District of Coldstream COMMUNITY NEWS

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1 District of Coldstream COMMUNITY NEWS June 2014 Message from Mayor Garlick On behalf of the Council and staff of the District of Coldstream, I am pleased to present the final community newsletter for this term of Council. This issue also marks the beginning of what will hopefully be another beautiful summer. Please take the time to get informed on some of the news and issues in our community. Several projects are moving forward as the year progresses. Many of these projects are the result of years of discussion and planning by politicians and staff at the local and regional levels. The sports field and track at Okanagan College will be completed this fall. This project is being funded through long-term borrowing approved by referendum last year. The project is on budget and moving forward on schedule. Monies received through Gas Tax Grants are being used to fund two projects in Coldstream. The second phase of the Kidston Road multi-use path is being constructed this year. The path is part of a plan to provide an off-road route for pedestrians and cyclists along Kidston Road for residents of that area and for the greater community to access Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park. In the Lavington area, a wetland will be constructed to reduce the impact of stormwater entering Coldstream Creek. This is part of the ongoing plan to support projects that improve the water quality of Coldstream Creek which, in turn, impacts Kalamalka Lake, a jewel of the community and major drinking water source. Community maintenance and services continue to evolve in Coldstream as we strive to improve and test new initiatives. Two of this year's pavement management projects will see Coldstream partnering with the Regional District to get better pricing for the overall projects. The projects added include paving work at the Regional District parking lot and along Kidston Road to provide parking for Creekside Park. The District is working toward fine-tuning the pavement management plan by improving the accuracy of our traffic counts on the roads in Coldstream. Coldstream has begun the care and control of many of the parks in our community. The District also purchased the Women s Institute Hall. The plan is to continue operating the hall as a rental facility for the public (see rental details on page 2). Community feedback on these is welcome as we move forward. There will be a borrowing referendum this fall at election time. This referendum will ask the public for permission to borrow money to fund the Master Water Plan now in place. I encourage residents to become as informed as possible on this topic and to participate in the debate as we move toward this important decision. The District of Coldstream will post information on our website for residents to access. Coldstream has been reviewing the Official Community Plan during this term. Possible areas of change regarding density of housing and secondary suites have been topics of discussion. Residents have provided feedback during the process, but no overwhelming numbers support either direction. Further feedback from the public would be helpful to present your views on what the future of Coldstream should look like regarding density. This information can be provided through info@districtofcoldstream.ca

2 Page 2 COMMUNITY NEWS or in writing to the Coldstream Municipal Office addressed to Mayor and Council. Finally, I would like to offer residents the opportunity to present any Remembrance Day pictures they may wish to display this fall at the Remembrance Day service in west Coldstream. These can be ed to info@districtofcoldstream.ca or dropped off at the Coldstream Municipal Office addressed to the Mayor, together with some background information regarding the photo. I would prefer copies of photos that could be retained for future displays. If enough interest is shown, a display will be set up in the Women s Institute Hall for viewing before and after the ceremony. Hopefully this will add to an already successful ceremony in our community. Furthermore, I encourage everyone to participate in the civic elections this fall which will vote in a Mayor and Councillors for the new and longer four-year term. In closing, on behalf of Mayor and Council, I would like to wish all residents of Coldstream a wonderful and safe summer. Jim Garlick Mayor Women s Institute Hall 9909 Kalamalka Road Earlier this year the District of Coldstream purchased the Coldstream Women s Institute (WI) Hall. Constructed in the early 1930s, the WI Hall has served the community by providing a functional space for a variety of events including weddings, birthday parties, the Coldstream Coffee House and the Coldstream Farmers' Market. The acquisition of the WI Hall by the District will ensure, for the foreseeable future, that the public has an option when looking to host an event or function. If you are looking to book the WI Hall for a function or event, there is some important information you should know: There are two rates for the hall: one for registered non-profits/charities and one for all other groups. The registered non-profit/charities rate is $25 per hour and the other rental rate is $40 per hour. If the rental exceeds 7 hours, a daily rate is charged ($250 for the non-profit groups and $400 for the other groups). If you need to use the kitchen facilities, there is a flat fee of $25 for an hourly rental or $100 for a day rental. There is a $250 damage deposit and $50 key deposit required. A $100 booking fee is required to hold a booking. The remainder of the fees (including damage deposit) is due 30 days in advance of the event. Each group is required to have comprehensive general liability insurance. If the group doesn't have insurance, it is available through the Municipal User Policy administered by the District. To inquire about rental availability or other items pertaining to the WI Hall, please contact Trevor Seibel, phone , tseibel@district.coldstream.bc.ca.

