IT'S NOT WHAT YOU GATHER, BUT WHAT YOU SCATTER THAT TELLS WHAT KIND OF LIFE YOU HAVE LIVED!

Source: Castanet.net poll May 6, 2012

Food
Almost 145,000 B.C. households, or 8.2% of the total, experienced food insecurity in 2011/12. A household that is not food secure is one that does not have access to a sufficient variety or quantity of food due to lack of money. This was just below the national rate of 8.3%.

Of B.C. households, 5.3% reported moderate food insecurity and 2.9% reported it as severe. Among types of household, lone-parent families with children (under the age of 18) reported the highest rate of household food insecurity (24.5%), while couples without children had the lowest rate (3.3%). In 2011/12, four percent of children and eight percent of adults in British Columbia lived in food insecure households.

Across Canada, 1.1 million households experienced food insecurity in 2011/12. Nunavut had by far the highest rate (36.7%), while Newfoundland and Labrador had the lowest (7.6%).

While low income contributes to food insecurity, Statistics Canada has noted that households where government benefits (such as employment insurance, benefits from the Canada Pension Plan, and provincial or municipal social assistance) are the main source of income had higher rates of food insecurity (21.4%) than those households where income is primarily from an alternate source (6.1%).

Source: Infoline is BC Stats’ highly successful free weekly information bulletin. Published since 1995, it has become an essential tool for executives, managers, analysts, libraries, businesses and media. It is our most widely distributed and timely review of statistical releases and events that shape or describe the economic and social fabric of British Columbia.

Conor Grossmith (far left) with his mother Kathleen Gilchrist, father Harry Grossmith and family
As the murder trial of Conor Grossmith came to a close after five days of testimony, everyone was in agreement. The man accused of second-degree murder in the death of his mother has been found not criminally responsible due to mental disorder.

Justice Alison Beames rendered her decision Friday after brief closing submissions from Crown Counsel Frank Dubenski and Grossmith's lawyer Joe Gordon. Both men agreed that the accused's mental state factored into the death of Kathleen Gilchrist, and although Grossmith was found to be extremely intoxicated, it was his bi-polar disorder that was at the root of his vicious attack on Sept. 13, 2012.

Kathleen Gilchrist was hit multiple times in the head with a claw hammer while she lay in bed, and never regained consciousness, dying in hospital nine days later.

Harry Grossmith speaks with reporters outside the Kelowna Courthouse on Friday, Nov. 21 2014.
The court heard testimony from three psychiatrists who have evaluated Grossmith. Each told the court, in some form or another, that Conor suffered from a mental disorder that was only exacerbated by the yearly "cycling up" of his manic moods that typically ramped up in September.

This mental disorder had been chronicled since at least 2009, when a previous incident involving Conor included both cocaine and marijuana.

The court heard that self-medication with alcohol or drugs is a common occurrence among those suffering from these types of illnesses and that Conor typically drank excessive amounts during times he would drink alcohol.

Conor’s blood alcohol level was between four and five times the legal limit when he bludgeoned his mother to death. He has admitted to the killing, but following his arrest later than night, showed erratic behavior at the Kelowna RCMP detachment. He paced around his cell, intentionally banged his head against the wall, and even began licking the blood off his fingers.

When asked about the attack, he showed little emotion and no recollection of the incident or why he did it.

In the courts decision, Beames agreed that Grossmith suffered from a major mental disorder or a disease of the brain. And that this ailment was present at the time and a major contributing factor in the attack on his mother.

She also found that he was incapable of knowing the act of killing his mother was wrong, and although the attack was intensified by the amount of alcohol in his system, Beames decided that it wouldn’t have happened if not for his illness.

Throughout the course of the five-day trial Grossmith showed little emotion, and provided no reaction upon learning of his sentence.

Beames then spoke directly to Conor and told him it was fortunate he still had the love and support of his family, and then wished him the best of luck in controlling and managing his illness.

Outside the courtroom Conor’s father, Harry, read a statement that in part contained the following:

“Kate Gilchrist, my wife and my children’s mother, anchored our lives with love, compassion and wisdom. My family, extended family, and her many friends feel her absence deeply.

How does one summarize the pain and sorrow my family, including my son, have experienced? How does one encapsulate this loss in a rational way? I can’t, so I won’t.

My family is satisfied with the verdict the court has rendered; it is my fervent hope, that with appropriate counseling and time, my son will find his way to lead a productive and useful life.”

Grossmith is expected to be sent to a psychiatric facility in the Lower Mainland.

Are you aware of the lack of respect, compassion, care, etc., for welfare clients/recipients in Kelowna?

Kelowna gets extremely hot during the summer. This will only be my second winter here. Last winter was mild, hence, I do not know what a normal winter is like here.

But, in the spring and fall, like most places, Kelowna can and does get rain. Sometimes, pounding, wind-blown rains.

Clients/recipients receiving, social assistance, stand outside the social services building regardless of the elements. That means clients are standing in the rain, snow, wind and the extreme heat. I’ve seen people standing outside in all weather conditions.

Have you seen the building? This building has no awning, no shade, nowhere for clients to sit. Some are in wheelchairs, on crutches or have children with them, some have mental health illnesses that are not visible. All the while, their financial assistance workers are sitting comfortably inside their heated/air-conditioned building.

The last time I checked, we live in Canada. How and why is this form of abuse acceptable? Are these people’s lives less important than mine, yours, Starbucks baristas’, Sears sales associates’, room cleaners at the Sheraton?

No, they certainly are not. Yet, our government is treating each and every one of them like low-class citizens.

Our government is starving people by not giving them enough financial assistance to live.

If, by now, after all these years, our government cannot see who is a legitimate, client in need and who is not, it only proves their lack of intelligence and drive to filter them out.

They continue cutting the much-needed finances these people need to live. Government thinks by cutting back on financial assistance, these people will simply go away, disappear.

Will mental illness just “go away?” The only time mental illness leaves a person is when that person dies.
Will a person who had limb amputated just go away or, better yet, will that limb miraculously grow back, allowing them to get a job? No.

Unfortunately, mental illness is here to stay. Amputees are not ocean crabs, meaning, their limbs will not grow back.
A single mom with one child gets so little for shelter and utilities, she cannot afford fresh fruits and vegetables for the month. Welfare recipients live below the poverty line.

I would love to sit and talk to someone. It’s far beyond time this problem is brought to light.

The squeaky wheel gets the grease. Well, I’m the grease, if you will. I spoke with some clients at social services in Kelowna and expressed my disgust re: such treatment. I asked if they’d mind my going to the media. They cheered and said, “thank you for caring for us and talking to us.”

As I took my leave, they wished me a good day. I, in turn, wished them a good day, and said, “try to stay dry and warm. Bless you all.”

Is anyone willing to meet with me? If so, what say we invite Christy Clark, too? Like she’d even entertain making time for such a matter.

Jacqui Simpson,
Kelowna

Social Development Minister Don McRae appears to be reluctantly moving toward some kind of retreat on the clawback issue that has rankled some income-assistance clients for years.

The long-standing policy of reducing monthly welfare cheques to caregiving parents by the amount of any child-support they receive has been a headache for 14 years. The government has withstood numerous pleas to change the policy. But, there was an obscure indication last summer the hold-fast stance was weakening.

On Tuesday, it looked like the pace is picking up. McRae set a fixed date – Dec. 10 – for when he’ll start the “dialogue of consultation” on the issue.

And committing to formal consultations on the clawback is a big step down the road to either ending or relaxing it. It’s hard to picture McRae agreeing to meet formally with groups that have been campaigning for the change for years and then deciding to ignore them.

The dialogue was actually promised in one small part of a report on disability issues released in June. It indicated the government was ready to consult on maintenance payments for families receiving disability and income assistance.
The process was to begin in the fall. An initial meeting with an advocacy group was scheduled earlier this month, but was cancelled. McRae apologized for that Tuesday, but said the commitment to get the consultations started still stands.
Advocates for the change have picked up a number of endorsements along the way. The most recent from the legislature’s finance committee, which recommended a review of the policy in its pre-budget report last week.

Even the B.C. Liberal Party contemplated the issue – a resolution on the clawback was on the agenda at the party’s convention earlier this year, but didn’t get debated.

The NDP has been chipping away at the issue and showed up Tuesday with another group of mothers who say ending the clawback would make a big difference in their lives. They are, by and large, women living on welfare at the $1,000-a-month level.

But when a spouse sends them a few hundred dollars in child support, their cheque drops by the same amount. It’s the difference between abject poverty and having a little breathing room.

Welfare rates have remained the same for six years, but McRae said there has been some progress. Tax benefits will go up by about $115 a month next spring, he said. And the earning exemption has increased substantially for disabled clients.

Said McRae: “When the government is paying, it is always the payment of last resort. We expect individuals, if they have a payee, whether it is another parent, to assist if at all possible. But we want to make sure there are those supports for those who do not have moneys or programs.”

Such clawbacks are fairly common in other jurisdictions and have been an issue in B.C. through various governments.
Liberals started to wear the problem 12 years ago. when they eliminated a $100 exemption. It touches a few thousand families and saves the government about $18 million a year. But with McRae sounding conciliatory and talking about “respecting vulnerable British Columbians,” it looks like changes will be coming.

Just So You Know: The NDP is test-driving a new technique – Embarrassing Comparisons Designed to Shame the Liberals. So Tuesday featured contrasts between the few hundred dollars deducted from welfare moms and variously, the premier’s catering budget, and Asian trade commissioner Ben Stewart’s Beijing car allowance.

Elsewhere, the contrast was between the lack of legal help for millworkers families in the upcoming sawmill death inquest and the top-dollar legal expertise provided for a long list of Liberal luminaries. And again, Ben Stewart.

