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ONLY THE WATER IS A NECESSITY ....

WATER PIPES, PUMPS, and MAINTENANCE ARE NOT!

WATER PIPES, PUMPS, AND MAINTENANCE COSTS ARE A LUXURY NOT EVERYONE CAN AFFORD!

okanaganlakebc.ca

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Actual figures for Water Revenue and Expenses are in RDCO's Gov Srv Agenda's usually at budget time in February - March

2015 Actual will be coming in 2016
2014 Actual March 12, 2015 meeting
2013 Actual February 27, 2014 meeting
2012 Actual March 14, 2013 meeting
2011 Actual February 17, 2012 meeting
2010 Actual March 10, 2011 meeting
2009 Actual March 11, 2010 meeting

RDCO's bylaws web page (by number order)

RDCO's bylaws web page (alphabetical order)

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2015 - 2019 Financial Plan Bylaw No. 1356, 2015

2014 - 2018 Financial Plan Amending Bylaw No. 1354, 2015 - Amends Bylaw 1347
2014 - 2018 Financial Plan Amending Bylaw No. 1353, 2015 - Amends Bylaw 1347
2014 - 2018 Financial Plan Amending Bylaw No. 1352, 2014 - Amends Bylaw 1347
2014 - 2018 Financial Plan Amending Bylaw No. 1351, 2014 - Amends Bylaw 1347
2014 - 2018 Financial Plan Amending Bylaw No. 1349, 2014 - Amends Bylaw 1347
2014 - 2018 Financial Plan Bylaw No.1347, 2014 - Amended by Bylaw 1349, 1351, 1352, 1353, 1354

2013 - 2017 Financial Plan Amending Bylaw No. 1338, 2013 - Amends Bylaw 1324
2013 - 2017 Financial Plan Bylaw No. 1324, 2013 - Amended by Bylaw 1338

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November 26, 2012 Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting Agenda
Item 10.1 2012-2016 Financial Plan Amending Bylaw (Killiney Beach and Upper Fintry/Valley of the Sun/Shalal Road amendments)

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2012 - 2016 Financial Plan Amending Bylaw No. 1322, 2013 - Amends Bylaw 1305
2012 - 2016 Financial Plan Amending Bylaw No. 1317, 2012 - Amends Bylaw 1305
2012 - 2016 Financial Plan Amending Bylaw No. 1314, 2012 - Amends Bylaw 1305
2012 - 2016 Financial Plan Bylaw No. 1305, 2012 - Amended by Bylaws 1314, 1317, 1322

2011 - 2015 Financial Plan Amending Bylaw No. 1300, 2011 - Amends Bylaw 1289
2011 - 2015 Financial Plan Bylaw No. 1289, 2011 - Amended by Bylaw 1300

2010 - 2014 Financial Plan Amending Bylaw No. 1279, 2010 - Amends Bylaw 1272
2010 - 2014 Financial Plan Bylaw No. 1272, 2010 - Amended by Bylaw 1279

2009 - 2013 Financial Plan Bylaw No. 1256, 2009

2008 - 2012 Financial Plan Amending Bylaw No. 1248, 2008 - Amends Bylaw 1233
2008 - 2012 Financial Plan Amending Bylaw No. 1234, 2008 - Amends Bylaw 1233
2008 - 2012 Financial Plan Bylaw No. 1233, 2008 - Amended by Bylaw No. 1234, 1248

2007 - 2011 Financial Plan Bylaw No. 1204, 2007

2006 - 2010 Financial Plan Bylaw No. 1160, 2006

2005 - 2009 Financial Plan Bylaw No. 1101, 2005

2004 - 2008 Financial Plan Bylaw No. 1061, 2004

2003 - 2007 Financial Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 1025, 2003 - Amends Bylaw 1013
2003 - 2007 Financial Plan Bylaw No. 1013, 2003 - Amended by Bylaw 1025

A Vernon business insists water prices have left it high and dry.

Sunshine Laundry Express closed its doors Thursday on Highway 6.

“The water prices are rising astronomically,” said Michael Parent, who owns the laundry with his wife.

The average quarterly bill was about $1,500 when the business opened five years ago and it’s now about $3,000.

The decision to close was made because the lease for the space was up.

“We’re going further into the hole every month,” said Parent.

Besides the three employees out of work, Parent says he’s concerned about his customers who rely on a laundromat.

“There are apartments and low-income housing where there’s no access to washers and dryers,” he said.

Jim Garlick, Greater Vernon Advisory Committee member, wasn’t aware of Sunshine Laundry’s closure and says he needs more information before talking about the matter specifically.

“It seems like a considerable change — a doubling (of the cost),” he said.

Garlick insists GVAC is trying to operate a utility that reflects the interests of customers.

“There’s a price to running the system and a price to replacing what we already have. Also, there’s the master water plan,” he said, adding, though, that the utility may have to look at how high water-use businesses operate.

“Are there efficiencies we could help them out with? Is there (efficient) equipment that could be used?”

Source: http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/news/water-price-blamed-for-closure/

click for a larger copy

Planned Hydro Outage Affects North Westside Water Users

Customers of three Regional District of Central Okanagan water systems may want to prepare for a planned electricity outage next week.

BC Hydro says the outage will last from 6:00 am to approximately 6:00 pm on Wednesday, December 7th affecting more than 1,350 customers along Westside Road. The outage, subject to cancellation due to weather or other circumstances, is needed to make improvements to the distribution system.

The outage will impact operation of the Regional District’s Killiney Beach, Westshore Estates and Upper Fintry-Shalal Road-Valley of the Sun water systems.

Communications Officer Bruce Smith says, “With the planned, extended outage, we encourage our more than 600 customers on these systems, to conserve water: only using water when needed. If possible, they should avoid doing laundry and running dishwashers during the outage, as these appliances use large amounts of water.” He adds, “Given the advance notice, customers should stockpile some additional water for household use during the outage by filling their bathtub or adding additional water for drinking.”

Another reason for residents to conserve water during this period is that should any of the three systems run out of water, the Regional District will have to put out a Precautionary Water Quality Advisory until staff can flush the system and conduct bacterial and chlorine residual testing, which could take several days. Smith says, “We hope to avoid this by encouraging our customers to use water sparingly. We’ll be monitoring our systems throughout the day and will let residents know if any advisory is required.”

Interior Health advises that the draining of a reservoir can result in sediments being drawn into the distribution system and if any microorganisms have settled out into the sediments, they can be released at that time. There have been a number of cases where water systems have had positive lab reports when their reservoir was unintentionally drained due to a power outage, main break, or pump failure.

It says the loss of pressure can result in contaminant intrusion into the water distribution lines through cracks and leaks. This could put any individuals that consume the water at increased risk of gastrointestinal illness, particularly if the lines are close to septic discharges. This risk has been discussed in the Environmental Protection Association paper on the Potential for Health Risks from Intrusion of Contaminants into the Distribution System from Pressure Transients.

Smith says, “Depending on the location of a customer on a system, some receive water directly from the pressurized pipe on their street, while others get their water from the reservoir. When power is off for an extended period, system pumps can’t operate and users connected directly to pressurized pipes lose water shortly after the electrical outage, depending on where they are located within the system. Those connected directly to a reservoir will continue to get water until the reservoir supply is depleted.”

“Once electricity is restored and all pumps are working again,” Smith says “users directly connected to the pressure pipes will receive water fairly quickly once the system’s pressure returns. Those fed from reservoirs will take longer to get water service as it takes time to refill and replenish the reservoirs. If your water is cloudy please run the cold water tap until it clears.”

Affected customers can find information from BC Hydro on ‘Prepare Your Home for An Outage’ and ‘What to Do During an Outage, from Safety to Kids to Food’. Visit bchydro.com/outages or bchydro.com/mobile for the most up-to-date information on the outage and the estimated time for electricity restoration.

The Regional District operates and maintains water systems serving just over 900 properties in the following areas: Falcon Ridge, Killiney Beach, Sunset Ranch, Star Place/Dietrich, Westshore and Upper Fintry - Shalal Road - Valley of the Sun.

For information visit regionaldistrict.com/water or contact RDCO Environmental Services at engineer@cord.bc.ca or 250-469-6241. To subscribe online for Regional District water quality advisories or alerts by email visit regionaldistrict.com/water.

(November 30, 2016)

Source RDCO's Whats New:  http://www.regionaldistrict.com/whats-new.aspx

September 19, 2016 Highlights of the Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting

Nothing was mentioned in the Highlights about Peachland winning a water award because it was a Director Item

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September 19, 2016 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (260 MB)

September 19, 2016 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Peachland winning a water award - .wma (419 KB)

September 19, 2016 Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting Agenda

Nothing was mentioned in the Agenda about Peachland winning a water award because it was a Director Item

*Note* click link above for entire content

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September 19, 2016 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (260 MB)

September 19, 2016 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Peachland winning a water award - .wma (419 KB)

August 22, 2016 Highlights of the Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting

Nothing was mentioned in the Highlights about Item 9.3 RDCO Development Variance Permit, pump station Winchester Road

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August 22, 2016 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (311 MB)

August 22, 2016 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 9.3 RDCO Development Variance Permit, pump station Winchester Road - .wma (2.35 MB)

August 22, 2016 Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting Agenda

Item 9.3 RDCO Development Variance Permit, pump station Winchester Road

*Note* click link above for entire content

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August 22, 2016 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (311 MB)

August 22, 2016 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 9.3 RDCO Development Variance Permit, pump station Winchester Road - .wma (2.35 MB)

The Regional District of Central Okanagan has issued a precautionary water quality advisory for Killiney Beach and Westshore customers.

The advisory is a result of ongoing power outages related to the Bear Creek fire. Reservoirs are not able to be replenished as they would normally.

“Interior Health has been contacted and while the health risk is modest and no bacteria have been found in any of the water tested from the systems, regional district staff recommends that as a precaution, customers follow Interior Health guidelines, especially for those with weakened immune systems, the elderly, children and those wishing additional precautions,” said Bruce Smith, with RDCO.

“All water intended for drinking, washing fruit and vegetables, making beverages, ice or brushing teeth should be boiled for at least one minute or customers should use a safe alternative to water from the tap such as bottled or distilled water.”

The precautionary advisory will continue until further notice.

Residents are also being asked to conserve water.

Source: http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/news/390945741.html

May 30, 2016 Highlights of the Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting

Gas Tax Community Works Funding
The Regional Board has received a report outlining the use of Gas Tax Community Works Funds in the electoral areas over the past nine years. The Regional District has used these funds for various projects without having to seek additional funding from taxpayers. From 2006 to 2015 the Central Okanagan West Electoral Area has received more than $2.6-million through the funding program of which over $1.6-million has been spent, another $174,723 is committed to projects and $1.3-million remains in reserve for future projects. During the same period Central Okanagan East has received almost $1.2-million in Gas Tax funding with $622,157 has been spent, another $643,233 is committed and $146,934 is in reserve for future projects.

Financial Plan Amendment Bylaw
The Regional Board has adopted amendments to the 2016-2020 Financial Plan Bylaw. The changes reflect adjusted use of Community Works Gas Tax funds and additional project cost details for the Trepanier and Westshore water systems, Ellison and Joe Rich Fire Departments and Eastside Parks.