3 Page 3 COMMUNITY NEWS Parks Service Over the past few months there have been several significant milestones achieved in the parks and recreation service review. The Greater Vernon Sub-Regional Parks and Trails Service Agreement establishes the framework for the revised sub-regional service and how the existing assets will be allocated to the respective jurisdictions. Additionally, it identifies which parks are designated as sub-regional for the sub-regional service. This agreement is based on the Sub-Regional Parks Service Memorandum of Understanding signed by the parties in November The Greater Vernon Recreation Facilities and Programming Service Agreement (Operations) establishes the framework for how recreation service will be delivered to Greater Vernon. The agreement contains terms and conditions addressing issues such as existing facilities, new facilities and financial contributions to the service. The Greater Vernon Recreation Facilities Asset Transfer Agreement establishes the parameters for how the existing recreation service assets will be allocated to the appropriate jurisdiction. Are you scooping? Each of these agreements is an integral part of the parks restructuring as each jurisdiction works to ensure a seamless transition in the service. A three-person working group, with one representative from each of Coldstream, Vernon and the Regional District of North Okanagan, has been formed to work closely with the Province to ensure that the Implementation Plan allows for a quick and speedy resolution to the parks restructuring. Operationally this means that with the exception of Kal Beach, Creekside Park, the Grey Canal Trail System and the soon-tobe-completed facility at Okanagan College, all other parks and green spaces within Coldstream will be operated as local parks by the District of Coldstream. In total, there are now over 45 parks or trails that will be managed directly by the District. To meet the challenges of these new responsibilities, the District has created a Parks Department within Public Works and recently hired a Working Parks Foreman to oversee the operation of the department. A seasonal landscape maintenance contractor has also been contracted to provide a variety of services in the parks and will work closely with, and under the direction of, parks staff to ensure effective delivery of the parks service. Coldstream is in a period of transition as it implements the local parks service. The first priority is to ensure a smooth transition from the Regional District to Coldstream so that, operationally, the parks and trails are available for use by the public. The objective is to ensure that the parks service is delivered in a manner consistent with the service delivery of previous years. The second priority is to then look at a long-range plan for our parks through the development of a Parks Master Plan. Through this process the community will be able to provide input and comments on the future direction of Coldstream parks. More information on this process will be provided as it becomes available. As the new local parks service is implemented, there also comes a change in how residents are able to express their comments regarding parks: All calls and inquiries related to Coldstream s local parks can be directed to the Public Works Department by phone at or to info@districtofcoldstream.ca. It is important to note that the process of booking fields or facilities within the parks will continue to be handled through the City of Vernon. For park booking inquiries please contact Vernon's Recreation Services Department at We request residents' cooperation in keeping Coldstream clean by picking up after your dogs and by not walking dogs on sports fields and beaches. Greater Vernon provides areas where dogs may be exercised, either on or off leash. Dogs must be under control of the owners at all times, and owners must clean up after their dogs immediately. Signs, bag dispenser and receptacles are located at each dog park. The dog parks map can be accessed at

