Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedinEmail this link
ANNOUNCEMENTS: The next Incorporation Study Committee meeting is April 16, 2024.
INTRODUCTION
In 2021/22, the RDOS undertook a Services and Boundary Configuration Study for Electoral Area "D," supported by a community volunteer Committee. At the end of the Study, the Committee recommended that RDOS ask the B.C. Government to fund an Incorporation Study for Okanagan Falls.
In the fall of 2022, the RDOS Board of Directors requested an Okanagan Falls Incorporation Study. The B.C. Government approved the Study in spring 2023, based on a defined incorporation study boundary. Over spring and summer 2023, RDOS hired a consulting team to undertake the Incorporation Study, and established a community volunteer Committee to ensure that the Study is objective and thorough.
The purpose of the Incorporation Study is to provide electors within the study area with the information and understanding required to make an informed decision on incorporation.
At the end of the Study (early 2025), the community Committee will recommend to the RDOS Board whether to request that the Minister of Municipal Affairs order a referendum on incorporation of the Okanagan Falls area.
The RDOS Board will consider the Committee's recommendation along with the Study findings and decide whether to hold a referendum on incorporation.
TIMELINE
The Incorporation Study will run from fall 2023 to early 2025.
NOW: The first half of the Study will consist of research and analysis about implications of incorporation on local services, taxation, and governance.
The second half of the Study will consist of community conversations about these implications and opportunities for electors to ask questions.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: The next Incorporation Study Committee meeting is April 16, 2024.
INTRODUCTION
In 2021/22, the RDOS undertook a Services and Boundary Configuration Study for Electoral Area "D," supported by a community volunteer Committee. At the end of the Study, the Committee recommended that RDOS ask the B.C. Government to fund an Incorporation Study for Okanagan Falls.
In the fall of 2022, the RDOS Board of Directors requested an Okanagan Falls Incorporation Study. The B.C. Government approved the Study in spring 2023, based on a defined incorporation study boundary. Over spring and summer 2023, RDOS hired a consulting team to undertake the Incorporation Study, and established a community volunteer Committee to ensure that the Study is objective and thorough.
The purpose of the Incorporation Study is to provide electors within the study area with the information and understanding required to make an informed decision on incorporation.
At the end of the Study (early 2025), the community Committee will recommend to the RDOS Board whether to request that the Minister of Municipal Affairs order a referendum on incorporation of the Okanagan Falls area.
The RDOS Board will consider the Committee's recommendation along with the Study findings and decide whether to hold a referendum on incorporation.
TIMELINE
The Incorporation Study will run from fall 2023 to early 2025.
NOW: The first half of the Study will consist of research and analysis about implications of incorporation on local services, taxation, and governance.
The second half of the Study will consist of community conversations about these implications and opportunities for electors to ask questions.
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedinEmail this link
Will property taxes increase?
Hannah
asked
2 months ago
Hello and thank you for your question. It is not yet known whether property taxes would increase if Okanagan Falls were to incorporate. Research is underway to determine an answer to that question. The Incorporation Study consultants expect to know potential cost implications of incorporation in spring or summer 2024. Several events will take place in the community starting in summer 2024 to discuss potential incorporation and answer community questions. A mail out with key information will be sent to all property owners within the Study area. Please check back for updates and post any other questions you may have. Thank you!
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedinEmail this link
Where are the minutes of the September Incorporation Study Committee meeting?
Vokey
asked
6 months ago
Thank you for your patience. Draft minutes from the Committee's first meeting have now been posted and are available here. Minutes will be final once adopted at the next Committee meeting on November 21, 2023 (starting at 6:30pm).
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedinEmail this link
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedinEmail this link
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
10 months 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 FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedinEmail this link
How does a person get on the committee?
Rick Wilson
asked
10 months 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.
Okanagan Falls Incorporation Study has finished this stage
Study identified options to address community concerns within the regional district framework, including dividing Area āDā to create an additional electoral area.
2018: Area "D" divided into two electoral areas
Okanagan Falls Incorporation Study has finished this stage
What was Area "D" became Areas "D" and "I" to address representation and service issues.
2021/22: Services and Boundary Configuration Study for Area "D"
Okanagan Falls Incorporation Study has finished this stage
Study Committee recommended that the RDOS proceed with a request to the province for an incorporation study.
Fall 2022: RDOS Board requests Provincial approval for Incorporation Study
Okanagan Falls Incorporation Study has finished this stage
Spring-Summer 2023: Preparation for Incorporation Study
Okanagan Falls Incorporation Study has finished this stage
Board appoints Incorporation Study consultants and Community Advisory Committee.
Fall 2023 - Spring 2024: Incorporation Study technical phase
Okanagan Falls Incorporation Study is currently at this stage
Consultants undertake technical research to assess impacts of incorporation; community committee begins meeting to support Study.
Spring - Winter 2024: community conversations
this is an upcoming stage for Okanagan Falls Incorporation Study
Presentations and communications to share information about incorporation with the community.
Spring 2025: End of the Incorporation Study
this is an upcoming stage for Okanagan Falls Incorporation Study
A Final Report will be presented to the RDOS Board, along with any recommendations from the community committee. The Board will decided how it wishes to proceed.
Thank you for your contribution!
Help us reach out to more people in the community
Share this with family and friends