Electoral Area ā€œDā€ Services and Boundary and Configuration Study

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Please see Okanagan Falls Incorporation Study.

During the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) Board of Directors meeting on Thursday, April 6, 2023, the Board approved the Terms of Reference and funding offer from the province concerning moving forward with an Okanagan Falls Incorporation Study. While the Electoral Area “D” Services and Boundary and Configuration Study in 2021/22 produced a solid analysis of services and potential boundaries, the data gathered did not reflect a resounding preference for incorporation in areas outlying Okanagan Falls.

As a result, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs has recommended that an amended boundary may result in a more definitive outcome from electors to proceed to an incorporation vote. In reviewing the data from the surveys and public feedback, with Okanagan Falls being common to all options considered there is support for a study area involving that community and the immediate surrounding area as the core of a potentially new municipality in the area.

The study area captures the primary growth centre of Electoral Area “D” and the community with the existing urban infrastructure (sewer and water), as well as the mix of property classes and population and development potential necessary to sustain a municipality. It includes established wineries to the south, and some farmland and newer wineries to the east (after the 2022 survey results confirmed their interest and consent).

While boundary adjustments for the remainder of Electoral Area “D” are not part of this study, it should be noted that if a study results in assent from the citizens to move forward with incorporating the study area, outlying communities that were not part of the incorporation study may apply through a boundary extension process at a later date.

RDOS staff appreciate the time and efforts contributed by volunteer committee members during the Electoral Area “D” Services and Boundary Configuration Study and look forward to working with a similar committee on the Okanagan Falls Incorporation Study. A call for committee members will be issued in the coming weeks.

Background

In December 2020, the RDOS Board of Directors approved a request from the Okanagan Falls Community Association to support an incorporation study and sought approval for provincial funding to conduct the study. The primary purpose of the Okanagan Falls Incorporation Study is to provide the electors within the study area with the information and understanding required to make an informed decision on incorporation. To fulfill this purpose, the Okanagan Falls Incorporation Study will undertake a thorough, objective and technical examination of the incorporation option and its implications for governance and service delivery in the area.


Archive information and links

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) is undertaking an analysis in Electoral Area "D" communities on services and opinions on incorporation, as well as discussions on potential boundary configuration options in the Electoral Area. The purpose of the study is to conduct an analysis and work to develop and test potential municipal boundary configurations in Electoral Area "D".

Committee presentation to the Board (meeting of July 21, 2022)

Presentation

Final Report and Appendices

Final Report

Appendix I - Terms of Reference

Appendix II - Fact Sheets

Appendix III - Incorporation Insights Papers

Appendix IV - Overview Mailout

Appendix V - Open House Presentation

Appendix VI - Open House Handouts

Appendix VII - Open House Feedback Form

Appendix VIII - Open House Meetings Overview

Appendix IX - Boundary Options Survey

Appendix X - Boundary Options Overview

Committee conclusion and boundary recommendation

The RDOS Board of Directors is scheduled to review the boundary recommendation at its regular meeting on Thursday, July 21, 2022.

The Committee held its final meeting on Tuesday, June 21, 2022. After 19 meetings all open to the public, 14 Fact Sheet service summaries, three Incorporation Insight background papers, five Open House events, a panel discussion, and a survey mail-out to all properties in the Electoral Area and available online, public engagement for the Electoral Area “D” Boundary and Service Configuration Study is complete. The purpose of the study was to conduct an analysis to develop and test potential municipal boundary configurations.

The Committee is recommending the boundary for a future incorporation study include the communities of:

Okanagan Falls and neighbourhoods known as Sun Valley, Rolling Hills

  • McLean Creek and certain properties just west of the community and east on Highway 97
  • Eastside Road North and South (Heritage Hills, Lakeshore Highlands, Vintage Views, Golden Hills and Skaha Estates)
  • East portion of Vaseux Lake

The Board will review the Committee’s recommendation and then vote whether to proceed with next steps in the process. If the Board supports the recommendation, the Province may choose to conduct an incorporation study before going to referendum. If the Board is not in favour, the process does not move ahead.

