2025 BUDGET
On March 4, Council adopted the five-year financial plan for Lake Country which includes the 2025 budget. After extensive consultation with the community, including two open houses held on January 28 and February 6, Council agreed that a 6.45% increase is required.
As the District navigates cost pressures in areas such as policing, transit and infrastructure, Council is focused on balancing the need to address rising operational costs, continuing to improve and invest in existing services and infrastructure while minimizing the impact on taxpayers. The proposed budget outlines an increase of 6.45% on the municipal, policing and fire portion of taxes, reflecting Council’s commitment to meeting the District’s financial needs without placing excessive burdens on the community.
To put the 2025 increase into perspective, a 1% increase results in approximately $223,000 in revenue. The impact of the 6.45% property tax increase to Lake Country property owners will result in an approximate $169 yearly increase (or $14 monthly increase) on a typical (median) single-family home assessed at $930,000.
Go paperless! Receive your bills and notices on time by signing up at www.MyLakeCountry.ca
How does the BC Assessment value impact my municipal tax assessment?
Earlier this year, BC Assessment released 2025 assessments throughout BC that reflect the value of properties as of July 2024. The average Lake Country single-family home is valued at $1,067,000, a 1.7% decrease from last year’s assessment of $1,085,000. Here is a guide for how your property assessment change will impact your tax bill:
• If your property’s value decreased by more than the 1.7% average decrease for the residential class, you can expect the increase on the municipal portion of your tax bill to be less than 6.45%.
• If your property’s value change was similar to the average decrease of 1.7% for the residential class, you can expect the increase on the municipal portion of your tax bill to be 6.45%.
• If your property’s value increased, or if your property’s value decreased by less than the 1.7% average decrease for the residential class, you can expect the increase on the municipal portion of your tax bill to be more than 6.45%.
Visit letstalk.lakecountry.bc.ca to review budget information and watch Council meeting recordings relating to the 2025 budget.
OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN AMENDMENTS
IN 2025:
The Official Community Plan (OCP) is Lake Country’s key planning tool that helps guide how neighbourhoods and businesses can grow and change. To accommodate future growth and development, the District is updating the OCP. This roadmap helps sets the long-term vision for the community and addresses policies to help with decisions on land use, zoning, housing, infrastructure, environmental protection, parks, recreation and other community planning priorities.
The review of the current OCP, which was developed in 2018, has begun. This review process is targeted to last 18 months, concluding in 2026.
All OCP amendments involve public engagement to ensure the community’s needs are considered. Stay tuned for more info this spring at letstalk.lakecountry.bc.ca/ and find out how you can get involved.
Get engaged, your opinion matters!
THINKING OF STARTING A SHORT TERM VACATION RENTAL IN LAKE COUNTRY?
Many Lake Country entrepreneurs have opened their homes to welcome tourists and visitors by providing short-term vacation rentals (STVRs). STVRs are important to Lake Country as they provide income to local homeowners and help fill the gap of limited temporary accommodations such as motels and campgrounds.
If you are thinking of starting a STVR check the definition of a STVR in the District’s Zoning Bylaw 561, 2007. Also, check to see if STVRs are allowed based on the zoning for your property.
Determine if you qualify to operate a STVR in Lake Country:
• Accommodations must be within a STVR zone (zoning map, zoning bylaw).
• Accommodations must be in the principal residence of the homeowner.
• Accommodations for the STVR must be located within the primary residence and not in an accessory suite separate from the home (examples include: trailer, motorhome, camper, garage, cabana, or shop).
• There are not more than four (4) sleeping units rented out at the same time.
• There is parking for all guests on the property (guests’ vehicles are not permitted to park on the street).
• All garbage and recycling is contained to the property and properly disposed.
• Homeowner must have the proper insurance for the STVR.
• All STVRs must have a valid District of Lake Country business licence.
Already have an STVR in Lake Country?
If you already have a business licence for an STVR don’t forget to register with the Province. Details can be found at Short-term rental registration - Province of British Columbia.
Visit lakecountry.bc.ca/businesslicencing
LIQUID WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN: What is it?
Liquid Waste Management Plans (LWMPs) help local governments control wastewater, safely. They consider factors like the environment, affordability, public opinion, governance, and social issues. Lake Country’s LWMP, over 20 years old, has undergone a complete update and the process has lasted three years and involved community engagement along the way. Solutions in the plan are influenced by residents’ input. Those solutions stem from the pressing challenge that the current system lacks capacity to handle today’s wastewater flows, on top of future needs, but the plan outlines steps to improve it, meet water quality requirements, and expand services to more
properties. The Stage 1-2 Report was accepted by the Province in August 2023, based on our proposed plan. This plan aims to ensure a sustainable and effective approach to liquid waste management in Lake Country.
