Elevate your local knowledge
Sign up for the iNFOnews newsletter today!
Regional District Okanagan Similkameen
iN PHOTOS: Have a look inside state-of-the-art fruit packing plant in South Okanagan
Okanagan-Similkameen regional district politicians got a chance to have a look inside the new, state-of-the-art…
South Okanagan regional district installing 22 new EV chargers
The Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen has awarded a contract to build new electric vehicle…
RDOS waives landfill fees for community clean-ups
The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen has waived tipping fees at landfills for community clean-up efforts.…
Small, tight-knit South Okanagan community experiencing rash of gang violence
Another episode of gang violence in Naramata hasn't shaken the local regional director's belief that…
Regional board misses out on initial round of deer management funding
PENTICTON - The Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen won’t be able to take advantage of a hastily released interim cost sharing program with the provincial government to pay for deer management projects. Chief administrative officer Bill Newell says an announcement was made during last year’s Union of B.C. Municipalities convention about a short term program,...
Christmas tree recycling in the South Okanagan
PENTICTON - It's easy to recycle your Christmas tree in the South Okanagan. Penticton firefighters will pick up Christmas trees from Dec. 27 to Jan. 18 for a donation which will go the the B.C. Professional Firefighters Burn Fund and Muscular Dystrophy charities. You can call 250-490-2315 to arrange for collection. Trees can also be dropped off at...
RDOS governance study looking for resident participation
PENTICTON - The goal of the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen’s governance study in Electoral Area D is to get residents involved in the search for new ways to govern the rural area. The governance study offers residents a rare opportunity to share their perspective on how local government works — or how it doesn’t, according...
Regional directors discuss agricultural land use issues with ALC chair
PENTICTON - Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen directors discussed Agricultural Land Commission issues with the commission chair this week. Commission chair Frank Leonard gave directors a brief summary of his role and as chair and the present state of the land commission, before taking questions from the director’s board at their regular meeting Thursday. Leonard says...
Kettle Valley Railway trail to be expanded
PENTICTON - The Okanagan Similkameen Regional District is building connections on key sections of the Kettle Valley Railway Trail between Oliver and Osoyoos. Regional district spokesperson Debbie Clarke says the plan is to connect Electoral Areas “A” and “C” through the trail, with much of the work to be centred on a section alongside recently...
Regional building stats point to heightened construction activity
PENTICTON - After several years of slow growth, the Okanagan Similkameen Regional District is seeing a surge in building activity. Development services manager Donna Butler says 2014 was "a very busy year" and statistics so far indicate 2015 on track to meet or exceed last year’s building activity. To date, the regional district has issued...
Fruit pest prevalence prompts regional district reminder
PENTICTON - As cherry season peaks in the South Okanagan, backyard fruit growers are being reminded to be vigilant about controlling fruit tree pests. The Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen has had a bylaw in place since 2001 for all rural electoral areas and the Town of Oliver requiring residents with cherry trees to control...
Regional director seeks accountability from Fortis B.C. and the Utilities Commission
PENTICTON - A South Okanagan politician continues his campaign to make Fortis B.C. and the B.C. Utility Commission more accountable to the public for rate increases. Regional District South Okanagan-Similkameen director Tom Siddon has requested questions about Fortis B.C.'s two-tiered electrical rate system and the Commision's accountability be added to the agenda of the next...
Regional grants policy revamped
PENTICTON - The Regional District Okanagan Similkameen is making changes to its grants policy. Chief financial officer Sandy Croteau said one facet of the new policy will see gas tax funding only used for projects involving land owned or leased to the regional district, eliminating the funds from the reach of non-profits and societies who...
Bumper crop of itchy, scratchy poison ivy in South Okanagan
PENTICTON - There’s a good reason for outdoor enthusiasts to stay on the trail when hiking in the South Okanagan this spring. Cyclists and pedestrians using the Kettle Valley Railway trail are noticing an abundance of poison ivy this year, particularly on the trail between Penticton and Kaleden. Regional District Okanagan Similkameen parks coordinator Justin...
No solutions on the horizon to urban deer management issues
PENTICTON - Municipalities looking for a solution to excessive deer in their neighbourhoods shouldn’t hold their breath waiting for workable legislation from the B.C. government. The Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen met with the province and a handful of other municipalities for a two day workshop to discuss urban deer issues. Regional district Chief Administrative...