Electoral Area “D” Services and Boundary and Configuration Study

Share Electoral Area “D” Services and Boundary and Configuration Study on Facebook Share Electoral Area “D” Services and Boundary and Configuration Study on Twitter Share Electoral Area “D” Services and Boundary and Configuration Study on Linkedin Email Electoral Area “D” Services and Boundary and Configuration Study link

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.

  • Share At the Open House meeting, the Electoral Director told us that a grant which was earmarked for OK Falls Sewer expansion was taken away and given to Naramata for use in their community. I didn’t catch the whole conversation, can you tell me what that was about? on Facebook Share At the Open House meeting, the Electoral Director told us that a grant which was earmarked for OK Falls Sewer expansion was taken away and given to Naramata for use in their community. I didn’t catch the whole conversation, can you tell me what that was about? on Twitter Share At the Open House meeting, the Electoral Director told us that a grant which was earmarked for OK Falls Sewer expansion was taken away and given to Naramata for use in their community. I didn’t catch the whole conversation, can you tell me what that was about? on Linkedin Email At the Open House meeting, the Electoral Director told us that a grant which was earmarked for OK Falls Sewer expansion was taken away and given to Naramata for use in their community. I didn’t catch the whole conversation, can you tell me what that was about? link

    At the Open House meeting, the Electoral Director told us that a grant which was earmarked for OK Falls Sewer expansion was taken away and given to Naramata for use in their community. I didn’t catch the whole conversation, can you tell me what that was about?

    about 2 years ago

    In 2017, the RDOS received a New Building Canada Fund – Small Communities Fund grant in the wastewater category. The grant was received for the Phase 1 expansion of the Okanagan Falls sewer system to the community area of Skaha Estates. 

     A predesign was completed and the cost estimate for a new system was over $15M. The $6.6M grant received would not be sufficient to make the project affordable to the residents. At that time, the RDOS sent a request to the Province to reallocate the grant funds to Phase 2 of the proposed expansion project for the lakeshore area of Kaleden in Electoral Area I. After proceeding with predesign, the referendum failed and the project was stopped. 

     The grant expires on March 31, 2023, so other possible wastewater projects were explored that did not require borrowing of funds for the 1/3 share as there was insufficient time available for a referendum. Okanagan Falls sewer service did not have any wastewater projects that could proceed. The Province indicated they would not consider any other type of project, such as water or solid waste, so wastewater projects in other areas were considered.

     The Liquid Waste Management Plan had just started in Naramata of Electoral Area E. A few developers had been discussing various options for handling wastewater for their ongoing developments in the village area.  The developers agreed to pay for the 1/3 share to match the grant funds so a community system could be established in the community instead of each development having a mini wastewater treatment system. Further expansions into the rest of the community in the village area would benefit from the initial infrastructure installation by the developers. The Board looked at the option and recommended that the RDOS request the repurposing of the grant to a Naramata Sewer Project. The request was sent to the Province for consideration.

  • Share Two questions. 1. What is the fire response pump capacity of the fire truck at OK Falls ( gallons/ minute)? What is the fire response pump truck capacity at Oliver (gallons / minute)? on Facebook Share Two questions. 1. What is the fire response pump capacity of the fire truck at OK Falls ( gallons/ minute)? What is the fire response pump truck capacity at Oliver (gallons / minute)? on Twitter Share Two questions. 1. What is the fire response pump capacity of the fire truck at OK Falls ( gallons/ minute)? What is the fire response pump truck capacity at Oliver (gallons / minute)? on Linkedin Email Two questions. 1. What is the fire response pump capacity of the fire truck at OK Falls ( gallons/ minute)? What is the fire response pump truck capacity at Oliver (gallons / minute)? link

    Two questions. 1. What is the fire response pump capacity of the fire truck at OK Falls ( gallons/ minute)? What is the fire response pump truck capacity at Oliver (gallons / minute)?

    Myles asked about 2 years ago

    For vehicle and equipment specifications, we recommend contacting the fire departments directly.

    Okanagan Falls Fire Department: okfire@shaw.ca or reach them on Facebook.

    Oliver and District Fire Department: 250-498-0695 or fill out their online form.