“It gave Ben Stewart a car, a driver and an apartment in Beijing,” said NDP MLA Kathy Corrigan. “But the minister expects these families to cover their own travel and accommodation costs during the inquest.”

Stewart is turning out to be as useful to the NDP as he is to the government.

Les Leyne covers the legislature for the Victoria Times Colonist.
Email: lleyne "at" timescolonist.com.

“In order to keep a two parent, two child household out of extreme poverty and meet its basic needs, each adult must work full-time and earn at least $18.42 an hour”, says Walsh. “That’s up from $18.01 last year and $16.98 when our first Living Wage was calculated in the summer of 2011.”

In a country as wealthy as Canada, close to a million  people need food banks just to make ends meet each month. Why have we not seen any significant change to this situation after so many years, and after so much has been written about hunger? Hunger Count 2014 uncovers the hard data on food bank use, tells the story behind the numbers, and digs deep to explore the root causes of hunger in our country. It then provides our recommendations to bring about real and lasting change.

For the full report, if the link above doesn't work anymore, click here, we uploaded the document so it does not disappear.  Source was foodbankscanada.ca

Creating more affordable house would dramatically reduce the number of homeless Canadians.

That is according to the 2014 State of Homelessness in Canada Report which was released on Wednesday which says 235,000 different Canadians experience homelessness each year and 35,000 Canadians are homeless on any given night.

That costs the economy nearly $7 billion.

“We began this year’s report with the question: how much housing would it take to end homelessness?” says York University Professor Stephen Gaetz, Director of the Canadian Observatory on Homelessness. “We’ve shown that creating enough housing is achievable and affordable with relatively small, but precisely targeted investments.”

The report provides recommendations that would eliminate chronic homelessness and reduce the length of stay in emergency shelters to less than two weeks. It also makes suggestions on how to create 88,000 new units of supportive and affordable housing over a decade.

These proposals would cost $3.752 annually, which is an increase of $1.719 billion/year. It would break down to costing each Canadian $106 per year, an increase of $46 per year over current spending.

“An end to homelessness is readily achievable, but we have to tackle the housing crisis facing our poorest and most vulnerable neighbours,” adds Tim Richter, President & CEO of the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness. “The federal government’s shift to Housing First was right, but Housing First programs won’t be enough, without some targeted investment in supportive and affordable housing.”

The report suggests that the rise of modern mass homelessness in Canada dates back to when the federal government withdrew from housing investment, including a 46 per cent reduction in federal affordable housing investment over the last 25 years.

===========================

The State of Homelessness in Canada 2014
Gaetz, Stephen; Gulliver, Tanya; Richter, Tim

FULL REPORT
BACKGROUND REPORT
Canada is nearing an important crossroads in our response to homelessness. Since homelessness emerged as a significant problem – in fact, as a crisis – in the 1990s, with the withdrawal of the federal government’s investment in affordable housing, communities have struggled to respond. Declining wages (even minimum wage has not kept up with inflation in any jurisdiction in Canada), reduced benefit levels–including pensions and social assistance—and a shrinking supply of affordable housing have placed more and more Canadians at risk of homelessness. For a small, but significant group of Canadians facing physical and mental health challenges, the lack of housing and supports is driving increases in homelessness. Prevention measures – such as ‘rent banks’ and ‘energy banks’ that are designed to help people maintain their housing – are not adequate in stemming the flow to homelessness. The result has been an explosion in homelessness as a visible and seemingly ever present problem.

Over the past 10 years we have learned much about what to do to end homelessness – the need to shift from a focus on managing the problem (through an over-reliance on emergency services and supports) to a strategy that emphasizes prevention and, for those who do become homeless, to move them quickly into housing with necessary supports. The success of the At Home/Chez Soi project demonstrates that with housing and the right supports, chronically homeless people can become and remain housed. While there are still areas that need work – we need more robust solutions for youth homelessness, women fleeing violence and Aboriginal homelessness – we are figuring out solutions on the intervention side.

The one missing piece of the puzzle, however, is affordable housing. The decline in availability of low cost housing (and in particular, rental housing) affects many Canadians – young people setting out on their own, single parents, people working for low wages and the elderly. It also contributes to the homelessness problem in a significant way.

The State of Homelessness in Canada 2014 sets the course for ending homelessness in Canada. We know quite well what factors have contributed to the dramatic increase in homelessness over the past 25 years. Since we know what the problem is, we can propose the solution.

You can read the full report here.

If the link above no longer works, you can read the report here.  And here is the background report.

October 9, 2014 Highlights of the Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting

Nothing was mentioned in the Highlights about Director Item - Director Hobson speaking about the Sobering Center, because this was a Director Item.

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October 9, 2014 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (8.38 MB)

October 9, 2014 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Director Item - Director Hobson speaking about the Sobering Center - .wma (1.13 MB)

October 9, 2014 Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting Agenda

Nothing was mentioned in the Agenda about Director Item - Director Hobson speaking about the Sobering Center, because this was a Director Item.

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October 9, 2014 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (8.38 MB)

October 9, 2014 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Director Item - Director Hobson speaking about the Sobering Center - .wma (1.13 MB)

October 9, 2014 Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting Minutes

Minutes of the Board meetings are not usually posted to RDCO's website until after the following meeting which would be October 27th, 2014.  If the minutes are not posted here yet, you can check RDCO's website to see if they are posted there yet.  If you want a copy of the minutes before then, contact RDCO who will have a copy of the minutes at their office within 7 days after you request a copy of the minutes.  This is in accordance to Local Government Act Procedure Bylaws and Enforcement section 794 (5) and Community Charter Other records to which public access must be provided section 97 (2)

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October 9, 2014 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (8.38 MB)

October 9, 2014 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Director Item - Director Hobson speaking about the Sobering Center - .wma (1.13 MB)

October 9, 2014 Highlights of the Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting

Nothing was mentioned in the Highlights about Director Item - Director Zimmerman speaking about the United Way drive-thru breakfast, because this was a Director item.

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October 9, 2014 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (8.38 MB)

October 9, 2014 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about about Director Item - Director Zimmerman speaking about the United Way drive-thru breakfast - .wma (238 KB)

October 9, 2014 Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting Agenda

Nothing was mentioned in the Agenda about Director Item - Director Zimmerman speaking about the United Way drive-thru breakfast, because this was a Director item.

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October 9, 2014 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (8.38 MB)

October 9, 2014 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about about Director Item - Director Zimmerman speaking about the United Way drive-thru breakfast - .wma (238 KB)

October 9, 2014 Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting Minutes

Minutes of the Board meetings are not usually posted to RDCO's website until after the following meeting which would be October 27th, 2014.  If the minutes are not posted here yet, you can check RDCO's website to see if they are posted there yet.  If you want a copy of the minutes before then, contact RDCO who will have a copy of the minutes at their office within 7 days after you request a copy of the minutes.  This is in accordance to Local Government Act Procedure Bylaws and Enforcement section 794 (5) and Community Charter Other records to which public access must be provided section 97 (2)

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October 9, 2014 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (8.38 MB)

October 9, 2014 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about about Director Item - Director Zimmerman speaking about the United Way drive-thru breakfast - .wma (238 KB)

September 29, 2014 Highlights of the Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting

Secondary Suite Rezoning Application

Following the close of a Public Hearing, the Regional Board has given second and third reading to a Secondary Suite rezoning application. The proponent would like to develop a suite above an attached garage at 10357 Columbia Way in the Central Okanagan West Electoral Area. Final consideration of the Zoning Amendment Bylaw by the Regional Board will occur once approval is received from the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.

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September 29, 2014 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (6.55 MB)

September 29, 2014 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 6.1 Zoning Amendment Bylaw No 871 223 Adjacent To Columbia Way - .wma (2.01 MB)

September 29, 2014 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 6.3 Development Cost Charges Reduction For Affordable Housing - .wma (2.58 MB)

September 29, 2014 Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting Agenda

Item 6.1 Zoning Amendment Bylaw No 871 223 Adjacent To Columbia Way

Item 6.3 Development Cost Charges Reduction For Affordable Housing

*Note* This is only a snippet, please click links above for entire content

Purpose:
To provide information to the Regional Board regarding Development Cost Charges (DCCs) for affordable housing projects.

Executive Summary:
Based on a request from the District of Peachland that the RDCO waive the DCCs for an affordable housing project for Habitat for Humanity, staff were directed to prepare an information report to the Regional Board addressing the ramifications of waiving DCCs. The Westbank Sewerage Specified Area Development Cost Charge Bylaw does not currently contain provisions for DCC reductions or waivers. Staff consulted with member municipalities, neighbouring regional districts, and other local governments in the area to see whether their DCC bylaws contained provisions for DCC exemptions or reductions for affordable housing.
This report presents those findings as well as other considerations and implications of providing DCC exemptions or reductions.

Recommendation: THAT the Board receive the report for information.

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September 29, 2014 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (6.55 MB)

September 29, 2014 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 6.1 Zoning Amendment Bylaw No 871 223 Adjacent To Columbia Way - .wma (2.01 MB)

September 29, 2014 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 6.3 Development Cost Charges Reduction For Affordable Housing - .wma (2.58 MB)

September 29, 2014 Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting Minutes

Environmental Services

6.3 Development Cost Charge Reduction For Affordable Housing (All Directors - Unweighted Vote)

Staff report dated September 2, 2014 outlined a request from the District of Peachland for the RDCO to waive the DCCs for an affordable housing project for Habitat for Humanity. The Westbank Sewerage Specified Area Development Cost Charge Bylaw does not contain provisions for DCC reductions or waivers. It is noted that exempting or reducing DCCs for one municipality would affect other participating partners therefore it is not recommended. In addition, a survey of other jurisdictions in the region has been done and they do not exempt DCCs.

