Economic development activities will continue in the North Okanagan.
The Regional District of North Okanagan has renewed an agreement with the City of Vernon to promote lands for potential industrial businesses.
“It’s a great source of co-operation,” said Patrick Nicol, chairperson.
RDNO is also providing $4,500 to the city’s employment lands inventory and regional district staff will also be involved in the initiative.
“These are positive parts of our regional growth strategy,” said Nicol.
Mara market approved
Expansion at a Mara business has been sanctioned.
The Regional District of North Okanagan has approved a development permit and variances for DeMille’s Market on Highway 97A.
“The owner connected two buildings without a permit and made an application to legalize them,” said Rob Smailes, general manager of planning and building.
The permit allows for the maximum allowable gross floor area to go from 150 to 498 square metres to allow for the sale of flowers fruit and groceries.
The minimum width of a landscaped buffer along Highway 97A has been reduced and the requirement for paving some parking stalls has been waived.
Cherryville water tested
Water quality will continue to be tested in the Cherryville area.
The Regional District of North Okanagan has agreed to provide $20,400 over three years for analysis of samples in Cherry and Ferry creeks and the Shuswap River.
“The benefit of this surface water testing program is not so much for local residents as for downstream users,” said Hank Cameron, with the Cherry Ridge Water Stewards, who points out that most Cherryville residents get their water from wells.
“It demonstrates local stewardship of our shared water resources. The Cherry Ridge Water Stewards will continue to protect these sources of the Shuswap River through analysis, advocacy, and education.”