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May 30, 2016 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (253 MB)

May 30, 2016 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Director Carson's request to defer Item 7.1 Gas Tax Community Works Fund Usage - For Information and Item 7.2 2016 Community Works Fund Project Approval - .wma (3.80 MB)

May 30, 2016 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 7.1 Gas Tax Community Works Fund Usage - For Information - .wma (3.18 MB)

May 30, 2016 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 7.2 2016 Community Works Fund Project Approval - .wma (1.15 MB)

May 30, 2016 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 7.3 RDCO 2016-2020 Financial Plan Amendment Bylaw - .wma (7.88 MB)

May 30, 2016 Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting Agenda

Item 7.1 Gas Tax Community Works Fund Usage - For Information

Item 7.2 2016 Community Works Fund Project Approval

Item 7.3 RDCO 2016-2020 Financial Plan Amendment Bylaw

*Note* click links above for entire content

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May 30, 2016 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (253 MB)

May 30, 2016 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Director Carson's request to defer Item 7.1 Gas Tax Community Works Fund Usage - For Information and Item 7.2 2016 Community Works Fund Project Approval - .wma (3.80 MB)

May 30, 2016 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 7.1 Gas Tax Community Works Fund Usage - For Information - .wma (3.18 MB)

May 30, 2016 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 7.2 2016 Community Works Fund Project Approval - .wma (1.15 MB)

May 30, 2016 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 7.3 RDCO 2016-2020 Financial Plan Amendment Bylaw - .wma (7.88 MB)

Stage 1 restrictions run September 16th to June 15th and provide alternate day irrigation based on odd/ even addresses.
Stage 2 restrictions run June 16th to September 15th unless otherwise noted:

even number addresses may water Saturday and Tuesday,

odd number addresses may water outdoors, Sunday and Wednesday.

While someone using a watering can and hose with a spring loaded nozzle may water at any time of the day, there are restrictions in place for other users.

If you don’t need to water on your allotted day or time period, please do not waste water.

Source: http://www.regionaldistrict.com/media/200254/WaterTalk2_Spring16.pdf

$89.41 per month for water and garbage

If RDCO wants to regulate the water, they better be able to regulate the water

If the RDCO wants to regulate the water, they better know how to warn us when we get to our basic limit so we don't go over, because we refuse to pay any more for water than the basic amount, because we want to conserve.  We will be advising RDCO by way of a letter of this, and if we are not warned by RDCO when we get to our basic amount, we will be making a complaint to the BC Ombudsman.

We will be sending a letter to RDCO Chris Radford to let him know that we cannot afford to pay anymore than the basic amount for water, and that any excess other than the basic amount of $172.50 should not be fed to us.  Either RDCO warns us before we get to our limit so we can stop taking the water, or RDCO cuts off the water when we get to our limit, because there is no way we can tell how much water we are using.  The regular kitchen tap or bathroom sink tap does not have a meter on them.

Is it fair that a single person with low flow everything, and the only one in the house, should pay extra for water at Valley of the Sun? 

RDCO ain't trying to get people to conserve when they are already conserving, but instead RDCO wants to make sure they gouge everyone into paying for their automated system that still requires an RDCO water truck to run around on a Saturday that we seen Saturday April 23, 2016 on Westside Road north of Shalal Road about 9:30am

And this home's occupant does not shower every day either!!

This household can't conserve anymore!!!

RDCO is an asshole in our opinion!!!  It is obvious that RDCO is costing us too much money.  Can you imagine the admin fees over all this water money they are collecting.

We don't have food, because we have to pay RDCO for water that is free!!!

We can't afford scada automation, and an RDCO water employee at work on a Saturday, thank you very much RDCO!!!

Invoice Amounts for Scada at Upper Fintry/Valley of the Sun/Shalal Road

click page for larger print

It looks as though the cost for Scada was $54,046.84 but RDCO received a GST Rebate and that saved $1,568.34, bringing the cost down to $52,478.52 for Scada at Upper Fintry/Valley of the Sun/Shalal Road.  $4,222.41 in PST and GST taxes were paid for Scada.

May 12, 2016 Regional District of Central Okanagan Governance and Services Committee Meeting Agenda

 Item 5.1 Dr. John Janmaat, The LEEF BC Regional Innovation Chair-Water Resources & Ecosystem Sustainability

*Note* Please click link above for entire content

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May 12, 2016 audio of entire RDCO Governance and Services Committee meeting - .mp3 (297 MB)

May 12, 2016 audio of RDCO Governance and Services Committee meeting only about Item 5.1 Dr. John Janmaat, The LEEF BC Regional Innovation Chair-Water Resources & Ecosystem Sustainability - .wma (18.5 MB)

May 12, 2016 Regional District of Central Okanagan Governance and Services Committee Meeting Minutes

5. DELEGATION

5.1 Dr. John Janmaat, The LEEF BC Regional Innovation Chair-Water Resources & Ecosystem Sustainability

Dr. Janmaat, Professor of Economics at UBC-Okanagan, presented the findings from a five year research chair project on water-use challenges that directly impact the Okanagan communities. The Okanagan Basin Water Board, on behalf of RDCO, RDNO and RDOS, contributed $500,000 to the project over five years.
Research themes based on the advisory committee input were highlighted: water and the Okanagan economy; the value contributed by water; and governance and water.

SINGH/STACK
THAT the presentation by Dr. John Janmaat, The LEEF BC Regional Innovation Chair Water Resources & Ecosystem, from a five-year research project on water-use challenges that directly impact the Okanagan communities, be received for information.

CARRIED Unanimously

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May 12, 2016 audio of entire RDCO Governance and Services Committee meeting - .mp3 (297 MB)

May 12, 2016 audio of RDCO Governance and Services Committee meeting only about Item 5.1 Dr. John Janmaat, The LEEF BC Regional Innovation Chair-Water Resources & Ecosystem Sustainability - .wma (18.5 MB)

April 25, 2016 Highlights of the Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting

Nothing was mentioned in the Highlights about items 6.1 and 8.1 or about the audio links below

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April 25, 2016 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (189 MB)

April 25, 2016 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about 6.1 Emily MacNair, Program Manager - Okanagan Regional Adaptation Strategies Update - .wma (13 MB)

April 25, 2016 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about 8.1 RDCO Purchase Commitments >$100,000 during 1Q 2016 - .wma (2.37 MB)

April 25, 2016 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Carson and Hanson having a meeting with Community and Sport Minister Fassbender - .wma (959 KB)

April 25, 2016 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Director item - Carson - Governance Study (Given says it took Cultus Lake 10 years for a governance study, and she went on to explain how incorporation is different) - .wma (4.86 MB)

April 25, 2016 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Director item -Gray - SILGA - .wma (757 KB)

April 25, 2016 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about item Director Item - Ophus - about MFA Financing .wma (944 KB)

April 25, 2016 Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting Agenda

6.1 Emily MacNair, Program Manager - Okanagan Regional Adaptation Strategies Update

8.1 RDCO Purchase Commitments >$100,000 during 1Q 2016

*Note* Please click links above for entire content

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April 25, 2016 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (189 MB)

April 25, 2016 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about 6.1 Emily MacNair, Program Manager - Okanagan Regional Adaptation Strategies Update - .wma (13 MB)

April 25, 2016 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about 8.1 RDCO Purchase Commitments >$100,000 during 1Q 2016 - .wma (2.37 MB)

April 25, 2016 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Carson and Hanson having a meeting with Community and Sport Minister Fassbender - .wma (959 KB)

April 25, 2016 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Director item - Carson - Governance Study (Given says it took Cultus Lake 10 years for a governance study, and she went on to explain how incorporation is different) - .wma (4.86 MB)

April 25, 2016 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Director item -Gray - SILGA - .wma (757 KB)

April 25, 2016 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about item Director Item - Ophus - about MFA Financing .wma (944 KB)

April 14, 2016 Highlights of the Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting

Nothing was mentioned in the Highlights about item 5.2 Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure Approval of funding for Bellevue Creek Intake and Dike Improvements

Water System Funding Application
The Regional Board has approved a resolution committing one-third of the funding for a proposed capital upgrade to the Falcon Ridge Water System. An application will be made to the Canada-BC New Building Canada Fund – Small Communities Fund to assist with the construction during 2018 of a new reservoir cell and concrete vault for the water system serving just over 50 properties off Highway 33 in the Central Okanagan East Electoral Area. If funded, the project would help meet Provincial and Regional District water quality objectives while increasing storage capacity, water pressure and fire flows. The total cost of the project is estimated at more than $440,000 of which $145,000 would be funded through capital reserves for the water system.

Emergency Program Act Response
The Regional Board has approved submitting a response to the Provincial Government as part of the public consultation on the Emergency Management BC Discussion Paper. Regional Emergency Program staff have reviewed the document and provided comments regarding possible changes to modernize and clarify responsibilities in the Emergency Program Act.

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April 14, 2016 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (119 MB)

April 14, 2016 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about item 5.2 Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure Approval of funding for Bellevue Creek Intake and Dike Improvements - .wma (364 KB)

April 14, 2016 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about item 6.1 New Building Canada Fund-Small Communities Fund for Falcon Ridge Water System - .wma (2.34 MB)

April 14, 2016 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about item 7.1 Rise & Report from Governance & Services Meeting - April 14, 2016 Emergency Program Act Consultation - .wma (214 KB)

April 14, 2016 Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting Agenda

Item 5.2 Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure Approval of funding for Bellevue Creek Intake and Dike Improvements

Item 6.1 New Building Canada Fund-Small Communities Fund for Falcon Ridge Water System

item 7.1 Rise & Report from Governance & Services Meeting - April 14, 2016 Emergency Program Act Consultation (don't see any agenda for this)

*Note* click links above for content

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April 14, 2016 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (119 MB)

April 14, 2016 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about item 5.2 Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure Approval of funding for Bellevue Creek Intake and Dike Improvements - .wma (364 KB)

April 14, 2016 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about item 6.1 New Building Canada Fund-Small Communities Fund for Falcon Ridge Water System - .wma (2.34 MB)

April 14, 2016 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about item 7.1 Rise & Report from Governance & Services Meeting - April 14, 2016 Emergency Program Act Consultation - .wma (214 KB)

The City of Kelowna is hitting back after being publicly accused of not applying for millions of dollars in grant money to help area water purveyors fix their systems.

According to city hall, a South East Kelowna Irrigation District (SEKID) spokesman, interiewed on radio last week, was wrong when he said there were “tens of millions of dollars” in grants available that the city could have applied for on behalf of the water districts to help fund projects in the Kelowna Integrated Water Supply Plan (KIWSP).

The city didn’t, it was claimed, because Kelowna wants to fold their operations into one integrated water system run by the city.

“In fact, improvement grant funds have been on hold until a provincially mandated independent review of the KIWSP is done,” said the city in a news release issued Thursday.

“All water providers have known this since 2012, but have failed to agree to the terms of reference for the study to proceed.”

Because of that, the province has appointed two mediators to try and bring the city and the four water purveyors who operate independent water systems in various parts of the city, together.

One of the mediators is former Shuswap MLA and provincial cabinet minister George Abbott.

The purveyors include SEKID, the Glenmore-Ellison Irrigation District, The Black Mountain Irrigation District and Rutland Waterworks.

All are separate, independent bodies with their own powers to operate and levy rates on property owners in their areas to pay for their water systems.

The city also operates its own, separate water utility.

“There was one grant program available, the Strategic Priorities Fund, and the city did apply for water project funds on behalf of the Kelowna Joint Water Committee under this program, but was unsuccessful,” said the city in its news release.

Without grants, property owners in each of the individual irrigation districts have had to fund the ongoing projects through the rates they pay and that has meant rate increases.

The SEKID spokesman is quoted as saying: “The city wants to turn this into a governance review….But we don’t feel it is appropriate because this is a technical report and there’s nothing about governance in it.”

The city is also taking issue with SEKID’s contention that the governance review will take years to complete and will slow things down.

“These statements are not correct,” said the rebuttal from the city.

“Section 6 of the Kelowna Integrated Water Supply Plan is all about governance.

“This 16-page section on governance is an important part of the KIWSP and the City of Kelowna refuses to have it excluded from the the Value Engineering Analysis.”

The city contends the plan needs to be considered in its entirety, saying sections can’t be discounted or removed from the review simply because they might be of concern to the irrigation districts.

The escalating fight over water jurisdiction in the city stems from council’s desire to see one integrated water system serving the entire city, a system Kelowna Mayor Colin Basran feels would be safer, cheaper and serve all Kelowna residents in a more cost-effective way.

After on-going backroom attempts to negotiate some sort of change fell short, Basran went public with council’s desire for a single water utility in the city earlier this month during his state of the city address to the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce.