The question was raised whether a granting program is available? No, only the participating areas could set up an annual grant for the area and this would be quite complex. Should the stakeholder committee wish to do this they would need to bring a specific recommendation forward to the Board but there is no appetite for this at the present time.

FIELDING/EDGSON
THAT the Regional Board receive the Development Cost Charge Reduction For Affordable Housing report for information.

CARRIED Unanimously

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September 29, 2014 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (6.55 MB)

September 29, 2014 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 6.1 Zoning Amendment Bylaw No 871 223 Adjacent To Columbia Way - .wma (2.01 MB)

September 29, 2014 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 6.3 Development Cost Charges Reduction For Affordable Housing - .wma (2.58 MB)

September 11, 2014 Regional District of Central Okanagan Governance and Services Committee Meeting Agenda

 Item 6.1 Quarterly Program Measures Report

*Note* This is only a snippet, please click link above for entire content

Board

037 - Social Development
Social Development Coordinator (SDC) co-organized a community event with colleagues from Interior Health & Canadian Mental Health Association in acknowledgement of Mental Health Week on May 8th, 2014.

West Kelowna Youth Homelessness Action Committee submitted funding request was approved by the Central Okanagan Foundation for an emergency grant to pilot an Emergency Transportation to Shelter "Voucher" program to facilitate access to the Youth Shelter in Kelowna for West Kelowna & Peachland youth who are without options. The Okanagan Boys & Girls Clubs West Kelowna Youth Centre will facilitate and manage funds for this program that was proposed in lieu of a seasonal shelter for West Kelowna.

SDC participates as a member of the Community Advisory Board - Homelessness (Homelessness Partnering Strategy); Board voted to extend existing funded projects for a year pending completion of a new community plan process.

SDC organizing interim participant schedule and continuation of evening outreach volunteer/service provider program at Metro Community. Program scheduled from January until May with SDC to invite community sector participants for a subsequent review of services pre-spring/summer service provision.

SDC assisted Kelowna Community Resources (KCR) with readiness and launch of PIN - Partners Information Network - a new Homelessness Partnering Strategy service provider information exchange website. This KCR site was launched in February, 2014. SDC also provided NOW Canada with information/statistics requested to help support a provincial funding application.

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September 11, 2014 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (10.1 MB)

September 11, 2014 audio of RDCO Governance and Services Committee meeting only about Item 6.1 Quarterly Program Measures Report - .wma (3.44 MB)

September 11, 2014 Regional District of Central Okanagan Governance and Services Committee Meeting Minutes

6. Quarterly Program Measures Report, Year-To-Date June 30, 2014

Staff report dated September 4,2014 outlined the program measures to June 30, 2014. A summary of the highlights was presented. It was noted that staff continue to review the quarterly information presented to ensure the Committee is well
informed on the regional services and issues arising.

CONDON/EDGSON
THAT the Quarterly Program Measures Report, year-to-date June 30, 2014 be received for information.

CARRIED Unanimously

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September 11, 2014 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (10.1 MB)

September 11, 2014 audio of RDCO Governance and Services Committee meeting only about Item 6.1 Quarterly Program Measures Report - .wma (3.44 MB)

July 17, 2014 Regional District of Central Okanagan Governance and Services Committee Meeting Agenda

 Item 5.2 Social Development Coordinator Update

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July 17, 2014 audio of entire RDCO Governance and Services Committee meeting - .mp3 (35.4 MB)

July 17, 2014 audio of RDCO Governance and Services Committee meeting only about Item 5.2 Social Development Coordinator Update - .wma (20.7 MB)

July 17, 2014 Regional District of Central Okanagan Governance and Services Committee Meeting Minutes

5.2 Christene Walsh, RDCO Social Development Coordinator re: Update Sobering & Assessment Centre Resource Overview

Christene Walsh addressed the committee and provided an overview on the need for a sobering centre within the region including:
• An overview of Surrey Quibble Creek Sobering Centre was provided (Fraser Health operates the Centre)
• Action is needed to confirm whether Kelowna can identify and allocate lands for a sobering centre and confirm with IHA to identify operational funding for a centre.

In addition the current homeless stats were provided as well as a proposal for a homeless memorial.
o 34 homeless persons have died locally since 2012.
o City of Vernon has approved a community request for a Homeless Memorial and, to be proactive, a request for Kelowna to consider a site is desired.
o National Homelessness Awareness Week is Oct. 13-19
Discussion:
- From a Board perspective the need for a sobering centre has been identified and the Regional Hospital District Board has set aside funding for the building.
- There is support from clients, social agencies (front line and resources), the RCMP, as well as Westbank First Nation.
- IHA needs to be the lead agency on this initiative.
- Management at IHA says that they are not the decision makers.
- Financials - the question remains what will it cost to build, what are the partnerships, what are the operational costs. Surrey's is managed by Fraser Health. Vancouver Island Health manages the facility in Victoria.
- Staff have prepared preliminary costs in the past but IHA would need to look at what model they would consider and develop the business case. Options include non-profit versus Health Authority.
- Fraser Health will share their operational costs with IHA.
- IHA has said they are interested, they just don't have the funds.
- Regional Board direction is required to move the issue forward to IHA's Board.
- A business case needs to be developed - who would be responsible to do this?
o Need to break log jam at IHA, and need to develop it together with IHA.
o It is not on the list of priorities at IHA.
- WFN would want to be involved, recognize the need for their citizens.
- Need a collaborative approach. Kelowna Council needs to indicate their support for a land site in Kelowna and then go to IHA to confirm their interest and best steps to develop a business plan.

GRAY/STACK
THAT the presentation by Christene Walsh, Social Development Coordinator, on the need for a sobering centre in the Central Okanagan be received for information;
AND FURTHER THAT the Regional Board be requested to:
1. Seek support from Kelowna Council for a land site for a sobering centre in Kelowna;
2. Direct Chair Hobson and Director Gray to meet with IHA to develop a concept of a shared business case and then report back to the Board.

CARRIED Unanimously

EDGSON/FIELDING
THAT consideration of a 'Homeless Memorial Site' in Kelowna be referred to Kelowna Council for consideration.

CARRIED Unanimously

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July 17, 2014 audio of entire RDCO Governance and Services Committee meeting - .mp3 (35.4 MB)

July 17, 2014 audio of RDCO Governance and Services Committee meeting only about Item 5.2 Social Development Coordinator Update - .wma (20.7 MB)

April 28, 2014 Highlights of the Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting

Nothing was mentioned in the Highlights about the sobering center because it was a Director Item.

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April 28, 2014 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (31.3 MB)

April 28, 2014 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Director Item - Gray - Recycling and Sobering Center - .wma (5.01 MB)

April 28, 2014 Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting Agenda

Nothing is mentioned in the Agenda about this Sobering Center because it was a Director Item

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April 28, 2014 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (31.3 MB)

April 28, 2014 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Director Item - Gray - Recycling and Sobering Center - .wma (5.01 MB)

April 28, 2014 Highlights of the Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting

Nothing was mentioned in the Highlights about this because it is a Director Item

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April 28, 2014 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (31.3 MB)

April 28, 2014 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Director Item - Given - CATCH - .wma (540 KB)

April 28, 2014 Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting Agenda

This was a Director Item so there is nothing in the Agenda about this

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April 28, 2014 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (31.3 MB)

April 28, 2014 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Director Item - Given - CATCH - .wma (540 KB)

October 10, 2013 Regional District of Central Okanagan Governance and Services Committee Meeting Agenda

 Item 5.1 CATCH Update

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October 10, 2013 audio of entire RDCO Governance and Services Committee meeting - .mp3 (29.8 MB)

October 10, 2013 audio of RDCO Governance and Services Committee meeting only about Item 5.1 CATCH Update - .wma (16.8 MB)

October 10, 2013 Regional District of Central Okanagan Governance and Services Committee Meeting Minutes

5. Delegation

5.1 Community Action Toward Children's Health (CATCH) - Chair Sharon Shepherd re: Update on CATCH's Activities CATCH's chair, Sharon Shepherd addressed the Committee providing an update on the activities including:

• CATCH integration team is made up of many members of the community including members of this Board (Director Fielding, Director Given).
• CATCH was formed in 1998 with funds from the Health Authority and the Ministry of Children and Families.
• Life course problems related to early life problems were highlighted.
• In 2006, it was decided that more attention needed to be given to aboriginal children in our community. Aboriginal CATCH was formed. The partners were highlighted. "Get back to traditional training - we had it right".
• Child Friendly Transportation for Young Children Toolkit has previously been developed.
• State of the Child report is normally done in November around "National Child Day Celebration" - Nov. 15 - 11 :30-1 :00 at the Capri Hotel.
• Working with UBC-O as a partner in a 'neighborhood projects' - working at developing better neighborhood representation for children. What works best to make a great neighborhood.
• Ages & Stages questionnaire - CATCH was instrumental in the collaboration of the Central Okanagan Early Childhood Development community in the discussion of this screening tool. Want this to be a standard tool in our community to identify vulnerable children in the region.

Discussion:
- Who do you see delivering the ASQ questionnaire? IHA delivers at 6 months but their contact stops there. Day cares, child development associations-the plan is to have all day care centres and pre-school centres administer the ASQ.
There is school district representation at the table. ASQ is also designed for parents to administer. The intent is to get referrals from there but the challenge can be long wait lists.
- Is there something local governments are missing? Some areas are being touched however how often are children mentioned in OCPs. Need to consider policy around children--CATCH looks toward policy development in the 0 - 6 age group.
- Interior Health needs to in the forefront in communicating what is available in the community.
- Early invention is critical in diagnosing issues where treatment can be started at an early age. It takes a community to raise a child.