An interactive map is available. Enter your address to see if your property falls within or outside the recommended boundary.


Electoral Area "D" Services and Boundary Configuration Study Committee Meetings

These meetings are open to the public and include an open question and answer period at the end.

Final meeting: Tuesday, June 21, 2022, at 6:00 pm

Agenda

The final meeting will continue to review the preliminary survey results and develop a recommendation to the Board of Directors on a proposed boundary for incorporation.

Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83357984785?pwd=y4ijKcy3htlntPX6nrr3R33tuOY-0_.1

Upcoming meeting: Wednesday, June 15, 2022, at 6:00 pm

View the Report: Boundary Overview - Technical Criteria and Options Rationale

The Boundary Options Survey is now closed.

Panel Discussion 

Watch the recorded meeting held on Saturday, March 5, 2022, at 1:00 pm.

Thank you to everyone that attended the Electoral Area "D" Services & Boundary Configuration panel discussion!

Anyone who had questions that were missed - our apologies! With more than 80 people online and in person we know we didn’t get to all of you! There’s still plenty of time and opportunity to ask and receive answers to questions:

  1. Share your question using the Questions tool on this webpage
  2. Attend a committee meeting and ask the committee and consultants directly.
  3. Submit a letter to the committee via cmalden@rdos.bc.ca

    We look forward to hearing from you!

Open House events:

The RDOS, Electoral Area "D" Study Committee and study consultants held 5 Open House opportunities, each date focusing on a particular area or neighbourhood in Electoral Area "D".

February 16 - View the neighbourhood map. Feedback response for Skaha Estates and area

February 17 - View the neighbourhood map. Feedback response for Upper Carmi and area

February 23 - View the neighbourhood map. Feedback response for Eastside Road North (Lakeshore Highlands, Vintage Views, Heritage Hills)

February 24 - View the neighbourhood map. Feedback response for Vaseux Lake and area (Rolling Hills, Sun Valley)

February 26 - View the neighbourhood map. Feedback response for Okanagan Falls

Password for all events: RD@S

Meeting package for all events: Boundary and Configuration Study Open House Meeting Package

Committee meetings:

The Electoral Area "D" Services and Boundary Configuration Study Committee meets on the second Wednesday of every month from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. These meetings are open to the public for viewing and include an open question and answer period at the end. 

Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84121501039?pwd=eTMzSU5oY0RnOVd6STUwdWdKSmNvQT09

About the Committee:

A group of 10 citizens from Electoral Area "D" has been formed to guide a study looking into the Service and Boundary Configuration of Electoral Area "D". The committee's role is to be an objective fact-finding body. Ensuring that the study and engagement with the community is neutral and balanced.

The committee members include:

  • Vi Creasy
  • David Forst
  • Kurt Hiebert
  • Kerrie MacLean
  • Myleen Mallach
  • Kay Medland
  • Phyllis Radchenko
  • Matt Taylor (Chair)
  • Eleanor Walker

Ex-officio Community members are Electoral Area "D" Director Ron Obirek and Alternate Director Jim D'Andrea.

Consultant:

On July 8, 2021, the RDOS Board of Directors approved the $90,000 contract to Allan Neilson of Neilson Strategies Inc. and Sherry Hurst of Leftside Partners Inc.

Allan Neilson comes with over 25 years of experience in British Columbia's local government system advising regional district and municipal leaders on matters of governance, service provision, local government policy, finance and community engagement.

Sherry Hurst has been advising local governments on governance, planning and service delivery for more than 20 years.

Background:

On March 24, 2021, the Minister of Municipal Affairs confirmed support in the amount of $80,000 to the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) to undertake an analysis in Electoral Area "D" communities on services and opinions on incorporation, as well as discussions on potential boundary configuration options in the Electoral Area. 

