The regional growth strategy “snapshot” report for 2010 was presented to the regional district board of directors at the April 5 regular board meeting.
The report is part of a mandatory program designed to monitor the progress of a regional growth strategy. It measured 10 growth indicators that are tracked annually.
The indicators are:
– population growth
– agriculture
– biodiversity and natural species
– affordable housing
– energy use
– water management
– municipal solid waste
– social, cultural and the arts
– total length of trails
– public funding for the arts
Westbench Director Michael Brydon asked regional district staff Donna Butler and Evelyn Richert if other indicator items, such as median income and average age could be added. Richert replied that the report could be reviewed every five years and updated using the latest census information.
Oliver rural Director Allan Patton complimented staff on a “readable document with an attractive layout.” He suggested indicators such as agricultural land exemptions from the ALR and their conversion to other uses and housing prices as other possible indicators. He also noted that no mention was made of agricultural water use.
Osoyoos Director Stu Wells presented the board with a notice of motion to ask the province to re-engage in formal discussion with the government of Canada a national park study for the Okanagan – Siimilkameen. The motion would also request that the RDOS be briefed on the feasibility study that was never made public, and that the RDOS be briefed during and at the completion of the formal talks regarding the national park.
The motion is intended to come forward at the next regional district board meeting.
The regional district board appointed the following people to the Kaleden Parks and Recreation Commission:
– Gail Owen, Chair, until Mar. 31, 2014
– Paul Chahil, Treasurer, until Mar.31, 2014
– Gary Brooks, Parks, until Mar.31, 2013
– John Haygarth, Hall Rental, until Mar. 31, 2013
– Bruce Sheperd, Member, until Mar.31, 2013
The RDOS board removed the preparation of an agricultural zone from Area “G” after work on a draft amendment to the Area “G” zoning bylaw was begun by previous director Elef Christensen in 2010.
The amendment would have limited the number of accessory dwelling units on parcels of land within the Agricultural Land Reserve. After a public meeting in October of 2010, work on the bylaw was brought to a halt by Christensen. More recently, current director for Area “G” Angelique Wood advised RDOS staff that she did not intend to proceed with the draft amendment bylaw.