BAKER/BASRAN
THAT the update by the Community Action Toward Children's Health (CATCH) be received for information.

CARRIED

-------------------------------

October 10, 2013 audio of entire RDCO Governance and Services Committee meeting - .mp3 (29.8 MB)

October 10, 2013 audio of RDCO Governance and Services Committee meeting only about Item 5.1 CATCH Update - .wma (16.8 MB)

Source:  RDCO What's New

June 24, 2013 Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting Minutes

b) Community Action Towards Children's Health (CATCH)

The question was raised regarding funding provided to CATCH. It was noted that the Regional Hospital District provides $5,000 annually as an operational grant.

-------------------------------

June 24, 2013 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (44.1 MB)

June 24, 2013 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about CATCH being funded $5,000 out of the Hospital District funds and is a line item and not a regular grant-in-aid - .wma (1.43 MB)

May 9, 2013 Regional District of Central Okanagan Governance and Services Committee Meeting Agenda

Item 5.2 Canadian Red Cross For Western Canada

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May 9, 2013 audio of entire RDCO Governance and Services Committee meeting - .mp3 (21.2 MB)

May 9, 2013 audio of RDCO Governance and Services Committee meeting only about Item 5.2 Canadian Red Cross For Western Canada - .wma (10.3 MB)

May 9, 2013 Regional District of Central Okanagan Governance and Services Committee Meeting Minutes

5.2 John Ritchey, Anna Hunt-Binkley, Campaign Chair and Sharon Shepherd, Honorary Campaign Chair re: Canadian Red Cross for Western Canada Building for Humanity Campaign 'Red Cross House' John Richey and A. Hunt-Binkley, Chair of the Canadian Red Cross - Building Humanity Campaign 'Red Cross House'.

Mr. Richey provided information on the programs of the Red Cross.

- Recently an agreement between the Red Cross and the Province was signed for the provision of emergency response units in the incidents of catastrophic disaster.
- The Mission of the Canadian Red Cross was highlighted. Operate under principle of neutrality, unity, universality.
- Operate anti-bullying programs across schools in Canada as well as a senior abuse program.
- BC Southern Interior's first full-service-Red Cross support and disaster operations centre in Kelowna was opened yesterday.
- Developing core capacity centers to be disaster ready. Recruit-train-support volunteers from current 500+ to over 1,000; build a training centre for volunteers and the public, building disaster centre, fundraise.
- Red Cross House in Kelowna will be a coordination centre for the southern interior.

Director Winsby arrived at 9:30 a.m.

- Budget includes: fundraising initiatives; programs and services; foundation and grants for a total revenue of $11,360,000.
- Introduced Sharon Shepherd, Honorary Campaign Chair and Anna Hunt-Binkley, Campaign Chair for the 'Red Cross House'.
- One of the objectives of the Canadian Red Cross is to enter into a MOU with communities across Canada in regards to public health and safety. When further information is available on this initiative Mr. Richey was asked to provide the information to the RDCO.

EDGSON/GRAY
THAT the presentation on the Building Humanity Campaign 'Red Cross House' be received for information.

CARRIED

-------------------------------

May 9, 2013 audio of entire RDCO Governance and Services Committee meeting - .mp3 (21.2 MB)

May 9, 2013 audio of RDCO Governance and Services Committee meeting only about Item 5.2 Canadian Red Cross For Western Canada - .wma (10.3 MB)

April 22, 2013 Highlights of the Regional District of Central Okanagan Board Meeting

Nothing was mentioned in the highlights about a sobering center

-------------------------------

April 22, 2013 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (25.9 MB)

April 22, 2013 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about letters received in regards to a Sobering Center - .wma (205 KB)

April 22, 2013 Regional District of Central Okanagan Board Meeting Agenda

  Nothing was mentioned in the Agenda documents about a sobering center

-------------------------------

April 22, 2013 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (25.9 MB)

April 22, 2013 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about letters received in regards to a Sobering Center - .wma (205 KB)

February 25, 2013 Highlights of the Regional District of Central Okanagan Board Meeting

Nothing was mentioned in the Highlights about Director Item Director Gray about Sobering Center because this was a Director Item

-------------------------------

February 25, 2013 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (26.9 MB)

February 25, 2013 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Director Item Director Gray about Sobering Center - .wma (493 KB)

February 25, 2013 Regional District of Central Okanagan Board Meeting Agenda

 Nothing was mentioned in the Agenda about Director Item Director Gray about Sobering Center because this was a Director Item

-------------------------------

February 25, 2013 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (26.9 MB)

February 25, 2013 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Director Item Director Gray about Sobering Center - .wma (493 KB)

November 8, 2012 Regional District of Central Okanagan Governance and Services Committee Meeting Agenda

Item 6.1 Quarterly Program Measures Report

Item 6.2 Briefing On 2013 - 2017 Financial Plan

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November 8, 2012 audio of entire RDCO Governance and Services Committee meeting - .mp3 (49.6 MB)

November 8, 2012 audio of RDCO Governance and Services Committee meeting only about Item 6.1 Quarterly Program Measures Report - .wma (18 MB)

November 8, 2012 audio of RDCO Governance and Services Committee meeting only about Item 6.2 Briefing On 2013 - 2017 Financial Plan - .wma (11.7 MB)

November 8, 2012 Regional District of Central Okanagan Governance and Services Committee Meeting Minutes

6. Finance & Administrative Services

6.1 Quarterly Program Measures Report (Year-to-Date - September 30, 2012)
Staff report dated November 1, 2012 outlined the program measures report year to- date September 30, 2012. Staff highlighted the executive summary comments.

- Corporate Services
o Recruitment process for new CAO has begun

- Waste Reduction
o Launch of paper reduction program
o Commercial waste quantities reduced by 2.8%
o Curbside collection radio frequency identification system
  • 1331 non-compliant customers identified and contacted, only 52 reoffenders
o Recycling - market downturn, budget effect

- Environmental Services
o Falcon Ridge Water - exploratory drilling for a new well
o Trepanier Bench Water - fire effects - 110 risk evident
o Leak Detection program for Westshore Water resulted in 43% reduction, and at Killiney Beach 20% of m3 pumped
o RDCO lift stations/collector systems - all pumps being investigated for deterioration
o Killiney Beach Water - reduction to scope of upgrade
o Reduced clerical staff by 0.5 FTE
o WWTP - Stage 3 design work completed.

- Information Systems
o MOU Lake Country has yet to sign the agreement. Concern regarding 2013 impact to partners if Lake Country does not sign on.

- Development Services
o School site acquisition
o Inspection Services - staff reduction
o Dog Control- review report received in October. Implementation plan will be coming forward for Board consideration.
o Noxious insect control - low complaint numbers.

- Protective Services
o Trepanier Fire
o Black Mountain grass fire
o Wilsons Land Volunteer Fire Department - volunteer fire chief leaving

- Regional Rescue
o 4 total EOC activations, 27 ESS activations
o Operation exercise - Sept 13
o Review of service is under way

- Parks Services
o Parkland acquisitions - 3 properties closed
o Mission Creek - upgrade to playground
o Trepanier Creek Greenway fire
o Bear closures
o Interpretation programs 8% increase in participants

- Crime Stoppers
o Vehicle donated to the program
o Sponsorship packages being developed
o Tips provided lead to info on two major homicides

- EDC
o Recruitment of United Airlines flights into Kelowna
o Export development - increased interest from China

- Purchasing
With the hiring of a purchasing manager, total quantifiable savings to date are $201,902, including risk reduction to RDCO, time savings for managers and staff and stronger contracts.
It was noted that the full report is in the Board's Reader file.

Discussion
-It was noted that West Kelowna is interested in receiving further information on the RFID program and staff will update Council in the future.
-West Kelowna will look at trunk lines in the near future. It's a low priority for them.
-School site acquisition - approved by the Province, developers will be required to pay a fee in the future.
-Information provided to Kelowna for review of boundary extension.
-What are the financial implications of reduced recycling and reduced income is there a way to offset costs? Staff is focusing on reduction programs (paper free program) paying less processing costs when it ends up in the recycling bins - it's the only thing that can be done to offset costs. Material is not being returned to the landfill. There is no shutdown for recyclables. The material that is recycled here is sent to relatively local markets (not China) plastics go to the Lower Mainland, paper to Washington. We can stockpile if required but there is no ability for reduced transportation costs as we use local markets. Where does the money go for electronics? The Electronics Stewardship of BC - they run the program, collecting, marketing, hauling, processing and they fund depot operations.

BAKER/EDGSON
THAT the Quarterly Program Measures report year-to-date September 30, 2012 be received for information.

CARRIED

===============

6.2 Briefing on 2013-2017 Financial Plan & Overview of the Process

Staff report dated October 30, 2012 outlined general impacts to consider during the 2013-2017 Financial Plan discussions. Full reporting will be completed through the budgeting process beginning in February. General impacts for 2013 were highlighted as a heads-up for the budgeting process.

BAKER/CONDON
THAT the 2013-2017 Financial Plan overview be received for information.

CARRIED

-------------------------------

November 8, 2012 audio of entire RDCO Governance and Services Committee meeting - .mp3 (49.6 MB)

November 8, 2012 audio of RDCO Governance and Services Committee meeting only about Item 6.1 Quarterly Program Measures Report - .wma (18 MB)

November 8, 2012 audio of RDCO Governance and Services Committee meeting only about Item 6.2 Briefing On 2013 - 2017 Financial Plan - .wma (11.7 MB)

November 8, 2012 Highlights of the Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting

National Child Day Recognition

The Regional Board will send a letter to the Community Action Toward Children’s Health (CATCH) recognizing November 20th as National Child Day. CATCH is a coalition of individuals, agencies, businesses and government representatives that advocate for and raise awareness of the importance of providing the best opportunities for children during their early years.