In its response to the water purveyors’ public reaction to the mayor’s comments, city hall says the fact that irrigation districts are choosing to ignore section 6 of the KIWSP suggests governance is, in fact, the obstacle to implementing the province’s requirement for the best lowest-cost solution to Kelowna’s water challenges.

“The City of Kelowna believes these challenges cannot be addressed under the century-old system of separate and independent utilities. We believe an integrated system is the best investment for Kelowna and that’s why a governance review is important. We need to look at solutions without the limitations of district boundaries.”

The city says it wants to work with the province to develop a long-term plan for an integrated system that will deliver clean drinking water to all residents at equitable rates, along with a sustainable water supply and rates for agriculture.

In his recent State of the City address to the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, Basran claimed tens of thousands of city residents are under frequent or nearly constant water quality advisories while 70 per cent of residents surveyed say water quality improvement tops their list of priorities for investment.

The mayor added while the city has continually improved its own water system without the funding from senior levels of government, he feels one interconnected system throughout the entire city would ensure not only consistent water quality, but also adequate supply.

Source:  http://www.kelownacapnews.com/news/370287601.html

February 25, 2016 Regional District of Central Okanagan Governance and Services Committee Meeting Agenda

 Item 3.1 Regional Grant In Aid Review
 Item 3.2 2016 2020 Financial Plan Review Budget Presentation
 Item 3.2 2016 2020 Financial Plan Review Preliminary Information
 Item 3.2A Summary Highlights Report
 Item 3.2B Budget Piechart And Information Tab 6 Pg 1 To 4
 Item 3.2C Budgets Summary Tab 6 Pg 5 To 14
 Item 3.2D Tax Requisitions And Rates Tab 7 Pg 1 To 17
 Item 3.2F Community Services Engineering Tab 8 Pg 1 To 34
 Item 3.2G Community Services Waste Management Tab 8 Pg 35 To 42
 Item 3.2H Community Services Planning Tab 8 Pg 43 To 46
 Item 3.2I Community Services Fire Protection Tab 8 Pg 47 To 65
 Item 3.2J Community Services Police Services Tab 8 Pg 66 To 73
 Item 3.2K Community Services Inspections Tab 8 Pg 74 To 77
 Item 3.2Ii Proposed Regional Parks 2016 2020 Budget Highlights And Additional 2016 Project Investment Options
 Item 3.2L Parks Services Tab 8 Pg 78 To 90
 Item 3.2M Finance And Administration Tab 8 Pg 91 To 121
 Item 3.2N Corporate Services Tab 8 Pg 122 To 141
 Item 3.2O Corporate Services Bylaw Enforcement Tab 8 Pg 142 To 153
 Item 3.2P Economic Development Commission Tab 8 Pg 154 To 155
 Item 3.2Q Regional Board Tab 8 Pg 156 To 165

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

Item 3.2O Corporate Services Bylaw Enforcement Tab 8 Pg 142 To 153
RDCO Dog Control 2015 Actual and 2016 Preliminary Budget

click image for a larger copy

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February 25, 2015 audio of entire RDCO Governance and Services Committee meeting - .mp3 (33.9 MB)

February 25, 2015 audio of RDCO Governance and Services Committee meeting only about Item 3.1 Regional Grant In Aid Review - .wma (9.23 MB)

February 25, 2015 audio of RDCO Governance and Services Committee meeting only about the budget - .wma (41.5 MB)

February 25, 2015 audio of RDCO Governance and Services Committee meeting only about Parks Delegate and Budget - .wma (19.5 MB)

It is too difficult to find each of the above items in the audio, so not going to break up all the audio of this meeting, its all in the three links above, but below are clips out of the audio above.

February 25, 2015 audio of RDCO Governance and Services Committee meeting only about the water systems - .wma (6.59 MB)

February 25, 2015 audio of RDCO Governance and Services Committee meeting only about not moving the hydro pole on Killiney Beach - .wma (1.32 MB)

February 25, 2015 audio of RDCO Governance and Services Committee meeting only about withdrawing from Electoral Area Fire Prevention - .wma (246 KB)

February 25, 2015 audio of RDCO Governance and Services Committee meeting only about an increase in taxes to pay for Electoral Area Planning - .wma (428 KB)

February 25, 2016 Regional District of Central Okanagan Governance and Services Committee Meeting Minutes

Minutes of the RDCO Governance and Services Committee meetings are not usually posted to RDCO's website until after the following meeting which would be March 10th, 2016.  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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February 25, 2015 audio of entire RDCO Governance and Services Committee meeting - .mp3 (33.9 MB)

February 25, 2015 audio of RDCO Governance and Services Committee meeting only about Item 3.1 Regional Grant In Aid Review - .wma (9.23 MB)

February 25, 2015 audio of RDCO Governance and Services Committee meeting only about the budget - .wma (41.5 MB)

February 25, 2015 audio of RDCO Governance and Services Committee meeting only about Parks Delegate and Budget - .wma (19.5 MB)

It is too difficult to find each of the above items in the audio, so not going to break up all the audio of this meeting, its all in the three links above, but below are clips out of the audio above.

February 25, 2015 audio of RDCO Governance and Services Committee meeting only about the water systems - .wma (6.59 MB)

February 25, 2015 audio of RDCO Governance and Services Committee meeting only about not moving the hydro pole on Killiney Beach - .wma (1.32 MB)

February 25, 2015 audio of RDCO Governance and Services Committee meeting only about withdrawing from Electoral Area Fire Prevention - .wma (246 KB)

February 25, 2015 audio of RDCO Governance and Services Committee meeting only about an increase in taxes to pay for Electoral Area Planning - .wma (428 KB)

The many million dollars proposed for the improvement of water systems in Greater Vernon could be sharply decreased by applying indigenous ecological knowledge.

Currently, our valley is portrayed as a region that sheds water, and, truthfully, many of our streambeds are dry. For this, we have to thank the fur traders, not nature.

Before trapping, there were more than 60 million beavers in North America. They are the water keepers. Indigenous people sacrificed them because they needed vital trade goods to survive in the new non-indigenous North America, yet they knew very well the huge price being paid.

Experiments in reintroducing beavers have had inspiring results. In Alberta, they have increased open water retention by 60 per cent. In Nevada, they have restored dry streams, like the gullies running down into Vernon from the hills, to year-long ones, right down into the desert floor.

Alberta trials have also shown that beaver habitat naturally cleans water of excess nitrogen from agricultural run-off, without any further treatment necessary.

"Beaver Fever" has been shown to be a myth, a disease caused more often by cattle and, most often, by humans than by beavers. Trials in Ontario show that trout in beaver ponds are larger than those in streams and that ponds provide shelter for large individuals during drought.

Trials in the Coldwater River, one of our regional rivers, have shown that salmon survival and spawning is higher in beaver habitat. A recent trial in Oregon's John Day Valley, a region formed at the same time as the Okanagan and with the same climate and similar geography, restored two vertical feet of lost streambed, increased grazing land and bear and deer habitat from zero to 100 metres from the streams, and increased steelhead spawning numbers by 20 per cent, all within five years.

Currently, higher altitude trials are underway in the Methow, one of our sister valleys in Northern Washington.

All in all, beavers can store water, release it slowly through the year, clean it, and deliver it to the valley floor, while maintaining rich plant, animal, bird and fish communities. The cost? Almost none.

There would be a small decrease in timber values (offset by increased availability of water to other timber), a small decrease in grazing land (offset by increases of sub-irrigated land in currently dry areas), and some adjustments for private property owners and road construction and maintenance contracts.

The benefits, however, would include greater retention of water, year-round availability of water, decreased loss of water to evaporation, increased wildlife, bird and fish habitat, cleaner water, and rich, properly-functioning landscapes capable of withstanding global warming and of sustaining our children for generations.

Piped water would still be necessary, of course, but not at the expense or in the volumes demanded by current models. If the reintroduction of beavers was accompanied by a program to shift cool season or short season crops up into the high country, the huge loss of water due to evaporation in the extreme-evaporation zone of our valley bottom would lead to increased agricultural production at a fraction of water use, with incredibly low delivery costs.

Cycling water through the extreme evaporation zone of Okanagan Lake, to clean it by plankton, is hugely wasteful in comparison.

Low-evaporation water use is also indigenous technology, learned by people who gardened and wild-crafted in valley bottoms and in the high country, depending on seasonal evaporation rates.

These technologies are not only inexpensive but deeply respectful of the wisdom of generations both past and to come. It is time to partner with our indigenous elders to save all of us from the wastes and inefficiencies within our current water systems, which are, basically, 19th century water technology.

It is time not only for human reasons but also for purely economic ones.

In terms of water, we have currently exceeded the population capacity of the Okanagan.

Beavers allow us to repair that imbalance. They are the water keepers.

Harold Rhenisch
Vernon

Source:  http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/opinion/letters/370134941.html

February 22, 2016 Highlights of the Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting

Water Grant Applications
The Regional Board has endorsed submitting eight funding applications to the Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) Water Conservation and Quality Improvement Grant program. Three applications are from the Regional District while five others are on behalf of various public and non-profit community organizations. Individual projects that address water issues, knowledge sharing and enhance sustainable water use may qualify for OBWB program grants between $3,000 and $30,000 with a total of $180,660 available for projects within the Central Okanagan.

2015 Program and Service Update
The Regional Board has received an update on program and service accomplishments during the final quarter of 2015. These include successful Repair Café and old Tire Collection events and the start of fuel modification to reduce the fire hazard in a section of Glen Canyon Regional Park. The Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission’s well attended ‘Business Walk’ focussed on the hospitality and tourism sector. Deficits have been identified and steps are being taken to address the shortfalls in the areas of the Dietrich/Trepanier and Falcon Ridge water systems and the Westside Residential Waste Disposal and Recycling Centre.

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February 22, 2016 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (367 MB)

February 22, 2016 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 6.1 Okanagan Basin Water Board Highlights - .wma (191 KB)

February 22, 2016 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 7.1 Okanagan Basin Water Board Initiative Grants - .wma (5.33 MB)

February 22, 2016 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 8.1 2015 Year In Review Surplus Deficits - .wma (10.5 MB)

February 22, 2016 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 9.3 Amendments To Ticket Information And Utilization Bylaw No 435 And Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No 1326 - .wma (7.45 MB)

February 22, 2016 Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting Agenda

Item 8.1 2015 Year In Review Surplus Deficits

Item 9.3 Amendments To Ticket Information And Utilization Bylaw No 435 And Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No 1326

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

Item 8.1 2015 Year In Review Surplus Deficits
Trepanier Bench Water user fee revenue was less than budgeted and overtime salaries were higher than budgeted due to off hour call outs. Rates adjusted in 2016.

Item 9.3 Amendments To Ticket Information And Utilization Bylaw No 435 And Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No 1326

RDCO Water Systems Regulations Bylaw No. 1370
The Regional Board adopted this new water systems bylaw in November 2015. The fines proposed are for contravening specific sections of the bylaw.

click for a larger copy

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February 22, 2016 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (367 MB)

February 22, 2016 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 6.1 Okanagan Basin Water Board Highlights - .wma (191 KB)

February 22, 2016 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 7.1 Okanagan Basin Water Board Initiative Grants - .wma (5.33 MB)

February 22, 2016 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 8.1 2015 Year In Review Surplus Deficits - .wma (10.5 MB)

February 22, 2016 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 9.3 Amendments To Ticket Information And Utilization Bylaw No 435 And Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No 1326 - .wma (7.45 MB)

Kelowna Mayor Colin Basran told the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce Thursday it's time for one integrated water system in the city.— Image Credit: Alistair Waters/Capital News

Kelowna’s mayor has gone public with the city’s push to have residents served by one integrated water system instead of the five separate independent systems that currently exist.

Colin Basran used his annual state of the city address to the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce on Thursday to state publicly for the first time not only does the city want to have just one water system, it wants the final say about that system to rest with his council.

