RDCO 2022 Annual Report

Where to find it

We acknowledge our presence on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded (land) of the syilx / Okanagan people who have resided here since time immemorial. We recognize, honour, and respect the syilx / Okanagan lands upon which we live, work, and play.

About us

The Regional District of Central Okanagan encompasses over 314,000 hectares of diverse topography straddling the shoreline of Okanagan Lake in the beautiful Okanagan Valley of British Columbia’s Southern Interior.

Recreational opportunities abound from our mountain peaks, lakes and fantastic sandy beaches to our naturally forested areas. We have everything you’d expect in a thriving, urban centre plus orchards and vineyards that offer a rural, agricultural connection.

More than 222,000 people call the Central Okanagan home, making us the third largest urban area in BC. Statistics Canada says we’re the fastest growing region in the country. The regional district strives to maintain a balance between growth and development while protecting the natural environment and our unique Okanagan lifestyle.

Our region is a popular vacation destination: a five-hour drive from Vancouver and the lower mainland and about two hours north of the US border with Washington State. Visitors enjoy extraordinary powder skiing, lush golf courses, world-renown wineries, fruit right off the tree and fresh, clean air and water. It’s not surprising that many turn a visit into their chosen place to live, work and play.

The Regional District of Central Okanagan is one of 27 in the province. Created in 1967, the region includes the two unincorporated rural electoral areas of Central Okanagan East and Central Okanagan West, along with the member municipalities of the City of Kelowna, the District of Lake Country, the District of Peachland and City of West Kelowna. The two First Nations in our area: Westbank First Nation and Okanagan Indian Band, are among eight Southern Interior indigenous communities that make up the Okanagan Nation and have inhabited the valley for thousands of years.

The Regional District Board of Directors includes 12 elected and appointed voting representatives from the electoral areas and the member municipalities. In addition, a non-voting member is appointed by Chief and Council to represent Westbank First Nation. The Board provides direction and guidance in managing the various programs, services and issues provided across the Central Okanagan.

We exercise financial stewardship by adopting a Five-Year Financial Plan before the end of March each year. In the first few months of each new year, the Regional Board holds several budget meetings encouraging public engagement and participation, prior to adopting the fiscal bylaw.

The mission of the regional district is to help protect the quality of life for all citizens by planning for the future, while delivering efficient and cost-effective services to the region. Those services that are provided to electoral area residents include water, planning and solid waste collection. As well, region-wide services are provided such as dog control, recycling, 9-1-1, Regional Parks and the Emergency Response Plan for the Central Okanagan.

Senior leadership team

Brian Reardon | Chief Administrative Officer

Corie Griffiths | Director of Corporate Services/ Deputy CAO

Todd Cashin | Director of Community Services

Jodie Foster | Director of Communications & Information Services

David Komaike | Director of Engineering Services

Murray Kopp | Director of Parks Services

Tania McCabe | Director of Financial Services

Karen Needham | Corporate Officer

Community Services

Freedom of Information & Protection of Privacy

Corporate Services

Human Resources

Communications and Information Services

Environmental Services

Economic Development Commission

Fire Services

Engineering Services

Regional Waste Reduction Office

Parks Services

Finance

Financial Services

Regional Emergency Program

Purchasing

Message from the chair

In 2022, our incredible regional and community parks provided much-needed connection with nature. We were thrilled to welcome back over 700 people through in-person activities and events, which included the reopening and expansion of the Mission Creek Greenway trails in Scenic Canyon Regional Park. Our commitment to protecting the environment and providing opportunities for residents to enjoy nature is unwavering, which is why we purchased more than 10-hectares of land for Goat’s Peak Regional Park and a 4-hectare parcel straddling Powers Creek for future trail development in Glen Canyon Regional Park.

Supporting communities affected by past emergencies and ensuring we are prepared for the future was a top priority for the Regional District in 2022. The recovery efforts for residents affected by the devastating White Rock Lake wildfire remains an ongoing focus. We also strengthened our regional emergency management program.

This year we took important steps towards Truth and Reconciliation with the syilx / Okanagan people. Our new land acknowledgement and partnership with the Westbank First Nation reflects our dedication to building a meaningful and respectful relationship.

Engaging with residents across the Central Okanagan is also essential to our success, which is why we launched our yoursay.rdco.com online portal. This platform allows us to gather feedback on projects, including plans for Kalamoir and Rose Valley regional parks and the work of the Electoral Area West and North Westside Governance and Services Study Committee. Recognizing that the needs of our Electoral Areas are unique, we have also established the Electoral Area Services Committee, chaired by Director Wayne Carson, to provide an elevated opportunity to address the needs of rural areas in the Central Okanagan.

Loyal Wooldridge, Chair

This year, we transitioned from the end of one term for the Regional Board to the start of a new one. I would like to thank our past Directors for their dedication to positive change for our region (past Chair Gail Given and Kelowna Directors Brad Sieben, Maxine DeHart and Luke Stack, Peachland Director Cindy Fortin, long-time Lake Country Director James Baker and Central Okanagan East Director Mark Bartyik). We are excited to work with our new directors (Kevin Kraft from Central Okanagan East, Tom Dyas, Ron Cannan, Gord Lovegrove and Mohini Singh from Kelowna; Blair Ireland from Lake Country and Peachland Director Patrick Van Minsel) and returning Board members to make the Central Okanagan a safe and healthy region for all residents.

I am grateful for the Regional District staff and senior leadership team, who tirelessly serve the Central Okanagan. Later in 2023 we will bid adieu to our long tenured Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Brian Reardon, who is entering retirement, and welcome new leadership to guide us forward. Together, we will continue to strive towards a brighter future for our community.

Thank you for your confidence in the RDCO - upwards!

Regional District population

222,162

Census 2021

RDCO Board 2022

The Regional District Board manages fiscal and policy issues of local governance. Appointed and elected members represent the four municipalities, two electoral areas of the Regional District and Westbank First Nation. On Saturday, October 15, 2022, local government elections were held. Candidates were acclaimed as Directors representing the Central Okanagan East and Central Okanagan West electoral areas. The electoral area Directors, and those appointed to represent the City of Kelowna, District of Lake Country, District of Peachland, City of West Kelowna and Westbank First Nation began their term at the Inaugural meeting, Thursday, November 10, 2022.

The number of directors and voting strength of each is based on population and the voting unit is specified in the Letters Patent for the Regional District. In 2022, the Provincial government approved an increase in the voting unit from 4,000 to 5,500 people. As a result, the City of Kelowna appoints six of the 12 voting directors.