The purpose of the study is to conduct an analysis of services, with public engagement in the RDOS Electoral Area "D" communities on services and opinions on incorporation, and work to develop and test potential municipal boundary configurations in Area "D". 

Electoral Area "D" Services and Boundary Configuration Study committee meetings will be conducted online via Webex pending changes to COVID-19 restrictions. 

Past studies:

During the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) Board of Directors meeting on Thursday, April 6, 2023, the Board approved the Terms of Reference and funding offer from the province concerning moving forward with an Okanagan Falls Incorporation Study. While the Electoral Area “D” Services and Boundary and Configuration Study in 2021/22 produced a solid analysis of services and potential boundaries, the data gathered did not reflect a resounding preference for incorporation in areas outlying Okanagan Falls.

As a result, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs has recommended that an amended boundary may result in a more definitive outcome from electors to proceed to an incorporation vote. In reviewing the data from the surveys and public feedback, with Okanagan Falls being common to all options considered there is support for a study area involving that community and the immediate surrounding area as the core of a potentially new municipality in the area.

The study area captures the primary growth centre of Electoral Area “D” and the community with the existing urban infrastructure (sewer and water), as well as the mix of property classes and population and development potential necessary to sustain a municipality. It includes established wineries to the south, and some farmland and newer wineries to the east (after the 2022 survey results confirmed their interest and consent).

While boundary adjustments for the remainder of Electoral Area “D” are not part of this study, it should be noted that if a study results in assent from the citizens to move forward with incorporating the study area, outlying communities that were not part of the incorporation study may apply through a boundary extension process at a later date.

RDOS staff appreciate the time and efforts contributed by volunteer committee members during the Electoral Area “D” Services and Boundary Configuration Study and look forward to working with a similar committee on the Okanagan Falls Incorporation Study. A call for committee members will be issued in the coming weeks.

Background

In December 2020, the RDOS Board of Directors approved a request from the Okanagan Falls Community Association to support an incorporation study and sought approval for provincial funding to conduct the study. The primary purpose of the Okanagan Falls Incorporation Study is to provide the electors within the study area with the information and understanding required to make an informed decision on incorporation. To fulfill this purpose, the Okanagan Falls Incorporation Study will undertake a thorough, objective and technical examination of the incorporation option and its implications for governance and service delivery in the area.


Archive information and links

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) is undertaking an analysis in Electoral Area "D" communities on services and opinions on incorporation, as well as discussions on potential boundary configuration options in the Electoral Area. The purpose of the study is to conduct an analysis and work to develop and test potential municipal boundary configurations in Electoral Area "D".

Committee presentation to the Board (meeting of July 21, 2022)

Presentation

Final Report and Appendices

Final Report

Appendix I - Terms of Reference

Appendix II - Fact Sheets

Appendix III - Incorporation Insights Papers

Appendix IV - Overview Mailout

Appendix V - Open House Presentation

Appendix VI - Open House Handouts

Appendix VII - Open House Feedback Form

Appendix VIII - Open House Meetings Overview

Appendix IX - Boundary Options Survey

Appendix X - Boundary Options Overview

Committee conclusion and boundary recommendation

The RDOS Board of Directors is scheduled to review the boundary recommendation at its regular meeting on Thursday, July 21, 2022.

The Committee held its final meeting on Tuesday, June 21, 2022. After 19 meetings all open to the public, 14 Fact Sheet service summaries, three Incorporation Insight background papers, five Open House events, a panel discussion, and a survey mail-out to all properties in the Electoral Area and available online, public engagement for the Electoral Area “D” Boundary and Service Configuration Study is complete. The purpose of the study was to conduct an analysis to develop and test potential municipal boundary configurations.