“We represent the entire city,” said Basran following his remarks to the chamber.

During his speech, Basran said the public would not stand for five different fire departments, with five different fire chiefs, all separately funded, so he questioned why there are five different water systems serving the city.

Currently, in addition to the CIty of Kelowna’s own water utility, Black Mountain Irrigation District, Rutland Water Works, the Glenmore-Ellison Irrigation District and the South-East Kelowna Irrigation District all provide water to residents in different parts of the city. Each water district is self-governed and all raise their own revenues through taxation.

Basran, who in the past has been reluctant to speak publicly about the issue despite repeatedly saying water is the number one issue for his council, said he felt it was time for the public to hear the call for one integrated water network directly from him.

While there are no finalized plans as to how the system would work, what it would look like or how it would operate, all five water purveyors have sat behind closed doors in a joint water committee for the last three years discussing the issue.

But that process appeared to have broken down because the parties could not agree about how to set the terms of reference for a formal study to look at the issue.

Basran revealed Thursday, the province has now stepped in and appointed two mediators, one of whom is former Shuswap area MLA and provincial cabinet minister, George Abbott, to break the impasse. Mediation will wrap up in a few weeks time, the mayor said.

Basran said there has already been “pushback” from the other water purveyors, and he expects to hear more now that he has gone public.

But Basran said he believes the public will support a call for one integrated water network instead of five separate systems, all requiring different levels of maintenance and improvement.

He said the city is not calling for a radical change right away but eventually it wants to see a single system across the city.

And, he stressed, whoever runs that system must answer to city council. Asked about going public during his annual state of the city address, the mayor said he felt it was time to start getting the message out, adding the move would make local water supplies safer—at any give time he said 35 per cent of the city’s population is on some type of water advisory.

He noted it would also stop duplication, improvements could be done is a cheaper, and more cost effectively way and all city water users in Kelowna would benefit.

In West Kelowna, the irrigation districts there were brought under the city’s umbrella over the course of five years.

While Victoria has not ordered Kelowna to do the same, Basran said the government has made it clear any future provincial funding for irrigation district improvements here will have to go through the city.

“So, we’re just doing what it appears the province wants us to do,” said Basran.

•••

In his address, which highlighted many of the city’s accomplishments in 2015, Basran also addressed the recent BMO report that said Kelowna is the worst place in the country to find a job.

The mayor questioned the study’s conclusion, saying he has concerns in part because the study that the report is based on is a one-moth “snapshot” and the sample size used is extremely small.

According to Basran, just 100 homes are included and, he added, even Statistics Canada warns about putting too much stock in the study because of the small sample size.

Still, he said the city is always looking at ways it can help increase employment here, citing economic development initiatives such as publicly-funded construction projects, moves to attract business and helping businesses succeed with projects like its fibre optic network.

That network, set up primarily for the city to connect its facilities, allows clients to move large amounts of data through the system.

He credited the network for the arrival of a large animation studio in the city and said council has added money to the budget for the fibre network system to take it all the way out to the airport.

The network connects city facilities and offers use to large corporate clients for a fee.

Source: http://www.kelownacapnews.com/news/368551931.html

February 11, 2016 Regional District of Central Okanagan Governance and Services Committee Meeting Agenda

 Item 6.1 Hydrometric Flow Data

*Note* Below is just a snippet, please click links above for entire content

A large number of hydrometric stations established by the Water Survey of Canada were discontinued in the 1980's and 1990's. The OBWB has developed partnerships with local governments to install and operate hydrometric stations on identified creeks of concern. A number of hydrometric stations have been installed in the RDCO including one on Shorts Creek and two in the District of Lake Country. On Shorts Creek a hydrometric station had been operating from 1969-1982. Through a partnership with OBWB, ONA and RDCO a new hydrometric station was installed in Shorts Creek in 2014. Re-establishing the hydrometric stations where stations had previously existed is intended to enable a review of past and current hydrometric data to address matters such as: water supply, climate change, flood hazard management, future infrastructure planning, and fisheries management.

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February 11, 2016 audio of entire RDCO Governance and Services Committee meeting - .mp3 (163 MB)

February 11, 2016 audio of RDCO Governance and Services Committee meeting only about Item 6.1 Hydrometric Flow Data - .wma (13.8 MB)

February 11, 2016 Regional District of Central Okanagan Governance and Services Committee Meeting Minutes

Minutes of RDCO Governance and Services Committee meetings are not usually posted to RDCO's website until after being adopted at the following meeting which would be February 25th, 2016.  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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February 11, 2016 audio of entire RDCO Governance and Services Committee meeting - .mp3 (163 MB)

February 11, 2016 audio of RDCO Governance and Services Committee meeting only about Item 6.1 Hydrometric Flow Data - .wma (13.8 MB)

$52,478.52 was the Expense of Scada for Upper Fintry/Valley of the Sun/Shalal Road Community Water System

We asked through freedom of information for invoice amounts for the cost of Scada (automated controls and software) for the community water system at Upper Fintry/Valley of the Sun/Shalal Road, as well as the invoice amounts to install Scada for Upper Fintry/Valley of the Sun/Shalal Road, and this is what RDCO sent us:

Invoice Amounts for Scada at Upper Fintry/Valley of the Sun/Shalal Road

click page for larger print

It looks as though the cost for Scada was $54,046.84 but RDCO received a GST Rebate and that saved $1,568.34, bringing the cost down to $52,478.52 for Scada at Upper Fintry/Valley of the Sun/Shalal Road.  $4,222.41 in PST and GST taxes were paid for Scada.

There are 341 parcels in the Upper Fintry/Valley of the Sun/Shalal Road Community Water System service area.

$52,478.52 gross expense invoices for Scada divided by 341 parcels = $153.90 per parcel

$767.72 for 2015 Scada software renewal divided by 341 parcels = $2.25 per parcel

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

Totals below are from adding up the amounts in the document above:

Total Net Amount $48,256.11

Total HST @12% = $5,790.73

Total of Subtotal = $54,046.84

Total GST = $2,412.81

Total of GST Rebate $1,568.34

Total Gross Expense $52,478.52 (out by 2 cents if you take the Subtotal and minus the GST Rebate)

November 23, 2015 Highlights of the Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting

July – September Program & Service Update

The Regional Board has received an update on program and service accomplishments during the third quarter of the year. These include receipt of a Small Communities Fund grant of $1.9-million for upgrades to the Killiney Beach water system; the creation of two new composting instructional videos by the Regional Waste Reduction Office; two national awards for the Economic Development Commission; a clean GST audit report and the start of preparations for the 2016 budget process. Potential deficits have been identified and staff is working to mitigate in the areas of Electoral Area Planning, Economic Development and the Dietrich/Trepanier water system. The Regional District provided staff along with other local government partners during three activations of the Emergency Operations Centre for the Joe Rich/Huckleberry fire, the Bear Creek fire and the Shelter Cove/Westside Road wildfire. After nine months, the Dog Control service has 20,700 licensed dogs (19,815 from Jan. - Sept. 2014). In Planning, Service Agreements for Fringe Area Planning have been endorsed between the Regional District and four member municipalities. In Parks Services, three draft management plans are being developed; a new Cottonwoods pedestrian bridge has been installed over Mission Creek and a community consultation survey was conducted on possible infrastructure upgrades for the Fintry Community Park – Lake Access #3.

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November 23, 2015 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (172 MB)

November 23, 2015 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 8.1 Third Quarter Work Plan And Budget Variance Report - .wma (5.30 MB)

November 23, 2015 Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting Agenda

Item 8.1 Third Quarter Work Plan And Budget Variance Report

*Note* Below is only a snippet of the subjects, please click link above for entire content. 

Purpose: To provide the Board with third quarter year-to-date information pertaining to the 2015 work plan and budget variance report.

Executive Summary:
We are pleased to present the 3rd Quarter Work Plan and Budget Variance Report to September 30th, 2015. You will notice a new graphic system in this report that uses traffic light icons to indicate the work plan / budget variance status for each service provided by the RDCO:

Red Light - indicates work plan and/or budget targets not met
Yellow Light - indicates potential or minor variances expected
Green Light - indicates work plan and budget targets are tracking well and are expected to be met

As of September 30th all work plans and service revenues / expenses are within anticipated budget parameters, with the following exceptions:

Function Description Deficit
1. 111 - Electoral Area Planning • Potential deficit due to unanticipated $? leqal expenses
2. 120 - Economic Development • New Economic Development Officer $25,000 and new programming
3. 306 - Trepanier Bench Water • Potential deficit anticipated due to $? unexpected operational costs

RECOMMENDATION:
THAT the Board receive this report for information.

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November 23, 2015 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (172 MB)

November 23, 2015 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 8.1 Third Quarter Work Plan And Budget Variance Report - .wma (5.30 MB)

November 12, 2015 Highlights of the Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting

Water Rates and System Bylaws

The Regional Board has adopted individual bylaws for each of its six water systems which outline increases and restructuring of basic fees and consumption rates. The new rates take effect January 1st and are designed to encourage conservation and be more equitable for low and medium water users. They will also generate sufficient revenues to cover the full operating costs of providing service and will help keep each system financially sustainable. Water customers provided feedback on the new rates during open houses last spring.

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November 12, 2015 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (96.4 MB)

November 12, 2015 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 5.2 Regulations Bylaw And RDCO Water System Fees And Charges Bylaws - .wma (2.42 MB)

November 12, 2015 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 5.2 Regulations Bylaw And RDCO Water System Fees And Charges Bylaws - just Director Carson asking why all Directors are voting and CAO Brian Reardon's reply - .wma (1.26 MB)

November 12, 2015 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 5.2A Water Systems Regulations Bylaw No 1370 - .wma (5.42 MB)

November 12, 2015 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 7.1 2015 2019 Financial Plan Amending Bylaw - .wma (4.43 MB)

November 12, 2015 Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting Agenda

Item 5.2 Regulations Bylaw And RDCO Water System Fees And Charges Bylaws

Item 5.2A Water Systems Regulations Bylaw No 1370

Item 7.1 2015 2019 Financial Plan Amending Bylaw (Westshore)

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

Item 5.2 Regulations Bylaw And RDCO Water System Fees And Charges Bylaws

Purpose: To give 2nd, 3rd readings and adopt bylaws regulating and managing water systems and establishing fees and charges for RDCO systems located within the electoral areas.

Executive Summary:
At the Regional Board Meeting held on October 26, 2015 RDCO Water Systems Regulation Bylaw No. 1370 and six water system fees and charges bylaws (1371,1372,1373,1374,1375, & 1376) were read for the first time. Discussion ensued, and second and third readings and adoption were deferred to the next Board meeting, so as to provide Directors with additional
time to review and consider the proposed bylaws.

The original Board report is attached hereto. The report provides reasoning for repealing the current bylaw and establishing new bylaws, and an explanation of the financial impact to the property owners once the new fees and charges take effect.

RECOMMENDATION #1:
THAT the Regional District of Central Okanagan Water System Regulations Bylaw No. 1370 be given second and third readings and adopted;

RECOMMENDATION #2
THAT the following Regional District of Central Okanagan Water System Fees and Charges Bylaws be given second and third readings and adopted:
• Killiney Beach Water System Fees & Charges Bylaw No. 1371
• Falcon Ridge Water System Fees & Charges Bylaw No. 1372
• Sunset Ranch Water System Fees & Charges Bylaw No. 1373
• Dietrich Water System Fees & Charges Bylaw No. 1374
• Westshore Estates Water System Fees & Charges Bylaw No. 1375
• Upper Fintry, Shalal Road, and Valley of the Sun Water System Fees & Charges Bylaw No. 1376

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

Item 5.2A Water Systems Regulations Bylaw No 1370

REGIONAL DISTRICT OF CENTRAL OKANAGAN
BYLAW NO. 1370
A bylaw providing for regulating and managing the Water systems of the Regional District of Central Okanagan located within Electoral Areas East and West.

