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