BRAD SIEBEN Councillor, City of Kelowna

CHARLIE HODGE Councillor, City of Kelowna

LOYAL WOOLDRIDGE Chair Councillor, City of Kelowna

WAYNE CARSON Director, Central Okanagan West Electoral Area

GORD MILSOM Vice-Chair Mayor, City of West Kelowna

MARK BARTYIK Director, Central Okanagan East Electoral Area

COLIN BASRAN Mayor, City of Kelowna

MAXINE DEHART Councillor, City of Kelowna

LUKE STACK Councillor, City of Kelowna

CINDY FORTIN Mayor, District of Peachland

GAIL GIVEN Councillor, City of Kelowna

STEPHEN JOHNSTON Councillor, City of West Kelowna

JORDAN COBLE Councillor, Westbank First Nation (non-voting)

JAMES BAKER Mayor, District of Lake Country

Strategic priorities

The Strategic Priorities crafted by the Regional Board, guide the programs and services provided by the RDCO through the current term.

Vision

The RDCO is a vibrant and resilient region, characterized by interconnected urban centres, robust rural communities and a stunning natural environment.

Member municipalities and electoral areas work together in a spirit of respect and collaboration, to address shared needs and pursue joint opportunities. The syilx / Okanagan people are true partners, helping to interpret the past, shape the present and define a common future. Citizens across the region are engaged in governance and invested in efforts taken to strengthen the broader community.

Economic development

We will support economic development through the efforts of the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission, municipalities, silyx / Okanagan people and others aimed at building the regional economy.

Environment

We will initiate and support efforts to reduce our environmental footprint, adapt to climate change and connect with nature.

Sustainable communities

We will initiate and support efforts to create a healthy built environment in which all people throughout the region enjoy a high quality of life with access to safe neighbourhoods including a diverse range of housing options.

Transportation and mobility

We will promote transportation and land use approaches that enhance movement throughout the region and reduce our collective reliance on vehicles.

Mission

The Regional District brings together member municipalities and Electoral Areas to plan for the future by identifying shared needs and opportunities, and by delivering cost effective services.

Values

Good governance

We develop practical and innovative solutions based on evidence and analysis.

Transparency

We are open and transparent in our decision-making and actions.

Resiliency

We anticipate, prepare for and adapt to challenges and changing circumstances.

Collaboration

We seek opportunities to partner with others in addressing shared needs and pursuing common interests.

Relationships

Regional perspective

We build strong relationships with our member municipalities, the syilx / Okanagan people and partners.

We recognize the broader regional community and the importance of a regional perspective in planning and service delivery.

POPULATION (Estimate) Source: Census 2021

144,576 City of Kelowna 36,078 City of West Kelowna

15,817 District of Lake Country

5,789 District of Peachland

522 134 53 22

RESIDENCES Source: Census 2021

* Source: Census 2021 includes 10,900 on Westbank First Nation lands

334 367 94,335 * Households 102,097 Private dwellings

4,258 Central Okanagan East

45 16 13,797 ** Central Okanagan West

RDCO area includes 3,14 5.4 square kilometers

Message from the administrator

Community involvement and engagement has always been a priority for the Regional District of Central Okanagan. Those ongoing efforts were highlighted in several areas during 2022. Following extensive consultation opportunities with residents, stakeholders and participating governments, we completed several key projects that will assist in future planning to ensure there’s a place for everyone in the Central Okanagan.

As the fastest growing region in the country, our Regional Housing Strategy is designed to address the challenges around affordability, supply, and supportive housing across the region and to improve coordinated, collaborative action. Our Central Okanagan Poverty and Wellness Strategy provides over 40 actionable ideas along with a blueprint for building on the amazing work that people and organizations across the Central Okanagan continue to do in meeting the basic needs of residents through reconciliation, inclusion and belonging. And with the lengthy history and continuing importance of agriculture and supporting industries, we completed the background report that will foster development of a Regional Agricultural Strategy in 2023. We also anticipate presenting the Regional Board with a master trails plan for Rose Valley Regional Park and a management plan to guide Kalamoir Regional Park into the future.

In 2022, we transitioned from supporting residents recovering from the devastating White Rock Lake wildfire to helping them move forward with rebuilding. Our bolstered Community Services Planning and Inspection teams offered compassionate and responsive assistance in many areas. We also acknowledge the amazing financial and in-person supports provided by the Canadian Red Cross and Provincial Government through Emergency Management BC.

The Regional District’s achievements continue to be recognized in many areas. The Southern Interior Local Government Association presented us with the Community Excellence Award for Environmental Sustainability for our collaborative Regional Flood Mitigation Strategy. It is a key component of our ongoing Central Okanagan Floodplain Management Plan.

Brian Reardon, Chief Administrative Officer

Central Okanagan Crime Stoppers celebrated 35 years of crime-solving community service and 2022 also saw the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission receive three national awards for the ‘OkGo campaign’ from the Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC).

Our respectful commitment to advancing local government knowledge and understanding about the principles of Truth and Reconciliation, continues in all areas of the Regional District organization. Recognizing this is a journey, we took meaningful steps by working with the syilx / Okanagan people in developing our new syilx land acknowledgement (which I encourage you to read on our Contents page). A new parks policy was adopted that provides options for pre-colonial Indigenous place naming, renaming and dual language naming in regional parks. And our passionate Indigenous Advisor, is working with all staff across the RDCO to build on our strong relationships with First Nation communities and people in the Central Okanagan. Many staff participated in the moving KAIROS blanket exercise - to listen, learn, and recognize the painful truths that have existed and continue to exist for Indigenous people of Canada.

2022 was also an election year. On behalf of all RDCO staff I want to thank those Regional Board members who served during the past term and welcome our new Directors to the table. May your achievements and accomplishments be many over the next four years.

RDCO employees

full, part-time, seasonal and casual

What we do

The Regional District’s programs and services cross a wide range of areas that are important to residents of the Central Okanagan.

Corporate Services

The Corporate Services Department provides services and support to the Regional Board, Policy and Bylaw development, Legal and Legislative changes including Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy requests, Records Management and Human Resources.

Every four years Corporate Services oversees and manages Local Government Elections for Directors of Central Okanagan East and Central Okanagan West Electoral Areas, as well as School District No. 23 Trustees for these areas. The next election is scheduled for October 17, 2026.

Economic Development

The Regional District of Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission (COEDC) provides economic development services to citizens and businesses of the region.