"turn off' means the closing of the shut-off valve located in a standpipe at or near where the water service connection crosses the properly line.

4, Call-Out Service Fees:
a) Water Service turn on or turn off (by appointment only) $150.00
b) After Hours Water Service turn-on or turn-off $300.00

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

Item 7.1 2015 2019 Financial Plan Amending Bylaw

Purpose:
To amend the Regional District of Central Okanagan 2015 - 2019 Financial Plan Bylaw No. 1356, 2015 (original versions attached to report).

Executive Summary:
The Amending Bylaw on the agenda shows the proposed changes to the budget. This item was discussed at and deferred from the October 26, 2015 Board Meeting.
307 - Westshores Water System - Reservoirs Capital Project
Amended reservoir project. Addition of second reservoir. Increase in costs from $318k to $848k. Currently funding is coming from reserves. Staff will be reviewing the possible use of Community Works Funding during the 2016 Budget process. Staff will also be seeking approval at the December 7th meeting to proceed with the project in Q1 of 2016 in order to bundle area water projects to try to gain economies of scale and attract competitive bids and potential savings.

RECOMMENDATION:
THAT the Regional District of Central Okanagan 2015 - 2019 Financial Plan Amending Bylaw 1XXX, 2015 be given 1st, 2nd, 3rd reading and adopted.

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November 12, 2015 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (96.4 MB)

November 12, 2015 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 5.2 Regulations Bylaw And RDCO Water System Fees And Charges Bylaws - .wma (2.42 MB)

November 12, 2015 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 5.2 Regulations Bylaw And RDCO Water System Fees And Charges Bylaws - just Director Carson asking why all Directors are voting and CAO Brian Reardon's reply - .wma (1.26 MB)

November 12, 2015 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 5.2A Water Systems Regulations Bylaw No 1370 - .wma (5.42 MB)

November 12, 2015 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 7.1 2015 2019 Financial Plan Amending Bylaw - .wma (4.43 MB)

(2015 Basic Fee $106.12)

(2015 Basic Fee $106.12)

(2015 Basic Fee $106.12)

October 26, 2015 Highlights of the Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting

Proposed Water Rates and System Bylaws
The Regional Board has given first reading to individual bylaws for each of its six water systems and proposed increases for basic fees and consumption rates. Water customers provided feedback on the new rates during open houses last spring. The new rates, if approved, would take effect January 1st and are designed to encourage conservation and be more equitable for low and medium water users. They will also generate sufficient revenues to cover the full operating costs of providing service and will help keep each system financially sustainable.

New Westshore Water Reservoirs Proposed
The Regional Board has received a report proposing a capital budget increase to allow construction of two new replacement reservoirs for the Westshore water system. The new reservoirs would be easier to maintain while ensuring fire flows and peak flow capacity. By constructing both reservoirs at the same time as the Killiney Beach water system upgrade project is done, the project size and value will be maximized and should result in more competitive pricing and possible cost savings. Community Works Funding will be considered for this project in 2016.

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October 26, 2015 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (385 MB)

October 26, 2015 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 6.5 Regulations Bylaw And Water System Fees And Charges Bylaws and Item 6.5A RDCO Water Systems Regulations Bylaw - .wma (25.9 MB)

October 26, 2015 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 6.5B RDCO Water Systems Fees And Charges Bylaws - .wma (1.01 MB)

October 26, 2015 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 6.8 Westshore Water System Reservoir Capital Project - .wma (6.06 MB)

October 26, 2015 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 7.1 RDCO 2015 2019 Financial Plan Amending Bylaw - .wma (4.74 MB)

October 26, 2015 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 7.2 Information Report Q3 Purchase Commitments - .wma (774 KB)

October 26, 2015 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 7.6 2016 2020 Financial Plan Request Items For Preliminary Discussion - .wma (6.32 MB)

October 26, 2015 Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting Agenda

Item 6.5 Regulations Bylaw And Water System Fees And Charges Bylaws

Item 6.5A RDCO Water Systems Regulations Bylaw

Item 6.5B RDCO Water Systems Fees And Charges Bylaws

Item 6.8 Westshore Water System Reservoir Capital Project

Item 7.1 RDCO 2015 2019 Financial Plan Amending Bylaw

Item 7.2 Information Report Q3 Purchase Commitments

Item 7.6 2016 2020 Financial Plan Request Items For Preliminary Discussion

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

Item 6.5 Regulations Bylaw And Water System Fees And Charges Bylaws (page 5)

(click image for a larger copy)

Item 6.5 Regulations Bylaw And Water System Fees And Charges Bylaws (page 6)

(click image for a larger copy)

Item 6.5 Regulations Bylaw And Water System Fees And Charges Bylaws (page 9)

Item 6.5A RDCO Water Systems Regulations Bylaw (page 16)
NEW 12 TURN OFF OR DISCONNECTION
12.1 Applications for turning off or disconnecting the supply of water from the water service connection shall be made in writing to the Regional District and shall be accompanied by the fee set out in Schedule "A" of this Bylaw. (page 7)

4. Call-Out Service Fees:
a) Water Service turn on or turn off (by appointment only) $150.00

Item 6.8 Westshore Water System Reservoir Capital Project
Purpose: To provide a justification for the Westshore Water System budget amendment.
Executive Summary:
The Regional District of Central Okanagan 2015 - 2019 Financial Plan currently identifies $318,000 for reservoir improvements in the Westshore Water System in 2016. Staff is recommending increasing the budget to $848,000 in order to build two new reservoirs The new reservoirs will replace the two existing reservoirs that service the entire Westshore Water System.

Item 7.1 RDCO 2015 2019 Financial Plan Amending Bylaw
Purpose: To amend the Regional District of Central Okanagan 2015 - 2019 Financial Plan Bylaw No. 1356, 2015 (original versions attached to report).
Executive Summary:
The Amending Bylaw on the agenda shows the proposed changes to the budget.
301 - Killiney Beach Water System - Capital Project Distribution Improvements Build Canada Grant of $1,900,666 has been approved. Changed project timing and costs slightly. Staff will be seeking approval in December to proceed with project in Q1 of 2016.
307 - Westshores Water System - Reservoirs Capital Project Amended reservoir project. Addition of second reservoir. Increase in costs from $318k to $848k. Currently funding is coming from reserves. Staff will be seeking approval in December to proceed with the project in Q1 of 2016, and will be reviewing the possible use of Community Works Funding during the 2016 Budget process.
022 - Joe Rich Volunteer Fire Department - Capital Project - Cisterns
Amendment is in accordance with the previous Board approval relating to a report from Community Services dated July 27, 2015 to use of an additional net $152,000 in Community Works Funding to fund additional costs for the cisterns project. The project budget has been increased accordingly.

Item 7.2 Information Report Q3 Purchase Commitments
Purpose:
As per section 4.6 of the Purchasing Policy approved on February 9th, 2012, a written
information report of all purchase commitments exceeding $100,000 shall be provided to the Board every quarter.
Background:
Those purchase commitments exceeding $100,000 made during 3Q 2015 were as follows:
Design & Engineering for Killiney Beach & Westshore Estates Water Systems (Rem R15-230) - Contract Awarded to Agua Consulting Inc. - $140,123

Item 7.6 2016 2020 Financial Plan Request Items For Preliminary Discussion
Environmental Services:
Vehicle Operations
- Review replacement and option for Service Truck $150k (capital reserves, 5 year financing for approx. $70k, sale of old vehicle $20k)
Water Systems:
Operating: Implementation of proposed new fee bylaws. Increased transfers to reserves.
Capital:
  - 301 - Killiney Beach: Capital $2.8M Distribution System Improvement includes Grant Funding
  - 303 - Falcon Ridge: Capital carry all unused $'s forward from 2015 additional $93k Gas Tax
            Funding pending board approval, new reservoir construction in 2017 $530k
  - 307 - Westshore: Capital: $800k for Distribution System Improvement, using reserves

Capital Projects - funded by Electoral Area Central Okanagan West Gas Tax Funds, transfers to capital and reserves.
• Fintry Community Parks - Park Infrastructure Installation (table, swim float) boat launch area markers, etc.) (Carry Forward from 2015) $15.2k
• Killiney Beach Park - Park Improvements (swim float, picnic table) dog swim beach trial area, etc.) (Carry Forward from 2015) $15.2k
• Westshore Estates Community Park - Park Improvements (Gazebo/Band Shelter, Landscaping of Natural Area, etc.) $76.1k
• Killiney Beach Park - Access Road Improvements $76.2k
• Wilson's Landing - Proposed Community Boat Launch $60.9k

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October 26, 2015 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (385 MB)

October 26, 2015 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 6.5 Regulations Bylaw And Water System Fees And Charges Bylaws and Item 6.5A RDCO Water Systems Regulations Bylaw - .wma (25.9 MB)

October 26, 2015 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 6.5B RDCO Water Systems Fees And Charges Bylaws - .wma (1.01 MB)

October 26, 2015 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 6.8 Westshore Water System Reservoir Capital Project - .wma (6.06 MB)

October 26, 2015 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 7.1 RDCO 2015 2019 Financial Plan Amending Bylaw - .wma (4.74 MB)

October 26, 2015 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 7.2 Information Report Q3 Purchase Commitments - .wma (774 KB)

October 26, 2015 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 7.6 2016 2020 Financial Plan Request Items For Preliminary Discussion - .wma (6.32 MB)

August 24, 2015 Highlights of the Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting

This was a Director Item so there is nothing mentioned in the Highlights.

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August 24, 2015 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (101 MB)

August 24, 2015 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about the unsightly premise house in the North Westside has had its signage removed and that government funding has been announced for upgrades to the Killiney water systems - .wma ( KB) DIRECTOR ITEMS SEEM TO BE MISSING FROM THE AUDIO

August 24, 2015 Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting Agenda

This was a Director Item, and there is nothing in the Agenda's about Director Items

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August 24, 2015 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (101 MB)

August 24, 2015 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about the unsightly premise house in the North Westside has had its signage removed and that government funding has been announced for upgrades to the Killiney water systems - .wma ( KB) DIRECTOR ITEMS SEEM TO BE MISSING FROM THE AUDIO

July 27, 2015 Highlights of the Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting

Federal Gas Tax Community Works Funding

The Regional Board has authorized spending $152,000 in Federal Gas Tax Community Works funding for water improvement projects in the Joe Rich area. This funding will cover higher than expected costs in implementing improvements to the Joe Rich Community Hall/Fire Hall water system and Goudie Road Fire Hall water system.

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July 27, 2015 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (147 MB)

July 27, 2015 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 8.1 Service Area Boundary Amendments Central Okanagan East Electoral Area  - .wma (789 KB)

July 27, 2015 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 8.1b Service Area Boundary Amendments Central Okanagan East Electoral Area  - .wma (229 KB)

July 27, 2015 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 8.1c Service Area Boundary Amendments Central Okanagan East Electoral Area  - .wma (182 KB)

July 27, 2015 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 8.1d Service Area Boundary Amendments Central Okanagan East Electoral Area  - .wma (205 KB)

July 27, 2015 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 8.2 Community Works Funding Approval Central Okanagan East Electoral Area - .wma (3.11 MB)

July 27, 2015 Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting Agenda

Item 8.1 Service Area Boundary Amendments Central Okanagan East Electoral Area

Item 8.2 Community Works Funding Approval Central Okanagan East Electoral Area

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

Item 8.1 Service Area Boundary Amendments Central Okanagan East Electoral Area

Purpose:
To amend the boundaries of three service areas and one specified area in the Central Okanagan East Electoral Area.

Executive Summary:
The service areas and specified area are located in the community of Ellison, directly east of and abutting, the boundary of the City of Kelowna. The mapping revisions are minor, three areas on the map are pre-empted by City of Kelowna boundary expansions and a fourth by an in-fill subdivision that was bisected by a service area boundary line.
The four amendment bylaws will not affect or change the purpose, intent, fees and charges, or level of service that are currently in effect for any of the services and are purely a matter of housekeeping.