4 Page 4 COMMUNITY NEWS 2014 Budget Tax Season The District of Coldstream Budget is a mix of investments in infrastructure, facilities, equipment and services. The parks service restructure was a primary focus in this year s budget deliberations. Being this is the first year of takeover, Council budgeted conservatively based on the numbers provided by the Regional District of North Okanagan, but the District will need to monitor expenses and adjust accordingly as we move forward. Your tax dollar, combined with grants, fees and other revenue sources, are all used to ensure the District continues to deliver top-quality services and infrastructure investment. Taking into account our estimated growth revenues, the 2014 overall tax increase is approximately 2%. The average single family home in Coldstream, assessed at $447,000, will see an increase in the municipal portion of its tax bill of approximately $20, or $1.67 per month. The District has been proactive in implementing financial policies to better position ourselves for the future. Of the 2% tax rate, 1% is allocated for future infrastructure needs to our pavement management program and an additional 0.7% to be put into an operating reserve as we build up the parks service. Budget Highlights $2.1 million allocated for capital projects which include the Pavement Management Program, Kidston multi-use path (Phase 2), Coldstream Creek bike path (Phase 1), SCADA upgrades (supervisory control and data acquisition via remote equipment), and renovations to the Quonset building in the public works yard Fire department investments New machinery and equipment Drainage projects Remembrance Day Display Mayor Jim Garlick has offered to collect Remembrance Day pictures for a display at the Women's Institute Hall on Remembrance Day. These pictures can be ed to info@districtofcoldstream.ca or copies of pictures dropped off at the Coldstream Municipal Office addressed to the Mayor, together with some background information regarding the photo. If enough pictures are collected, a display will be set up in the Women s Institute Hall for viewing before and after the ceremony Local General Election This year a local general election will be held to elect one Mayor and six Councillors. Voting day is Saturday, November 15, There will be two polling stations. One will be located at Coldstream Elementary School and one will be located at Lavington Elementary School. The District will also conduct the election for Coldstream s School District No. 22 Trustee. For people not able to vote on November 15, there will be three advance voting opportunities. A polling station will be open at the Municipal Hall on the following dates: Wednesday, November 5 Wednesday, November 12 Thursday, November 13 Polling stations will be open from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. We will post information on the District s website as we receive it. We encourage you to get involved in your community. You can participate in the 2014 Local General Election by: Running as a candidate Working as a poll clerk Working as a vote counter Of course the most important way you can be involved in your community is to come out and vote! If you would like more information, please contact the Chief Election Officer or the Deputy Chief Election Officer at You may also send an to info@districtofcoldstream.ca. Laying of Wreaths At the Remembrance Day services, anyone may step forward to lay a wreath. The organizers at our community's two cenotaphs would appreciate advance notice of who intends to lay a wreath. West Coldstream Cenotaph Organized by the Coldstream Women's Institute Contact Yvonne at before October 31 Lavington Cenotaph Organized by the Lavington Community Association Contact Edith at or ediththoreson@gmail.com

5 Page 5 COMMUNITY NEWS Pay parking at Kalavista Boat Launch parking lot Beginning May 16 until September 1, 2014, there will be a fee to park at the Kalavista Boat Launch parking lot. Parking of vehicles with boat trailers, or vehicles with car-top boats (see * below), will cost $5.00 per day (purchased on site) OR $50 for the season. $50 season parking passes can be purchased at: Coldstream Municipal Office, 9901 Kalamalka Road, Coldstream Regional District of North Okanagan, 9848 Aberdeen Road, Coldstream Vernon City Hall, th Street, Vernon Office hours Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 pm 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 pm 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 pm Season passes are valid at the Kalavista Boat Launch parking lot as well as at Paddlewheel Park on Okanagan Lake. For inquiries about the parking passes, please contact the Community Development Coordinator at the Regional District of North Okanagan, phone or info@rdno.ca. * Car-topper parking pass at Kalavista and Kinloch