The COEDC utilizes the expertise of a 45+ member advisory body representing local government, partner organizations and industry leaders from a cross section of business sectors and provide a valuable link between the business community and the organization or industry sector they represent.

30 regional parks run 704 programs throughout the year

Financial Services

We are responsible for providing financial and administrative services to the Regional District and Regional Hospital District. This includes working with the Board, public, and all of the departments on: financial budgeting, tax requisitioning, reporting, cash management, purchasing / contracting for good and services, planning and monitoring to ensure our financial projections and Strategic Performance Based Budgeting targets are being met. We are also responsible for the purchasing and procurement of goods and services by the regional district.

Communications and Information Services

Communications and Information Services is responsible for all internal and external communications, advertising, news releases, social media channels, our website rdco.com and our yoursay.rdco.com public engagement site. We provide accurate, consistent, and open information for residents about Regional District programs and services.

Our Information Services team delivers online connections like Geographical Information Systems (GIS) as well as providing the technical support staff that oversee integration of corporate applications to improve the use of technology for all departments.

Engineering Services

The Engineering Services Department provides a variety of services directly to residents in several areas: Environmental Services including the Regional Waste Reduction Office, operation of the Westside Residential Waste Disposal and Recycling Centre and transfer stations at Traders Cove and North Westside, six RDCO water systems, Fire Services for the paid-on-call fire departments serving Ellison, Joe Rich, North Westside and Wilson’s Landing. We also manage Asset Management and Facilities and Fleet for the RDCO. We maintain and operate the Westside Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant servicing residents and businesses in the City of West Kelowna, District of Peachland and Westbank First Nation and provide the Nuisance Mosquito Control Program for participating funding areas.

Air Quality

The Regional Air Quality Program helps protect and improve the region’s air through ongoing awareness, education and programs designed to lower emissions and reduce forms of pollution which can be harmful to citizen’s health.

Protecting our environment to enhance the region’s quality of life is one of the key themes of the Regional Board Strategic Priorities.

Community Services

The Community Services Department supports and enhances the quality of life enjoyed by residents through a variety of direct services such as Planning and Land Use, Building Inspections and Business Licensing as well as programs through Protective Services which include Bylaw Enforcement, False Alarm Reduction, Police-based Victim Services, Crime Prevention, Crime Stoppers and 9-1-1.

Parks Services

Parks Services protects and manages over 2,100 hectares of parkland from Peachland to Lake Country. Our stewardship includes 30 regional parks as well as 20 community parks in the two electoral areas. In addition, Parks Services supports rural community recreation facilities including the Ellison Heritage School Community Centre, Joe Rich Community Hall and the Killiney Community Hall. Our Visitor Services staff provides activities, events and programs designed to celebrate, learn about and connect with nature.

Protective Services

To better serve residents, this branch of the Community Services department incorporates existing programs and resources allocated to the former Police and Community Support Services area.

Protective Services helps effect change through bylaw compliance and progressive enforcement through RDCO Bylaw Enforcement, Dog Control and licensing, Regional Crime Prevention, Crime Stoppers, the False Alarm Reduction program, Victim Services and the 9-1-1 Public Safety Answering Point program on behalf of the RDCO and eight other regional districts.

Our Bylaw Enforcement staff provides dog control and dog pound services along with prohibited animal control for the entire regional district. Noxious weeds and insect service is provided seasonally along with other bylaw services for the electoral areas including unsightly premises, noise, smoke control and zoning regulations.

Our partnerships with the RCMP, local municipal and provincial government, the syilx / Okanagan people, and our internal RDCO departments assist staff in meeting several Regional Board Strategic Priorities including creating healthy environments and safer communities.

Regional Emergency Program

The Regional Emergency Program is identified by the Regional Board as one of the key areas of focus in its Strategic Priorities Community Sustainability theme.

The program is coordinated by the City of Kelowna Fire Department on behalf of the Regional District, the cities of Kelowna and West Kelowna, districts of Lake Country and Peachland and Westbank First Nation. During an emergency, the plan supports first responders to protect lives. The plan also provides guidelines for recovery operations after any emergency ends to return as quickly as possible to pre-emergency life.

The Central Okanagan Emergency Support Services program coordinates trained volunteers to offer short-term accommodation and support for residents displaced by any emergency.

123 registered emergency support services volunteers

Economic development

We will support economic development through the efforts of the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission, municipalities, syilx / Okanagan people and others aimed at building the regional economy.

The Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission (COEDC) works in partnership to facilitate and encourage development of a healthy and dynamic, sustainable economy by supporting existing businesses and encouraging appropriate new business investment across the region.

The Moving Forward to 2025 strategy identifies priorities and recommended tactics for the Commission to foster growth and sustainability in the economy up to 2025. The Strategic Plan identifies four strategic pillars:

• Building Business

• Fostering a Vibrant Workforce

• Growing Sustainably

• Competing Globally

Advisory Committee

The COEDC utilizes the expertise of a 45+ member advisory body representing local government, partner organizations and industry leaders from a cross section of business sectors. This direct connection provides a valuable link between the business community and the organization or industry sector they represent.

The advisory body give the Commission unique insight into current economic issues and trends within the community, aiding in the development of programs and initiatives that are tailored to meet the needs of the local business community.

Made up of influential industry leaders, community shapers and elected officials, the committee meets monthly to share information and work together towards sustainable economic growth.

In 2022, the committee met to discuss a variety of topics including:

• The Central Okanagan’s regional housing strategy

• The Commission’s Okanagan Cleantech Study

• The importance of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in workforce development

The importance of the Advisory Committee can’t be understated as its diversity ensures that the Commission continues to meet and stay ahead of the needs of the regional economy.

OKGO marketing expands

An important marketing partnership between the COEDC, Tourism Kelowna and Accelerate Okanagan expanded in 2022.

The OKGo Sector Marketing campaign was developed as a collaborative effort in 2021, to share the stories of innovators and entrepreneurs in key business sectors, positioning the region for future economic prosperity.

Each organization leveraged their shared audiences with mutual messaging for the common goal of long-term economic recovery from the global pandemic, by promoting the region as a knowledge centre and as a leader in several key areas important to our economy:

• Agriculture • Viticulture

• Manufacturing • Aerospace

• Digital Tech

The goal of this initiative: to attract business events and conferences, entrepreneurs, talent and business investment to the region. The campaign shares the region’s value proposition through stories of entrepreneurship and innovation.