The Committee is recommending the boundary for a future incorporation study include the communities of:

Okanagan Falls and neighbourhoods known as Sun Valley, Rolling Hills

  • McLean Creek and certain properties just west of the community and east on Highway 97
  • Eastside Road North and South (Heritage Hills, Lakeshore Highlands, Vintage Views, Golden Hills and Skaha Estates)
  • East portion of Vaseux Lake

The Board will review the Committee’s recommendation and then vote whether to proceed with next steps in the process. If the Board supports the recommendation, the Province may choose to conduct an incorporation study before going to referendum. If the Board is not in favour, the process does not move ahead.

An interactive map is available. Enter your address to see if your property falls within or outside the recommended boundary.


Electoral Area "D" Services and Boundary Configuration Study Committee Meetings

These meetings are open to the public and include an open question and answer period at the end.

Final meeting: Tuesday, June 21, 2022, at 6:00 pm

Agenda

The final meeting will continue to review the preliminary survey results and develop a recommendation to the Board of Directors on a proposed boundary for incorporation.

Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83357984785?pwd=y4ijKcy3htlntPX6nrr3R33tuOY-0_.1

Upcoming meeting: Wednesday, June 15, 2022, at 6:00 pm

View the Report: Boundary Overview - Technical Criteria and Options Rationale

The Boundary Options Survey is now closed.

Panel Discussion 

Watch the recorded meeting held on Saturday, March 5, 2022, at 1:00 pm.

Thank you to everyone that attended the Electoral Area "D" Services & Boundary Configuration panel discussion!

Anyone who had questions that were missed - our apologies! With more than 80 people online and in person we know we didn’t get to all of you! There’s still plenty of time and opportunity to ask and receive answers to questions:

  1. Share your question using the Questions tool on this webpage
  2. Attend a committee meeting and ask the committee and consultants directly.
  3. Submit a letter to the committee via cmalden@rdos.bc.ca

    We look forward to hearing from you!

Open House events:

The RDOS, Electoral Area "D" Study Committee and study consultants held 5 Open House opportunities, each date focusing on a particular area or neighbourhood in Electoral Area "D".

February 16 - View the neighbourhood map. Feedback response for Skaha Estates and area

February 17 - View the neighbourhood map. Feedback response for Upper Carmi and area

February 23 - View the neighbourhood map. Feedback response for Eastside Road North (Lakeshore Highlands, Vintage Views, Heritage Hills)

February 24 - View the neighbourhood map. Feedback response for Vaseux Lake and area (Rolling Hills, Sun Valley)

February 26 - View the neighbourhood map. Feedback response for Okanagan Falls

Password for all events: RD@S

Meeting package for all events: Boundary and Configuration Study Open House Meeting Package

Committee meetings:

The Electoral Area "D" Services and Boundary Configuration Study Committee meets on the second Wednesday of every month from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. These meetings are open to the public for viewing and include an open question and answer period at the end. 

Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84121501039?pwd=eTMzSU5oY0RnOVd6STUwdWdKSmNvQT09

About the Committee:

A group of 10 citizens from Electoral Area "D" has been formed to guide a study looking into the Service and Boundary Configuration of Electoral Area "D". The committee's role is to be an objective fact-finding body. Ensuring that the study and engagement with the community is neutral and balanced.

The committee members include:

  • Vi Creasy
  • David Forst
  • Kurt Hiebert
  • Kerrie MacLean
  • Myleen Mallach
  • Kay Medland
  • Phyllis Radchenko
  • Matt Taylor (Chair)
  • Eleanor Walker

Ex-officio Community members are Electoral Area "D" Director Ron Obirek and Alternate Director Jim D'Andrea.

Consultant:

On July 8, 2021, the RDOS Board of Directors approved the $90,000 contract to Allan Neilson of Neilson Strategies Inc. and Sherry Hurst of Leftside Partners Inc.

Allan Neilson comes with over 25 years of experience in British Columbia's local government system advising regional district and municipal leaders on matters of governance, service provision, local government policy, finance and community engagement.

Sherry Hurst has been advising local governments on governance, planning and service delivery for more than 20 years.