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November 8, 2012 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (32.4 MB)

November 8, 2012 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 9.2 Proclamation - National Child Day November 20, 2012 - .wma (25.4 MB)

November 8, 2012 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Director Item Gail Given Addiction Awareness - .wma (361 KB)

November 8, 2012 Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting Agenda

Item 9.2 Proclamation - National Child Day November 20, 2012

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November 8, 2012 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (32.4 MB)

November 8, 2012 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 9.2 Proclamation - National Child Day November 20, 2012 - .wma (25.4 MB)

November 8, 2012 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Director Item Gail Given Addiction Awareness - .wma (361 KB)

November 8, 2012 Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting Minutes

9.2 Proclamation - National Child Day, November 20, 2012

It was noted that the Community Action Towards' Children's Health has asked the Regional District to proclaim November 20, 2012 as National Child Day.
Discussion ensued as to whether any proclamations should come forward to the Board table for consideration. The municipal partners highlighted how proclamations are handled at their Council tables including that the Chair can proclaim on his own if he so wishes. At this time, it was suggested that the information be received and that the Board at a future meeting discuss a policy around proclamations.

EDGSON/BLANEIL
THAT the information on the National Child Day received from the Community Action Towards Children's Health be received and a letter of support be forwarded for National Child Day.

CARRIED

-------------------------------

November 8, 2012 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (32.4 MB)

November 8, 2012 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 9.2 Proclamation - National Child Day November 20, 2012 - .wma (25.4 MB)

November 8, 2012 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Director Item Gail Given Addiction Awareness - .wma (361 KB)

October 22, 2012 Highlights of the Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting

Regionally Significant Projects Approved

The Regional Board has received a letter from the Union of BC Municipalities outlining approval of Federal Gas Tax funding for several Regionally Significant Projects totalling more than $3.5-million. Among the projects approved for Gas Tax funding:

• Regional Active Transportation Project - $2,247,315
• Septic Treatment Upgrades Project - $780,000
• Upgrade and provide backup Centrifuge at Regional Septage Treatment facility - $317,900
• Regional Household Travel Survey - $150,000
• Review and update Regional Air Quality Management Plan - $38,000

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October 22, 2012 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (265 MB)

October 22, 2012 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 7.3 UBCM Regionally Significant Fund Application Approvals - .wma (601 KB)

October 22, 2012 Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting Agenda Kelowna City Hall Council Chamber 1435 Water Street

Item 7.3 UBCM Regionally Significant Fund Application Approvals

*Note: This is only a snippet

At its October 4, 2012 meeting, the Gas Tax Agreement's Management Committee made funding decisions for the Regionally Significant Project Fund applications. I am pleased to advise that your applications for the following projects have been
approved for RSP funding of the lesser amount indicated or 100% of the actual eligible costs of each approved project:

Regional Active Transportation Project, $2,247,315.00
Regional Housing Strategy Project, $150,000.00
Air Quality Management Project, $38,000.00
Septic Treatment Upgrades Project, $780,000.00
Centrifuge Project, $317,969.00

-------------------------------

October 22, 2012 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (265 MB)

October 22, 2012 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 7.3 UBCM Regionally Significant Fund Application Approvals - .wma (601 KB)

October 22, 2012 Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting Minutes

7.3 Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) - Approval of Regionally Significant Project Fund Applications (for information only)

FINDLATER/FIELDING
THAT the October 12, 2012 letter from the Union of BC Municipalities confirming approval of the Regional Significant Project Funding for the following projects be received:

• Regional Active Transportation Project $2,247,315
• Regional Housing Strategy Project (Household Travel Survey) - $150,000
• Air Quality Management Project - $38,000
• Septic Treatment Upgrades Project - $780,000
• Centrifuge Project - $317,969

CARRIED

-------------------------------

October 22, 2012 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (265 MB)

October 22, 2012 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 7.3 UBCM Regionally Significant Fund Application Approvals - .wma (601 KB)

March 8, 2012 Regional District of Central Okanagan Governance and Services Committee Meeting Agenda

Item 5.1 Community Action Toward Childrens Health (CATCH) funding support.pdf

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March 8, 2012 audio of entire RDCO Governance and Services Committee meeting - .mp3 (521 MB)

March 8, 2012 audio of RDCO Governance and Services Committee meeting only about Item 5.1 Community Action Toward Childrens Health (CATCH) funding support - .wma (874 KB)

March 8, 2012 Regional District of Central Okanagan Governance and Services Committee Meeting Minutes

There are no minutes posted to RDCO's website for this meeting.  You can check RDCO's website to see if they are published there, but they are not

-------------------------------

March 8, 2012 audio of entire RDCO Governance and Services Committee meeting - .mp3 (521 MB)

March 8, 2012 audio of RDCO Governance and Services Committee meeting only about Item 5.1 Community Action Toward Childrens Health (CATCH) funding support - .wma (874 KB)

B.C. MLA to live on $610 for one month
CBC News - Nov 28, 2011

Raise the Rates' Constance Barnes (l) and Jean Swanson (r) joined MLA Jagrup Brar (c) to announce his bid to live on welfare for one month. (CBC News)

B.C. NDP MLA Jagrup Brar will temporarily give up his home and salary and live on $610 welfare for one month after accepting a challenge from campaign group, Raise the Rates.

The Surrey Fleetwood MLA, who earned a monthly average of $10,546 in the last fiscal year, has agreed to spend January living on the income support and shelter allowance for a single person expected to look for work in British Columbia.

"I want to experience first-hand what life is like being on welfare or in poverty," Brar said, speaking at the Surrey Urban Mission on Monday.

Raise the Rates, a coalition of B.C groups that want governments to reduce poverty, issued the challenge to all B.C. MLAs in May last year, hoping to increase welfare and raise the minimum wage in British Columbia.

"Obviously, if you have a families-first agenda, the first priority should be people on welfare," coalition spokeswoman Jean Swanson said, issuing the challenge.

Welfare rates in B.C. were last increased in 2007. Equivalent rates total $599 in Ontario, $583 in Alberta and $913 in Saskatchewan.

December 12, 2011 Highlights of the Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting

Regional Board Members
Chair Robert Hobson Councillor, City of Kelowna
Vice-Chair James Baker Mayor, District of Lake Country
Jim Edgson Central Okanagan West Electoral Area
*Patty Hanson Central Okanagan East Electoral Area
*Walter Gray Mayor, City of Kelowna
*Colin Basran Councillor, City of Kelowna
*Andre Blanleil Councillor, City of Kelowna
*Gail Given Councillor, City of Kelowna
*Gerry Zimmermann Councillor, City of Kelowna
Keith Fielding Mayor, District of Peachland
Doug Findlater Mayor, District of West Kelowna
Duane Ophus Councillor, District of West Kelowna
Mickey Werstuik Councillor, Westbank First Nation
(Non-Voting Member)

* means new member of the board

Board-Committee Appointments

The Regional Board has approved some Director appointments to various statutory committees such as the Sterile Insect Release program, the Okanagan Basin Water Board and the Okanagan Regional Library board. The Regional Board will review the remaining committees and advisory commission structure in the New Year.

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December 12, 2011 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (47.7 MB)

December 12, 2011 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Committee Appointments - .wma (1.32 MB)

December 12, 2011 Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting Agenda

Item 5.1 Regional Board Appointments.pdf

Agenda No: 5.1
Mtg Date: Dec 13, 2011

Regional Board Report

TO: Regional Board
DATE: December 8,2011
FROM: Mary Jane Drouin Corporate Services Coordinator
SUBJECT: Board Appointments (External)

The following external appointments are required to be made at the December 12th Board meeting:

• Okanagan Basin Water Board - 3 Directors and 3 Alternates (Director Keith Fielding from Peachland, ??)
• Sterile Insect Release Board - 2 Directors and 1 Alternate
• Okanagan Film Commission Board - 1 Director and 1 Alternate (Director Andre Blanleil from City of Kelowna, with Director Duane Ophus from West Kelowna as alternate)
• Okanagan Regional Library - 1 Electoral Area Director and 1 Electoral Area Alternate (COW Director Jim Edgson and Director Patty Hanson from COE as alternate)
• Economic Development Commission Advisory Board - 1 Electoral Area Director and 1 Electoral Area Alternate (Director Colin Basran from City of Kelowna and Director Duane Ophus from West Kelowna as alternate)
• Southern Interior Beetle Action Committee - 1 Director and 1 Alternate (Director Jim Edgson from Central Okanagan West and Director Patty Hanson from Central Okanagan East as the alternate)
• Municipal Finance Authority - 1 Director and 1 Alternate (Chair Robert Hobson elected himself mentioning that Director Duane Ophus from West Kelowna wanted the appointment )
• Community Action Towards Children's Health (CATCH) - 1 Director and 1 Alternate (Director Keith Fielding from Peachland and Director Gail Given from City of Kelowna is the alternate)

A recommended list of appointees will be brought forward on December 12th.

The Governance and Services Committee functions as a 'committee-of-the-whole' comprised of all Regional Board members.

In addition, the Regional Board will review the remaining committees and their structure in the New Year at which time further appointments will be confirmed. These committees include:

Human Resources Committee;
Regional Sustainability Steering Committee;
Negotiating Committee;
Watercraft Committee;
Airport Advisory Committee;
Highway 97 Steering Committee;
Okanagan-Similkameen Airshed Coalition;
Okanagan Marine Advisory Council;
Dog Advisory Committee;
Weed Control Committee;
Westside Wastewater Treatment Service
Stakeholder Select Committee;
Agricultural Advisory Commission;
Environmental Advisory Commission;
Central Okanagan West Electoral Area Advisory Planning Commission and
Central Okanagan East Electoral Area Advisory Planning Commission.