RECOMMENDATION:
THAT the Regional Board give 1st, 2nd, and 3rd readings to:
~ Regional District of Central Okanagan Electoral Area "I" Local Transit Service Area Establishment Amending Bylaw No. 1358, 2015
~ Regional District of Central Okanagan Ellison Fire Protection Local Service Establishment Amending Bylaw No. 1359, 2015
~ Regional District of Central Okanagan Ellison Community Parks Specified Area Establishment Amending Bylaw No. 1360, 2015
~ Regional District of Central Okanagan Electoral Area 'I' Ellison Heritage Community Centre Local Service Area Establishment Amending Bylaw No. 1361, 2015

=======

Item 8.2 Community Works Funding Approval Central Okanagan East Electoral Area

Purpose:

To seek authorization from the Board to utilize the Gas Tax - Community Works Fund.

Executive Summary:
Federal Gas Tax Funds are provided to local governments across Canada to help fund their local infrastructure needs
The Gas Tax - Community Works Fund additional funding requirements associated with the Joe Rich water improvement project is:
• $ 152,000 for Central Okanagan East.

Currently the Gas Tax - Community Works Fund comprises of:
• $171,534 for Central Okanagan East, with an additional $165,352 to be received in 2015.

RECOMMENDATION:
THAT the Regional Board authorizes $152,000 be approved for water quality and capacity system improvements in Central Okanagan East.

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July 27, 2015 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (147 MB)

July 27, 2015 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 8.1 Service Area Boundary Amendments Central Okanagan East Electoral Area  - .wma (789 KB)

July 27, 2015 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 8.1b Service Area Boundary Amendments Central Okanagan East Electoral Area  - .wma (229 KB)

July 27, 2015 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 8.1c Service Area Boundary Amendments Central Okanagan East Electoral Area  - .wma (182 KB)

July 27, 2015 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 8.1d Service Area Boundary Amendments Central Okanagan East Electoral Area  - .wma (205 KB)

July 27, 2015 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 8.2 Community Works Funding Approval Central Okanagan East Electoral Area - .wma (3.11 MB)

July 16, 2015 Highlights of the Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting

Nothing was mentioned in the Highlights about Item 6.1 Information Open Houses Update

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July 16, 2015 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (95.5 MB)

July 16, 2015 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 6.1 Information Open Houses Update - .wma (4.50 MB)

July 16, 2015 Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting Agenda

Item 6.1 Information Open Houses Update

*Note* Below is only a snippet, please click link above for entire content.  Survey is at the link above.  Its too much to publish.  Read the comments people wrote.

Purpose: To summarize the results of five Information Open Houses that were recently held in the Joe Rich, Sunset Ranch, Ellison and North Westside communities.

Executive Summary:
The Regional District recently held five Information Open Houses to meet, engage with and receive feedback from Central Okanagan East and Central Okanagan West Electoral Area residents in the North Westside, Ellison, Sunset Ranch and Joe Rich communities.
A total of 211 residents attended these Open Houses. Of those who attended, 48 completed a Comment Form (copy attached) to provide their feedback about the event. A detailed summary of the Comment Forms is also attached to this report for your information. Although the level of support varies between services, a general theme emerges from the summary that shows approximately 2/3rds of respondents were either supportive or neutral of RDCO services and 1/3rd being somewhat or very dissatisfied. These results provide important information about what we are doing well and where we have an opportunity to do better.
Not everyone left the Open House happy however, we can say that numerous attendees expressed their appreciation of the fact that we came to their community to discuss their issues face to face. It is encouraging to see that 75% of the Form responses thought the Open House was helpful in better understanding the variety of services RDCO provides.
Given the success of this community engagement process there appears to be value in holding future information Open Houses on a semi- or annual basis.

RECOMMENDATION:
THAT the the Regional Board receive for information the follow up report on five Information Open Houses held by the Regional District from June 2 to June 11, 2015.

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July 16, 2015 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (95.5 MB)

July 16, 2015 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 6.1 Information Open Houses Update - .wma (4.50 MB)

North Westside residents are being urged to take pen to paper to push for governance changes.

The North Westside Communities Association currently has three petitions circulating that will be presented to the Regional District of Central Okanagan for consideration.

“People are tired that everything (taxes) goes up without any explanation of the reason,” said Bob Andrews, NWCA president.

One of the petitions calls for RDCO to initiate an incorporation study for the North Westside while the other petitions demand a stronger community voice and a review of water options.

About 100 people attended a recent town hall meeting to discuss the relationship with RDCO.

“The vast majority sitting there are unhappy with how money is spent and how our director gets outvoted every time,” said Andrews, adding that he believes it is difficult to obtain information from the regional district.

“People want to know the cost for an employee or the cost of power. They want to know if regional district staff are efficient.”

Wayne Carson, a long-time resident who has been North Westside director since November, isn’t surprised by the petition campaigns.

“People aren’t happy with conditions as they are. They want a voice in their local affairs,” he said.

“It all comes back to governance and authority over tax dollars.”

However, Carson won’t say if he supports municipal incorporation as a feasibility study is required to look at the pros and cons.

“You don’t jump off a cliff. There’s a process to follow,” he said.

RDCO officials attended the town hall meeting hosted by the NWCA.

“If was democracy in action. We heard a lot of concerns and it is good for us to engage directly with residents,” said Brian Reardon, chief administrative officer.

However, Reardon insists RDCO’s two rural directors (the other is Joe Rich/Ellison) have a voice at the board table.

“When you look at the resolutions, especially from January until now, I count 23 resolutions that area directors made or seconded that the board supported,” he said.

Some North Westside residents have suggested that the community should take direct control over the water system because of dissatisfaction with RDCO operations.

However, Reardon says there are few options for that to occur.

“It’s a regional district asset managed on their (residents) behalf. If the community wants direct control over the utility, they would have to incorporate,” he said.

Source: vernonmorningstar.com/news/309358601.html

June 11, 2015 Highlights of the Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting

Nothing was mentioned in the Highlights about Item 7 Letter To Chair From North Westside Communities Association President

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June 11, 2015 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (148 MB)

June 11, 2015 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 7 Letter To Chair From North Westside Communities Association President - .wma (5.43 MB)

June 11, 2015 Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting Agenda

Item 7 Letter To Chair From North Westside Communities Association President

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

May 14, 2015

To: Gail Given, Chair, Regional District Board of Directors, Central Okanagan
Wayne Carson, Regional Director, Central Okanagan West,

This letter is intended to bring to your attention a number of concerns that directly impact our community. The role of the North Westside Community Association is "Working with our members and our local government partners to provide services built by the community for the community." In this capacity, it Is our mandate to provide you with a list of community concerns in the expectation that you will forward them to Central Okanagan Regional District management with a directive to resolve them to the satisfaction of the community.

Our first issue is in regard to the new signs that have been placed on our Killiney Beach Fire Hall, the Shorts Creek Fire Hall, and the Fire Boat House.  The KB Fire Hall was built in large part by community monies and volunteer labor, with financial input from the RDCO for the final phases; the Shorts Creek Fire Hall was built with monies received through Ridgeview Developments and the labor of community volunteers; the Fire Boat House was built With partial funding from the community. The new signs featuring "Central Okanagan Regional District" with minimal acknowledgement of the participating community are misleading and an injustice to all those individuals who contributed to the building of these community assets. The Regional District must remove these signs Immediately and replace them with signs that properly acknowledge that these are community assets, and represent the strong sense of volunteerism that exists in Central Okanagan West. As an option, should the RDCO wish to purchase these buildings to make them true RDCO assets, then the proper steps must be taken.

The second issue is in regard to the condition of two of our community parks in the North-West area. At Killiney Beach the beach road is narrow, and covered with potholes which get larger and more numerous every year.
This road was last maintained approximately 10 years ago. The dust raised by passing vehicles is a major health
concern; during the summer, when the beach is heavily used by local residents and tourists daily, the dust levels are a constant irritant, making the experience of enjoying the beach or trying to picnic extremely difficult. In addition, hydro pole situated by the Fire Boat House simply doesn't belong on the beach. The BC Ministry of Environment informed the community over three months ago that the pole was to be removed, but to date nothing has happened. The taxes assessed in the Central Okanagan West for parks raise a substantial amount of money annually, so it is not unnatural that we feel that we should be receiving more Investment in local parks other than the basics of garbage disposal and some weeding. The community, through a Community Advisory Committee for Parks, submitted a list of projects to the RDCO prior to the budget process this spring, and yet the only item that appeared from that list in the 2015/2016 budget was an electrical hook-up for Westshores Community Park, something that was promised would be installed almost three years ago. There is no water fountain in Westshores Community Park, but there is a bright, shiny plaque that lauds the contributions of various levels of governments to the building of the park but omits the names of the community members who were the driving force behind the creation of the park.  There was no consultation with the community on the plaque or its' placement, and indeed it is situated in a location that could be dangerous to children running on the main grassy area. One more example of the blatant disregard of the RDCO for the contributions of the community to what the RDCO considers "their" assets.

Our third issue is the amount of $3,200 we are being charged for servicing the tax monies received for the Killiney Beach Community Hall. The involvement of the RDCO is minimal, consisting mainly of cutting one cheque each April for the tax revenues, reviewing the annual 5 year budget prior to the RDCO budgetary process each fall, and reviewing the annual financial stateme.nt at the end ofthe fiscal year. Our community voted for an additional assessment to be added to each property tax bill in order to support the general maintenance and capital investment for the community hall service area, not to add more tax dollars to the coffers of the RDCO.
If there is a reason for us to be charged what amounts to approximately 15% of the total tax monies collected, (and we have been told represents .01 of a person year), we require a complete accounting of where this money was spent, and a justification for Withholding these monies up front. If this accounting Is not forthcoming, the withheld amount is to be forwarded to the Community Association within a month of this letter.

We expect full accountability from the ROCO for the expenditures made with Central Okanagan West tax monies. We will be submitting a request to the Provincial Government for an independent forensic audit on where our communities' tax monies are being spent. We have carefully reviewed the Regional District Central Okanagan's 2015 Budget and Financial Plan (General Revenue Fund), and we suspect that our tax dollars are being disproportionately expended out of our local service area. It is very clear to us that there is a serious lack of local governance. The single voice of our elected representative is silenced by the majority on council, particularly when voting on issues that are strictly local to our area. The community has no say, and Is unable to exert any Influence on how our tax monies are being spent or on how our communities are being developed and maintained. The gross Increase in our local water bills over the past two years, and the lack of information from the RDCO on expenditures and future plans is a prime example of lack of consultation with the community on issues that affect all of us. Lack of community input prior to decisions for major expenditures is not acceptable.

Director Carson, you have been elected to represent our community, and we are cognizant of your desire to represent us and our concerns to the Board of the Regional District of the Central Okanagan and the staff of the RDCO. A community meeting is, organized by the Board of the North Westside Community Association is planned at the Killiney Beach Community Hall on June 4, 2015 at 7 pm. We request that you join us at this meeting to answer our questions and provide feedback on our issues.

Thank you for your support of the Central Okanagan West and the North Westside Communities specifically.

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June 11, 2015 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (148 MB)

June 11, 2015 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 7 Letter To Chair From North Westside Communities Association President - .wma (5.43 MB)

RDCO Finance Manager told us in an July 2, 2015 email the following:

At the time the original 2012 budget was prepared, the amount was estimated to be $67,500 and that was reflected in the budget.

The Board approves use of community works funds via a special report to the Board.

On Jan 23, 2012, the Board actually approved $37,000, then July 23, 2012, they approved $26,500 (Total of $63,500).

Nov 26th they approved an additional $52,000, bringing the total to $115,500.

She said she previously sent us information (and attached to the email) showing a budget amendment that was on the same agenda Nov 26th, that was approved to show the $115,500 Total.