In 2022, the OKGo partnership launched a second round of stories, with print magazine, website, video and digital assets. By the end of the year, the OKGo campaign accumulated the following analytics:

Impressions 1,067,084

Page Views 23,874

Website Views 9,225

539K 81% completion rate

OKGo video views

In addition to these impressive numbers, the OKGo partnership rolled out in-person qualitative initiatives including:

• 1000 issues of the second volume of the OKGo magazine printed and circulated to targeted stakeholders.

• 4 Economic Sector Strategy Familiarization Tours to regional stakeholders highlighting Agriculture, Aerospace, Digital Tech, Advanced Manufacturing and Viticulture in the Central Okanagan.

• Representation at several conferences including the 2022 Collision Conference, Lyft Expo, Advancing Women in Agriculture and BC Cannabis Summit.

Throughout the year the COEDC and its OKGo partners, worked on the third phase of the campaign, a six video storytelling mini-series. This collection of short videos, filmed throughout 2022, communicates the Central Okanagan’s unique value proposition through ambassadors in the five key sectors. These new videos were released in January 2023.

Indicator highlights

As the Central Okanagan continues to be one of the fastest growing regions in Canada, the demand for accurate, up to date regional economic climate data has grown. The COEDC collects and shares this valuable information with the community, including quarterly economic indicator reports and twice annual job market indicator reports. The job market reports use data gathered twice a year from job postings in the region to provide insights on job supply and demand by community, occupation and industry.

In 2022 these indicators showed:

• The Central Okanagan grew 2.8 % from 2021 to 2022, and 14% from 2016 to 2021 – the highest growth rate of any metropolitan area in Canada outpacing both the Provincial and National rates.

• The region’s labour force remained relatively steady with a slight decrease of 0.4% in 2022, finishing the year with a 4.0% unemployment rate in December 2022 and an average unemployment rate of 5.0%.

• Job postings rose 34.3% in 2022 over 2021, reflecting the growing economy and increased demand for workers.

• The largest increase in job postings by occupation was in Management (50.8%), followed by Trades, Transport & Equipment Operators (49.4%), and Sales & Services (48.1&).

• By industry, Accommodation & Food Services saw the largest postings increase (100.5%), followed by Retail Trade (77.4%) and Finance & Insurance (66.5%).

• Job seekers – individuals who created a profile in job portals – increased by 23.6%.

• The largest jump in job seekers by occupation was in Business, Finance & Administration (33.5%), followed by Education, Law & Social, Community and Government Services (30.5%) and Management (26.1%).

• By industry, the largest rise in job seekers was in Health Care & Social Assistance (48.0%), followed by Retail Trade (28.8%) and Educational Services (28.5%).

• The region saw an increase of 2.2% in business licenses (15,767 in total) for 2022, with Peachland (15%) leading the way.

• Housing starts data increased 3.6% with multifamily units continuing to lead the way.

• The median price for a newly constructed single/ semi-detached home was $1,350,000, up 31.7% compared to 2021.

Business licenses

16,054 issued in 2022

Activity overview

As the region’s primary business resource, the COEDC is the first point of contact for new and existing businesses in the region. The Commission acts as a connector, linking businesses in the region to government services, community and post-secondary partners, as well as facilitating strategic Business to Business connections throughout the region. COEDC staff and contractors provide direct, hands-on expertise to local businesses and organizations in a variety of areas including economic analysis, agricultural support and start up guidance, as well as offering a wealth of resources and economic climate information.

2022 activities included:

Site visitation - 116 in-depth, one on one site visits were made to businesses in 2022. Site visits were conducted in two streams:

• Highly Impacted Sector Support focused on those businesses most impacted by the pandemic including personal services, food and beverage, tourism, arts and culture, and retail.

• Sectors In Focus concentrated on the five sectors identified in the Moving Forward to 2025 strategic plan – aerospace and manufacturing, agriculture and viticulture, information communication technology, and animation, film and digital media.

Economic Climate Presentations – Staff delivered 35 presentations to local organizations regarding the present economic conditions in the Central Okanagan.

Cleantech Study – In 2022 the Commission led a study on the Cleantech sector in the region. It provided an increased understanding of the Central Okanagan’s clean technology sector’s strengths. It also identified strategies and tactics to target in 2023 to drive growth and attract new direct investment in the sector.

New website launch – The investkelowna.com website was updated in 2022 to showcase the region’s economic innovation, highlight sector achievements, and enhance public accessibility to resources and data. Funded in part by Global Affairs Canada, the new site offers users easy access to information and rich visuals while showcasing the region’s economic vitality and competitive advantage.

Census release – Throughout 2022, Statistics Canada published multiple data sets from the 2021 Census. With each release, the Commission team delved into the numbers and shared highlights and takeaways from a regional perspective. All are available on the on the investkelowna.com resources page.

116,000 in-depth, one on one site visits were made to businesses in 2022

Environment

We will initiate and support efforts to reduce our environmental footprint, adapt to climate change and connect with nature.

In collaboration with others, the RDCO will develop the strategies, plans and actions to protect our watersheds, care for our lakes and maintain foreshore areas. We also work with partners and other levels of government to manage our solid wastes, address dangers from flooding and wildfires and enhance our region’s ecosystems.

Keeping our air clean

Since 1999, the Central Okanagan Air Quality Program has offered programs and services to help protect and improve the region’s air through education, awareness, and pollution prevention.

One of the primary contributors to air pollution has been through open burning. Great strides have been made by the air quality program in conjunction with agricultural producers and large property owners to provide them with reliable alternatives. In 2022 the Regional Board committed an additional $40,000 a year to the Agricultural Chipping program to provide more opportunities for growers. This helped clear more than 30 hectares of land on ten orchards without burning. In addition, the Mow-Chip-Rent-it rebate program added a buy-it component along with new and higher rebates to help farmers and residents manage small volumes of wood waste as an alternative to burning. Using this program, Central Okanagan residents were able to reduce the fire hazard fuels on 35 hectares preventing 24 wood piles from being burned.

The former Wood stove exchange program, now known as the Community wood smoke reduction program, offers rebates of up to $1,500 for Central Okanagan residents that recycle an old wood burning appliance with newer, cleaner burning technology. There are six participating Central Okanagan retailers that will recycle your old wood burner and handle all the necessary paperwork for the applicable rebate.

While 2022 marked the final year that propane and natural gas stoves/inserts were eligible for rebates because they burn fossil fuels, produce carbon emissions, and contribute to climate change and greenhouse gases, the program added rebates for those upgrading outdoor wood boilers to the program along with increased incentives for Westbank First Nation members.