Boat Launches Kalavista Boat Launch parking lot: People launching car-top boats will still be allowed to park in the Kalavista parking lot without a boat trailer but MUST pay for parking AND have a car-topper pass which is available from the Coldstream Municipal Office during regular office hours. Kinloch Boat Launch parking area: The car-topper parking pass allows you to park in the Kinloch Boat Launch area, without a boat trailer. The pass can be obtained from the Coldstream Municipal Hours during regular office hours. There is limited parking at this boat launch. There is no charge for the car-topper pass. Passes are valid for the entire summer season. Vehicles without boat trailers that are parked without this pass may be ticketed or towed. For inquiries regarding car-topper passes, please contact the District of Coldstream at or info@districtofcoldstream.ca. Summer Parking Enforcement The Commissionaires will again be providing enforcement of the Traffic and Highway Regulation Bylaw dealing with parking or motorized vehicles in violation until September 1, 2014 (Labour Day long weekend). Patrols will be conducted on weekends only in May and June, and daily between July 1 and September 1. Patrols will be for a period of 8 hours per day, with 10 hours per day on weekends and statutory holidays during July and August. An additional Commissionaire will be posted at the Kalavista boat launch parking lot on weekends in July and August. The areas being patrolled include the following, with other areas on an as-needed basis: Kal Beach: Kalamalka Road Kirkland Beach: Kirkland Drive and parking lot Westkal Road lake accesses and boat launch Kalavista boat launch and parking lot: Kalavista Drive Kinloch boat launch and parking: Kinloch Drive Red Gate at Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park: Kidston Road Yellow Gate at Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park: Kidston Road Ponderosa Way and Tamarack Drive Creekside Skateboard Park: Kidston Road Soccer fields adjacent to Kidston School: Cunliffe Road Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church: on Middleton Drive on Sunday mornings

6 Page 6 COMMUNITY NEWS Coldstream's Updated Official Community Plan and the Community Vision Most people think of an Official Community Plan as simply a set of rules intended to control development. For the most part that is true, but the Official Community Plans policies and rules are not there just to have rules; they really exist to help shape the community as it changes and grows over the years. While change is inevitable, it isn t beyond our control. Residents can manage change, and shape the community to meet their future needs. For Coldstream, the OCP is all about working towards a vision, a Coldstream of the future. So what does that look like? Between 2007 and 2009, the citizens of Coldstream were asked Looking forward 50 years, what are the key things you see in your vision for an ideal, Sustainable Coldstream?" The answers to that question have been used to describe Coldstream in years to come and to identify specific areas that residents believe the community needs to focus on. This information has been put together in a document that will form part of Coldstream s updated OCP. The six main policy areas in the second column were identified through this process. Within each of the six strategic areas, residents provided comments to give additional context to their vision. Agriculture Strong, viable agriculture Citizens consuming locally grown food Environment Clean water and air Greenspaces and parkland Renewable energy Protection of watershed and Kalamalka Lake Recycling Active Extensive pedestrian and cycling connections Local shopping opportunities Compact, small-scale urbanized areas, concentrated higher density Rural Rural character retained Development restricted and managed Sustainable Infrastructure High-quality infrastructure safe drinking water and sanitary sewers Safety for residents Good transit service, even light rail Restricted and managed development Industrial development within existing industrial zone areas Diversified tax base Housing Housing is available and appropriate for people of all ages and incomes Residents can age in place Remaining in the community Each of the above policy areas has an icon associated with it. Agriculture Environment Active Rural Sustainable infrastructure Housing.... Continued on next page....

