW. Shorts Creek, which is affected by the runoff from Terrace Mountain, has been quite high and muddy for some time due to spring runoff. Several times I have seen a wide muddy finger going out about a 0.5 km into Okanagan Lake from the Creek. As this muddy finger has not been as obvious in previous years, I can only surmise that this “extra” mud is largely a result of the fire. If nothing else, this is important to note so that all of us can be as Fire Smart as we can be – not only to protect our lives, forests, and homes, but to help protect our water sources.

Concerning the Tussock Moth outbreak - the Regional District continues to advise people that pending the successful completion of the appeal period for the proposed spray program, the earliest anticipated spray date would be June 3rd (depending on weather conditions and insect development). The current plan is to provide advance notice via e-mail, RDCO website and the Tussock Moth Info Line (250-469-6266) whether spraying is proposed for the morning of the 3rd and each subsequent day if spraying does not take place on the 3rd. A good plan is to monitor the RD website or the phone line each day until spraying is complete.

I have been participating in the Elections Task Force when the opportunity arises. The Task Forces work has resulted in a report being delivered to the Province. These recommendations will form the basis for legislation. The UBCM will be tracking the legislation as it is brought forward. Further information will be brought forward at the UBCM Convention later this year.

All of us still see the Pine and Mountain Beetle killed trees within Central Okanagan West, but there is some good news from the Southern Interior Beetle Action Coalition, of which I am a member. It appears that the red-attack on a Provincial scale has been declining since 2005. While this may not be as apparent in COW, the good (projected) news is that it is expected that “only” 65% of the pine volume in the Province will be killed by 2016 - significantly less than the 80% projected earlier. This may offer small comfort to many people, but let us all hope that it is true that the decline is occurring.

COMMUNITY BUILDING – The petition process for the Fintry Delta water utility continues. There will be a meeting of the Fintry Delta residents on June 10 at 7:00 PM at the Killiney Beach Community Hall to discuss the petition results concerning the Fintry Delta water utility.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION – My website www.edgson.ca is up and running. Log on for regularly updated information and useful links! The Regional District website (regionaldistrict.com) also has webpage information and updates regarding Environmental Services water projects (select Departments/Environmental Services/Projects & Studies/Current Projects). You can refer to these pages at your convenience to receive status updates on these projects.

Please remember that should I be away on Regional District and/or Electoral Area business, I do check my RD phone messages and e-mail and will return calls as soon as possible (see numbers below).

Until next time, Jim
Phone: 250-212-7296; Email: jim.edgson@cord.bc.ca

Regional Director Newsletter

March 2010

Jim Edgson, Director of Central Okanagan West (COW) Electoral Area


March in the Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) is always interesting. March is when the Regional District Budget is considered and finalized. This year the Central Okanagan West (COW) Electoral Area is coming to grips with its budget which is now separate and independent of the service area which is the District of West Kelowna. COW is still part of Regional District form of Governance through the RDCO, and benefits from it in many, many ways. As the RDCO has done in the past, services COW receives were reviewed and accounted for.

When doing the budget the Regional District accounts for the services it provides as well as the realistic costs of providing those services. Some service costs in the past were kept low through situational efficiencies which are changing dramatically. For example, up until this year garbage from COW was sent to the Westside Landfill in what is now West Kelowna. With the Westside Landfill closing this summer that garbage is being sent for disposal to the Glenmore Landfill in Kelowna. Costs needed to be brought in line with the current reality of increased tipping fees and transportation charges. The Regional District has committed to monitoring those costs and increasing them as needed on a yearly basis to reduce the potential of any future fee surprises. Public information sessions will be held in April with Regional District Staff and me at these meetings to answer questions.

I have committed over the past year to see the Official Community Plan (OCP) review completed for the North Westside - which includes the area from Traders Cove north to Westshores Estates. This is nearing completion. In addition, I had committed for the past two years to making sure an OCP was done for Brent Road and Trepanier. Monies are in the 2010 budget to do this, and I look forward to seeing this happen.

Taxes are collected by the Province for the RDCO on behalf of the Okanagan Regional Library (ORL), using information the ORL provides. For the last few years, the ORL was using some outdated population numbers from the Province for the Central Okanagan and COW in particular. On one side, we have seen significant population growth which increases our tax base; on the other hand this results in an increased assessment for the ORL. Again, I have ensured that the ORL has committed to monitoring the numbers they receive from the Province to mitigate future significant tax assessments due to erroneous population information.

I attended an eye opening Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Governance Workshop in Vancouver in March. There are several very important changes being considered. The workshop was an opportunity for Municipalities and Electoral Areas, in concert with the Province, to provide input and feedback for those proposed changes.

COMMUNITY BUILDING – On April 13 there will be an Information Meeting at the Peachland Community Hall from 7:00 – 9:00 PM. Topics include the Ministry of Environment’s proposed 2010 Provincial Tussock Moth spray program. On both April 14 at the Killiney Beach Hall and April 22 at the Wilson Landing Fire Hall information will be provided concerning utility billing rates for solid waste management and recycling programs, as well as the Westside Landfill closure. In addition, the Killiney Beach April 14 meeting will have information on the Upper Fintry/Valley of the Sun/Shalal Road water system; a petition process regarding the Fintry Utility water system and planned improvements to the Killiney Beach and Westshore water systems. Both the April 14 and April 22 meetings are from 4:00 to 8:00 PM.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION – My website www.edgson.ca is up and running. Log on for regularly updated information and useful links! If you happen to be on the RDCO website, you can link to my website from there as well.

Please remember that should I be away on Regional District and/or Electoral Area business, I do check my RD phone messages and e-mail and will return calls as soon as possible (see numbers below).

Until next time, Jim
Phone: 250-212-7296; Email: jim.edgson@cord.bc.ca

Regional Director Newsletter February 2010

Jim Edgson, Director of Central Okanagan West (COW) Electoral Area

What a month February was!  What a way to end the month in British Columbia!  What a lesson in life the 2010 Olympics gave us.

As my wife and I cheered the ending of the hockey game – sounding a lot like those hockey fans in the soft drink commercial (Yes!  Now the world truly knows whose game it is!), we could not help but think what lessons we could learn from the Olympics we just saw.  Quite often we start a project and realize a couple of high points as the project starts, and then we hit a couple of reality checks or glitches or problems.  We get concerned – really concerned sometimes.  However, if we get the team behind us working hard and realizing what needs to be done and do it in a convincing fashion, your might just be pleasantly surprised with the outcome and you might just come out with a winner!

Looking back on those negative (foreign) media commentaries, it sure seems like a lot of us were angry and upset with what was being said.  But I realized another lesson here, folks.  While I was upset I noticed how quietly and steadily the Canadian athletes kept moving forward.  The combination of the unjustified foreign media comments and that Canadian steadiness sure seemed to make us prouder and prouder of Canada.  As the results slowly and quietly came in, we became even more proud.  Did you notice how the negative foreign media seemed to begin getting quiet and how other positive foreign media started to cheer us on?  Did we “lose” because we did not get the most medals?  No way – we got the most of the quality medals.  Now who are we poking fun at?

Lesson learned here, folks: there will always be those who are negative in an unjustified way.  Examine what is being said, and if it is unjustified, work quietly and steadily forward in a positive fashion and maybe – just maybe - a win might occur.

Yes, I know there was and is a cost to the Olympics, but for now let’s all just savor the moment.  Learn lessons, but remember how Canada did. I believe we did a great job, overcame adversities, and Vancouver and BC will be remembered for a long time in a very positive fashion.  In fact, some of those original naysayers with the British media are now saying how tough it will be for London to top our games!  All of us can be proud of what was accomplished.

As for Central Okanagan West, we have several ongoing projects moving forward.  The Marine Mobile Water Supply project in the north is plodding along, but I have noted that I look forward to the Fire Chief and Fire Services Coordinator working steadily to bring this to a conclusion.  The petition request of the residents of the Fintry Delta Water Utility to the Regional District was brought to the Board, and a feasibility study has been approved.  Peachland staff is looking at the issues of sewer for Brent Road and water for Trepanier.  The water project for Upper Fintry/Shalal Road/Valley of the Sun is moving forward.  Central Okanagan West has proven to be a vibrant, positive and active set of communities, and I am proud to be your representative.

Community Building – There was a Community Meeting for the residents of Trepanier on Wednesday, February 24^th.  Trepanier residents always impress me with their pointed but honest and straightforward input at these meetings.  While the discussion was at times lively, I am personally thankful that I left with plenty of information and direction.

For Your Information – My website www.edgson.ca is up and running.  Log on for regularly updated information and useful links!  If you happen to be on the RDCO website, you can link to my website from there as well.

Please remember that should I be away on Regional District and/or Electoral Area business, I do check my RD phone messages and e-mail and will return calls as soon as possible (see numbers below).

Until next time, Jim 

Phone:  250-212-7296; Email:   jim.edgson@cord.bc.ca

Regional Director Newsletter

January 2010

Jim Edgson, Director of Central Okanagan West (COW) Electoral Area


Welcome to 2010! This is beginning to look like an exciting year for Central Okanagan West (COW) Electoral Area. There are some exciting things to look forward to over the months ahead and others that we need to be aware of and prepare for.

Many people have contacted me concerning the minor power outages we have had in the northern part of COW. When they hear that BC Hydro is preparing their system to handle the upgrades which are planned to occur in the late spring, there is a sense of excitement. A long-standing problem is in the process of being mitigated. As was noted in December, the plan will see upgrades to the cable under the Lake in May or June.

I’m not aware of any severe power outages in COW and that is good news. However, on the other end of the scale is the lack of snowfall we have been experiencing. A good snow pack is needed not only for filling reservoirs and giving Okanagan Lake sufficient water levels; it is one of the things needed to hopefully give us no, smaller or a less severe fire season. The cumulative snow level at my residence this year is significantly below the very low level we had in January 2003. The cumulative snow level to this January is only 10% of that in a year where there was little or no forest fire activity. We live 160 vertical meters above Okanagan Lake.