Improving indoor air quality for residents has also been supported by the air quality program. In partnership with Take Action on Radon, over 300 individual homes participated in radon testing to determine the level of the odourless, colourless gas identified as a cause of lung cancer. In fall 2021, they picked up and placed a free radon gas detector in their home, returning it after 90 days for lab analysis. In spring 2022, each received a confidential result with recommendations for possible mitigation.

We continue to look for innovative options for residents to protect our air quality on behalf of our partners with the cities of Kelowna and West Kelowna, districts of Lake Country and Peachland, Westbank First Nation and the Central Okanagan East and Central Okanagan West electoral areas.

We’re connecting with nature

It’s no secret that the Central Okanagan has one of the best regional parks systems anywhere.

And with the easing of pandemic restrictions and gatherings, increasing numbers of residents are again embracing their connection with our natural environment – one of the priorities of the Regional Board. Our parks Visitor Services team loves to share their love of all aspects of our landscape by encouraging passive recreation and education about nature in our regional parks.

During 2022, more than 36,000 people took part in over 700 activities, events or interpretative programs, well on the way to the 43,000 participants before the pandemic. These programs were spread across the Central Okanagan in 27 of our regional parks. The largest by far were the annual Spooktacular pumpkin walk and kikinee festival, filling the parking lots at Mission Creek Regional Park. We also ventured out into new territory offering programs in French and Spanish languages and added Winter Wonder Night Walks to our wide-ranging guided interpretative outings to encourage participants to explore the natural surroundings, unique environment, and diverse ecosystems across our regional parks.

Speaking of diversity, many of our programs honour and respect the history, culture and traditions of the syilx / Okanagan people as we supported Indigenous-led understanding including syilix land tours in Goat’s Peak and Rose Valley regional parks, drum circle programs, and booths and cultural presentations at the kikinee festival. To further our strong ongoing relationship with the Okanagan people and encourage and support their language, we partnered with an apprentice Knowledge keeper and speaker to develop a guide to common animals and plants in English and nsyilxc n. This language has been alive since time immemorial and is deeply rooted in these sacred (land). We further expanded this to include links to online audio clips to help with pronunciation. Find that and learn more about these partnerships by visiting rdco.com/parks

Our friends with CRIS, the Community Recreation Initiative Society, continue to join many of our in-park programs. Its volunteers share the love of the outdoors and remain committed to making parks and trails accessible for all. And for those older citizens who are not as mobile, we continue to take our park interpretation to them, connecting with care homes through the outdoor

Great Canadian Trivia Challenge and in residence ‘Nature Nuggets’ programs. With the support of the Kelowna Community Resources Hub, we are able to connect with low income and immigrant families. For our younger residents who have a lifetime ahead of them, our school-based field trips continue to rebound, seeing almost 11,800 students participating in more than 470 programs.

In 2022, our beloved volunteers contributed more than 1,000 hours of their time to park improvement and upgrade projects. They too show their dedication, love and passion for protecting and enhancing our park surroundings with their selfless efforts. Many of these efforts including fundraising are provided by our various ‘Friends of’ societies to whom we remain ever grateful.

For those who have engaged in sharing our love of the natural world around us – Thank-you! It’s our hope we’ll see everyone active and outdoors in the year ahead.

Reducing, reusing, repurposing, recycling

In 2022, more than 8,118 tonnes of recyclables were picked up and emptied from blue lid recycling carts left at the curb across the Central Okanagan. Another 1,197 tonnes were dropped off at the four RDCO waste transfer facilities in Kelowna at the Glenmore landfill, West Kelowna, Traders Cove and North Westside.

There’s a definite desire by residents to do the right thing for our environment, by either reducing consumption, reusing and repurposing materials when possible and finally recycling. While the desire is there, sometimes what’s known as wish-cycling gets in the way of placing the right recyclable material in the right location. Recycle BC waste audits have indicated unacceptable contamination rates, resulting in financial penalties for some participating local governments.

The Regional Waste Reduction Office continues to mount direct education efforts to help residents understand how to recycle properly, through traditional and social media. At the street level, our Recycling Ambassadors continue to check curbside recycling carts in areas across the region for materials that shouldn’t be placed inside.

Recycling information stickers are placed on carts to help residents understand the do’s and don’ts to help reduce recycling confusion and costly contamination.

To further help residents we hosted a series of innovative pop-up recycling depots in Peachland and Lake Country. These one-day events provided an opportunity for recycling material drop-off in their community, taking the depot to them. They also were able to connect one-on-one with Waste Reduction Office staff who answered any questions and raised recycling awareness.

Our popular subsidized composter sale was another sell-out, with 300 Earth Machine units snapped up by residents across the region. Composting has been shown to cut household garbage in half, while providing a nutrient-rich, soil enhancer for use on lawns and gardens.

As COVID restrictions eased, we also hosted our popular Trunk Sales in the spring and the final one in late September. Over the past 18 years, each of these mega garage sales brought together 150 individual sellers in one location to help repurpose items that otherwise might be destined for the landfill.

Curbside recycling

8,118 metric tonnes collected

We launched a four-month recycling awareness campaign during the year, providing toolkits and information specifically for residents and property managers of multi-family buildings like apartments, condos and strata properties which often received private recycling services. This program also saw 27 on-site visits including offering suggestions for revamping recycling areas and workshops in these facilities to better manage recycling efforts. Information is available online at rdco.com/multifamily.

This effort will continue in 2023 along with extensive opportunities to consult with residents as we investigate a made in the Central Okanagan vision for a possible curbside organics collection. And we’ll continue to work with our local government partners as we transition and transfer recycling collection to RecycleBC in 2026.

Award for flood mitigation strategy

People whose homes are inundated or damaged by floods will remember for the rest of their lives; landscapes are changed forever; regional and national economies suffer. With climate change driving up the frequency and intensity of flooding and other natural hazards, the risks and impacts to Canada’s economic vitality, infrastructure, environment, and citizens will only continue to grow. The Central Okanagan is no stranger to flood damages, having experienced them on our rivers and lakes in recent years.

This is why for many years, the Regional District has actively collaborated with First Nation and local governments and other regional partners to raise awareness and broaden understanding about local flood hazards and the impact of climate change. This work, along with recent damaging floods have highlighted the need for new approaches in flood management.

One area these efforts focussed on is the creation of a regional flood mitigation strategy as part of the on-going and larger development of a Floodplain Management Plan for the region.