Where is Lake Country in the three-stage process?
Liquid waste management plans progress through three stages: identification, evaluation, and adoption. Lake Country’s adopted Stage 1-2 Report propelled the LWMP process to Stage 3. The Stage 3 Report, scheduled for submission in June 2025, encompasses the implementation plan with programs, strategies, activities, projects, schedule milestones, funding, and timelines. The implementation plan takes the preferred direction forward to meet our goals for liquid waste.
What
is Lake Country’s preferred direction to manage liquid waste for the next 20
years?
The plan emphasizes exceeding minimum requirements for public health and environmental well-being, as Lake Country is known to do. Key aspects of the approved plan include upgrading the wastewater treatment plant, determining a long-term disposal solution, exploring water recycling for fields and other uses, strategically expanding the collection system, continuing the biosolids program, and enhancing stormwater management. The District is also exploring reclaimed water reuse options as a requirement by the Province. The focus now shifts to implementing the plan effectively.
Cost over 20 years to implement LWMP plan:
*M
What does the implementation plan include?
Phase 1: 2024 to 2029
• Upgrade Treatment Plant
• Explore alternative disposal methods
• Update Stormwater Management
Phase 2: 2029 to 2039
• Expand the Collection System
• Conduct Retrofit Sewers
Ongoing Initiatives
•Continue Biosolids Management
•Continue Water Quality Monitoring
•Explore Water Reuse Systems
• Update the LWMP ~ 10 Years
The total costs estimated to implement the LWMP is $88.3M (2022 dollars).
What are the cost implications to property owners in Lake Country to implement the LWMP?
Sewer utility customers
• Parcel taxes will be eliminated (Sewer Parcel Tax & Environmental Levy) and sewer fees will be shifted to utility billing (starting Quarter 1)
• Customers will notice an increase on their utility bill but a decrease on their tax notices
Properties not connected to the sewer utility
•Properties that can use the system, but are not, will be charged a non-connected fee
• Properties that cannot access the sewer system will no longer pay the Environmental Levy parcel tax
• Continued expectation for proper septic system maintenance
Other core funding and cost-recovery methods
•Development Cost Charges
•Senior Government Grants
•Grants from the Okanagan Basin Water Board
Stay involved in the process
•The District is preparing a draft of the Stage 3 report for public review
•Head over to Let’s Talk – Lake Country and explore posted materials at letstalk.lakecountry.bc.ca/lwmp
Pay your bills and handle your District info online with
MyLakeCountry.ca is an online portal that provides residents access to their property tax and utility bills, building permits and business licence information. After registering your profile, you can securely and easily make payments from your account.
If you still receive a paper bill, you only have to select YES to switch to fully paperless billing.
Benefits of secure online billing:
• Receive your bill faster, making it easier to manage your budget.
• Receive an email notification when your bill is ready. This includes the bill amount and due date.
• Pay your bill via your computer or mobile device.
• Increase the security of your bill information.
• Decrease your impact on the environment by going paperless.
How to switch to online billing
Switching from paper to online billing is fast, easy and free. Here is what to do:
1. 2. Create a profile at MyLakeCountry.ca. All you’ll need is your name, phone number, email address and to create a password and security question.
Link Accounts. You’ll have the option of linking your business licence, property tax and utility account to your profile. Make sure to have a copy of one of your most recent bills so you have the information you will need.
3. Go paperless. Once logged in, click ‘Yes’ to subscribe for eBilling.
Visit lakecountry.bc.ca/mylakecountryeservices for more information on setting up a MyLakeCountry.ca account.
Important 2025 Dates
March Speculation and Vacancy Tax Declaration
Note: this is a provincial program and not handled by the District. For more info visit gov.bc.ca/gov/content/taxes/speculation-vacancy-tax
April Sent: Utility Invoices First Quarter 2025 (see page 9)
May 15 Due: Utility Invoices First Quarter 2025
Late May Sent: Property Tax Notices
Access your invoice online (MyLakeCountry.ca)
May to July 2 Apply for your Homeowner Grant online
(Note the District cannot apply or submit your application for the homeowner grant. Apply by July 2nd to avoid a penalty gov.bc.ca/homeownergrant)
July Sent: Utility Invoices Second Quarter 2025
Access your invoice online (MyLakeCountry.ca)
July 2 (always first business day of July) Due: Property Tax Due Date
August 15 Due: Utility Invoices Second Quarter 2025
October Sent: Utility Invoices Third Quarter 2025
November 15 Due: Utility Invoices Third Quarter 2025
December 16 Sent: 2026 Business Licence Renewals
Access your invoice online (MyLakeCountry.ca)
December 31 Due: Deadline to apply for the current year homeowner grant (apply before July 2 to avoid penalty).