All this goes to point out the need for all of us in the Okanagan to be prepared. A great place to start for your and your family’s preparedness is www.ess.bc.ca  . I would recommend you look under Personal Preparedness, and be ready to take care of yourself for the recommended 72 hours!

Peachland’s Mayor and Council allowed me to address them at their Committee of the Whole meeting in early January concerning the Brent Road Sewer and Trepanier Fire Protection/Water projects and are considering the proposal presented. They’ve committed to keep me and the Regional District posted regarding their deliberations and considerations moving forward. Until the Regional District hears from Peachland about its needs and the direction it would consider, Brent Road (Sewer) and Trepanier (Fire Protection) feasibility studies are on hold.

One of the important questions I receive from the constituents of Central Okanagan West is about the status of the Official Community Plans (OCP’s) for their areas. The OCP for the area from Crystal Mountain north is moving towards completion. The money to proceed with the Plans for the Trepanier and Brent Road areas are in the proposed budget for this year. A preliminary presentation on the budget will be coming before the Regional District Governance and Services Committee at its February 11th public meeting.

I am always grateful for the people of the Central Okanagan West who work to benefit their areas and in doing so contribute to the overall betterment of the entire electoral area. My thanks go to the Dixon’s in Trepanier who have been working diligently with Provincial Forest Entomologists towards a getting a Tussock Moth program. It now appears there may be a program in the Trepanier and other areas in 2010. I will keep you informed!

COMMUNITY BUILDING – There will be a Town Hall for the residents of Trepanier on Wednesday, February 24th at the Peachland Community Center from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. More details will be forthcoming through local contacts early in February.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION – My website www.edgson.ca is up and running. Log on for regularly updated information and useful links! If you happen to be on the RDCO website, you can link to my website from there as well.

Please remember that should I be away on Regional District and/or Electoral Area business, I do check my RD phone messages and e-mail and will return calls as soon as possible (see numbers below).

Until next time, Jim
Phone: 250-212-7296; Email: jim.edgson@cord.bc.ca

Regional Director Newsletter

November/December 2009

Jim Edgson, Director of Central Okanagan West (COW) Electoral Area


How fast times fly! The Regional District (RD) held its November Board meeting on November 23, and its December Board meeting on December 14. Year end comes so quick! In the meantime we have had two cold snaps, and all of us have been holding our breath hoping we would not have a repeat of last year’s extended power outage.

I and the RD have been communicating and working with BC Hydro in 2009 to work towards mitigating the effects of another serious power outage like we had late in 2008. Hydro has been working especially hard to proactively check things over and repair what they find and improve the system in general. Currently part of the plan is to lay a new cable system under the Lake from Winfield in May or June of 2010 to replace the old single cable. This will increase the system capacity and help mitigate power outages in the northern end of COW when and if the power goes out in severely cold temperatures. When Hydro is closer to beginning the project, they will be issuing a press release as there will be power outages as the new system is changed over. As they have noted, hopefully these outages will be as short as possible.

While we on this side of the Lake in the northern end did not experience any severe power outages and are thankful for this, please remember that a lot depends on all of us who live anywhere in the Central Okanagan West (COW). If a tree on someone’s property falls on the Hydro lines, there will probably be a power outage. If the power does go out, please turn off all unnecessary power so that when the power does come back on, the electrical draw on a cold startup is lessened. It is always a good idea to leave one light switch on in the house (so you will know when the power is back on) and one light activated on the outside of the house (so others will know your power is back on!).

The RD has been diligent in working for all areas of the COW. The issues of sewer in the Brent Road area and water supply in the Trepanier area have got to the point where, upon advice from the RD staff, I have requested a meeting with the Mayor and Council of Peachland to work towards serving the noted COW areas well while protecting the interests of Peachland. I expect this meeting to occur early in 2010. Fire Protection for Trepanier depends on the water issue being resolved first. Initiatives which have been started for the northern end of the COW are ongoing.

In northern COW waste is still dealt with through Transfer Stations. There has not been a rate increase from the $40 in the North Westside or from $52 in the Traders Cove area for over 7 years. Upon review, it was noted that the current rate in no way meets the costs of the two systems. The proposed rate for the North Westside is $131 with $179 for Traders Cove. To be honest, when I first saw these new rates I was very disturbed. In the future I and the RD Board have been assured that the costs and rates will be reviewed on a more regular basis so there is less of a chance of a huge jump. Staff is exploring the use of the new waste pickup system for some of us.

COMMUNITY BUILDING – I had the pleasure serving our electoral area by attending a local Senior’s Christmas supper. By “serving” I mean just that! First they had me serving the turkey, and then they had me act as Santa Claus. There were some comments about me being physically perfect for the job. Something tells me I should begin to not only look at what I eat between Christmas and New Year’s, but also between New Year’s and Christmas!

FOR YOUR INFORMATION – My website www.edgson.ca is up and running. Log on for regularly updated information and useful links! If you happen to be on the RDCO website, you can link to my website from there as well.
Please remember that should I be away on Regional District and/or Electoral Area business, I do check my RD phone messages and e-mail and will return calls as soon as possible (see numbers below).
 

Regional Director 2009 Year End

Jim Edgson, Director of Central Okanagan West (COW)
Electoral Area of the Regional District of Central Okanagan

The time has come to reflect back on 2009 in the Central Okanagan West Electoral Area (COW).  I have had the honor and privilege of serving the residents of COW for two years now.  2008 was an abbreviated term which had me serving after a by-election; 2009 was the first year of my first three-year term.  Looking back over those two years, I have much to be thankful for.  For several years prior to me becoming a Regional Director, I attended every Regional District of Central Okanagan Board meeting I could which enabled me to learn a fair amount about the RDCO.  These first two years as Director has seen my education continue at a pace far greater than I had imagined.  By doing so, it is my belief that I am better equipped to serve the residents of COW.

I have grown to appreciate the tremendous work the Regional District staff does.  I enjoy working with them to serve Central Okanagan West well.  Regional District staff has shown a tremendous willingness and ability to work with me and the people of the Central Okanagan West.  Our Administrator Harold Reay leads this vital and efficient staff in the Regional District.  I am very thankful for all his advice, direction and counsel.  I have stated many times that I need to get all the facts and information so I can move forward efficiently in my job.  Harold and staff do a great job providing me with these.

I enjoy working with all the other Directors on the Regional District Board – both urban and rural.  Their insights and perspectives help me work more effectively on the Board, with the Regional District staff, with the media, and with Central Okanagan West constituents.  There are many difficult decisions to be made, and while I am but one vote on the Board, when the Regional District Board makes a decision it is the best decision to be made.   I am honored to be part of the Board and support it.

In 2009 I served on many committees as an appointee of the RDCO: the Southern Beetle Action Coalition, the Okanagan Regional Library; the new Aggregate Task Force for the Central Okanagan and the Okanagan Similkameen Airshed Coalition.  Working with all these committees enabled me to see many perspectives about many subjects as well as bring the RDCO and COW perspectives to the table.  People on some of these committees came from as far as the Cariboo, and the Alberta and US borders.  It’s truly a Provincial perspective 

Facts and information are vital to my work.  In 2008 and 2009 I had the privilege of working with many community people and committees dealing with vital local projects.  Everywhere I go in Central Okanagan West there are people who show a great willingness to listen to others, offer their perspectives, and finally work to a conclusion which benefits the community as a whole.  People who are willing to do this, avoid insisting their own personal agenda is the only way to go, and who do not bring rumors and wrong information to the table are the people I seek to work with.  The really good news is they are plentiful across Central Okanagan West.

I am also very thankful for all the “point people” in the various communities within Central Okanagan West who keep me in touch with what is going on and who help get Regional District information out.

Finally I would like to thank all the Provincial Ministries and Provincial entities who have worked so hard over 2009 to ensure the people of Central Okanagan West are served well and often better.  I have worked with and am especially thankful for people within the Integrated Land Management Bureau, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and BC Hydro.  Quite often we do not understand why these entities do things the way they do.  Personally I believe they all share several things in common: they will work for us, they listen to us, and what they do is vital to all who call Central Okanagan West home.  I am also very thankful for the effective representation we have from our Provincial MLA’s – the Regional District of Central Okanagan and Electoral Area are being served very well by them.

As we all move forward into 2010, my wish is that all this great work will continue, personal agendas are minimized, and that the good of Central Okanagan West, the Regional District of Central Okanagan, and the Province of BC is brought forward so the Best Place on Earth will become even better.  Thank you for allowing me to be associated with you, and for being a part of my life.

Jim Edgson, Director Central Okanagan West

Regional Director Newsletter

October 2009

Jim Edgson, Director of Central Okanagan West (COW) Electoral Area

Fall is here! We have had sufficient moisture to see the Fire Danger Rating in the Central Okanagan West (COW) forests drop to Low. With the winds, rain (and sometimes snow) which occurred during the month, people are going about doing yard cleanups, chopping wood and generally preparing for the coming winter. What a change from the previous months!

People with properties greater than one hectare are allowed to burn outdoors only after receiving a permit from their local fire authority and only when both air and venting conditions are favorable. I and other residents of COW are busy using well-seasoned firewood to heat their homes. This gives us all pause to think about our ongoing discussion of the Homeowners Fire Smart Manual which can be downloaded at www.regionaldistrict.com/docs/crime/firesmart_homeowners_manual.pdf . This months topic is “Don’t be the Cause of a Wildfire”, outlined on page 6 in the Manual. It is noted in that section that interface fires often start as small accidental ignitions. Fire Smarting your chimney is discussed along with what to do with vegetation around propane tanks and power lines. It is noted that Fire Smart building sites have adequate emergency vehicle access, and the suggested tools that every home should have to assist in suppressing wildfires are pointed out. It is always a great idea to discuss your home site with your local Fire Department to get an even better idea of how you can help prepare your home.