  • Share Now that RDOS has taken over Sun Valley Irrigation is the water use metered & are the users charged accordingly OR is it a flat rate ( annual or monthly)? on Facebook Share Now that RDOS has taken over Sun Valley Irrigation is the water use metered & are the users charged accordingly OR is it a flat rate ( annual or monthly)? on Twitter Share Now that RDOS has taken over Sun Valley Irrigation is the water use metered & are the users charged accordingly OR is it a flat rate ( annual or monthly)? on Linkedin Email Now that RDOS has taken over Sun Valley Irrigation is the water use metered & are the users charged accordingly OR is it a flat rate ( annual or monthly)? link

    Now that RDOS has taken over Sun Valley Irrigation is the water use metered & are the users charged accordingly OR is it a flat rate ( annual or monthly)?

    Myles asked about 2 years ago

    The Sun Valley water system users do not have meters installed at this time. Users are charged based on the size of dole valve they were previously assigned by the Sun Valley Irrigation District. The RDOS has not yet changed this method of user fees that consists of an annual flat rate basic user fee plus an additional cost based on size of dole valve.

  • Share Would a municipality be able to increase the number of police officers available to respond to issues in the municipality, or have their own police detachment? on Facebook Share Would a municipality be able to increase the number of police officers available to respond to issues in the municipality, or have their own police detachment? on Twitter Share Would a municipality be able to increase the number of police officers available to respond to issues in the municipality, or have their own police detachment? on Linkedin Email Would a municipality be able to increase the number of police officers available to respond to issues in the municipality, or have their own police detachment? link

    Would a municipality be able to increase the number of police officers available to respond to issues in the municipality, or have their own police detachment?

    about 2 years ago

    No. A municipality with fewer than 5,000 persons is still provided policing services through the province, and that service is contracted by the province to the RCMP. As a municipality under 5,000 population, residents would continue to contribute to policing costs through a “police tax” to the province. The rate would change once incorporated.  

    Decisions on resource levels and “authorized strength” for unincorporated areas, and for municipalities with fewer than 5,000 people, involve the RCMP and Province, but are driven by the RCMP's analyses of workloads and needs. The RCMP maintains internal processes for local detachments to request adjustments to authorized strength for both unincorporated areas, and for municipalities with fewer than 5,000 people. These requests are forwarded to BC RCMP Headquarters to be evaluated and considered by the Province in the broader context of the entire Provincial Police Service. Any changes to provincial detachment units require agreement between the BC RCMP and the Solicitor General.

    RCMP Detachment Commanders are expected to engage Indigenous and local governments within the detachment service area in establishing local policing priorities. Accordingly, the Mayor and municipal council would have the opportunity to meet with the detachment commander to discuss local priorities and issues.

    Once a municipality exceeds a population of 5,000, at that time the municipality would become responsible for paying 70% of the policing costs for the community (and 100% of the costs to accommodate the local police) and would have increased influence and authority over the service. At that time the municipality could consider, as one option, having a local detachment within the municipality.

  • Share If the improvement district that provides my drinking water is dissolved in the event of an incorporation, what would happen to the money we have raised in reserves for our water system? Where does that go? on Facebook Share If the improvement district that provides my drinking water is dissolved in the event of an incorporation, what would happen to the money we have raised in reserves for our water system? Where does that go? on Twitter Share If the improvement district that provides my drinking water is dissolved in the event of an incorporation, what would happen to the money we have raised in reserves for our water system? Where does that go? on Linkedin Email If the improvement district that provides my drinking water is dissolved in the event of an incorporation, what would happen to the money we have raised in reserves for our water system? Where does that go? link

    If the improvement district that provides my drinking water is dissolved in the event of an incorporation, what would happen to the money we have raised in reserves for our water system? Where does that go?

    about 2 years ago

    When an improvement district is dissolved, the assets and liabilities would be transferred to the municipality. Any funds accumulated in a reserve intended for that water system would continue to be allocated to and reserved for that particular water system. Similarly, even once part of the municipality, the only residents that would contribute toward the costs of that particular water system would be those who are connected to and benefit from, the water system.