This is for your information.

-------------------------------

December 12, 2011 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (47.7 MB)

December 12, 2011 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Committee Appointments - .wma (1.32 MB)

December 12, 2011 Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting Minutes

5. NEW BUSINESS

5.1 Regional Board Appointments (All Directors - Unweighted Vote)
The following appointments are required to be made at this time as many of the Boards and Committees begin their meetings in January.

Governance and Services Committee; Court of Revision, Economic Development Commission, Emergency Operations Control Group, Okanagan Basin Water board, Okanagan Film Commission, Okanagan Regional Library, Sterile Insect Release, Community Action Towards Children's Health (CATCH), Municipal Finance Authority, and Southern Interior Beetle Action
Coalition (SIBAC).

A list of appointments was circulated.

#282/11BAKER/GRAY
THAT the Regional Board approve the following appointments:

CARRIED

The question was raised what the process will be for reviewing the remaining committees and commissions. The Chair noted this will be discussed at strategic priority session in January.

-------------------------------

December 12, 2011 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (47.7 MB)

December 12, 2011 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Committee Appointments - .wma (1.32 MB)

November 10, 2011 Regional District of Central Okanagan Governance and Services Committee Meeting Agenda

Item 5.1 CATCH-Child Friendly Transportation Toolkit.pdf

------------------------------------------------

November 10, 2011 audio of entire RDCO Governance and Services Committee meeting .mp3 (230 MB)

November 10, 2011 audio of RDCO Governance and Services Committee meeting only about CATCH  - .wma (2.50 MB)

November 10, 2011 Regional District of Central Okanagan Governance and Services Committee Meeting Minutes

5. Delegations

5.1 Community Action Towards Children's Health (CATCH) - Myrna Kalmakoff, Community Coordinator re: Review of the Child Friendly Transportation Toolkit

Myrna Kalmakoff addressed the Committee on the Child Friendly Transportation Toolkit noting the Toolkit was released in May 2011. CATCH is requesting that staff review the Toolkit as part of the update of the Regional Growth Strategy as well as requesting member municipal staff review the Toolkit.

#GS96/11 SHEPHERD/FIELDING
THAT the presentation by the Community Action Towards Children's Health (CATCH) Myrna Kalmakoff, Community Coordinator regarding review of the Child Friendly Transportation Toolkit be received;

AND FURTHER THAT staff be directed to review the Toolkit as part of the development of the Regional Growth Strategy update and report back to the Board.

CARRIED

#GS97/11 SHEPHERD/FIELDING
THAT staff forward the CATCH Toolkit to member municipalities for their consideration.

CARRIED

------------------------------------------------

November 10, 2011 audio of entire RDCO Governance and Services Committee meeting .mp3 (230 MB)

November 10, 2011 audio of RDCO Governance and Services Committee meeting only about CATCH  - .wma (2.50 MB)

The Central Okanagan has joined the ranks of several other BC communities with the releasing of its first Living Wage calculation.

“A Living Wage is basically what a family of four requires to meet its basic needs to improve its quality of life and escape extreme poverty,” says the Social Development Coordinator for the Regional District of Central Okanagan. Christene Walsh adds, “The calculations are prepared using public data and a consistent methodology and includes ‘basic family expenses’ such as food, rent, transportation, child care and education. It also takes into consideration government taxes, credits, deductions and subsidies. The Living Wage figure doesn’t include other real life expenses such as home ownership, repaying debts, entertainment (cable, television, Internet), cigarette smoking etc.”

“In the Central Okanagan,” she says, “the Living Wage is calculated for a two parent family with two children aged four and seven. Each parent would need to earn $16.98 an hour to pay for necessities and support the healthy development of their children. It also allows them to participate in the social life of their community while allowing some funds to upgrade their training, skills and education.”

The Central Okanagan rate compares with a Living Wage of $17.27 per hour for the same family in Kamloops, $18.03 in Victoria and $18.81 in Vancouver.*

Walsh says over the last few months, many community groups and individuals have been asking her about a Living Wage figure for the Central Okanagan in order to draw attention to what it takes to lift a child out of poverty. “That’s why we decided to approach a University of Victoria professor to determine a Central Okanagan figure that’s consistent and comparable to the figures in other BC centres.”

She adds, “Now that we have a Living Wage figure for the Central Okanagan, we anticipate we’ll update it each year in the hopes of raising awareness of just what it takes to meet the bare bones needs of families across our community. We hope that employers might consider this and perhaps other supplementary things they could do outside of actual wages to support the quality of life of their workers and their families.”

Central Okanagan Economic Development Director Robert Fine says, “Many Central Okanagan employers are creatively embracing this kind of investment in their workers which pays dividends by reducing turnover and training costs and building employee loyalty, dedication and improved customer service. Some provide additional assistance with transit and parking, fitness and health passes and other benefits like health and medical coverage, flexible work schedules and tele-commuting.”

Walsh says, “BC has the highest child poverty rate in the country. We see the Living Wage figure for the Central Okanagan as a starting point and a tool that can be used to better understand the basic needs of families while building awareness for ways that enable more of them to participate and share in the quality of life that’s available here.”

* Communities Living Wage Rates

Vancouver - $18.81

Victoria - $18.03

Esquimalt - $17.31

Kamloops - $17.27

Regional District of Central Okanagan - $16.98

New Westminster - $16.74

Abbotsford - $16.42

Williams Lake - $15.77

Cranbrook - $14.16

Links: Detailed Central Okanagan Living Wage Table / Living Wage for Families website / Living Wage for Families 'Some Truths about the Living Wage'

Source:  RDCO's Whats New (July 19, 2011)

http://wearevisible.com/

http://careyfuller.com/

http://hardlynormal.com/

http://invisiblepeople.tv/

June 27, 2011 Highlights of the Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting

There was nothing mentioned in the highlights about CATCH

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June 27, 2011 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (208 MB)

June 27, 2011 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Air Quality and CATCH - .wma (1.15 MB)

June 27, 2011 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about CATCH - .wma (264 KB)

June 27, 2011 Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting Agenda

There was nothing mentioned in the Agenda about CATCH

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June 27, 2011 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (208 MB)

June 27, 2011 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Air Quality and CATCH - .wma (1.15 MB)

June 27, 2011 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about CATCH - .wma (264 KB)

June 27, 2011 Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting Minutes

12. OTHER BUSINESS

12.1 Director Items

g) Community Action Towards Children's Health (CATCH)

SHEPHERD/HODGE
THAT CATCH be requested to present their toolkit at a future Governance and Services Committee meeting.

CARRIED

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June 27, 2011 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (208 MB)

June 27, 2011 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Air Quality and CATCH - .wma (1.15 MB)

June 27, 2011 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about CATCH - .wma (264 KB)

May 12, 2011 Regional District of Central Okanagan Governance and Services Committee Meeting Agenda

Item 5.3 Homelessness Strategy Update.pdf

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May 12, 2011 audio of entire RDCO Governance and Services Committee meeting .mp3 (381 MB)

May 12, 2011 audio of RDCO Governance and Services Committee meeting only about the Homeless Strategy - .wma (13.5 MB)

May 12, 2011 Regional District of Central Okanagan Governance and Services Committee Meeting Minutes

5.3 Christene Walsh, RDCO Social Development Coordinator, re: Update on Homelessness Strategy

Christene Walsh provided an update on the region's homelessness partnering strategy including the community consultation results and moving forward, next steps.

'Hub' organizations are within the City of Kelowna, but the service is region-wide.

Key themes and trends were reviewed.
- Seeing younger (12-13 year olds) and older (60's) becoming homeless. It is not atypical to see individuals who have never been homeless, now homeless or close to it.
- Changes in the economy, reduction in donations have occurred.
- Access to transportation and a safe place to live are key themes. Working with groups to 'get people safe'.
- Service Canada grant document (only Kelowna and Kamloops submitted) has been submitted. The application is in Ottawa and staff are waiting to hear if grant funding will be approved.

HODGE/BAKER
THAT the update on the region's Homelessness Strategy be received.

CARRIED

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May 12, 2011 audio of entire RDCO Governance and Services Committee meeting .mp3 (381 MB)

May 12, 2011 audio of RDCO Governance and Services Committee meeting only about the Homeless Strategy - .wma (13.5 MB)

April 7, 2011 Regional District of Central Okanagan Governance and Service Committee Meeting Agenda

Item 5.3 CATCH Child Friendly Transportation Project.pdf

Item 5.2 Success By 6 Program.pdf

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April 7, 2011 audio of entire RDCO Governance and Services Committee meeting - .mp3 (447 MB)

April 7, 2011 audio of Governance and Services Committee meeting only about CATCH - .wma (1.91 MB)

April 7, 2011 audio of Governance and Services Committee meeting only about Item 5.2 Success By 6 Program - .wma (60.9 KB)

April 7, 2011 Regional District of Central Okanagan Governance and Service Committee Meeting Minutes

5.3 Myrna Kalmakoff, Community Coordinator, CATCH re: Child Friendly Transportation Project

Myrna Kalmakoff provided an overview of the Child Friendly Transportation Project noting:
• Based on direction by the community CATCH has chosen to begin an education and awareness effort in the area of Child Friendly Transportation for Young Children and Families.
• Compiling a Toolkit designed to inspire all sectors that influence transportation to keep the needs of our young children (ages 0-6 years) in the forefront.
• Two ads will be placed on community buses this year.
• As part of the Regional Growth Strategy update staff will be meeting with CATCH to review children friendly initiatives.