The initial contract for the North Westside Water Project for the Valley of the Sun, Shalal Road and Upper Fintry area has been let. This contract for the identification of water sources and preliminary design of a proposed water system was awarded to True Consulting Group. Information including projected costs, current status and other details can now be followed on a Regional District of Central Okanagan webpage http://www.regionaldistrict.com/departments/engineering/engineering _projects_1.aspx .

The RDCO has appointed three Directors to represent it on the recently announced committee that will investigate aggregate issues in the Central Okanagan. Robert Hobson (Chair of the RDCO Board), Keith Fielding (RDCO Director and Mayor of Peachland) and I are expected to be joined by appointees from the Provincial Government. Kelowna-Lake Country MLA Norm Letnick will co-chair the committee with Robert Hobson.

COMMUNITY BUILDING – the Fire Protection Study for Trepanier will be brought forward to the RD Governance and Services Committee soon. The Sewer Study for Brent Road was brought forward to the Committee and is being studied further. An update on the sewer study is being prepared for e-mail distribution to the Brent Road residents.

There was a well-attended and lively Town Hall meeting in Wilson’s Landing on October 23. Ben Stewart, MLA for Kelowna-Westside and Minister of Citizens Services, Multiculturalism and the Public Affairs Bureau was invited to this COW Town Hall. The Gravel Pits issue and Governance issues related to the area between Traders Cove and Westshores Estates were put on the table for questions and discussion. Ben and I wish to commend the citizens of the Traders Cove/Wilson’s Landing area for their well concerned and well put questions and discussion on these matters.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION – My website www.edgson.ca  is up and running. Log on for regularly updated information and useful links! If you happen to be on the RDCO website, you can link to my website from there as well.

Please remember that should I be away on Regional District and/or Electoral Area business, I do check my RD phone messages and e-mail and will return calls as soon as possible (see numbers below).

Until next time, Jim
Phone: 250-212-7296; Email: jim.edgson@cord.bc.ca

Regional Director Newsletter

September 2009

Jim Edgson, Director of Central Okanagan West (COW) Electoral Area

September was somewhat of a relief as we began coming out of the fire season. We in Central Okanagan West continue to be cautious about what we do in the forests and our properties as we all watch the Fire Danger Rating decrease. The warm dry weather experienced during September means there will be a delay in the start of the open burning season in the Central Okanagan. Permits for those property owners eligible to burn yard waste will not be issued until October 15. This date could be adjusted if weather conditions change. Starting October 15th, those people with properties greater that one hectare are allowed to burn outdoors, but only after receiving a permit from their local fire authority and only when both air and venting conditions are favorable.

Quite a few of us in the COW use wood burning appliances to heat our homes. When the Fire Danger Rating gets to Extreme for three consecutive days, all high-risk activities (such as using a chain saw) must cease all day. You can get further information on danger ratings in your area by phoning your local fire department or by first going to http://bcwildfire.ca/weather/danger.htm , reading the first page, then clicking on the Kamloops area on the map. Secondly, to see what the restrictions on high risk activities are go to this web page: www.for.gov.bc.ca/tasb/legsregs/wildfire/wildfirereg/wildfirereg.htm#sch3 .

In August we discussed the information provided by the Fire Smart program on the RDCO website at www.regionaldistrict.com/docs/crime/firesmarthomeownersmanual.pdf   While use of this free information is encouraged to get started for the future with respect to preparing your home and property to reduce fire risks, it does not guarantee that you will not incur fire damage. Last month we discussed pages 2 and 3 of this manual which outlined some of the preventative measures for zones outside your home. This month portions of the Building Construction notes on pages 3 and 4 will be discussed. Please refer to the manual for more complete details.

Some of these preventative measures will require planning and long-term commitment to change. Some of these guidelines deal with building materials and design standards, and should be discussed with the Regional District’s Development and Environmental Services Department. Some may not be economical or practical to apply to an existing structure, but may be considered in long-term maintenance or renovation plans, or incorporated in new buildings.

The most fire resistant roofing materials are metal, clay tile and asphalt shingles. Untreated wooden shakes and shingles provide no resistance, and are indeed ideal fuels for a roaring wildfire. Materials such as stucco, metal, brick and concrete offer superior resistance to wildfire. Logs and heavy timbers are a little less effective, while wood (including untreated shingles and shakes) and vinyl siding offer very little protection.

Eaves and vents on attics and crawlspaces are little thought about areas, but can allow heat and embers to enter a building and ignite it. Ensure eaves are closed in and vented and screen all vents including soffits. Finally, look at doors and windows. Clear concentrations of fuels within 10 meters of glazed openings. Greater protection is provided by smaller double or thermal pane or tempered glass windows. Single pane glass provides virtually no protection.

COMMUNITY BUILDING – the Fire Protection Study for Trepanier and the Sewer Study for Brent Road will be brought forward to the RD Governance and Services Committee soon. There was a well-attended Public Open House for the North Westside OCP Bylaw update and review on September 15 at the Killiney Beach Community Hall. I attended the annual Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Conference and gathered much valuable input to be discussed and used in the COW. The Trepanier Community has formed a group of people with the tentative name of Trepanier Residents Involved in Planning Our Destiny (TRIPOD) to work with the RD on their upcoming OCP. It is noted that a tripod provides stability along the side-to-side and up-and-down Coordinate axis of motion and provides a large amount of leverage. I welcome this group of dedicated people who are planning ahead for the betterment and future of their community! Finally, there will be a Town Hall Meeting in Wilson’s Landing on Friday October 23. Posters will be put up in the community closer to the event.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION – My website www.edgson.ca is up and running. Log on for regularly updated information and useful links! If you happen to be on the RDCO website, you can link to my website from there as well.

Please remember that should I be away on Regional District and/or Electoral Area business, I do check my RD phone messages and e-mail and will return calls as soon as possible (see numbers below).

Until next time, Jim
Phone: 250-212-7296; Email: jim.edgson@cord.bc.ca

Regional Director Newsletter

August 2009

Jim Edgson, Director of Central Okanagan West (COW) Electoral Area

August was a month to remember. The Terrace Mountain Fire was finally contained to the point where all the evacuees of the area between Traders Cove and Killiney Beach were allowed to come back home after being evacuated for significant amounts of time. Many people involved during the emergency are coming forward to volunteer to work with organized entities like the Emergency Social Services (ESS). While there is an existing ESS unit in the Central Okanagan West area of the North Westside Fire Rescue, I look forward to working with other areas of COW to form ESS units as well.

Once again I wish to thank all those volunteers who reside in the COW who came out to help during the Forest Fires of 2009. I met many people from the whole COW area who selflessly gave of themselves to help others in need. What is so gratifying is that these people were there during the fires; they did not wait until after things cooled down – they gave of themselves during the emergency, and are offering to continue to serve. Those people did not seek or receive individual media coverage. They truly served the communities of Central Okanagan West the best way they could. To me, these people are the ones who should be thanked time and again.

It was noted in July you could find information on the Fire Smart Homeowner program on the Regional District website at www.regionaldistrict.com/docs/crime/Firesmart%20Homeowners%20Manual.pdf . The use of this free information is encouraged to get started for the future. As noted in the manual, properly preparing your home and property does not guarantee that you will not incur fire damage, but it does reduce the risks. On pages 2 and 3 you will see that some of these preventative measures cost very little while others require planning and a long term commitment to change.

Three zones are discussed – priority Zones 1, 2 and 3. In Zone 1 which is the first 10 meters around your home, you will read that any type of vegetation is combustible – even grass! You are encouraged to remove any shrubs, trees, deadfall or woodpiles from this area and keep your grass mowed and watered. From 10 to 30 meters is Zone 2, and you are encouraged to reduce fuels by thinning and pruning, and spacing trees so that the crowns of individual trees are 3 – 6 meters apart. You will also note that Evergreen trees are much more combustible than deciduous trees. Aspen, poplar and birch all have very low flammability rates. Deadfall, thick shrubbery, mature trees and downhill slopes are also discussed. Bigger lots where Zone 3 comes into effect – beyond 30 meters – are discussed as well.

While all of this is good, please keep in mind that certain areas support wildlife or could be Riparian areas. A good plan is to discuss your property with the Regional District Planning Section to see how your making your home Fire Smart could be done while respecting other environmental factors.

COMMUNITY BUILDING – the Fire Protection Study for Trepanier and the Sewer Study for Brent Road continue. There will be a Public Open House for the North Westside OCP Bylaw update and review on Tuesday, September 15 at the Killiney Beach Community Hall from 4:00 to 8:00 PM, with a presentation beginning at 7:00 PM. RD Planning Section staff will be on hand to provide information and answer questions.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION – My website www.edgson.ca  is up and running. Log on for regularly updated information and useful links! If you happen to be on the RDCO website, you can link to my website from there as well.

Please remember that should I be away on Regional District and/or Electoral Area business, I do check my RD phone messages and e-mail and will return calls as soon as possible (see numbers below).

Until next time, Jim
Phone: 250-212-7296; Email: jim.edgson@cord.bc.ca

Regional Director Newsletter

July 2009

Jim Edgson, Director of Central Okanagan West (COW) Electoral Area

July has seen the communities of the Central Okanagan West experiencing various emergencies. It has also seen people in Central Okanagan West and the staff of the Regional District and other local municipalities coming together to deal with these emergencies, working hard to serve those people affected emergencies.

People working through and with the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) of the Regional District of Central Okanagan have been addressing the fire issues and communicating to the media and neighbourhood groups so all of those reading, watching or listening to the media can get as reliable and up to date information as possible. All of you are encouraged to go to the Regional District website www.regionaldistrict.com  or www.bcwildfire.ca  for updates on the fire situation. Closer to home, you may call 250-469-8490 for information regarding the Terrace Mountain fire and staff will be pleased to assist you.