7 Page 7 COMMUNITY NEWS These icons will be used throughout the OCP so that readers will be able to see what strategic area each policy is meant to impact. Some policies might apply to several key areas, while others may only apply to one. For example, the OCP could have a policy that public roads include bicycle lanes or be wider to encourage more bike riding in the community. This policy could have three icons associated with it: Environment (cycling instead of driving reduces greenhouse gases) Active (makes it easier and safer to be active) Sustainable Infrastructure (cycling instead of driving increases the longevity of roads) We welcome your input A special website has been set up to provide ongoing communication at Any specific comments can be submitted to ocp@district.coldstream.bc.ca. What is an Official Community Plan? An Official Community Plan (OCP) sets community policies and future objectives for different types of land uses and community services. Provincial legislation sets the parameters for preparing an OCP. Provincial legislation also dictates what matters must, or may, be included in an OCP. Part 26, Division 2 of the Local Government Act outlines the required content of an Official Community Plan (Section 877) as well as other matters that the District of Coldstream may consider (Section 878). Municipal land-use policies outside of these parameters are non-enforceable and would have no means for implementation. Therefore, Council will be focused only on land-use matters where the District of Coldstream has some authority and jurisdiction. The Lavington Report by the Lavington Community Association It s been a busy spring here in our community lots to celebrate! Here s what we ve been up to: Jeffers Park outdoor ice rink closed early March after another very successful season. Our spring bottle drive was once again a huge success in raising funds for the operation of Jeffers Park. We filled a 52 semi-trailer with beverage containers and recyclables. A Lavington business Back to Earth Enviro Products" won the Green Business of the Year award at the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce annual business excellence awards. Take a drive out Highway 6 and pay a visit to this great little shop. Centennial Park is well used this time of year with children registered in the Lavington Recreation spring soccer program and Vernon minor baseball leagues taking advantage of the beautiful fields. The annual Easter egg hunt in Centennial Park had its largest turnout of participants to date AND the sun shone! The 20 th annual community garage sale took place on April 26 under wet and cloudy skies. This event is well attended year after year no matter what the weather does. The ever-popular concession run by the Community Association had a steady stream of hungry bargain hunters! The 66 th annual May Day celebrations were held on May 15 in Centennial Park. After the May Day royalty was transported into the park on the Lavington Fire Hall's antique fire truck, the crowd was entertained by the Lavington School students performing dances, bicycle rodeo, jesters and the traditional maypole dance. Lavington Community Association members presented to Coldstream Council a proposal to have lights and electrical outlets installed in the Centennial Park shelter and to also purchase four picnic tables for use in the shelter. Approved! The lights have already been installed.

8 General Flooding Information The North Okanagan can experience two types of floods. The first occurs when waters in lakes, creeks and rivers rise as a result of heavy snow melt runoff and rain in the spring and early summer. This is referred to as general flooding. The other type of flooding, flash floods, result from exceptional weather conditions and can occur at almost anytime. Owners/Residents are responsible for all measures required for flood protection of private property. In cases of acute emergency, the Provincial Emergency Program administers Disaster Financial Assistance that may provide flood relief. For more information about Disaster Financial Assistance, please visit the Provincial Emergency Program website at When Flooding is Imminent Rising water levels may indicate that your home will become unsafe to be in and you will most likely have to evacuate. There are things you can do now to prepare if you are at high risk: Have a grab-and-go emergency kit containing basic essential items such as prescription medications, eyeglasses, important papers, flashlight, battery-powered radio, clothing, identification and some cash. Review and update your personal emergency plans. Make sure everything is in place for the possible evacuation of your pets or livestock. Prevent illness by understanding there is a possibility that drinking water may become contaminated. Listen for boilwater advisories. Flood waters may make travel unsafe. Know if there are different routes out of the area if floodwaters are impacting roads. Consider moving items or appliances to a higher level if possible. An oil tank will float if it isn t full. Stabilize and weigh it down with sandbags or wedge it against a solid object. Anchor propane tanks. Turn off valves and anchor tanks to a solid object with a chain or cable. Know how to safely shut off your gas. Have the tools on hand and know how to do this correctly beforehand. Move pesticides, weed killers, fertilizers, and anything else that may contaminate water, to a higher level. Be prepared to report to a reception centre if you are evacuated. Local authorities and emergency officials will advise you of the location. Always follow the instructions of local emergency officials. Page 8 COMMUNITY NEWS For more information, visit the Provincial Emergency Program website OR North Okanagan Emergency Management Website Facebook northokanaganem