Local governments across the province have seen firsthand the wicked effects of natural disasters, from flooding to fires. Recent experiences have been a testament to the power of nature and climate change. The regional floodplain management plan and resource guide is a demonstration of collaboration in action. With input from local governments, the public and syilx / Okanagan communities – the traditional stewards of these lands for thousands of years - we aim to reduce risk and increase resiliency in years to come.

The plan and mitigation strategy were born out of a need to reduce our flood risks while increasing our resilience. From initially identifying high risk areas, to developing hazard maps and non-structural flood mitigation strategies, this project provides a consistent framework for Central Okanagan jurisdictions to consider in mitigating and preparing for the ever-present flood threat.

The work on the strategy was recognized by the Southern Interior Local Government Association (SILGA), which presented its Community Excellence Award for Environmental Sustainability to the Regional District during the annual conference in Salmon Arm in spring 2022.

To view the flood mitigation strategy and floodplain management plan toolkit and resource guide visit rdco.com.

Sustainable communities

We will initiate and support efforts to create a healthy built environment in which all people throughout the region enjoy access to a diverse range of housing options, remain safe in the face of emergencies and experience a high quality of life.

Proactive community safety

While we often consider our police as the bastion of public safety, community safety is something that each resident can proactively champion.

The Regional District Crime prevention program effectively takes this to the grassroots neighbourhood level. The program provides crime prevention awareness and information in the electoral areas, City of West Kelowna, Westbank First Nation, District of Lake Country and District of Peachland.

And it’s making a great impact on neighbourhoods across these areas of the Central Okanagan. Our coordinator works with crime prevention minded volunteers belonging to the West Kelowna, Lake Country and Peachland community policing societies to deliver programs like Citizens patrols and Speed watch. Each initiative involves trained and security cleared volunteers who act as eyes and ears in their communities, providing information on suspicious activity to local RCMP for appropriate action.

Another crime prevention program that involves residents directly is the highly successful Block Watch. Its success is in its simplicity. Block Watch allows neighbours to watch out for each other and get involved in discouraging and preventing crime at the street and neighbourhood level. Neighbours may be the first to know when someone or something suspicious and unusual is going on and report it to the RCMP. By working together, neighbours can actively prevent crime in the most effective way – before it happens. Block Watch participants not only learn how to be more aware of their neighbourhood, but also how to make their homes less inviting to thieves, how to prevent auto theft and how to recognize and report suspicious activity. So far more than 139 Block Watches are up and running in West Kelowna, Westbank First Nation, Lake Country, Peachland and electoral area neighbourhoods. Training and support is provided by the Crime prevention coordinator.

And a major crime prevention initiative continues on the westside of Okanagan Lake. Business Watch is a partnership involving the RDCO Crime Prevention service, Greater Westside Board of Trade, City of West Kelowna, Westbank First Nation and RCMP.

Modeled after the highly successful residential Block Watch, Business Watch brings business owners and their employees together to watch for and report any suspicious or criminal activity to each other and when required to the RCMP, while stepping up their safety and security measures.

Businesses that register and display a Business Watch emblem receive specialized crime prevention program expertise at no cost. Individual security assessments, target hardening tips and ongoing access to information help employees and customers continue to feel safe and secure.

Reduce poverty, increase wellness

A path toward a poverty-free Central Okanagan has been laid out with completion of the Central Okanagan Poverty and Wellness Strategy. It was developed over several years through a collaborative community driven initiative involving citizens, community organizations, leaders and all local governments. It builds on the shared understanding of how poverty is affecting the wellness of residents.

Guided by principles of reconciliation, equity, and inclusion, the project’s extensive public engagement, outreach and involvement opportunities listened to the voices of those with lived and living experience through poverty.

Poverty impacts some people more than others. During research for this project, it was found that some groups are more likely to experience poverty. High risk groups are:

• Seniors and Elders

• Families with children

• Youth who have been in the foster care system

• Immigrants and newcomers

• Unattached (single) individuals

The strategy offers a clear vision for success - a community where every person and family feel secure in meeting their basic needs (housing, food, clothing, transportation, mental health, wellness), is resilient to challenges and setbacks, and feel a sense of meaningful inclusion. As people move from surviving to thriving, they can explore themselves and their community in new ways.

By acting together, the strategy aims to provide everyone in the Central Okanagan with a real and fair chance to succeed through improved policies, practices, and resources creating an environment that helps to reduce poverty in the Central Okanagan.

Everyone has a role to play: Service providers, local government, business, ministries and health authorities and First Nations and Indigenous communities. This Collective Impact can help everyone understand how small actions contribute to system changes.

The strategy offers short-, medium- and longerterm actions and big ideas to encourage and sustain community action, collaboration and initiatives to make a difference in the lives of all Central Okanagan residents.

A $149,000 grant from the Union of BC Municipalities Poverty Reduction Planning and Action Program helped to fund this important effort. The final report and strategy can be viewed at yoursay.rdco.com.

$149K grant from the Union of BC Municipalities Poverty Reduction Planning and Action Program

Collaborating on housing

During the extensive consultation process as the Regional Housing Strategy was developed, participants generally suggested a shared opportunity and vision – “the RDCO will provide bold leadership in addressing affordable housing challenges through a coordinated regional response to the housing crisis.”

This has been one of the core elements of the Regional Board over the past few years as one of its priorities is Initiating and supporting efforts to create a healthy built environment that offers a diverse range of housing options.

As the region is one of the fastest growing in the province and country, the housing strategy provides an opportunity for a shared commitment and offers an overarching guide to local and First Nations governments for an effective, efficient coordinated approach, while at the same time identifying appropriate actions to support a vibrant and resilient region.

By focussing together on the wide range of housing issues, the Strategy provides guidance and direction on how to move forward and address the challenges around housing affordability, supply, and improving regional coordination.

This Regional Housing Strategy offers recommendations and corresponding action items to achieve the five objectives set out in the Regional Growth Strategy. Those objectives include:

• Strengthening coordination between local governments

• Coordinate a regional housing advocacy strategy with senior governments for additional Central Okanagan resources and supports

• Strengthen information sharing and partnership mechanisms with local and First Nations governments and non-profit housing providers

• Develop best practices to regulate and protect rental housing stock and facilitate the development of affordable housing

• Assess policy and development processes to build staff capacity, identify policy coordination opportunities and streamline approvals with senior government

The strategy also outlines monitoring and reporting mechanisms for keeping track of actions and implementation. The final strategy can be viewed at yoursay.rdco.com.