As you all know, I live in the northern part of Central Okanagan West. Impressive are the daily stories of good things coming out of COW and the EOC. I and Anne are both trained Emergency Social Services (ESS) Directors, but Anne leads the North Westside ESS team while I attend to my Regional Director duties. Both Anne and I have been privileged to be able to work with the Emergency System through the Reception Center in Boucherie concerning the Glenrosa/Rose Valley fire and briefly in the EOC as relief for the Center ESS Director. After we stood down from those duties, the northern part of the COW became affected by the Terrace Mountain fire. The North Westside ESS team was prepared when the call came to evacuate from the EOC. As part of the smooth evacuation of the northern communities affected by the Evacuation Order the NW ESS team, under the direction of the RCMP, gave pre-prepared map and printed information to evacuating residents on how to get to the Reception Centers. Feedback for this has been overwhelmingly positive. Anne and I were evacuated at that time.

The North Westside Fire Rescue gives many kudos to all the people on the ground who were working the fire and handling the emergency. The NWFR is working with the EOC making sure communities in their protection district are well served. RD Administrator Harold Reay notes that he is greatly pleased by all those who are working as a unified team to put out the Terrace Mountain fire and who are handling the situation. I am proud of these people and the system, and proud of those who are responding to every part of the emergency.

There are many stories to be told which will come forward in the future. At the present time, the emergency needs to be dealt with. People do have concerns when they are affected in any way by the evacuation. All of you in Central Okanagan West are urged to work with the emergency responders and support agencies so this very serious situation can be handled.

In the midst of all this, the residents in Trepanier have made me and the Regional District aware of the Tussock Moth situation in their area. One side effect to this unpleasant situation is the danger of Forest Fires brought about by all needle debris and fuel on the ground. Indeed, there was a Fire in Trepanier which was handled swiftly and completely. It is imperative for the people of Trepanier and all of COW to really practice fire prevention especially at this critical time. Please do so. You can find information on the Fire Smart Homeowner program on the Regional District website: www.regionaldistrict.com/docs/crime/Firesmart%20Homeowners%20Manual.pdf 

After this is all over I will be again be strongly suggesting that all the communities of the COW form local Emergency Social Services teams to work in conjunction with the Regional District ESS. You will be hearing more on this in the future.

JULY COMMUNITY BUILDING MEETINGS – the communities affected by the fire came together and – working with the Regional District EOC – worked with the emergency in many productive ways. You should all be proud!

FOR YOUR INFORMATION – My website www.edgson.ca is up and running. Log on for regularly updated information and useful links! If you happen to be on the RDCO website, you can link to my website from there as well.

Please remember that should I be away on Regional District and/or Electoral Area business, I do check my RD phone messages and e-mail and will return calls as soon as possible (see numbers below).

Until next time, Jim
Phone: 250-212-7296; Email: jim.edgson@cord.bc.ca

June 2009

Jim Edgson, Director of Central Okanagan West (COW) Electoral Area

May was a month where certain projects came to crucial points. Central Okanagan Board and Committee Meetings, along with constituent visits and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities convention were attended and actively participated in to gather input from and work for Central Okanagan West constituents.

There were no Town Hall meetings this month. It continues to be my goal to have Town Hall meetings in local areas within the Central Okanagan West (COW); held at appropriate times for local people; to discuss local concerns and to listen to local ideas and to communicate with residents in their neighborhoods. Wherever possible, these Town Halls will also be announced in this monthly newsletter. During June there were many one-on-one meetings with constituents of COW to work on issues of concern to those residents.

RDCO is planning to hold an Official Community Plan Open House for the North Westside on July 23. More details will be forthcoming at a later date. There will be other meetings or hearings held in the upcoming weeks, which will be announced through the methods outlined in previous Newsletters.

The Upper Fintry, Shalal Road and Valley of the Sun Water System project is progressing to the Request for Proposal Stage while we are waiting on a Certificate of Approval for the various bylaws from the Provincial Government. Regional District staff is also working on the Fire Protection Study for Trepanier. The Brent Road Sewer study is to the stage of looking at the costs of various options. Progress on these and other projects will be reported through both the Regional District and this Newsletter.

Regional District Public Hearings for two projects being considered in the Central Okanagan West Electoral Area will be held this month on June 29th at the Holiday Inn at 2569 Dobbin Road, West Kelowna at 7:00 PM. These Hearings have been advertised by the Regional District quite extensively. Details can be reviewed by going to www.regionaldistrict.com . I draw your attention to this in order to explain the purpose of these hearings.

During Public Hearings, members of the public have the opportunity to provide input concerning these projects to the Regional Board. No decisions are made at these meetings. Once the Public Hearing closes, no further information will be considered by the Board. At a future Board meeting after a Public Hearing, the input from the public as well as all the affected agencies and staff will be considered by the Board.

I always recommend that people in areas affected by projects under consideration come to Public Hearings to voice their support or concerns, and the reasons for that support or those concerns. Should you choose to speak at a Public Hearing, you will be asked to identify yourself and give your address to help the Board understand why you have your concerns or support and how a proposed project will potentially affect you.

The two projects which will be the subjects in the Public Hearing on June 29th are Crystal Mountain and Rockchild Landing. Crystal Mountain is west of West Kelowna; Rockchild is south of La Casa on the Westside Road. If you are affected by these projects one way or another and are considering coming to these hearings, please do so and be part of the decision making process. If you read this after the Hearings have occurred, please consider be aware of future Public Hearings through the Regional District website.

My hope is for all of you to have a safe, happy and productive summer. Enjoy this great Electoral Area we have!

FOR YOUR INFORMATION – My website www.edgson.ca is up and running. Log on for regularly updated information and useful links! If you happen to be on the RDCO website, you can link to my website from there as well.

JUNE COMMUNITY BUILDING MEETINGS – Senior’s Appreciation Lunch at Killiney Beach on June 3rd, which again gave me additional valuable time to meet a good representation of local citizens.

Please remember that should I be away on Regional District and/or Electoral Area business, I do check my RD phone messages and e-mail and will return calls as soon as possible (see numbers below).

Until next time, Jim
Phone: 250-212-7296
Email: jim.edgson@cord.bc.ca

May 2009

Jim Edgson, Director of Central Okanagan West (COW) Electoral Area

May was a communications month! Southern Interior Local Government Association (SILGA), Town Hall Okanagan Regional Library and Okanagan Airshed meetings, along with Central Okanagan Board and Committee Meetings were held to gather input from and work for Central Okanagan West constituents.

It continues to be my goal to have Town Hall meetings in local areas within the COW; for local people; for local concerns, to listen to local ideas and to communicate with local people. Every Town Hall or related community meeting I arrange has been and will continue to be advertised and/or communicated locally through such means as e-mails from local people, occasional mail outs and posters on bulletin boards (if they exist). Wherever possible, these Town Halls will also be announced in this monthly newsletter, as was the case for the meetings in May.

There will be Town Halls for the North Westside and for Brent Road when local project examinations have reached a point where these meetings can be planned.

A vibrant Trepanier Town Hall was held on May 14th. Many things were discussed, suggestions and ideas were exchanged, and some issues were brought to a conclusion. I thank the local residents for the opportunity to research the Maxwell Road issue and bring the options available from the Ministry of Transportation to the table. Limited options were available, and the Maxwell Road residents expressed they wished Maxwell Road remain as it is. This will be communicated to the Ministry of Transportation.

The Trepanier Official Community Plan process is not scheduled to start until later this year or early next year due to RD staff being very busy. I suggested at the Town Hall that a local committee of local residents come together with a Vision of their area, working with RD staff to ensure all legalities, requirements and regulations are considered in that Vision. It would be ideal for this cooperative vision to be brought forward prior to the OCP process starting. I have discussed this with RD staff, and they definitely like the idea. I would urge those interested in this local Trepanier/Maxwell committee to contact Cliff Stowell at homeandweb@shaw.ca .

A similarly vibrant Town Hall was held at Wilson’s Landing. The noisy boat issue came up. It was noted the best thing to do was to contact the local RCMP with as good a description of the boat as possible (including color), the time of day, and area the boat was seen from and the direction the boat was traveling. While there are slightly stricter laws pertaining to this, these laws will not be effective unless such information is reported.

The Gravel Pit issue was discussed as well at the Wilson’s Landing Town Hall. It was heartening to see the local concerns at this time revolved mostly around the ability of the Westside Road to handle any potential truck traffic along with the tourist, school bus and commuting traffic. It was also heartening to see members of the Westside Road Improvement Committee (WRIC) going out and getting road and truck measurements to help build the case for the letters local residents will be writing to the Integrated Land Management Bureau in regards to the proposed investigatory testing application.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION – My website www.edgson.ca is up and running. Log on for regularly updated information and useful links! If you happen to be on the RDCO website, you can link to my website from there as well.

MAY COMMUNITY BUILDING MEETINGS – the Trepanier Area Town Hall on May 14; the Wilson’s Landing Area Town Hall on May 21; the Senior’s Lunch at Killiney Beach on May 27. Meetings such as the well attended Senior’s Lunch gives me additional valuable time to meet a good representation of local citizens.

April 2009

Jim Edgson, Director of Central Okanagan West

April was a month of follow up, renewal and forward looking planning within the Central Okanagan West Electoral Area. The month ended on a very high note with the Community Awareness Day in the North Westside. From all this there are many things to look forward to in the upcoming months.

BC Hydro continues to be very active in the area between Wilson’s Landing and Westshores Estates removing small trees and shrubs and falling dangerous trees. In Westshores Estates, new lines and poles are going in as Hydro prepares for three-phase power. BC Hydro has been true to its word to work and communicate with the Regional District. Should anyone have any questions or concerns about what Hydro is doing, I would urge you to contact Gene Bryant at 250-549-8550.

Both the Brent Road Sewer and the Trepanier Fire Protection studies are progressing and moving forward through the Regional District.

The Central Okanagan West (COW) area has a myriad of different destination addresses: Vernon, Peachland and Kelowna/Westbank (West Kelowna) and is served by those District Municipalities. The area is also served by the Okanagan Regional Library (ORL) and I am on the ORL Board. As a large portion of the COW is served by the Vernon Library, I have been appointed to and have been taking an active part in the ORL Vernon Stakeholders Committee. It is our goal to work for a larger facility in Vernon to better serve the Vernon ORL area.