Background:

On March 24, 2021, the Minister of Municipal Affairs confirmed support in the amount of $80,000 to the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) to undertake an analysis in Electoral Area "D" communities on services and opinions on incorporation, as well as discussions on potential boundary configuration options in the Electoral Area. 

The purpose of the study is to conduct an analysis of services, with public engagement in the RDOS Electoral Area "D" communities on services and opinions on incorporation, and work to develop and test potential municipal boundary configurations in Area "D". 

Electoral Area "D" Services and Boundary Configuration Study committee meetings will be conducted online via Webex pending changes to COVID-19 restrictions. 

Past studies:

Please see Okanagan Falls Incorporation Study.

  • Potential Boundaries for Consideration

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    Potential Boundary Configurations for Consideration:

    Read the Report: Overview and Technical Criteria and Options Rationale

    Option A - Okanagan Falls


    Option B - Okanagan Falls and Eastside Road



    Option C - Okanagan Falls and Vaseux Lake


    Option D - Okanagan Falls, Eastside Road, Vaseux Lake


    Option E - Electoral Area D (all residential properties within the Electoral Area)


  • Open House Feedback

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    The RDOS hosted 5 open houses to discuss boundary and service configuration for different communities across Electoral Area D. Feedback from these events are available below.

    February 16 - Feedback response for Skaha Estates and area

    February 17 - Feedback response for Upper Carmi and area

    February 23 - Feedback response for Eastside Road North (Lakeshore Highlands, Vintage Views, Heritage Hills)

    February 24 -Feedback response for Vaseux Lake and area (Rolling Hills, Sun Valley)

    February 26 - Feedback response for Okanagan Falls

  • Panel Discussion

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    supporting image

    Panel Discussion
    Saturday, March 5, 2022 at 1:00 pm

    Hear from communities most recently incorporated, and others going through the process. You must register in advance to attend in-person due to limited seating. To register, email handerson@rdos.bc.ca Virtual participation is strongly encouraged.

    Join the meeting virtually.
    Meeting password: RD@S

  • Open House Events: Service and Boundary Configuration Study

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    supporting image

    The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) is undertaking an analysis in Electoral Area D communities on services and potential boundary configurations. The purpose of the study is to conduct an analysis and work to develop and test potential municipal boundary configurations in Electoral Area D.

    The Electoral Area D Service and Boundary Configuration Study Committee, along with consultants, will be hosting a series of open house events to gather feedback from residents. Each open house will focus on separate communities within the Electoral Area D boundary, with an opportunity to discuss issues relevant to your community and learn about the services and governance that impact your area. Residents and property owners from any neighbourhood are welcome to attend any or all the open houses. The events are planned as hybrid meetings featuring electronic and in-person attendance. You must pre-register to attend in-person. COVID-19 protocols will be required for in-person attendance. In the event the in-person events are cancelled, the meetings will move to a virtual format via Webex.

    Boundary and Configuration Study Open House Meeting Package

    Neighbourhood focus

    Date and time

    Location of meeting

    Eastside Road (Skaha Estates)
    and area

    Wednesday, February 16, 2022
    7:00 PM

    Okanagan Falls Elementary School
    1141 Cedar Street, OK Falls
    Join the meeting online

    Upper Carmi and area

    Thursday, February 17, 2022
    7:00 PM

    RDOS Boardroom
    101 Martin Street, Penticton
    Join the meeting online

    Eastside Road N (Lakeshore Highlands,
    Vintage Views, Heritage Hills)

    Wednesday, February 23, 2022
    7:00 PM

    Okanagan Falls Elementary School
    1141 Cedar Street, OK Falls
    Join the meeting online

    Vaseux Lake and area
    (Rolling Hills, Sun Valley)

    Thursday, February 24, 2022
    7:00 PM

    Okanagan Falls Elementary School
    Join the meeting online

    Okanagan Falls and area

    Saturday, February 26, 2022
    1:00 PM

    Okanagan Falls Elementary School
    1141 Cedar Street, OK Falls
    Join the meeting online