261 building permits worth $72M

Recovery and rebuilding transition

Regional District staff and partners continue to support residents that were impacted by the White Rock Lake wildfire as they move through their stages of recovery to rebuilding.

By mid-2022, the Regional District Recovery and Resiliency office wound down its active support, transitioning to expedited service for residents through the Community Services building and planning services team and Engineering Services staff, depending on their specific needs.

The RDCO Recovery team connected with individuals and families in need with financial aid, mental health and wellness supports, insurance advocacy, managing donations and interim housing resources. All the objectives identified in the Community Recovery Plan were completed including establishing and continuing long-term programs and service support through Emergency Management BC (EMBC) and directly one-on-one with residents by the Canadian Red Cross.

In total, 47 residents participated in developing capacity needs assessments, tailored to their specific situation. 62% of them lost their primary residence, 38% a secondary residence and 32% had no or insufficient insurance.

A debris management program through EMBC and the Red Cross was highly successful for affected properties in the Estamont and Killiney Beach areas. As of December 31, 11 applications for debris reimbursement had been approved and the Regional District processed a total payout of $163,556. In all, 178 tons of contaminated soil, 548 tons of concrete and 230 hazard trees were removed from properties. Much of the concrete was recycled at a North Westside collection site. It was crushed and reused to assist with expanding the North Westside waste transfer station.

By year end, 46 applications had been approved for demolition permits and 35 completed this as they continued into the rebuilding phase. 34 of 36 building permit applications had been approved and these residents were able to begin construction, taking another step towards rebuilding.

Initiatives continue to directly support the communities impacted by the devastating wildfire. These include temporary increases in staffing levels to ensure timely building inspections and permitting, waiving of some associated development fees, extending permit timelines to allow for temporary RV accommodation on properties and where possible, pursuing financial assistance to reduce the costs of rebuilding. As the needs of impacted communities transition, the Regional District will continue adapting its support services.

548 tons of concrete removed from properties and recycled

Transportation and mobility

We will promote transportation and land use approaches that enhance movement throughout the region and reduce our collective reliance on vehicles

Transportation is top of mind

This has been one of the key pillars of the Regional Board priorities as it mirrors the importance given the ability to get around the Central Okanagan in citizen surveys.

The first Regional District survey of residents in fall 2022 found more than nine-in-ten (92%) citizens say it is important to have a regional transportation function responsible for coordinating transportation across the region. And more than a third (37%) of respondents freely indicated that transportation is top of mind for them. Most often they cited concerns around traffic congestion, the condition of roads, highways and infrastructure and public transportation. As it turns out, the mentions of transportation in the Central Okanagan are higher than in other surveyed local governments (37% Central Okanagan vs. 22% municipal norm).

Reducing the number of fossil-fuel fired vehicles with viable alternatives helps improve the region’s air quality and reduces overall greenhouse gas emissions. This challenge faces everyone throughout the region, especially as we continue to see growth as people move from other parts of the country to call the Central Okanagan home.

The importance of transportation is not lost on local governments in the region. The Regional Growth Strategy states the goal of enhancing the region’s transportation system to ensure it’s accessible, affordable and efficient. Transportation doesn’t exist in a planning vacuum. Land-use influences travel patterns and transportation systems which in turn influence land use and development. Aligning land use and transportation strategies is key to achieving that goal. Much consideration is given to support efforts to shift the region’s travel patterns away from vehicle dependency toward moving people rather than vehicles. It’s known that when people live closer to work or school, they are able to make more trips by bike, walking or transit, resulting in less need for driving. Success requires consistent collaboration between local governments across the region. Partners must work together to effectively plan, coordinate, manage, and monitor the region’s transportation system to achieve sustainable transportation goals that are defined in the individual plans and policies of the local governments of the Central Okanagan.

We are seeing successes in this area including integration of active transportation trail systems and amenities, an emphasis on sustainable transportation that promote and support safe walking, cycling, public transportation and emerging technologies. In addition, it means working with the School District and parents to provide safe routes to schools.

Building out the Regional Transportation Plan

Building and maintaining a healthy, thriving and connected future for the Central Okanagan is the goal of the Regional Transportation plan and those that support it like the Regional Bicycling and Trails Master Plan and Regional Disruptive Mobility Strategy. Collectively, they identify transportation projects and priorities across the region and set the direction for local governments to work in unison to move people and goods efficiently, achieve fast and reliable transit, create a safe and convenient bicycling and trail network and adapt and incorporate new mobility options.

During 2022, the following initiatives were undertaken by Central Okanagan local governments to further support the regional transportation plan and related plans.

• Safe Routes 4 Schools: This program improves air quality at schools by reducing vehicle emissions and encouraging students to walk or bike. In 2022 the dedicated budget for engineering improvements was increased. School Travel Plans were completed at North Glenmore Elementary and Springvalley Elementary. Capital improvements were also completed at North Glenmore Elementary, including adding new bike lanes and a crosswalk on Snowsell Street.

• Improved Winter ATC Maintenance: In 2022, Kelowna focused on winter maintenance of the active transportation corridors that are used most and connect to key destinations. New equipment also made snow clearing quicker and more efficient.

City of Kelowna

In 2022, the City of Kelowna undertook several initiatives aligned with the Regional Transportation Plan and Regional Bicycling and Trails Master Plan.

• Regional Goods Movement Study: In 2022 the City of Kelowna partnered with the Province to conduct the Central Okanagan Regional Goods Movement Study. The study identified strategies to ensure the sustainable and efficient movement of goods as our region grows.

• Clement Ave extension. In 2022, the City of Kelowna received $600,000 from the Province to advance preliminary design of the Clement Ave Extension.

• City Park Waterfront Multi-use Path: The City of Kelowna widened the City Park waterfront multi-use pathway to accommodate the growing volumes of people walking and biking.

• Abbott Street Active Transportation Corridor (ATC): In 2022, Kelowna completed the extension of the Abbott Street Active Transportation Corridor from Kelowna General Hospital south to Cedar Avenue, providing connections to the Pandosy Urban Centre.

• Rutland to Rail Trail ATC: Complete in 2022, this project provides an all ages and abilities active transportation connection from Rutland to the Okanagan Rail Trail via Leathead Road.

• Shared E-Scooters and E-Bikes: In 2022 the City of Kelowna continued their participation in the provincial e-scooter pilot program. In 2022, approximately 240,000 trips were made by shared e-scooters and e-bikes, preventing 158,000 kilometres of driving and 30 tonnes of CO2 emissions.