Months of listening to the wishes of Maxwell Road and Trepanier residents, along with gathering facts and information as well as working with and consulting the Provincial Ministry of Transportation (MoT) through phone calls, e-mails and a detailed onsite field trip with the MoT has culminated in a written explanation of how the ministry saw the situation. All this will be brought forward to a Town Hall Meeting to be held in the Peachland Community Center on Thursday, May 14th at 7:00 PM. There is a detailed explanation about this Town Hall at http://www.homeandweb.com/peachland-property.htm  or just Google "Trepanier News". I look forward to meeting and working with Trepanier residents at this meeting.

There will be a Town Hall Meeting at the Wilson’s Landing Fire Hall on Thursday, May 21st at 7:00 PM for those in the Wilson’s Landing, Traders Cove and Shelters Cove area. This is also being announced in the local community newsletter. Among the topics to be discussed will be an update on the Pontoon situation, Bear Creek Motorized Area, Tolko Land and other issues of interest to the area. Further details will be forthcoming, or you may contact me at jim.edgson@cord.bc.ca

FOR YOUR INFORMATION – My website www.edgson.ca  is up and running. Log on for regularly updated information and useful links! If you happen to be on the RDCO website, you can link to my website from there as well.

APRIL COMMUNITY BUILDING MEETING – on April 25th the annual Community Awareness Day was held in the North Westside. I look forward to attending and participating in these events because people always come forward to discuss and work to resolve things of concern. These kinds of community events are not only valuable to the community but me and I would encourage people to contact me if you are having one. Thank you to the organizers of the April 25th event.

Please remember that should I be away on Regional District and/or Electoral Area business, I do check my RD phone messages and e-mail and will return calls as soon as possible (see numbers below).

Until next time, Jim
Phone: 250-212-7296
Email: jim.edgson@cord.bc.ca

Regional Director Newsletter

March 2009

Jim Edgson, Director of Central Okanagan West

During March the Regional District budget was finalized; some northern COW communities moved forward with a project leading to a Regional District Water Utility; your Director went to Elected Officials Emergency Training, attended various Regional Committee Meetings of benefit to the Electoral Area, and visited constituents throughout the Area.

The Emergency Training session pointed out what elected officials can do, should do and should not do during an emergency. There is a well established BC Emergency Response Management System (BCERMS) in place where all involved in an emergency have defined jobs and responsibilities. This training once again provided me with ways of serving you well as constituents of COW.

The Regional District News Release of March 27 noted the Central Okanagan West adopted 2009 Financial Plan generally reflects a decrease of $0.16 for a home assessed at $456,000 in 2009 ($456,000 in 2008). The North Westside Fire Rescue saw a decrease of $11.44 for the noted home with a projected mil rate decrease of 3.5%. Wilson’s Landing Fire Department saw an increase of $1.66 for the noted home with a projected mil rate increase of 0.8%. While the 2009 tax requisition for General Services in COW went up by 2.67%, the projected mil rate was essentially flat compared to 2008. The actual tax rate varies from neighborhood to neighborhood depending on the services provided by the Regional District. While the 2009 Financial Plan recognizes the current economic climate, I am confident your Regional District government has sufficient funds to serve you well.

There was sufficient positive votes in a Petition for water in the Valley of the Sun, Shalal Road and Upper Fintry for the RD Board to proceed with first, second and third readings of establishment bylaws. Letters are being sent out to the landowners of the three subdivisions informing them of the results along with outlining what will be happening in future as the project proceeds.

Since the public meeting with BC Hydro in February a very high level of BC Hydro communication has occurred with the Regional District and me, as well as to the COW residents via the media. BC Hydro has been busy taking down trees dangerous to their power lines, and is working with RD staff concerning needs for the area.

BC Hydro will be removing immature and hazard trees as well as pruning trees that are threatening the electrical distribution system along the Westside Road until August 2009. I urge you to cooperate with BC Hydro in their endeavors by driving safely and obeying all traffic control personnel.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION – My website www.edgson.ca is up and running. Log on for regularly updated information and useful links! If you happen to be on the RDCO website, you can link to my website from there as well.

MARCH COMMUNITY BUILDING MEETING – The resolve, commitment and knowledge displayed by the Valley of the Sun, Shalal Road and Upper Fintry Volunteer Water Committee led to a public meeting on March 19th at the Killiney Beach Community Hall. Most people at the meeting were happy the process had led to the water project proceeding. Several questions and concerns were addressed. The Regional District has committed to a high degree of communication with the affected subdivisions, including future public information meetings. I would like to personally thank the 6 members of the Water Committee and the RD Staff who dedicated their time and efforts to achieve the results which will ultimately benefit the noted communities and subdivisions.

The news lately has been filled with the Red River flooding concerns in the United States and Manitoba. For those of us old enough to remember, Manitoba Premier Duff Roblin moved ahead between 1958 to 1962 with the planning and construction of a massive “ditch” around Winnipeg in the face of criticism from the public and the opposition. Premier Roblin was far more interested in making policy in the face of evidence and needs. The results of his philosophy and efforts are very evident today in the protection this “ditch” provides. It is my desire to serve you in this manner.

Please remember that should I be away on Regional District and/or Electoral Area business, I do check my RD phone messages and e-mail and will return calls as soon as possible (see numbers below).

Until next time, Jim
Phone: 250-212-7296

Regional Director Newsletter

February 2009

Jim Edgson, Director of Central Okanagan West

One of my responsibilities to the constituents of the Central Okanagan West Electoral Area is to receive training and information to assist in my role as your representative. This helps me keep up to date on the responsibilities and processes of a Regional District Director and enables me to provide the best service. By doing this and continually working with Regional District staff and other Regional Directors, the people of Central Okanagan West will have more effective representation at the Regional Board table and at the Regional District.

I attended the Electoral Area Newly Elected Director Seminar from February 4th – 6th. Even after serving for one year, this program has helped expand my knowledge and understanding about the Director’s job. It led to vital meetings within the Regional District resulting in my being able to better service the electoral area.

The Regional District held its Preliminary Budget Review on February 11th. All the Directors on the Regional Board fully realize the economic time we are facing. Frank discussion was held and both Directors and staff made suggestions on how to lessen the financial impact on the taxpayers while maintaining necessary services as your Electoral Area government. Staff and the Board Directors – including me - are considering options and are looking forward to the next budget review meeting on March 19th at 9:00 AM. You are welcome to attend this public session.

I have been working with the Regional Directors/Mayors from Peachland, West Kelowna and Kelowna concerning issues of mutual interest within Central Okanagan West. While the Regional Budget process is front and centre, there are issues like Fire Protection (Trepanier), Sewer (Brent Road), pontoons (Traders Cove/Wilson’s Landing) and water (Valley of the Sun/Shalal Road/Upper Fintry) of vital interest which need to be kept at the table and worked on. All of these issues will continue to move forward in March.

There will be a Public Water Petition Update meeting for the landowners and residents of Valley of the Sun, Shalal Road and Upper Fintry on Thursday March 19 at the Killiney Beach Community Hall at 7:00 PM.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION – My website www.edgson.ca is up and running. Log on for regularly updated information and useful links! If you happen to be on the RDCO website, you can link to my website from there as well.

FEBRUARY COMMUNITY BUILDING MEETINGS – The resolve, commitment and knowledge displayed by the Valley of the Sun, Shalal Road and Upper Fintry Volunteer Water Committee led to the Regional District suggesting the Petition Process move forward as quickly as possible. On February 8th the Committee members stuffed Petition envelopes with a well worded letter they had written along with other factual and relevant information from the RDCO. The Petition letters were delivered either by mail or by hand. This Petition Process is leading to a public update meeting for the affected areas on March 19th.

A boisterous well attended public meeting with BC Hydro was held at the Killiney Beach Community Hall on February 12th. BC Hydro plans and tentative timelines outlining how Hydro plans to mitigate the problems experienced late in 2008 and early in 2009 were presented and discussed. There is a strong commitment on the part of BC Hydro to communicate with RDCO planners to help Hydro better serve the affected areas.

Please remember that should I be away on Regional District and/or Electoral Area business, I do check my RD phone messages and e-mail and will return calls as soon as possible (see numbers below).

Until next month, Jim
Phone: 250-212-7296
Email: jim.edgson@cord.bc.ca

Regional Director Newsletter

January 2009

Jim Edgson, Director of Central Okanagan West

January is the time to look forward to what can be done over the next 12 months. The unforeseen BC Hydro emergency in late December in the northern end of the Central Okanagan West filled the people of this area with resolve to get answers and seek solutions. While this is a BC Hydro problem, your Director and the Regional District are working with BC Hydro to provide them relevant information. To that end there will be a public meeting in February with BC Hydro in attendance. As the problem was most severe in the far north end with the power out for up to 36 hours, the Killiney Beach Community Hall was chosen as the venue for this public meeting.

BC Hydro asked if the residents of the area could provide comments, suggestions and questions prior to the meeting so it can prepare relevant information on what Hydro is doing and is planning to do. Representative residents of the area were phoned and e-mailed with this request and asked to fan out the request so the questions could be forwarded by me to BC Hydro. The response has been overwhelming, and both I and BC Hydro are very grateful. Once again, the strengths of the residents of the Area have come forth. Prior to the public meeting, BC Hydro staff will meet with staff from the Regional District. The public meeting itself will be posted on Bulletin Boards in the affected area. Brochures will be handed out at the North Westside Transfer Station and be some volunteer residents in the north end.

The public meeting with representatives from BC Hydro and BC Transmission Corporation will be on Thursday February 12 at the Killiney Beach Community Hall at 7:00 PM.

The southern part of the Central Okanagan West is not being forgotten. The feasibility studies for sewer in the Brent Road area and for fire protection in the Trepanier area are ongoing. In addition, I am getting all the facts and information I can on the Maxwell Road area concerning the road itself. This is a complicated issue, but one which needs to go forward for public discussion.

