Okanagan Falls Incorporation Study

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Call for Committee Members


Please click here for more information.



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).

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.

Two Requests for Proposals (RFP) have been issued by the Regional District for a qualified firm or individuals for the provision of consulting services for an Okanagan Falls Incorporation Study report(s) and a series of public engagement activities and consultations.

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. The first step in the process is the recruitment of a committee to work with staff and a local government consultant to guide the study. The committee is an objective fact-finding body. Individual members of the committee should ensure any expression of their personal opinions do not detract from the ability of the study committee to function as a neutral and credible conduit for information to the community.

Please view the Documents section on the right to view the Requests for Proposals, Expression of Interest - Call for Committee Members, and additional documents.

Click the map to expand

Click the poster to expand

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.

Electoral Area "D" Services and Boundary Configuration Study archive information and links.


Call for Committee Members


Please click here for more information.



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).

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.

Two Requests for Proposals (RFP) have been issued by the Regional District for a qualified firm or individuals for the provision of consulting services for an Okanagan Falls Incorporation Study report(s) and a series of public engagement activities and consultations.

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. The first step in the process is the recruitment of a committee to work with staff and a local government consultant to guide the study. The committee is an objective fact-finding body. Individual members of the committee should ensure any expression of their personal opinions do not detract from the ability of the study committee to function as a neutral and credible conduit for information to the community.

Please view the Documents section on the right to view the Requests for Proposals, Expression of Interest - Call for Committee Members, and additional documents.

Click the map to expand

Click the poster to expand

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.

Electoral Area "D" Services and Boundary Configuration Study archive information and links.


Questions and Answers

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  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    Hi, how do I apply to be on the committee? Thanks

    CarlyMcC asked 3 days ago

    Anyone interested in participating on the committee can email an Expression of Interest outlining relevant skills and qualifications to Christy Malden (cmalden@rdos.bc.ca(External link)(External link)), Kim Roemer (kroemer@rdos.bc.ca(External link)(External link)), Marc Aucoin (maucoin@rdos.bc.ca(External link)(External link)), or drop-off/mail to the RDOS office, 101 Martin Street, Penticton, BC V2A 5J9.

    The submission deadline is Friday, June 30, 2023, and details on the membership of the committee can be found in the 2023 Expression of Interest - Call for Committee Members, located in the Documents section on the right.

  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    I am interested in your request for committee members - please advice process for submissions. Thank you.

    asked 5 days ago

    Anyone interested in participating on the committee can email an Expression of Interest outlining relevant skills and qualifications to Christy Malden (cmalden@rdos.bc.ca(External link)), Kim Roemer (kroemer@rdos.bc.ca(External link)), Marc Aucoin (maucoin@rdos.bc.ca(External link)), or drop-off/mail to the RDOS office, 101 Martin Street, Penticton, BC V2A 5J9.

    The submission deadline is Friday, June 30, 2023, and details on the membership of the committee can be found in the 2023 Expression of Interest - Call for Committee Members, located in the Documents section on the right.

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    Why did you expand the boundary to include McLean Flats (Allendale Lake, Chapman, and upper McLean Creek Roads)? The last meeting we attended Option E - the only option we are included in - was off the discussion table.

    Valerie asked 7 days ago

    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.

  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    How does a person get on the committee?

    Rick Wilson asked 13 days ago

    Anyone interested in participating on the committee can email an Expression of Interest outlining relevant skills and qualifications to Christy Malden (cmalden@rdos.bc.ca), Kim Roemer (kroemer@rdos.bc.ca), Marc Aucoin (maucoin@rdos.bc.ca), or drop-off/mail to the RDOS office, 101 Martin Street, Penticton, BC V2A 5J9.

    The submission deadline is Friday, June 30, 2023, and details on the membership of the committee can be found in the 2023 Expression of Interest - Call for Committee Members, located in the Documents section on the right.