January 2026 Sent: Utility Invoices Fourth Quarter 2026
February 15 2026 Due: Utility Invoices Fourth Quarter 2026
March 1 2026 Due: 2026 Business Licence Fee
Know Your Property Lines
• Before starting any project you must know your property lines which are easily accessed on the GIS map at lakecountry.bc.ca or by calling 250-766-5650.
• Before undertaking any construction within the District Right-of-Way, you must apply with a Permit to Construct in Right-of-Way. You can find this under ‘Permits’ at lakecountry.bc.ca
• The permit is free and can potentially save property owners’ time and money if the work that has been done is stopped or needs to be removed.
Pop Up Recycling Depot Dates
March 22
April 26
May 24
June 28
July 26
August 23
September 27
October 25
10 am until 2 pm in the parking lot at the corner of Main Street and Hill Road (3165 Hill Rd). Drop off your glass bottles and jars, Styrofoam packaging, plastic bags and overwrap, other flexible plastic packaging, and small household electronics.
To find out more about the pop-up depots and what materials can be recycled, go to rdco.com/recycle or email recycle@rdco.com.
Yard Waste Collection is Back On!
Pick-up every two weeks March 1 - December 31
Accepted Items: leaves, branches, prunings, tree needles, grass clippings, fruit droppings. Size limitations apply.
Check your cart! Make sure it’s only yard waste. No plastic, garbage, flower pots, bags of any kind, pet waste, kitchen scraps, rocks, soil, sod, or other non-yard waste items.
Flexible Plastics: Plastic bags, overwrap, chip bags and snack wrappers, zipper bags and pouches, mesh bags, bubble wrap, NEW squishy foam packaging and more
Recycling Cart – Leave
Farm Gate Trail – buy fresh local fare by visiting one of the many farm gate stands in Lake Country. View the most up visitlakecountry.ca/farm-gate-trail
Back again for another year. Details on the trees available as well as order information will be available mid-year.
Don’t miss out! Subscribe to receive news when the program is announced at lakecountry.bc.ca/subscribe
Reporting a Problem
Municipal staff are available Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Bylaw Officers are available Monday to Sunday from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm with extended hours May to September.
You can report any observed issues in the community at lakecountry.bc.ca. Navigate to ‘Services’ and select ‘Service Request or Report a Problem’. We can also be reached at 250 766 5650. To report a bylaw contravention, report online or call 250 766 6673.
Waste Reduction
rdco.com/recycle or download the Recycle Coach App
Don’t Miss Important Information!
Stay on top of District news by subscribing at lakecountry.bc.ca/subscribe. Choose from alerts, meetings and Community News.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THERE IS AN EMERGENCY?
IMPORTANT - SIGN UP TO THESE THREE WEBSITES TO RECEIVE IMPORTANT TIMELY INFORMATION – FAST!
Information for residents specific to Lake Country emergencies will be sent out to email subscribers. Subscribe to have information sent directly to your inbox. lakecountry.bc.ca/subscribe
cordemergency.ca
Central Okanagan residents should sign up for email updates to receive notifications from the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) when the EOC is activated.
myLakeCountry.ca
MyLakeCountry eServices is a secure, online service that provides Lake Country residents with instant access to their property tax and utility accounts 24/7 and enables users to sign up for eBilling. The database also allows emergency information to be sent out by areas (example – water outage impacting District customers).
NOTE: Pay attention to the official channels listed above as media may not publish the most up to date information for your area. Social media is not always accurate.
EMERGENCY EVACUATION LEVELS WHAT DO THEY MEAN AND WHAT SHOULD I DO?
An event has taken place that may require residents to BE READY TO LEAVE their homes ON SHORT NOTICE. Gather your important documents; prepare yourself with several days of clothing, toiletries and medication; and make arrangements for pets. Locate all family members and designate a meeting area outside of the evacuation area should an Evacuation Order be called while you are separate.
An event has made it necessary for residents to leave their homes immediately for their own safety. Residents will be restricted from returning.
Notifications and updates will be provided through lakecountry.bc.ca and cordemergency.ca and will be shared with media.
There is an IMMEDIATE THREAT TO the LIFE AND SAFETY of individuals. An emergency of this sort does not allow for any warnings or time to prepare to evacuate. Usually, the RCMP, Bylaw officers or fire fighters will come to your home to tell you to leave immediately.
Gather your family. DO NOT use more vehicles than you have to.
Take critical items (ID, medicine, purse, wallet, and keys) ONLY if they are immediately available.
Take pets in pet kennels or on leash.
INFORMATION WILL BE SENT TO YOUR INBOX
Make sure to subscribe to receive email notifications