In the Valley of the Sun, Shalal Road and Upper Fintry area, a volunteer Water Committee has shown resolve, commitment and knowledge about providing water for the area. Committee members are working with the Regional District towards a public meeting for residents of the affected area leading to a decision from that public meeting if a Petition Process should proceed.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION – My website www.edgson.ca is up and running. Log on for regularly updated information and useful links! If you happen to be on the RDCO website, you can link to my website from there as well.

JANUARY COMMUNITY BUILDING MEETINGS – Community involvement from Westshores to Wilson’s Landing leading to frank and useful meetings between myself and BC Hydro looking for solutions for this long standing problem further leading to a public meeting with BC Hydro and BC Transmission Corporation in attendance. While this is a BC Hydro problem, the Regional District is more than willing to provide the utility with information and plans for potential growth in the area. Both entities are showing the desire to communicate to help BC Hydro work towards resolving this issue now and in the future for the benefit of the constituents of the Area.

Please remember that should I be away on Regional District and/or Electoral Area business, I do check my RD phone messages and e-mail and will return calls as soon as possible (see numbers below).


Until next month, Jim

Phone: 250-212-7296
Email: jim.edgson@cord.bc.ca

Regional Director Newsletters 2008

Regional Director Newsletter

December 2008

Jim Edgson, Director of Central Okanagan West

December started looking forward to the Christmas season and all the good things related to that time. December ended up with part of the Central Okanagan West Electoral area having to handle an unforeseen emergency due to BC Hydro problems in very cold weather. It was an interesting end to a month which showed the strengths of the residents of the Area.

On December 4, 2008 an RDCO sponsored public meeting was held for the residents of the Valley of the Sun, Shalal Road and Upper Fintry concerning the Water Feasibility Study for that area. This well attended meeting gave the Regional District very clear direction that those attending wanted the process leading to an RDCO vetted Petition to move forward as quickly as possible. To aid in this happening, six community volunteers representing residents and/or land owners of all three subdivisions came forth to work with Regional District staff to expedite the Information and Petition process. The committee and the Regional District look forward to moving this forward early in 2009.

The week before Christmas saw the temperature plunge to between -25 C to -30 C. While this was of concern, what followed as a result was of greater concern – the power in the northern part of the Area went out from Wilson’s Landing to Westshores. While the power was restored within 10 hours in most of the area, the northern most subdivision of the Area – Westshores – had to suffer for 36 hours without power and with very low temperatures. Obviously people were very concerned, but most who were talked to preferred to stay in their homes or go to motels or to friends outside the area while the problem was being fixed. A Comfort Center was set up by the local Emergency Social Services (ESS) group on Sunday at the local community hall (which has emergency generation) but no one attended. When the Comfort Station was shut down, an emergency number was posted on the community hall door in case someone did need help. Our thanks to those in the ESS group who came out, set up and manned the Comfort Station.

Regional Emergency officials and BC Hydro were contacted on a regular basis during the power outage. There will be ongoing discussions between the Regional District and Hydro over this occurrence in the New Year. It is of utmost importance that all the facts and information be brought forward so both the RD and residents can understand what happened and what can be done about it.

This unfortunate and unexpected experience reinforces the need for you and your family to be prepared to handle an emergency without assistance for at least 72 hours. To get your “Emergency Preparedness Guide” and other literature like “Power Outages – What to Do?” you can go to www.GetPrepared.ca and download the information. The Regional District website also has lots of useful information on emergency preparedness
( www.regionaldistrict.com/departments/crime/crime_prepared.asp ) for wildfires, power outages and other unexpected emergencies.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION – My website www.edgson.ca is up and running. Log on for regularly updated information and useful links! If you happen to be on the RDCO website, you can link to my website from there as well.

DECEMBER COMMUNITY BUILDING MEETING – Water Feasibility for Upper Fintry, Shalal Road and Valley of the Sun (Killiney Beach Community Hall), December 4, 2008.

Please remember that should I be away on Regional District and/or Electoral Area business, I do check my RD phone messages and e-mail and will return calls as soon as possible (see numbers below).

Until next month, Jim

Phone: 250-212-7296
Email: jim.edgson@cord.bc.ca

November 2008

Jim Edgson, Director of Central Okanagan West

Thank you to all those who exercised their democratic right and privilege to vote on November 15, 2008. I look forward to serving the residents of the Central Okanagan West Electoral Area for the next three years. It remains my commitment to listen to community building ideas, concerns and questions from residents of Central Okanagan West and, wherever possible, act on those ideas, concerns and questions which have potential to benefit those residents.

The Regional District Board will have five new members as of the December 15th Inaugural meeting. City of Kelowna Council appointees Barrie Clark and Colin Day, Westside District Municipality rep Rosalind Neis, Central Okanagan East Director Patty Hansen and Peachland Mayor Graham Reid are all retiring. I look forward to working with the new Board Team which promises to be fresh with a good balance of experience. I will strive to be a positive voice on that team while representing the Electoral Area residents in an effective manner.

Concern was expressed during the election that when a public meeting was held in one area of Central Okanagan West, other areas were not aware of those meetings. It remains my desire and commitment to address local community building issues in a Regional context in a local setting. To address the noted concern, each month end newsletter will note when and where a Regional Local Public, Town Hall or Community Building Meeting was held in the Electoral Area. As your Regional Director, I encourage fundraisers for community building projects like recognized local newsletters, etc and like to participate in them. If you have any community building ideas you would like to discuss with me, I encourage you to contact me to discuss them!

November saw Regional Board approval for projects which were initiated by a Regional Public Meeting and two local Town Hall meetings held over the last year. The North Westside Water Feasibility Study for Upper Fintry and Valley of the Sun was initiated in November of 2007 and has been ongoing since. An update meeting was held on December 4 at the Killiney Beach Community Hall from 5:00 to 8:00 PM. The Regional District mailed Notices to those affected property owners inviting them and other members of the public to attend. Information on this project is available on the Regional District website, along with a link to the presentation given at the session. ( www.regionaldistrict.com   Select Services/Engineering/Projects and Studies/Studies menu options)

The Regional Board approved the Brent Road Sewer and the Trepanier Fire Protection Feasibility Studies. Both of these studies resulted from two local Town Hall meetings in 2007. I would like to thank all those who attended those meetings and provided input which led to Board considering and approving those studies.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION – My website www.edgson.ca is up and running. Log on for regularly updated information and useful links! If you happen to be on the RDCO website, you can link to my website from there as well.

NOVEMBER COMMUNITY BUILDING MEETING – Fundraising Perogie Dinner for Westside Road Community News (North Westside; Killiney Beach Community Hall), November 22, 2008.

Please remember that should I be away on Regional District and/or Electoral Area business, I do check my RD phone messages and e-mail and will return calls as soon as possible (see numbers below).


Until next month, Jim

Phone: 250-212-7296
Email: jim.edgson@cord.bc.ca

Regional Director Newsletter

September 2008

Jim Edgson, Director of Central Okanagan West

September was a month of change within the Regional District. The RDCO Board agreed to a complete restructuring in our departmental organization with corresponding downsizing. This unfortunately has affected four of our dedicated senior staff, who have provided exemplary service over many years. As RDCO Board Chair Hobson noted, we thank them for their professionalism and will provide them with appropriate severance packages and assistance.

As also noted by Chair Hobson, it was a tough decision for the members of the Board, but we are confident that the Regional District of Central Okanagan will move forward and build for the future. All our member municipalities and both Central Okanagan West and East Electoral Areas will immediately begin a process of updating our Strategic Plan to determine the vision, mission and mandate of the Regional District to provide effective and cost-efficient region-wide services. It is reassuring to note we have a renewed commitment from our municipal members to work ahead for the benefit of all residents of the Central Okanagan.

I as your Director remain committed to continue to work on the Regional issues of concern for the residents of Central Okanagan West. I will continue to follow up on all ongoing and forthcoming feasibility studies. The Water Feasibility Study in the North Westside is continuing, and the Sewer Feasibility Study for Brent Road along with the Fire Protection Feasibility Study for Trepanier Valley are expected to be introduced to the RDCO Board at the October Governance and Services meeting. Rest assured that RDCO staff are dedicated and have a very good working relationship with me. This will translate to the Central Okanagan West Area continuing to be served well.

I thank all the residents of the Central Okanagan who have invited me to their communities over the last month to speak with them and to answer questions at Town Hall meetings. These meetings have been frank, lively and very productive. From these meetings have come two proposed Feasibility Studies, recommendations on how to handle illegally parked vehicles (RCMP issue), and resolution of concerns on how to work with the Regional District to effectively accomplish a wide range of issues. It is very pleasing to see the affected residents working with the appropriate agencies so effectively to resolve those issues! Thank you for being so open to suggestions and advice!

FOR YOUR INFORMATION – I will be reporting next month on the Union of BC Municipalities annual meeting. There is a wide range of issues for consideration and discussion of the delegates representing local governments across the province which could affect our Electoral Area and our Regional District.

Please remember that should I be away on Regional District and/or Electoral Area business, I do check my RD phone messages and e-mail and will return your calls as soon as possible (see numbers below).

My website www.edgson.ca  is up and running. Log on for regularly updated information and useful links!

Until next month, Jim

Phone: 250-212-7296
Email: jim.edgson@cord.bc.ca

August 2008

Jim Edgson, Director of Central Okanagan West

As you know, August was a wetter colder month than usual, but that did not slow down the issues! Disposing of the pontoons from the old bridge, mail in ballots and disposal of Pine Beetle killed trees all were all topics on the agenda.

At the August Governance and Services meeting it was noted Chair Hobson and parks staff met with Tolko representatives and a new option is being considered for Pine Beetle killed trees. Tolko is interested in further dialogue and working with the RDCO to collect debris and move to sites for co-generation. Further discussion on hauling and grinding of material will be required. Other possible solutions are being examined.