BAKER/FIELDING
THAT CATCH's Child Friendly Transportation Project update be received and referred to staff for review through the Regional Growth Strategy.

CARRIED

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April 7, 2011 audio of entire RDCO Governance and Services Committee meeting - .mp3 (447 MB)

April 7, 2011 audio of Governance and Services Committee meeting only about CATCH - .wma (1.91 MB)

April 7, 2011 audio of Governance and Services Committee meeting only about Item 5.2 Success By 6 Program - .wma (60.9 KB)

March 10, 2011 Regional District of Central Okanagan Governance and Services Committee Agenda

Item 3.1 New Official Community Plans Update.pdf

Item 4.1 Woodhaven Regional Park UBCO Eco Art Project Update.pdf

Item 5.2 Budget Introduction.pdf

Item 5.4.1 b-i NewStaffing-Admin.pdf

Item 5.4.1bii New Staffing -RegParks.pdf

Item 5.4.1c Engineering FTE Increase.pdf

Item 5.4.3 Regional Grant-in-Aid Allocation.pdf

Item 5.4.4 a - Budget Summary.pdf

Item 5.4.4 b - Tax Requisitions and Rates.pdf

Item 5.4.4 ciii-ProgramBudget-Planning.pdf

Item 5.4.4 cii-ProgramBudget-SWM.pdf

Item 5.4.4 ci-ProgramBudget - Engineering.pdf

Item 5.4.4 c-iv-ProgramBudget-Fire Protection.pdf

Item 5.4.4 c-ix-ProgramBudget-EDC.pdf

Item 5.4.4 c-viii-ProgramBudget-PolicingServices.pdf

5.3 Delegations

a) RCMP Supt. McKinnon and Cary Berger - re: Domestic Violence Support Worker Position

March 10, 2011 audio of entire RDCO Governance and Services Committee meeting .mp3 (537 MB or over 3 hours 55 mins)

March 10, 2011 audio of RDCO Governance and Services Committee meeting only about Superintendant Bill McKinnon speaking about the budget - .wma (11.4 MB)

About domestic violence, Crime Stoppers, victim services.  The police cannot find out if a home is a legitimate grow op until they get there.  More officers are needed.  Superintendant Bill McKinnon supports sobering centers, but where does the money come from.  No funding from the Province for Domestic Violence and have been denied twice by the Ministry.  So many other things come first before Domestic Violence.  Need more drug members. Director Edgson said domestic violence is tied to the economy and grow ops.  City of Kelowna survey said #1 concern residents have is domestic violence.  120 domestic violence cases a month.

Item 5.4.4 c-vii-ProgramBudget-Administration.pdf

Item 5.4.4 c-vi-ProgramBudget-Finance.pdf

Item 5.4.4 c-v-ProgramBudget-Inspection.pdf

Item 5.4.4 c-v-ProgramBudget-Parks.pdf

Item 5.4.4 c-x-ProgramBudget-RegionalBoard.pdf

March 10, 2011 Regional District of Central Okanagan Governance and Services Committee Meeting Minutes

5.3 Delegations

a) RCMP Supt. McKinnon and Cary Berger - re: Domestic Violence Support Worker Position Cary Berger, RDCO Manager of Police Services, provided the committee with an update on funding for the Domestic Violence Support Worker position. She stated a funding application had been submitted to the Ministry of Public Safety and the Standing Finance Committee to review, it was denied. Staff had a conference call with the Ministry and the Province noted that they have no funding for this position;
they support a community based victim service program and they are not interested in a third model at this time.
RCMP Superintendent McKinnon addressed the Board regarding the Domestic Violence Support Worker Position. He stated that they have re-organized and going forward, support will be provided by the plain clothes section and will be acted upon immediately, as a high priority. He noted that there are many positions that are needed within the RCMP and that in the scope of positions needed, this position is not determined as a high priority.

The City of Kelowna noted that domestic violence was identified as the number one priority for the City. It was asked of staff if the community based funding model be explored, instead of the police model? Staff noted that there is great value in having an in-house model as it falls under Federal jurisdiction with full disclosure.

Community based support works would be under non-disclosure.
The committee noted that it supported Superintendent McKinnon and the reorganization for support of the Domestic Violence Support Worker position. It was noted that they would like to continue to lobby for funding for the model in their community. If funding is not forthcoming then perhaps re-think and advocate for money to come from the community based program the Province is in support of.

SHEPHERD/HODGSON
THAT the Governance and Services Committee continue to support the pursuit of a Domestic Violence Support Worker position, however if funding is not forthcoming that staff start to pursue other funding options to provide a police- based position to support domestic violence in the community.

CARRIED

-----------------------------------------------

5.3 Delegations

a) RCMP Supt. McKinnon and Cary Berger - re: Domestic Violence Support Worker Position

March 10, 2011 audio of entire RDCO Governance and Services Committee meeting .mp3 (537 MB or over 3 hours 55 mins)

March 10, 2011 audio of RDCO Governance and Services Committee meeting only about Superintendant Bill McKinnon speaking about the budget - .wma (11.4 MB)

About domestic violence, Crime Stoppers, victim services.  The police cannot find out if a home is a legitimate grow op until they get there.  More officers are needed.  Superintendant Bill McKinnon supports sobering centers, but where does the money come from.  No funding from the Province for Domestic Violence and have been denied twice by the Ministry.  So many other things come first before Domestic Violence.  Need more drug members. Director Edgson said domestic violence is tied to the economy and grow ops.  City of Kelowna survey said #1 concern residents have is domestic violence.  120 domestic violence cases a month.

UBCO students going homeless
Castanet.net - by Wayne Moore - Story: 60743 - Mar 12, 2011
 

What does it feel like to be homeless?

Seven students at UBC Okanagan, five managment and two social worker students will find out first hand as they participate in 'Five Days For The Homeless,' a national campaign to raise awareness and money for local charities that help people at risk.

The students will spend days outdoors while raising money for the NOW Canada sponsored Tutt Street Place Apartment for Women and Children.

Their ordeal begins Sunday at 5 p.m. and wraps up at 5 p.m. next Friday.

Third year management student Kendra Hapke is one of those taking part.

She says they are trying to replicate the homeless experience as best they can.

"We basically go with the clothes on our back, a sleeping bag and a pillow and we will be sleeping outside," says Hapke.

"Any money that is given to us goes directly towards the cause. We can only live off food and other items that are given and donated to us."

Hapke says they have to give up everything including their possessions, income and even showers.

However, they still have to attend classes.

"We may be moving towards the back of the class as a request from our fellow classmates."

Hapke says they will also be attending a gala event scheduled for Thursday night.

It was suggested they suspend the fundraising event to attend the gala, but Hapke says they decided to attend as is.

"We thought it was important to commit to the five days. We're still going to attend the gala event, do some networking while not showering and wearing the same clothes."

Hapke says they have scoped out a place to sleep in front of the Science Building because it has an overhang which could help if it rains or snows.

Anyone wishing to donate to the cause can do so through the campaign website, www.5days.ca or make a donation directly to the students.

"I think it's important to raise awareness for the homeless and to try and do anything we can to help and this year it's going to a really great cause."

Hapke says their goal is to raise $7,000.

Last year, students raised $4,600 which went towards bedding at the Willowbridge Supportive Housing Program.

Link to 5 DAYS FOR THE HOMELESS

Kelowna, like other cities across Canada, has what it takes to end homelessness, but the federal government needs to step up to make it happen, says one of the leading authorities on the problem.

“Without a national housing plan, you in Kelowna can’t do what you need to end homelessness,” said Michael Shapcott, affordable housing and social innovation director at the Toronto-based Wellesley Institute, a non-profit research organization.

Shapcott was the keynote speaker at the UBC Okanagan leg of the B.C. Affordable Housing Research and Action roundtable.

“There needs to be capital funding for the brick and mortar. (A national housing plan) would be a reference guide organizations pull off the shelf,” Shapcott said.

He compared the Gross Domestic Product to the population, highlighting that doing so ranks this nation the seventh most wealthy on the global stage.

Conversely, it’s the only country in the OECD (Organizaton for Economic Co-operation and Development) that’s failed to come up with a national housing plan.

“We have a patchwork system that’s not meeting the needs of Canadians,” he said.

Shapcott pointed out that even the U..S has a plan to stop homelessness in the next decade, and their problem is, proportionately, more daunting.

As is, estimates show that anywhere from 150,000 to 300,000 Canadians are homeless, but the more telling figure, says Shapcott, is that 3.1 million Canadians live in unaffordable housing.

It’s a national weakness that’s ultimately costing taxpayers a lot of money, he said, pointing to the fact that even the Canadian Chamber of Commerce has lamented the price to business.

Access to affordable housing shapes the social, economic and political life of a society and when its lacking, it impacts the health of a nation.

By his estimates, Canada could save billions in health care dollars if investments were made in addressing affordable housing.

While it may seem like an overly daunting task to get the federal government to pour money into programs they’ve been cutting since the 1990s, Shapcott said support for private members bill C-304, which calls for a national housing strategy, could be the impetus needed to get the government going.

“They say it’s not a national issue, it’s a local issue,” he said.

“But in fact this is a problem for the federal government. (Getting adequate housing for Canadians) is not just a problem, it’s their legal responsibility.”

kmichaels "at" kelownacapnews.com

---------------------------------

By Cyberlots

I find it ironic how Mayor Sharon Shepherd is so against homelessness, but yet she would vote for me to pay $145 per month for 30 years for a water system and turn down a subdivision application that would help share in the cost of the water system. We have to look in our own backyard just as much if not more. Local government is just as reckless as any other level of government.