City of West Kelowna

• Getting around West Kelowna is now easier with the addition of a roundabout at the Shannon Lake-Bartley-Stevens intersection. As part of this project, we added over two kilometres of bike lanes, sidewalks and street lights. By improving pedestrian and cycling access on Shannon Lake and Stevens Roads, we’ve provided a key connection to the West Kelowna Business Park – a major employment hub and transit corridor.

• The City’s Capital Works Crew was busy completing sidewalk connections on Shannon Ridge Drive and Shannon Way to expand the active transportation network in West Kelowna. Upgrades included 600 metres of sidewalks, street lighting and crosswalks.

• Design plans are also underway to address transportation upgrades to the Old Okanagan/Butt Road intersection.

District of Lake Country

• Lake Country plays an important regional role in providing an active transportation route that connects with the communities to the north and south and connects the region. A robust, contiguous local network benefits both Lake Country and the region by providing transportation routes and recreation and tourism connections and opportunities.

• Davidson Road improvements - This Transportation for Tomorrow improvement project was initiated as part of the safe routes to school initiative. The improvements help connect neighborhoods to Davidson Rd. school and included a sidewalk, curbing, road renewal and drainage upgrades between Camp Road and McGowan Road.

of surveyed Regional District residents

92%+ say we need coordinating regional transportation systems

Transit ridership recovering

It’s taken some time to see Central Okanagan residents return to seats on public transit buses following pandemic restrictions. The good news is that monthly ridership on Kelowna Regional Transit has almost recovered to levels seen before the pandemic. Regular service levels across the system returned for the spring season and ongoing staffing challenges were addressed throughout the year.

From 2021 to 2022, system-wide passenger trips rose more than 73% to more than 4.5 million on 29 routes using a fleet of 75 conventional and 12 community buses, along with 23 custom handyDART vehicles. In 2019, ridership topped 5.9 million.

During the year, residents in several Kelowna communities had the opportunity to share their thoughts about potential transit options for future transit services in the Kettle Valley, Mission and Rutland areas. Their feedback through BC Transit surveys will be considered as BC Transit develops future service changes and priorities for infrastructure improvements.

Improving the experience of those using Kelowna transit is an ongoing process involving six local government funding partners and BC Transit. One of the ways BC Transit helped attract people and build future generations of transit riders for life was through the introduction of the Free Transit for Children 12 and Under program. It offers complimentary bus travel to children across the system.

In addition, the popular GradPASS program returned ahead of the graduation season for Grade 12 students in the Central Okanagan, allowing them to ride Kelowna Regional Transit buses for free any two days of their choice during June. Each student received a card that when shown to a bus driver along with their valid student ID offered their free rides.

It’s anticipated in late 2023 as part of the BC Transit province-wide rollout of the contactless Umo electronic fare collection system, Kelowna Regional Transit riders will be able to pay their fare using a mobile app, reloadable smart card as well as credit and debit cards and cash, providing riders with the ability to pick the best payment method for their lifestyle and travel habits. The new electronic Umo technology will increase access to transit by allowing riders to use items they carry every day, removing barriers like requiring them to prepurchase tickets and passes or carry exact change. While cash will continue to be accepted for those riders who prefer to use it, it’s anticipated that most will find one of the new payment methods as a more convenient option.

29 bus routes had more than 4.5M riders in 2022

Financial statements

In accordance with Section 376 of the Local Government Act and Section 167 of the Community Charter, the Audited Financial Statements were presented and approved by the Regional Board on May 4, 2023. The format and presentation of these financial statements are in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) for local government as recommended by the Public Sector Accounting Board (PSAB) standards (PSAS) of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada and have been applied on a basis that is consistent with that of the preceding year.

The Financial Statements are prepared using the accounting standards and reporting model prescribed by PSAS which requires the elimination of Transfers to/from Reserves, and allocations between functions. The use of assets is recorded through amortization expense and capital expenditures are capitalized, not expensed in the year. The Financial Statements combine General, Water, Sewer, Capital, and Reserve Funds and eliminate internal transactions.

The Financial Statements are comprised of the following:

• Statement of Financial Position

• Statement of Operations and Accumulated Surplus

• Statement of Changes in Net Financial Assets

• Statement of Cashflow

• Notes to the Financial Statements

The RDCO is in a Net Asset position. This means that the district has sufficient financial assets ($190.7M) to settle existing liabilities ($147.0M). As the RDCO’s total assets exceed total liabilities, the RDCO is in an accumulated surplus position, having net positive resources that will be used to provide future services. The RDCO’s annual surplus was $7.2M (2022 $7.1M). The RDCO generated approximately $20.1M in cash from operations and those funds were used to acquire $3.0M in tangible capital assets, repay $7.8M in financing. The remaining was added to available cash resources.

Financial Statements

For the year ended December 31, 2022

Central Okanagan Regional Hospital District

Residents of the Central Okanagan value their health and well being. The Central Okanagan Regional Hospital District is a major contributor to the quality of life in our region. The need to access timely health care including mental health services is greater than ever. As one of the fastest growing areas in Canada, it’s important to continually look at the health needs of people who now call the Central Okanagan home and will in the future.

The Central Okanagan Regional Hospital District Board is made up of the same members as the Regional Board. It primarily plays a financing role for capital expenditures for public health facilities in the Regional District of Central Okanagan. Kelowna General Hospital, a tertiary referral hospital is the main facility located in the area. There are also some other minister-designated residential care and community care facilities that are funded including two Urgent and Primary Care facilities serving residents in Kelowna and West Kelowna.

The Central Okanagan Regional Hospital District typically funds a 40% share of approved hospital and health facility construction and the purchases of important health-related equipment. In 2022 the total budget was $30.51-million, and an average assessed home paid approximately $196.64 toward these outstanding medical facilities.

During the annual budget process, the Central Okanagan Regional Hospital District Board receives prioritized funding requests for anticipated health facility projects and capital equipment purchases from the Interior Health Authority (IHA) via Financial Services staff.

In 2022 the Central Okanagan Regional Hospital District was expected to pay an estimated $7.3-million toward existing debt retirement and interest charges.

The CORHD Board continues to effectively position the Hospital District to be responsive to future financial needs in light of the region’s aging and expanding population demographics and growing demand for central access to excellent health care equipment and facilities.

In 2022 the total budget was $30.5 million

Central Okanagan Regional Hospital District Financial Statements

For the year ended December 31, 2022