Your Regional District examined the issue of disposing of the pontoons from the old floating bridge and asked the Provincial Government for the rationale behind their many considerations. A comprehensive report was received by the Regional Board in August and is posted on the RDCO website at www.regionaldistrict.com ; Regional Board and Committees; Agenda; 2008 Agenda; 08 08 18; Item 3.3. This report is being considered by the Board at the present time.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION –

Elections - Anyone with access to a computer and the internet can get information regarding elections in the Electoral Areas of the Central Okanagan Regional District. Go to www.regionaldistrict.com , Quick Links, Election 2008 and browse the site! Under Election and Referenda you will note that the Regional District has adopted Election Bylaw No. 1243 to include the provision for mail-in ballots. The details are still being finalized by the RDCO and will be advertised and publicized in the coming weeks.

Open Burning – The Regional District Fire Prevention and Regulations Bylaw No. 1066 was amended late last spring changing the start of the burning season from September so that the season may now run from October 1st to April 30th. These dates may be adjusted by local fire chiefs depending on the fire hazard. Also new this year, eligible property owners in Central Okanagan West must obtain a burning permit by contacting the Regional District at 250-469-6223 Monday through Friday (excluding holidays) between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm. Collect calls are accepted and long distance charges will not apply if a call is placed by cellular phone. Please remember before any burning takes place eligible property owners with a minimum one hectare (2.5-acre) parcel must obtain a permit from their local fire authority and may only ignite their burning pile after checking the Air Quality Hotline (250-470-5155) which indicates when open burning is allowed as both air quality and venting conditions must be good.

A MAJOR STORY THIS MONTH – Local Town Hall meetings for the Central Okanagan West have been held in local communities to discuss issues of local and Regional interest. These meetings start from individual residents expressing concerns for their communities. This leads to a gathering of neighbors or communities for a Town Hall meeting. These meetings are welcome because many issues which may seem unique to one community are actually of benefit to other communities within this vast and diversified Electoral Area.

Another Major Story – for those non-member residents of Westbank First Nation lands, there were elections for your Advisory Council on August 30, 2008. Congratulations to John Murray, Terry Turcan, Avril Manzer, Sandra Bushfield and Ludwig Teichgraber on your elections. For information on this election, please contact Kristy Jean, WFN Communications Officer at 250-769-4999, or go to www.wfn.ca 

July 2008

Jim Edgson, Director of Central Okanagan West

July was a hot month both in weather and issues. Boats with open air exhausts operating on the Lake resurfaced as an issue and Pine Beetle killed trees remained an issue.

The Regional District of Central Okanagan is working in partnership with the Municipalities in the Central Okanagan to address the concern of open air exhaust boats. I attended a Kelowna Council Meeting to listen to the RCMP explain the laws as they now stand. Enforcement and low fines resulting from that enforcement are some of the issues. The District of Lake Country is considering the subject as is the City of Kelowna which plans to bring back recommendations to the Regional Board in the fall of 2008. From that point, talks with the Federal and Provincial governments would be initiated aimed at strengthening the laws already in place. In the meantime, it is recommended that people who wish to complain about these boats contact your local RCMP. They can and have been applying other laws besides the noise laws to help solve the problems.

Should you wish to write to your MLA, you can e-mail Rick Thorpe at rick.thorpe.mla@leg.bc.ca . If you wish to contact your MP, you can e-mail Stockwell Day at days1@parl.gc.ca  .

Pine Beetle killed trees are not going away. Your Regional District continues to examine the issue and is working on solutions at the present time. The problem is expected to peak in 2015. One possible ongoing solution being examined is using the ground up dead trees as Hog Fuel for co-generation purposes. Other possible solutions are being examined.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION - Anyone with access to a computer and the internet can get information regarding Regional District governance. Go to www.regionaldistrict.com , and browse the site!

A MAJOR STORY THIS MONTH – The Regional Board has adopted a new bylaw outlining procedures for elections in the Electoral Areas of the Central Okanagan Regional District. Among the additions approved for the Local Government Election this fall in the Central Okanagan West and East Electoral Areas is the provision for a mail-in ballot. More information on this will be forthcoming in my next newsletter! If you would like general information regarding this fall’s elections (updated as new information becomes available), please visit the Regional District website and click on Quick Links, Election and Candidate Information.

Another Major Story – for those non-member residents of Westbank First Nations lands, there will be elections for your Advisory Council on August 30, 2008. For information on this election, please contact Kristy Jean, WFN Communications Officer at 250-769-4999, or go to www.wfn.ca 

June 2008

Jim Edgson, Director of Central Okanagan West

June started out cold and ended up hot, both in weather and issues. Two ongoing concerns of vital interest to the Central Okanagan West came to the fore – 911 calls and Pine Beetle killed trees.

I came across an incident on Westside Road where 911 was called. The call itself was handled very well by the 911 people as well as the ambulance and police who responded to the call. It did become apparent the public could have a better understanding of the 911 process to more efficiently communicate to the 911 operator.

When you call 911, your call is directed to the 911 Communications Centre and is answered by an experienced operator there. You will be asked if you need “fire, ambulance or police”. Your response will determine the emergency service to which the operator will direct your call. You will then immediately be transferred to the appropriate dispatch operator…RCMP if it is a request for Police…Fire dispatch if you request fire department assistance or the BC Ambulance dispatch centre if you require Ambulance paramedic assistance. If for example, your call is about an accident involving a vehicle leaving the road, it is likely an ambulance is needed. If the call goes to 911 saying an ambulance is not needed, it will not be sent. Even if the accident victim is walking around, and says they do not need an ambulance, they may be in shock. The 911 operator cannot know this unless the caller informs them. 911 operators and those in downstream emergency response agencies are highly trained people and have to ask questions of the caller to quickly determine which emergency personnel are required and clearly provide the key details to ensure the right information is passed on.

A call to 911 on a regular wired landline telephone results in the address from which the call is placed, showing on the 911 operators screen. A Cell phone call will only give the position of the closest Cell tower and the operator will need to confirm your position or address. At this time, VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) is not recommended for 911 calls and you should check with your VOIP service provider for any special conditions that might apply to 911 calls. If you are on a Cell phone and on a country road such as the Westside Road, the operator will work with you to establish where you are. Tell the operator you are in the “Central Okanagan”. Name the road you are on and where the accident is, relative to a major area like Fintry, and state “the Vernon side of Fintry” or the “Kelowna side of Fintry” rather than ‘north’ or ‘south’ of. From that point the operator will work with you to get more details.

The other major issue this month are Pine Beetle killed trees and the potential danger to the traveling public if they fall onto the road. Your Regional Board has requested the Ministry of Transportation remove danger trees within the road allowance, next to roads like the Westside Road. BC Hydro will also remove trees which pose a danger to their power lines. To better provide input to the Regional Board, I welcome helpful observations about danger trees. Additionally, you can call BC Hydro or the road maintainer (Argo in most areas) and notify them.

In our rural area the owners of the property with dead trees are responsible for having the dead trees removed. If you have trees endangering BC Hydro lines, give BC Hydro a call. Once notified, BC Hydro will ask for your permission to cut trees on your property should the trees be a danger to their lines.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION - Anyone with access to a computer and the internet can get information regarding Regional District governance. Go to www.regionaldistrict.com, and browse the site!

A MAJOR STORY THIS MONTH – Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) tourism Grants for the Central Okanagan West Electoral Area are being recommended to be given to the Friends of Fintry and the Okanagan Trail Riders Association (OTRA). Both of these grants are given to the Regional District by the UBCM for use in tourism and education related to tourism. The OTRA grant was given for the Bear Creek motorized area, with the understanding they would work with the Irrigation District to post directional and educational signage directing motorized traffic in a manner to protect the watershed while educating the public why this is necessary.

May

Jim Edgson, Director of Central Okanagan West

May was an interesting month in the Regional District.  Valuable input from the communities within the Central Okanagan West Electoral Area will help give me direction on important issues.

At the current time our Electoral Area has a ski hill and golf course application which is in the process of meeting conditions laid out by your Regional District.  Crystal Mountain has done an excellent job in communicating with staff, and is working with affected agencies such as Water Improvement Districts to make sure this project is moving forward.  I have attended meetings where healthy discussions have been held resulting in problem areas being worked on and dealt with in a well planned and committed fashion.        

As noted last month, your Regional Board makes decisions on behalf of all residents of the Central Okanagan as well as on behalf of property owners in the two Electoral Areas, as their local government.

When a development proposal is put forward to the Regional District, the potential benefits of the proposal are but one part of the application process.  In electoral areas such as the Central Okanagan West, the application can be referred to such Provincial Agencies as the Ministries of Transportation, Environment, Tourism, Sports and the Arts (Archaeology Branch), Integrated Land Management Bureau, Forestry and Range and Community Services.  The input from these Provincial Ministries is combined with advice from the Regional District’s Advisory Planning Commission, Environmental Advisory Commission and staff in the Planning Section, Parks and our Environmental Planner.  From all the input received, the Regional District’s Development Services Department then makes a recommendation for consideration of the RDCO Board.

If the Regional Board feels there are major concerns, it can either not allow the application to proceed or give direction to the applicant to address those concerns and come back to the RD Board for further consideration once these concerns have been addressed.

This may seem time consuming for the developers, but is necessary to ensure that a project is environmentally and technically sound prior to going to public meetings where you and other members of the public are given the opportunity to voice their opinions directly to the Regional Board.

For Your Information - Information regarding Regional District governance and services is available anytime, online.  Go to www.regionaldistrict.com, and browse the site!

