Boundaries set for Okanagan Falls, B.C., incorporation study – Okanagan | 24CA News
Okanagan Falls is the biggest unincorporated group within the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS).
However, the tiny city is now one step nearer to probably turning into its personal municipality.
“We’ve had a long process starting in the 80s, with this community seeking incorporation and to date it’s been unsuccessful. But we are very optimistic that the recent decision and support given by the Minister of Municipal Affairs, will allow us to proceed to the next step,” mentioned RDOS Skaha East and Okanagan Falls space director Matt Taylor.
“The Ministry of Municipal Affairs has provided funding for an incorporation study. Looking at the pros and cons, costs and benefits for those within the area, if they were to incorporate.”
The ultimate suggestion from a residents committee, which Taylor beforehand chaired, to include Okanagan Falls and surrounding areas was not picked by the province.
Instead, solely the Okanagan Falls townsite and the commercial space will probably be thought of for the examine.
“The recommendation that was provided by the ministry was to look at a small footprint, which was actually one of the options that was identified in [the committee] study,” mentioned Taylor.
According to the RDOS, the realm captures the ‘primary growth center’ of Electoral Area D and the group with current city infrastructure, sewer and water.
The space additionally consists of a mixture of property courses, inhabitants, and improvement potential.
“It includes established wineries to the south, and some farmland and newer wineries to the east,” learn the RDOS press launch.
“The boundaries are the townsite correct bounded by the bridge and the river on the west. Somewhat little bit of the McLean Creek flats to the east. North, only a kilometer up East Side Road, and south simply partway down Oliver Ranch Road, mentioned Taylor.
“We will not be including the communities of Vaseux Lake or Skaha Estates.”
Although a handful of close by communities received’t be included within the examine, Taylor says they are going to nonetheless have an opportunity to turn out to be included.
“If we’re successful and incorporating those communities will have the opportunity of joining us afterwards,” he mentioned. “Communities further north will have the opportunity of joining us or they will have the choice of joining us or Penticton.”
Okanagan Falls has suffered a gradual financial decline; nevertheless, Taylor went on to say that this choice couldn’t have come at a greater time.
“Okanagan Falls is really on an upward trajectory. We have regained our grocery store, We’ve regained our hotel pub, but perhaps more importantly, we’ve acquired a major new employer in a vertical farming operation,” mentioned Taylor.
“We have a business park that’s opening and providing industrial lots for 20 midsize businesses. We have two new condo complexes that are being built and approximately 100 homes, which for a community this size is a substantial injection. We think we’re on a really positive growth spurt.”
Meanwhile, the Regional District will get a complete of $150,000 in grants for additional work, which incorporates the examine.
The RDOS can even be required to rent consultants and set up a residents committee to supervise the work.
“We really think this is a major opportunity and a significant step forward. The study will better inform residents within the area of what incorporation would mean for them, and it will provide for a more informed decision should we get to a referendum,” continued Taylor.
“This study really will help to better inform the residents within the area as to the pros and cons on the cost and benefits of incorporation and that really is the objective of this next step.”
The ultimate outcomes of the examine are anticipated in March of 2025.
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