  • Share Is there a minimum number of residents before an area can be incorporated? For example, if only an area of 1,500 residents want to be incorporated is that enough or does it have to be over 2,000? on Facebook Share Is there a minimum number of residents before an area can be incorporated? For example, if only an area of 1,500 residents want to be incorporated is that enough or does it have to be over 2,000? on Twitter Share Is there a minimum number of residents before an area can be incorporated? For example, if only an area of 1,500 residents want to be incorporated is that enough or does it have to be over 2,000? on Linkedin Email Is there a minimum number of residents before an area can be incorporated? For example, if only an area of 1,500 residents want to be incorporated is that enough or does it have to be over 2,000? link

    Is there a minimum number of residents before an area can be incorporated? For example, if only an area of 1,500 residents want to be incorporated is that enough or does it have to be over 2,000?

    John Marquardt asked about 2 years ago

    While the population is one consideration in drawing a boundary, and a concentration of residents is needed to sustain a viable municipality, there is no set minimum threshold that is required to incorporate as a municipality.

  • Share Will the survey include asking the residents of OK Falls on whether they would prefer to be a town (if that option is available) or a municipality? on Facebook Share Will the survey include asking the residents of OK Falls on whether they would prefer to be a town (if that option is available) or a municipality? on Twitter Share Will the survey include asking the residents of OK Falls on whether they would prefer to be a town (if that option is available) or a municipality? on Linkedin Email Will the survey include asking the residents of OK Falls on whether they would prefer to be a town (if that option is available) or a municipality? link

    Will the survey include asking the residents of OK Falls on whether they would prefer to be a town (if that option is available) or a municipality?

    about 2 years ago

    As noted in the question above, a Town is a municipal classification. If there was a reason that an area preferred to be called a “Village” over a “Town” or a “District” the Ministry would seek guidance from the Incorporation Study committee at the time of the Incorporation Study, regardless of population.

  • Share Could an incorporation study be done on two basis - OK Falls as a town and a larger municipality including the other areas? on Facebook Share Could an incorporation study be done on two basis - OK Falls as a town and a larger municipality including the other areas? on Twitter Share Could an incorporation study be done on two basis - OK Falls as a town and a larger municipality including the other areas? on Linkedin Email Could an incorporation study be done on two basis - OK Falls as a town and a larger municipality including the other areas? link

    Could an incorporation study be done on two basis - OK Falls as a town and a larger municipality including the other areas?

    about 2 years ago

    During an incorporation study, an Incorporation Study Committee is charged with ensuring all residents of the study area have the opportunity to become informed about the impacts of incorporation prior to proceeding to a vote. Due in part to the complexity of the analysis, it is generally the Province’s preference to proceed with two distinct and clear options — typically one option is the status quo (or default option), and the other is incorporation. On occasion, there have been studies that have offered more than two different scenarios, but these would be the exception. For instance, when West Kelowna’s study was completed, the options were to incorporate, to join the City of Kelowna, or to remain as part of the unincorporated area. Ultimately that decision would rest with the Province; however, the objective of the Area D Service and Boundary Configuration study is to recommend one preferred boundary.

  • Share Will the boundary study look for any synergies between different areas or for problems/issues in specific areas that would transfer over to a new municipality? Or will this not be done until the incorporation study? on Facebook Share Will the boundary study look for any synergies between different areas or for problems/issues in specific areas that would transfer over to a new municipality? Or will this not be done until the incorporation study? on Twitter Share Will the boundary study look for any synergies between different areas or for problems/issues in specific areas that would transfer over to a new municipality? Or will this not be done until the incorporation study? on Linkedin Email Will the boundary study look for any synergies between different areas or for problems/issues in specific areas that would transfer over to a new municipality? Or will this not be done until the incorporation study? link

    Will the boundary study look for any synergies between different areas or for problems/issues in specific areas that would transfer over to a new municipality? Or will this not be done until the incorporation study?

    about 2 years ago

    The Study is seeking to identify issues, concerns and interests from each focus area and community within Area “D”. One of the purposes is to identify shared interests, another is to determine what issues exist, and whether a change in governance might help to address those issues.

  • Share Will you provide information on the populations size for each of the areas that have been identified for the town halls ? on Facebook Share Will you provide information on the populations size for each of the areas that have been identified for the town halls ? on Twitter Share Will you provide information on the populations size for each of the areas that have been identified for the town halls ? on Linkedin Email Will you provide information on the populations size for each of the areas that have been identified for the town halls ? link

    Will you provide information on the populations size for each of the areas that have been identified for the town halls ?

    about 2 years ago

    Yes, where estimates can be made, this is part of the information shared during presentations.