Attached to the email was this document

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November 26, 2012 Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting Minutes

Item 9.1 Central Okanagan West Community Works Gas Tax Fund (Upper Fintry/Valley of the Sun/Shalal Road)

Item 9.2 Sunset Ranch Water And Sanitary Sewer Utilities Ownership

Item 10.1 2012-2016 Financial Plan Amending Bylaw (Killiney Beach and Upper Fintry/Valley of the Sun/Shalal Road amendments)

9. ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
9.1 Transfer of Funds from Central Okanagan West Community Works Fund Gas Tax (All Directors - Unweighted Vote)

Staff report dated November 19, 2012 outlined the requirement to utilize available community works fund gas tax funds from Central Okanagan West towards surfacing of local roads and storm water control and ditching required during construction of the Upper Fintry/Shalal Road/Valley of the Sun water system.

OPHUS/GIVEN
THAT the Regional Board approve the transfer of funds from the Central Okanagan West Community Works Fund in the amount of $52,000 to the Upper Fintry/Shalal Road/Valley of the Sun water system.

CARRIED

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

that Upper Fintry/Valley of the Sun/Shalal Road would be getting this $52,000 grant.  Both the Finance Manager and the Water System Manager stated different amounts in emails (they can email us, but we can't email them) that Upper Fintry/Valley of the Sun/Shalal Road received water grants in the amount of $865,000 and $865,500.  Neither mentioned the $52,000 grant.  The Water Manager stated $865,000 and the Finance Manager stated $865,500, which would be the $400,000 grant plus a $465,500 grant

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

June 17, 2015 email from Water System Manager told us the following:

The Upper Fintry System received $400,000 from the Town for Tomorrow Grant Program and $465,000 from the Community Works Fund- Gas Tax Program.

cc: CAO and Finance Manager

(OkanaganLakeBC.ca says: $400,000 plus 465,000 = $865,000)

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

June 17, 2015 email from RDCO Finance Manager told us the following:

Upper Fintry Shalal received a $400,000 Towns for Tomorrow Grant ($9,723 in 2009 and $390,277 in 2010). (9,723 plus 390,277 = $400,000)

There was also $350,000 utilized from Community Works Funds (from Federal Gas Tax Program) in 2011, and $115,500 in 2012. These are reflected as revenue from the Capital Facilities Reserve (see explanation below). (350,000 plus 115,500 = $465,500)

The Towns for Tomorrow is the type of grant where RDCO apply for approval in advance, but do not get the money until after the work is done. That is why it shows up as grant revenue.

With Community Works Funds, RDCO receive annual payments, and put the money into a Community Works Fund Capital Facilities Reserve until the Board approves the use on a project that qualifies under the agreement. UBCM administers this federal program. You will see these amounts in the Capital section, coming into revenue via Capital Facility Reserve accounts.

RDCO sometimes amend the budget bylaw that is approved in March – this is where you will see the approvals / changes to utilize the Community Works Fund Gas Tax Reserve Money:

· In 2011 via Bylaw 1300, to use Community Works funds to benefit the community by $350,000:
  regionaldistrict.com/media/17138/Bylaw1300.pdf (see page 12).


· That was also done in 2012 via Bylaw 1317, to increase the use of Community Works Funds to benefit the community:
regionaldistrict.com/media/90331/Bylaw1317.pdf - See the very last page that shows the change to $115,500, and refer to note d) at the bottom.

cc: CAO and Water Manager

(OkanaganLakeBC.ca says $400,000 plus $465,500 = $865,500)

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

June 30, 2015 email from RDCO Finance Manager told us the following

RDCO Finance Manager told us that they previously provided the requested detailed annual actual and budget financial statement information. And that unfortunately RDCO does not have adequate staff resources to do individual extensive spreadsheet analysis such as we requested, and can only provide information that RDCO has in the format that RDCO prepare as a regular course of business.

RDCO Finance Manager told us in regard to the $52,000 grant. That she is not sure what we are referring to exactly. She told us that the complete grant information relating to the Water system was provided in a previous e-mail, and if we had additional details, she can look further.

The Finance Manager signed off with wishing us a Happy Canada Day

cc: CAO and Water Manager

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

Neither the Finance Manager or the Water Manager mention the $52,000 grant.  Yeh Happy Canada Day.  In our opinion, wishing us a Happy Canada Day without divulging information about Upper Fintry/Valley of the Sun/Shalal Road water system, its not such a Happy Canada Day for us, and it feels like a slap in the face because in Canada its a democracy and we should be entitled to this information without having to extract teeth.  Withholding information about the water system we pay for, is not so Canadian in our opinion.  We noticed RDCO Finance Managers emails were cc'd, to CAO and Water System Manager whereas the Water System Managers email was cc'd to the CAO and the Finance Manager.  I guess they don't want us to see this information? Is the Finance Manager just letting them know the information was not given out?  Otherwise why would they care what info was given out or not given out?  Shouldn't this information be available to whomever wants to see it?  There are probably a lot of things RDCO would not want residents to see, but shouldn't this information be on the water systems webpage of RDCO?  This makes us think something must be up.

RDCO may have updated the looks of their website for the second time over the last few years this May 2015, but the content is still the same, and its still just as hard for anyone to find anything.  We don't think the water finance information is even on RDCO's website, not in a form we understand anyway.  It would be great if RDCO could publish a complete report of each water system yearly and on their website that shows where the money came in and where the money went out.  Each water system should have its own webpage.

There are amounts buried in the budget documents, that we can't see.  For instance the grants are all in the Board or Governance and Services Committee Agenda and Minutes listed in date order, but not all the grants are shown in the grants column of the budget sheets published on RDCO's website.  Some of the grant amounts are buried in a lump sum with other things under other line items.  How do you find the Agenda and Minutes pertaining to your own water system grant without going through each date and looking to see if the item name of each .pdf corresponds to your water system?  Not all of the grant amounts are showing in the financial plan or budget documents that are easy enough to determine they are grants.  Which bylaw numbers do we look at for our water system?  And where did all the links to water system studies go from RDCO's webpage?  The other thing is when RDCO redesigned their website in May 2015, they changed the directory location of all their files so that anything that many residents have bookmarked no longer work? The dates are also not part of the directories name, now it says media and a number for a directory.  Another thing is that most of the .pdf documents are not copy and paste-able.  We mentioned this to RDCO Communications Officer years ago and RDCO changed nothing.

How are we suppose to know how good of a job RDCO is doing on our water systems without full disclosure?  Maybe we should just withhold our money and put RDCO out of a job.  Pretty sure RDCO wouldn't stick around long without the exorbitant wages they pay themselves.  Pretty sure residents could do a better job themselves using volunteers.  It seems we are paying for consultants with expertise anyway.  It sure ain't residents voting on these exorbitant wages, and we feel its not so funny how RDCO can decide its own wages. Its also not so funny how we can't do anything about it but stop paying RDCO.  Guess we will have to do a Freedom of Information request to find out this information and put it all together, if we can even get the information then.  We will ask for a printout of transactions for accounts that include Fiscal Services, Capital Financing, Debt Payments, Transfer to Reserves, Transfer from Reserves, Equipment Replacement Reserves, Water Capital Fund, Connection Charges, Grants, Water User Fees, Maintenance/Asset Renewal fee, Surpluses and Deficits, Parcel Tax transfers, Admin Overhead, Engineering Overhead, Interest Earned, Interest Paid and where that money goes.

The average Westside resident uses 24 m³ of water per month

The average Westside resident uses 789 litres of water every day! If you had to collect that, you’d need to make 98
trips with a full four-litre jug in each hand. Our water use is well above the British Columbia average of almost 500 litres a day and more than double the Canadian average of 374 litres per person each day

Source: regionaldistrict.com/media/18302/Using Less Water Inside Your Home.pdf

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

Average Westsider = .789 m³ per day x 365 days per year = 288 m³ divided by 12 months = 24 m³ per month

Average British Columbian = .5 m³ per day x 365 days per year = 182.5 m³ divided by 12 months = 15.21 m³ per month

Average Canadian = .374 m³ per day x 365 days per year = 136.5 m³ divided by 12 months = 11.38 m³ per month

April 27, 2015 Highlights of the Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting

This was a correction to the March 23, 2015 Minutes Item 9.1 Proposed 2015 Gas Tax Community Works Fund Projects, so there was nothing mentioned in the Highlights about this correction regarding the amounts should be higher for COW.

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April 27, 2015 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (23 MB)

April 27, 2015 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about correction to Minutes about Item 9.1 Proposed 2015 Gas Tax Community Works Fund Projects - .wma (2.08 MB)

April 27, 2015 Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting Agenda

This was a correction to the March 23, 2015 Minutes Item 9.1 Proposed 2015 Gas Tax Community Works Fund Projects, so there was nothing mentioned in the Agenda about this correction regarding the amounts should be higher for COW.

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April 27, 2015 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (23 MB)

April 27, 2015 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about correction to Minutes about Item 9.1 Proposed 2015 Gas Tax Community Works Fund Projects - .wma (2.08 MB)

Later this month we’ll ask the Regional Board to lower the threshold to 90-cubic meters per billing period. If approved, starting with the July billing quarter, customers will be charged 35 cents for each cubic meter of water used over the 90-cubic meters. This new consumption threshold is supported by several factors. Not only is this level in line with other local water utilities tier rate structure, but based on our existing metering data, 86% of our water customers have not exceeded 90- cubic meters in the last 18 months (six billing quarters).

In fact, a review of that consumption information also shows that just 698 quarterly meter readings went over 90-cubic meters water use. That’s approximately 14% of all our quarterly water bills for the past year and a half. The 90-cubic meter threshold works out to 360-cubic meters over the course of a year. That compares more favourably with Environment Canada’s average annual BC household water use of 325-cubic meters.

325-cubic meters per year, divided by 4 quarters = 81.25-cubic meters per quarter and this was our last rate increase, and its going to get worse in 2015.

Source: RDCO Spring 2013 Water Talk

Attachment

November 26, 2012 Highlights of the Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting

Sunset Ranch Utilities Ownership
The Regional Board has agreed to an agreement to take over ownership of the water and sanitary sewer utilities of the five strata corporations at the Sunset Ranch development. Before proceeding with a legal agreement, the transfer requires the support of at least 75% of the members of each strata corporation. The stratas have requested the Regional District take over ownership to provide a consistency and continuity in service as well as meeting long-term capital replacement requirements. In addition, water and sewer works constructed in future development phases would be transferred to the Regional District’s ownership.

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November 26, 2012 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (60.8 MB)

November 26, 2012 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 9.1 Central Okanagan West Community Works Gas Tax Fund - .wma (276 KB) (Killiney Beach and Upper Fintry)

November 26, 2012 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 9.2 Sunset Ranch Water And Sanitary Sewer Utilities Ownership - .wma (8.03 MB)

November 26, 2012 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 10.1 2012-2016 Financial Plan Amending Bylaw - .wma (205 KB)

November 26, 2012 Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting Agenda

Item 9.1 Central Okanagan West Community Works Gas Tax Fund (Upper Fintry/Valley of the Sun/Shalal Road)

Item 9.2 Sunset Ranch Water And Sanitary Sewer Utilities Ownership

Item 10.1 2012-2016 Financial Plan Amending Bylaw (Killiney Beach and Upper Fintry/Valley of the Sun/Shalal Road amendments)

*Note* This is only a snippet

Killiney Beach unused Gas Tax Funds reallocated to Upper Fintry/Valley of the Sun/Shalal Road
A reduction in the Killiney Beach capital work program for 2012 resulted in unused Gas Tax Funds. A portion of these funds ($38,000) and use of the remaining available COW Community Works Fund ($14,000) for a total of $52,000 would be applied to infrastructure improvements in the UF/Shalal/VOS water system.

RECOMMENDATION: That the Regional Board approve the transfer of funds from the Central Okanagan West Community Works Fund in the amount of $52,000 to the Upper Fintry/Shalal Road/Valley of the Sun water System.