A Major Concern this Month – Taxes.  I have been receiving valuable input from residents on their taxes, and have been following up.  I am willing to listen and will gather facts and information on your behalf.  Some people’s taxes have been dropping slightly, others have seen a decrease in some mil rates resulting in their taxes staying the same, still others have seen their mil rates drop slightly but with a dollar increase due to a larger assessment.  One big concern is the Home Owners grant.  Quite a few people have phoned me noting they no longer get the home owners grant because their home is now assessed at just over the cutoff.  This is not quite true.  If the assessment is just over the initial cutoff, the home owners grant is pro-rated up to a maximum amount where there is no further grant allowed.  Please check with your local BC Access Center if you have further questions.  Just a reminder, Rural Property Taxes are due by July 2^nd and payments may be made at most financial institutions or mailed to the Surveyor of Taxes, P.O. Box 9446, Stn Prov Govt, Victoria, B.C., V8W 9V6.  The Regional District is not able to accept payment of property taxes on behalf of the Province or member municipalities.

My website www.edgson.ca is up and running.  Log on for regularly updated information and useful links!

Until next month, Jim   

Phone:  250-212-7296

Email:   jim.edgson@cord.bc.ca

April 2008

Jim Edgson, Director of Central Okanagan West

April has been a busy month in the Regional District. Once again there has been good input from the communities.

The Regional Park Land Acquisition Program was discussed and approved by the Regional Board. The Regional District had Ipsos Reid do a survey to determine how much support there was for the acquisition of lands for the Regional Park system. 71% of respondents would support a 2% tax increase in residential taxes. The average increase of $36 annually would be considered by the Board during next year’s budget discussions and if given final approval would be reflected in the 2009 – 2013 Regional Parks budget.

Your Regional Board makes decisions on behalf of all residents of the Central Okanagan as well as on behalf of property owners in the two Electoral Areas, as their local government. Often these decisions can be difficult. Your Regional District has an excellent staff to gather information and provide input to help the Board make decisions. The Regional District can also provide input to Provincial Ministries that have the ultimate jurisdiction and decision making powers on issues like aggregate operations. By providing input as a referral agency, the Regional District reflects a closer understanding of the concerns and wishes of the residents of the Regional Area.

During April, one such referral application was from the Integrated Land Management Bureau (ILMB) regarding Burnco Rock Products proposed sand and gravel operations along the Bear Creek Forest Service Road. As is the case with such referral applications, Regional staff sought input from other departments and stakeholders and prepared a report for consideration by the Board. Burnco had sought input from consultants which resulted in letters of support from the affected irrigation district and from proponents of the “red/yellow/green” method of choosing placement of such pits. As a result, the Board has given conditional support asking that the applicant should meet several conditions before the ILMB grants approval. This is an excellent example of working together to find a solution for protecting water and addressing other environmental concerns while recognizing the proper placement of such operations in order to meet the need for sand and gravel.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION - Anyone with access to a computer and the internet can get information regarding Regional District governance. Go to www.regionaldistrict.com , and browse the site!

A MAJOR CONCERN THIS MONTH – There is some misunderstanding regarding Regional and Provincial voting for residents on Westbank First Nation land. In the last local government election, all eligible voters residing on WFN lands could vote in the Central Okanagan West Electoral Area Director election. Eligible WFN voters can vote in Provincial elections as well. However, WFN residents are not eligible to vote in elections for the Westside District Municipality.

March 2008

Jim Edgson, Director of Central Okanagan West

March has been a busy month in the Regional District, including Central Okanagan West. I am thankful for the vibrant communities of our great Electoral Area and the input they have provided me.

The budget was discussed and approved. The 2008 Financial Plan shows a Tax Requisition decrease in Central Okanagan West of 4.54% for General Services. Based on a home assessed at $456,000 in 2008 ($380,000 in 2007) this would generally reflect a decrease of $33.40 in the Central Okanagan West residential tax rate for general services. Actual rates however can vary from neighbourhood to neighbourhood, depending on specific services that are provided by the Regional District.

The Valley wide governance study has concluded and the report has been submitted to Victoria. One recommended model to look at was an over-riding body to govern Air Quality, Water and Transportation with the Regional Districts remaining in place to govern the rural areas was one of two recommendations. The other model to look at was a single Regional District. In either case, the committee recommended that further examination be done of critical issues including, but not limited to, financial implications, involvement of First Nations, and enhanced involvement of the public.

Further information and reports from committee meetings and news releases in the Okanagan Similkameen study area is available at: www.valleygovern.ca

FOR YOUR INFORMATION - Anyone with access to a computer and the internet can get information regarding all the bylaws of the Regional District. For example: if you wanted to see the Consolidated Official Community Plan Bylaw for Westside Road, go to www.regionaldistrict.com , choose the “Quick Links” menu, click on “Bylaws”, select the “Consolidated Bylaws” link and click on the Consolidated OCP Westside Road document.

A MAJOR CONCERN THIS MONTH – several residents have been phoning with complaints of speeding motorcycles on Westside Road. There are programs such as “Speed Watch” which are available which may help. Speed Watch needs the time and place this occurs in order to know where to set up a monitor. Over the month of April, please document the time and place this speeding occurs. Suggestions for places where a police car can park for a couple of hours to do this monitoring is also helpful. Please forward your information to me at the e-mail address below.

February 2008

Jim Edgson, Director of Central Okanagan West

February has been busy in all of Central Okanagan West. I have been able to address the majority of the great ideas and concerns expressed. I continue to be thankful for the vibrant communities of our great Electoral Area.

Valley wide governance continues to be one of the main news items. Potential options have been brought forward, including, one Regional District and an over-riding body to govern Air Quality, Water and Transportation with the Regional Districts remaining in place to govern the rural areas. Extensive public and working committee meetings have been held throughout the North and South Okanagan and in the Similkameen. I will be participating in a Council of Councils working committee meeting March to hear feedback from all the meetings. To date there have been a number of models expressed, but it is clear that no one model is preferred at this point.

Further information and reports from past committee meetings, news releases and schedule of meetings in the Okanagan Similkameen study area is available at: www.valleygovern.ca 

Winter is beginning to wind down and concerns expressed by people in the Central Okanagan are changing from clearing the road of snow to potholes. Frost heaves are popping up throughout the Central Okanagan West. I have learned to watch carefully for those potholes, the annoying result of frost heaves. Unfortunately, the roads in our area need to go through ‘spring breakup’ before lasting road repairs can be done. The Westside Road Improvement Committee will be meeting with the Ministry of Transportation in March to look at the plans for the roads for the remainder of 2008. People who have concerns about road maintenance in the area covered by Westside Road Issues Committee (WRIC) are asked to call:

• Norm MacLeod - north of Caesar’s Landing 260-3556

• Roger Wood - south of Caesar’s Landing 769-9355

The Annual General Meeting of the Westbank First Nation Advisory Council was held on February 12 in the Sensisyusten Gymnasium. This AGM gave me the opportunity to talk with the WFN government, the WFN Advisory Council and residents of the WFN lands. The WFN Government, welcomed people resident on the WFN lands who have concerns about low cost housing to work with Jim Montain, WFN Director of Operations, to form a committee involving the WFN Government and developers to examine low cost housing on WFN lands.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION - In the RDCO, Rural Directors receive an annual stipend of $14,000 plus supplements of $3500 for the first 5000 electors and an additional $2100 for population over 5000. The $2100 comes from the large electoral population of the WFN lands in the Central Okanagan West. While the WFN residents pay a part of the annual stipend and first supplement through taxes to the WFN to pay for Regional Services on WFN land, the $2100 supplement would be been paid by the ratepayers of the area outside of the WFN. After due consideration, I have decided not to accept the additional $2100 supplement.

January Newsletter  2008

The biggest issue over the last few months is Governance.

With the Valley wide RD study occurring at the present time, this is not surprising. What is going to happen to us in the rural area? I participated in a Governance Workshop in January. Several ideas were discussed as potential options. One option discussed was an over-riding body to govern Air Quality, Water and Transportation with the Regional Districts remaining in place to govern the rural areas. One and two Regional District models were discussed. Nothing firm was decided at the Workshop.

The study is now progressing to local governments and Regional Areas. On February 11 at 1:00 PM the Study Team will hold a public meeting for the Central Okanagan West and East Electoral Areas in the Woodhaven Room at the RD. Those interested in hearing about this issue can attend. For further information and reports from past and upcoming committee meetings, news releases and schedules of meetings in the Okanagan Similkameen study area, go to www.valleygovern.ca  

Road issues have been a close second. I am part of the team from the RD who report semi-annually on road maintenance. While I do not deal with specific complaints, I would like input from people who have already had discussions with Argo and either wish to report specific shortcomings or give them kudos. In the area from Traders Cove North, the Westside Road Improvement Committee (WRIC) was organized with the cooperation and approval of the Ministry of Transportation to help in part with road maintenance concerns. Input from the WRIC will be part of my RD evaluation report. While there were many road issues at the beginning of the snow season, through the work of WRIC both they and I have heard from locals that things are improving. People who have concerns about road maintenance in the area covered by WRIC are urged to call the WRIC volunteers (Norm MacLeod north of Caesar’s Landing 260-3556; Roger Wood south of Caesar’s Landing 769-9355).

The ongoing water study for Upper Fintry and Valley of the Sun areas is entering the next phase. The first part of the study has been published, and can be read at www.nwcr.ca (Water Study). At the end of this study, it was noted the cost per connection was estimated to be $14,154. With interest from both areas, further study of ground water source options will proceed. For more detailed information and background on the process and study, go to www.regionaldistrict.com, then Departments, Engineering, Projects and Studies, Studies and follow the links.

I am pleased to note the RD is continuing to work on the second transfer site issue at La Casa. RDCO Staff is keeping me informed as the work progresses on this issue.

In the last election, the people resident on the Westbank First Nations IR 9 and 10 were encouraged to vote in the Area. I am working with both the WFN Government and the WFN Advisory Council through Jim Montain, Director of Operations, to discuss the issues. We will be meeting early in February to follow up on expressed issues of concern in that area. The Advisory Council, a body elected by the non-native residents on WFN land is holding their Annual Meeting on February 12 at 1:00 PM in the Sensisyusten Gymnasium. All residents living on WFN land are invited to attend.

In February I will be launching a personal website in cooperation with the RD so all people resident in the Central
Okanagan West can log on and get updated information.

Until next month,
Jim Edgson