February 10, 2011 Highlights of the Regional District of Central Okanagan Regional Board Meeting

There was nothing mentioned in the Highlights about the Governance and Services Committee Meeting

7. COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

7.1 Rise and Report - Governance & Services Committee meeting of February 10, 2011

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February 10, 2011 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting .mp3 (15 MB)

February 10, 2011 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about the budget - .wma (3.04 MB)

February 10, 2011 Regional District of Central Okanagan Regional Board Meeting Agenda

7. COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

7.1 Rise and Report - Governance & Services Committee meeting of February 10, 2011

---------------------------------------

February 10, 2011 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting .mp3 (15 MB)

February 10, 2011 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about the budget - .wma (3.04 MB)

February 10, 2011 Regional District of Central Okanagan Special Board Meeting Minutes

Board Minutes

c) The Board rose and reported further on the following resolutions from the February 10, 2011 Governance and Services Committee. By consensus it was agreed to adopt one resolution.
SHEPHERD/HODGE

Domestic Violence Staffing
THAT the Regional District continue to advocate for funding for a police-based domestic violence position for the Central Okanagan.

AND FURTHER THAT staff be directed to request a delegation from the RCMP for the March 10th Governance and Services Committee meeting to present their position on the need for a police-based domestic violence staff position.

January 13, 2011 Regional District of Central Okanagan Governance and Services Committee Meeting Agenda

Item 3.2 Social Development Program Presentation.pdf

Click link above for RDCO's Social Development Coordinator Christene Walsh, MSW presentation on homelessness, Kelowna B.C.'s Gospel Mission, various sobering centers in B.C., etc. and the Regional District of Central Okanagan Governance and Services Committee discussing shelters, methadone program, other social programs, not enough funding, etc.  This link gives you an overall picture of Social Development Christene Walsh, MSW role in the Okanagan and in her newly designed position.  Christene Walsh's former position was Drug Policy Coordinator in the Regional District of Central Okanagan, but her position was slightly modified to make her job much more enjoyable she says.

Then visit the bottom link in this table to hear Christene Walsh speak to the G & S Board about her presentation.

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Here is a small snippett found at the link above.

Social Development Coordinator (building on former Drug Policy Coordinator role):

The Social Development Coordinator [SDC] role, utilizing an urban health [community development] approach, acts as a
resource for not-for-profit and government organizations, the community at-large and the employer – Regional District of Central Okanagan. A specific focus is to assist organizations who provide harm reduction, prevention, treatment and enforcement services for persons in need. The target population may be chemically dependent, homeless [at risk], mentally and/or physically ill, criminal justice involved and/or compromised in other ways. The SDC promotes community health & wellness [safety] via assisting partnership building between existing services as well as to problem-solve, help strengthen programs as well as to encourage, facilitate and support the development of new initiatives geared to helping the target clientele and, our community at large.

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January 13, 2011 audio of entire Governance and Services Committee meeting .mp3 (185 MB)

January 13, 2011 audio of Governance and Services Committee meeting only about Presentation by RDCO's Drug Policy Coordinator - .wma (19.7 MB)

January 13, 2011 Regional District of Central Okanagan Governance and Services Committee Meeting Minutes

3.2 Social Development Program Update - Christene Walsh, Social Development Coordinator Christene Walsh addressed the Board providing an update on the new role as Social Development Coordinator which one of the priority areas will be focusing on homelessness. The Four Pillars Coalition previously listed four main goals to target and these remain applicable:

• Greater Coordination and Cooperation
• Improved Public Health
• Enhanced Quality of Life, and
• Restored Public Order.

The goals/tasks for 2011/2012 were highlighted as well as a review of the Central Okanagan residential resources including: NOW Canada, Kelowna Gospel Mission, Richter Street Shelter, Inn From the Cold, Cardington Apartments, Willowbridge Transition Housing, White Buffalo Lodge, The Society of Hope, Tutt Street Place, New Gate Apartments, and Supportive Recovery Homes.

A review of the new additions to the service sector was also highlighted.

Christene explained the variance in her expansion as the drug policy coordinator to a social development role. One key change is focusing more on homelessness and not just on addiction. Change coincides with Service Canada for a homeless strategy meaning funding opportunities. Staff are working on a Homelessness Plan and how to utilize the dollars which come into the area. Sobering Centers are now being talked about in other communities and are being built in other areas (Fraser Valley have been given direction to make it happen, Yukon is building one, Kamloops is exploring the idea). There may be opportunities for the Central Okanagan in the future. The importance of not losing site of the Four Pillars goals was noted.

Discussion:
- Responsibility of mental health funding - BC Mental Health and Addiction Plan is full of prevention plans. We know we need to get to root causes but do not have the capacity of resources.
- Sobering Center - the issue will be ongoing funding not just the building of a Center. Support from the RCMP and groups within the Central Okanagan for a Center but funding is the overriding issues.
- Programs come and go - ie: Crystal Meth Task Force has folded, Foster Care program, Kids in Care program. Concern with program changes that the system is struggling. Programs need to be broadened - and not be so specific. Many programs are not lost but have been refocused with other resources.
- What is happening in the school district with various programs? Trying to get prevention programs back into the schools.
- New groups - how do you identify their clients and what is available in the region for services? One of the roles is to assist in coordinating groups and their resources.
- Concern was expressed that local government is now picking up 'the slack' from cutbacks at the senior government level which should fall within IHA's mandate.

Are other health authorities dealing with these issues? How far do you have to go dealing with social issues-individuals also have to become responsible?

Vancouver Island Health Authority seems to be doing well - very progressive in their programs and plans.

- It is believed there are over 400 individuals on income assistance that have no specific address. The number of homeless is probably in the area of 1,000. It is difficult to nail down numbers as some individuals do not believe they are homeless. The Central Okanagan has enough shelter beds for males but struggles with female beds. Core homeless are our citizens - from this area.

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January 13, 2011 audio of entire Governance and Services Committee meeting .mp3 (185 MB)

January 13, 2011 audio of Governance and Services Committee meeting only about Presentation by RDCO's Drug Policy Coordinator - .wma (19.7 MB)

January 13, 2011 Highlights of the Regional District of Central Okanagan Board Meeting

There was nothing mentioned about Director Items - Mayor Sharon Shepherd, in the Highlights of the RDCO Board Meeting

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January 13, 2011 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting .mp3 (33.9 MB)

January 13, 2011 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Director items, Kelowna Mayor Sharon Shepherd discussing Children's Health Meeting - .wma (144 KB)

January 13, 2011 Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting Agenda

Item 10.1 Local Government Leadership Academy Forum and UBC Electoral Area Director Meeting.pdf

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January 13, 2011 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting .mp3 (33.9 MB)

January 13, 2011 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Director items, Kelowna Mayor Sharon Shepherd discussing Children's Health Meeting - .wma (144 KB)

January 13, 2011 Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting Minutes

Director Items - Mayor Sharon Shepherd

11. OTHER BUSINESS

11.1 Director Items

a) International Children's Games
It was noted that the International Children's Games Kelowna 2011 begin this weekend and that Central Okanagan children will be well represented. This is a great economic boost to the region.

b) Community Action Toward Children's Health (CATCH)
Director Shepherd, as the Regional District's CATCH appointment, noted that CATCH is updating their strategic planning process including: strengthening parent resources, State of the Child report, aboriginal community gathering,
working on a child friendly community, developing their website and looking at the use of social media. It was noted that CATCH has lost the majority of their funding last year and that all services are now done by contract.

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January 13, 2011 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting .mp3 (33.9 MB)

January 13, 2011 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Director Items, Kelowna Mayor Sharon Shepherd discussing Children's Health Meeting - .wma (144 KB)

During the 2010 Realtor Food Drive, a thought occurred to Vernon realtor Darcy Griffiths.

With 19 tons of food collected from generous North Okanagan residents, Griffiths wondered how many people use the food bank so they have enough money for rent.

With that, Griffiths, of Re/Max, started a new iniative called I’ll Be Home For Christmas.

Through the program, one lucky resident is given the gift of free rent (maximum $750) for the holiday season.

“Putting food on the table versus paying the rent, that would be a difficult choice to have to make,” said Griffiths.

“Especially during the holiday season as costs for most households increases.”

Griffiths started making phone calls and, within a week, she had 10 locally owned businesses say they wanted to be involved in the initiative.

How it works is that each year in time for Christmas, the group of businesses will look for referrals of deserving individuals or families to be awarded the gift of free rent. It will be a surprise gift. The family or person will not apply.

This year’s winner came from the following recommendation:

“The candidate I am suggesting is a single working mom who holds down two part-time jobs. The family has no government or ministry income other than the child tax credit and HST rebates. She is trying to make it on her own.”

When informed that she was the recipient of the first I’ll Be Home For Christmas gift of free rent, the woman stated, “It was the best gift I could ever have received, and it came at no better of a time.”

The selection process for the 2011 event will be held in November.

Recipients will be selected on a referral basis.

The winner will be given their gift of free rent Dec. 1.

Any businesses that would like to be involved as a sponsor are asked to call Griffiths at 250-549-4161.

DISTURBING FACT ABOUT SOCIAL ASSISTANCE

MAXIMUM ASSISTANCE FOR RENT = $375

For employable singles, the maximum assistance you would be eligible to receive for one month no matter what your rental payments really are.

$375 Shelter
$235 Support
                    = $610 per month max. assistance?

But in many cases rent alone costs more than $375! Check out the classifieds and see for yourself.

If you are a person with disabilities or a senior:

$375 Shelter
$531 Support
                     = $906 per month max. assistance

Seniors get $296 more per month than someone younger.  Why?