Okanagan-Similkameen Regional District

A citizen survey was conducted from Sept. 2 to Nov. 1, 2020. The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen has completed its initial analysis of the survey. (Black Press file photo)

Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen completes analysis of citizen survey

More than 200 people responded to survey from Sept. 2 to Nov. 1, 2020

 

Ponderosa Primary Care Centre in Penticton is considered a model for care clinics going forward by the South Okanagan Division of Family Practice. (Monique Tamminga)

Primary Care Clinic funding could be a cure for South Okanagan Similkameen doctor shortage

Ponderosa Primary Care Centre in Penticton is a model for future care clinics and doctor recruitment

 

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen has made some changes as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, but these have been less pronounced than those made by municipalities in the South Okanagan and Similkameen. (John Arendt - Summerland Review)

Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen holding steady despite COVID-19 pandemic

Virtual meetings continue, but office and staff remain busy

 

Andrew Reeder, left, manager of operations at the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen, Michelle Weisheit, chair of the Willowbrook Water Advisory Committee and Rick Knodel, director for Electoral Area C show the recently installed chlorinator and chlorine tank at the Willowbrook pump station. (Contributed)

Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen lifts boil water advisory for Willowbrook

Chlorinator and chlorine tank have been installed at Willowbrook pump station

Andrew Reeder, left, manager of operations at the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen, Michelle Weisheit, chair of the Willowbrook Water Advisory Committee and Rick Knodel, director for Electoral Area C show the recently installed chlorinator and chlorine tank at the Willowbrook pump station. (Contributed)
The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen is continuing to hold virtual meetings. A larger meeting room would be needed before the regional district can bring members of the public to in-person meetings. (John Arendt - Summerland Review)

Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen continues with online meetings

Larger venue needed before public can be included in-person at board meetings

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen is continuing to hold virtual meetings. A larger meeting room would be needed before the regional district can bring members of the public to in-person meetings. (John Arendt - Summerland Review)
Tourism is an economic driver within the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen, as seen in this 2017 photo. This year, the regional district is preparing for Phase Three of the province’s restart plan and the return of tourists to the region. (Photo by John Poon) Travel Penticton has a year of challenges trying to spread the word to tourists that the city is “still happening” despite flooding and smoke due to the wildfires. John Poon/ Special to the Western News

Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen plans for Phase Three of reopening

Board chair urges visitors to respect provincial directives to slow spread of COVID-19

Tourism is an economic driver within the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen, as seen in this 2017 photo. This year, the regional district is preparing for Phase Three of the province’s restart plan and the return of tourists to the region. (Photo by John Poon) Travel Penticton has a year of challenges trying to spread the word to tourists that the city is “still happening” despite flooding and smoke due to the wildfires. John Poon/ Special to the Western News
Rural residents within the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen must supply their own containers for recycling after July 1, 2020. (Contributed)

Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen no longer accepting recycling bags in rural areas after July 1

Rural residents must supply their own containers for recyclables

Rural residents within the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen must supply their own containers for recycling after July 1, 2020. (Contributed)
Loose Bay Campground near Oliver has been open to seasonal workers since May 1. The Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen has received funding to help with COVID-19 safety precautions at the campground. (Anne Benn - Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen)

Funding provided for COVID-19 precautions at Loose Bay Campground

Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen receives $60,000 for efforts at campground near Oliver

Loose Bay Campground near Oliver has been open to seasonal workers since May 1. The Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen has received funding to help with COVID-19 safety precautions at the campground. (Anne Benn - Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen)
An agreement has been signed for the upkeep of the Summerland portion of the Trans Canada Trail. (File image)

Agreement signed for Summerland trail maintenance

Municipality and Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen enter into agreement

An agreement has been signed for the upkeep of the Summerland portion of the Trans Canada Trail. (File image)
The Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen has authorized funding for the installation of a boat dock in Kaleden. (Contributed)

Funds authorized for boat dock in Kaleden

Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen approves $60,000 for project

The Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen has authorized funding for the installation of a boat dock in Kaleden. (Contributed)
The Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen has applied to renew the license of occupation over the Naramata Wharf. (Map courtesy of the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen)

Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen applies for Naramata Wharf license of occupation

Tender renewed for another 30 years

The Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen has applied to renew the license of occupation over the Naramata Wharf. (Map courtesy of the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen)
The trail project, valued at $175,000, will convert and existing rail line into a non-motorized multi-use trail between Keremeos and Cawston. (Photo courtesy of the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen)

Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen to apply for trail approval

Agricultural Land Commission approval needed for trail between Cawston and Keremeos

The trail project, valued at $175,000, will convert and existing rail line into a non-motorized multi-use trail between Keremeos and Cawston. (Photo courtesy of the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen)
Organizers urge action against invasive species in Okanagan and Similkameen regions

Organizers urge action against invasive species in Okanagan and Similkameen regions

May has been declared as Invasive Species Month in British Columbia

Organizers urge action against invasive species in Okanagan and Similkameen regions
(Black Press file photo)

Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen considers opening public washrooms

Facilities may open earlier than usual for farm workers and vulnerable populations

(Black Press file photo)
Karla Kozakevich, chair of the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen board, conducted the April 16 meeting using an online platform. The last time the board met at the Penticton office was on March 19. (Contributed)

Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen holds meeting online

COVID-19 results in changes to structure of regional government meetings

Karla Kozakevich, chair of the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen board, conducted the April 16 meeting using an online platform. The last time the board met at the Penticton office was on March 19. (Contributed)
Recent staff cuts at the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen are being described as permanent, not temporary measures. The two cuts were made as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.(John Arendt - Summerland Review)

Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen job cuts are permanent, administrator says

Positions were cut in response to COVID-19 pandemic

Recent staff cuts at the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen are being described as permanent, not temporary measures. The two cuts were made as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.(John Arendt - Summerland Review)
Cindy Boehm, wearing hip waders, enters a swamp at the north end of Osoyoos Lake to spray mosquito larvae. She is one of two mosquito control employees of the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen’s mosquito control program. The spray is not toxic to other wildlife or humans. (Richard McGuire photo)

Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen begins mosquito control program

The Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen has begun its Nuisance Mosquito Control…

Cindy Boehm, wearing hip waders, enters a swamp at the north end of Osoyoos Lake to spray mosquito larvae. She is one of two mosquito control employees of the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen’s mosquito control program. The spray is not toxic to other wildlife or humans. (Richard McGuire photo)
Two positions have been cut at the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. (Black Press file photo)

Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen cuts two positions

Management roles cut as a result of ongoing COVID-19 pandemic

Two positions have been cut at the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. (Black Press file photo)
(Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen photo)

Large item collection events cancelled in Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen

Concerns about spread of COVID-19 led to decision to cancel collection events

(Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen photo)
Only eight of the 19 members of the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen were present at the March 19 board meeting. The regional district has now chosen to close its facilities to the public. Accredited media will be allowed at board meetings. (John Arendt - Summerland Review)

Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen cancels April 2 meeting

Staff working to install videoconferencing system during COVID-19 pandemic

Only eight of the 19 members of the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen were present at the March 19 board meeting. The regional district has now chosen to close its facilities to the public. Accredited media will be allowed at board meetings. (John Arendt - Summerland Review)