Regional District of North Okanagan officials insist they aren’t looking for people walking dogs in prohibited areas.
Staff is investigating how other jurisdictions handle dogs on beaches during the winter after an elderly woman walking her dog on Kal Beach was the focus of bylaw enforcement.
“It’s been suggested that there’s been harassment,” said director Doug Dirk.
However, David Sewell, chief administrative officer, says bylaws are only enforced on a complaint basis.
“We evenly and unbiasedly enact our bylaws. We don’t hunt out and lay in wait for individuals,” he said.
Director Bob Fleming supports reviewing the policies of other jurisdictions when it comes to dogs on beaches in the winter.
“We want to find out what they are doing in other communities and what their experience is,” he said.
Gravel pit rules adopted
There are now firm rules regarding gravel pits in Greater Vernon’s rural areas.
The Regional District of North Okanagan board has adopted a soil removal and deposit bylaw for BX-Swan Lake (Area B) and BX-Silver Star (Area C).
“It conforms to Ministry of Mines regulations,” said Mike Macnabb. BX-Silver Star director.
“It doesn’t prohibit but it regulates soil removal and deposits.”
Some BX residents have been concerned about the potential impact of gravel pits, and particularly with noise, dust and hours of operation.
The bylaw doesn’t apply to existing operations.
A proposed pit on Brentwood Road would be considered new and would have to conform to the bylaw.