Purpose: To utilize available funds from the Central Okanagan West (COW) Community Works Fund towards surfacing of local roads and storm water control and ditching required during construction of the Upper Fintry/Shalal Road/Valley of the Sun Water system ( UF/Shalal/VOS).

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November 26, 2012 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (60.8 MB)

November 26, 2012 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 9.1 Central Okanagan West Community Works Gas Tax Fund - .wma (276 KB) (Killiney Beach and Upper Fintry)

November 26, 2012 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 9.2 Sunset Ranch Water And Sanitary Sewer Utilities Ownership - .wma (8.03 MB)

November 26, 2012 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 10.1 2012-2016 Financial Plan Amending Bylaw - .wma (205 KB)

November 26, 2012 Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting Minutes

9. ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
9.1 Transfer of Funds from Central Okanagan West Community Works Fund Gas Tax (All Directors - Unweighted Vote)

Staff report dated November 19, 2012 outlined the requirement to utilize available community works fund gas tax funds from Central Okanagan West towards surfacing of local roads and storm water control and ditching required during construction of the Upper Fintry/Shalal RoadNalley of the Sun water system.

OPHUS/GIVEN
THAT the Regional Board approve the transfer of funds from the Central Okanagan West Community Works Fund in the amount of $52,000 to the Upper Fintry/Shalal Road/Valley of the Sun water system.

CARRIED

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November 26, 2012 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (60.8 MB)

November 26, 2012 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 9.1 Central Okanagan West Community Works Gas Tax Fund - .wma (276 KB) (Killiney Beach and Upper Fintry)

November 26, 2012 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 9.2 Sunset Ranch Water And Sanitary Sewer Utilities Ownership - .wma (8.03 MB)

November 26, 2012 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Item 10.1 2012-2016 Financial Plan Amending Bylaw - .wma (205 KB)

April 18, 2011 Highlights of the Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting

Gas Tax Funds - New Water System

The Regional Board has approved a transfer of $400,000 from the Central Okanagan West Electoral Area Gas Tax Community Works Fund. The money will be used to recycle asphalt along roadways during construction of the new water system for the Upper Fintry, Shalal Road and Valley of the Sun subdivisions. By recycling road surface asphalt, greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced, fewer aggregates will likely be needed and air quality will be improved as there will be less need for dust suppression chemicals. Funds will also be used for water quality control works. Construction on the new water system is expected to begin this spring.

The Board also endorsed a funding application through the Gas Tax Innovations Fund for eligible costs associated with integrating the new water system and the existing Fintry water utility, pending transfer of the private utility to the Regional District. Integration of the systems would help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve water quality and see an efficient use of infrastructure and staff resources.

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April 18, 2011 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (200 MB)

April 18, 2011 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Upper Fintry / Valley of the Sun water system grant application - .wma (414 KB)

April 18, 2011 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Regional Significant Projects - .wma (1.59 MB)

April 18, 2011 Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting Agenda

Item 10.3 CommunityWorksFund.pdf

Agenda No: 10.3
Meeting Date: April 18, 2011

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT REPORT

For the Board April 18, 2011
TO: Chair & Members of the Regional Board
FROM: Chris Radford, Director of Environmental Services
DATE: April 12, 2011
SUBJECT: Community Works Fund - COW

RECOMMENDATION:
THAT the Regional Board approves a transfer of $400,000 from the Gas Tax -Community Works Fund (COW) to provide asphalt recycling and associated water system control works.

Background: The Upper Fintry / Valley of the Sun water system is progressing with construction of the pump facilities, award of the construction of distribution works and in the next few weeks advertisement/construction of the reservoir works. A majority of the works will include excavation of the road network in the area to install pipe works. This will include removing asphalt surfaces. There may be an opportunity to process and recycle this material for road base and in areas that currently require dust suppression. Benefits of the recycled material will offset the requirement to import aggregates utilized for road sub grades and chemicals required for dust suppression. This initiative will directly reduce Green House Gas Emissions (GHG) for the transportation required to haul materials. In 2010, the Waste Reduction Department coordinated the application of dust suppression on the Forest Service Road leading to the NW Waste Transfer Facility. With the application of recycled asphalt, the chemical previously utilized would no longer be required to control dust and subsequently improve air-quality.
System control works would be associated with online water quality field devices, 24 hour monitoring and alarming through the RDCO control system. This initiative provides water quality improvements associated with the Gas Tax criteria.

Conclusion: The utilization of the Community Works Funds will meet all of the Provincial requirements applicable to the funding program: reduced GHG, improved air quality and improved water quality. Many goals of the Strategic Plan would also be realized through improving community infrastructure, efficiency to maximize benefit and interaction between departments.

Chris Radford
Director Environmental Services

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April 18, 2011 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (200 MB)

April 18, 2011 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Upper Fintry / Valley of the Sun water system grant application - .wma (414 KB)

April 18, 2011 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Regional Significant Projects - .wma (1.59 MB)

April 18, 2011 Regional District of Central Okanagan Regular Board Meeting Minutes

10.3 Transfer of Gas Tax - Community Works Fund to provide asphalt recycling and associated water system control works (Upper Fintry/Shalal Road/Valley of the Sun water system) (All Directors Unweighted Vote)

Staff report dated April 12, 2011 outlined the rationale for apply for gas tax funding for the Upper Fintry/Shalal Road/Valley of the Sun water system.

EDGSON/FINDLATER
THAT the Regional Board approves a transfer of $400,000 from the Gas Tax Community Works Fund to provide asphalt recycling and associated water system control works.

CARRIED

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April 18, 2011 audio of entire RDCO Board meeting - .mp3 (200 MB)

April 18, 2011 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Upper Fintry / Valley of the Sun water system grant application - .wma (414 KB)

April 18, 2011 audio of RDCO Board meeting only about Regional Significant Projects - .wma (1.59 MB)

Our consumption data compiled since the introduction of water meters has found that indoor water use averages 20 cubic meters per month or 60 cubic meters in a billing period.

Source: regionaldistrict.com/media/17997/FintryGWFINAL_May10.pdf

Feb 9, 2012 Governance and Services Minutes

6. Environmental Services

6.1 Urban Systems re: Utility Rate presentation

Ehren Lee and Michael Trickey provided a review of the draft utility rate (water rates and revenue assessment).

The Regional District owns, operates and maintains six water systems: Falconridge, Sunset Ranch, Westshore, Star Place, Trepanier, Upper Fintry/Valley of the Sun/Shalal Rd and Killiney Beach.

The scope of the work included:
- sustainable funding levels - determine the funding level needed over the next 20 years so that revenues match the capital, operation, maintenance and administration costs of each system; and
- demand pricing - determine a conservation pricing component that promotes water use reductions through charges to customers with relatively high water demands.
A review of each of the water systems was highlighted (20 year averages and observations) including reserves, capital requirements and gaps. Demand management reviewed: objectives include:
-employ a user-pay approach to revenues
-promote conservation
-principles reviewed - consumption goes down, revenue goes down

Next steps:
- Develop a water rate structure
- Bring forward a bylaw for consideration
The question was raised regarding timing, whether an education plan will be developed, and how the increases will be implemented. Staff will provide options at a future date, today was only to present the information gathered. As each system is unique, the Regional District will need to consider levels of service, what efficiencies can be considered, and possibly if there will be gas tax funds which can be accessed. Open houses and an education campaign will be provided as implementation occurs. Need to move forward as soon as possible as residents who use these water systems need to understand what the annual costs are. This will be provided as part of the education plan.

HANSON/EDGSON
THAT the presentation by Urban Systems on the Water System Rate and Revenue be received;
AND FURTHER THAT the report be referred to staff for development of a water rate structure for each system and an education component with a further report to the Board.

CARRIED

The groundwater chemistry of the well is characterized as a calcium-magnesium bicarbonate type, and displays a low level of mineralization. Nitrate concentration was below its detection limit of 0.01 mg/L in both samples. With a total hardness of 143-146 mg/L the water is considered hard, but less so than other groundwaters in the region.

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The ground water study document shown in the two documents above, states that 150 mg/L is considered very hard water.  Upper Fintry's ground water well quality shows 143 - 146 mg/L.

Funny that RDCO did not check the phosphates?  Does that mean we have a lot of phosphate in our water, we wonder?

Is a water softener the only way to get rid of that crust or what?  Can't RDCO filter that crust out of the water?

Wikipedia about Hard Water

Source: regionaldistrict.com/media/17997/FintryGWFINAL_May10.pdf

use
RDCO rate calculator

Killiney Beach:
- Purchased and installed two Variable-frequency drives ($13,000) to reduce energy costs and use
- Purchased and installed a Sodium Hypochlorite disinfection system ($10,000) to improve water quality and air quality
- Split the cost of leak detection equipment with Westshore system ($3,000 contribution from each system) to identify underground leaks—saving energy and operation costs

Westshore:
- Purchased and installed Sodium Hypochorite disinfection system ($10,000) resulting in improved water quality and air quality
- Purchased and installed new Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) communication lines for remote monitoring of critical system components ($10,000)

Sunset Ranch:
- Variable-frequency drive installed ($10,000) providing significant energy cost savings

Source 2015 Spring RDCO Water Talk

Sunset Ranch:
- a 100 horsepower variable frequency drive has been installed on Well pump No. 1 for improved flow control.

Killiney Beach:
- two 50 horsepower variable frequency drives installed at the Lake pumphouse.
- Online monitoring equipment has been replaced.

Westshore:
- Installed security fencing around upper reservoir.
- replaced two Pres-sure Reducing Valve Chambers at Ever-green and Lakewood stations.

All Systems
- Fall Flushing pro-gram continues through October 31st for optimum water quality and sediment removal.

Source 2014 Fall RDCO Water Talk

- Killiney Beach—103 cubic meters versus 101 in summer 2013
- Sunset Ranch—146 cubic meters versus 142 in summer 2013
- Falcon Ridge—147 cubic meters versus 155 in summer 2013
- Star Place—470 cubic meters versus 441 in summer 2013
- Westshore—129 cubic meters versus 145 in summer 2013  (Is this when the leaks at Westshore were fixed?)
- Upper Fintry-Shalal-Valley of the Sun—73 cubic meters versus 55 in summer 2013

Source 2014 Fall RDCO Water Talk

One thing I did not see in all the water data presented was projections using the 3 options. By projections I mean how much revenue would be generated by each of 3 systems using the new proposed options. I guess using 2014 data.

RDCO's answer: 

That information was available at the open house for discussion only but not in a take home format. That being said, it is now posted on OkanaganLakeBC.ca's website if you want to get into the details.

For your information, the 2016 operating costs are generally based on the 2013 and 2014 actual expenses and 2015 budgeted expenses with a 20%/30%/50% weighting. These historical expenses are also projected to the 2016 year with a 3% annual inflation factor - this inflation factor was based on historical changes in operating costs.

The projected 2016 operating costs are listed below by water system:

Westshore $170,980
Killiney      $162,480
Upper Fintry $61,281


The projected revenue was based on the current number of connections and based on the past 2 years of consumption data (2013 and 2014) with a 25%/75% weighting. The consumption data was projected on a per connection basis using a 0% trend, adjusted based on assumed reduction in consumption as a result of the change in the rate structure, and also caps the high users in the revenue project. These caps were included in the analysis as these "extreme users" could very easily reduce their consumption and this would result in an operating deficit. If the historical water consumption of the "extreme users" continues, the additional revenue would stay with the water system and would be held in an operating reserve to help mitigate future water rates.

The projected 2016 revenue for each water system under each of the options are listed below:

The rates under each of the options was determined to cover the projected operating costs for 2016. I trust the information above is helpful; however, please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss further.

In addition, thank you for calling in that water leak!

Sincerely,

Clarke Kruiswyk
Environmental Services Analyst
Phone: 250-469-6265
Email: clarke.kruiswyk "at" cord.bc.ca
Website: www.regionaldistrict.com

Spring 2015 RDCO Water Talk page 1

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Spring 2015 RDCO Water Talk page 2

click page for a larger copy