9 Page 9 COMMUNITY NEWS For the latest in emergency news... by North Okanagan Emergency Management Timely and accurate communications are critical in emergency situations. In an ongoing effort to improve and enhance communications during an emergency, North Okanagan Emergency Management has launched a new webpage which will also lead you to our other two media outlets on and Facebook northokanaganem. We are pleased to be using these pages now and look forward to the information that we ll be able to share with you. These pages are not intended for reporting emergencies; to report an emergency, please call the Provincial Emergency Coordination Centre at or dial 9-1-1, whichever is appropriate. North Okanagan Emergency Management and Emergency Social Services wish you and yours a safe and happy summer season! We will use these pages to communicate information before emergencies, such as personal and family preparedness and specific to hazards in our region. During emergencies, these pages will contain the latest information on the situation, its status and any immediate warnings and direction as they become applicable. All media releases from our offices or the Emergency Operations Centre will be posted to these social media pages. After the emergency, we will post any information applicable to the recovery from the event. Lake and River Watch Programs Every year an ever-increasing number of boating enthusiasts take advantage of the Okanagan s weather, lakes and rivers. Unfortunately, there is also an increase in the number of individuals who do not practice safe water activities. Often the incidents reported to the RCMP, Transport Canada, Environment Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and Conservation Officer Service regarding unsafe boating practices do not contain adequate information for them to investigate. In addition, the RCMP and other agencies are not able to conduct regular routine patrols and enforcement due to limited resources and the significant size of rivers and lakes in our region. The objective of the Lake Watch and River Watch Programs is to encourage people who witness unsafe boating to report their observations to the RCMP, Transport Canada, Environment Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and Conservation Officers. The program is designed to be proactive by assisting the education of all boaters to do so in a safe and responsible manner. Enforcement of safe boating regulations would be used as a last resort in the most serious circumstances. The incident reporting form can be downloaded at under the Residents tab. Copies are also available at the District of Coldstream office. Questions regarding this program can be directed to: Warren Smith, Rural Programs Coordinator Vernon/North Okanagan RCMP Safe Communities Unit Phone Fax wsmith@vernon.ca

10 Page 10 COMMUNITY NEWS Kidston Road Multi-Use Path Phase 2 Kidston Road, in particular between Coldstream Creek Road and Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park, is a narrow and winding roadway, with little to no shoulders and tight corners. Phase 2 of the multi-use path project is to construct a 3-metre wide multi use asphalt path along Kidston Road from Kinloch Drive to Coldstream Creek Road. The design looked at different route choices, and the selected route has had several design revisions to ensure there were minimal impacts to private property. Construction has begun, and completion is anticipated for the summer of CAPITAL PROJECTS Pavement Management Program The annual road maintenance program will continue with asphalt resurfacing and curb replacement. The roadways contained in this year s program include Petworth Road, Springfield Road, Husband Road, Cypress Drive, and Aberdeen Road. Also to be resurfaced is the Creekside Park parking lot on Kidston Road and the Kalview tennis court. The purpose of this program is to ensure that the long term cost of maintaining roads is minimized. A comprehensive analysis of Coldstream s roads was conducted in 2013 and included an investment/benefit analysis to optimize the monies invested in our roads. The optimal time to rehabilitate roads is quite some time prior to complete failure. Coldstream Creek Intercepted Groundwater Management Project The District of Coldstream is embarking on a project to lower the level of contaminants entering Coldstream Creek, as part of the continuing program to improve water quality. This summer the District plans to intercept numerous storm outfalls to a constructed wetland near the intersection of School Road and Highway 6. The wetland will contain a gently sloped channel that allows water to flow across a planted area. Excessive amounts of particulates are flushed into the creek through these particular storm outfalls, and the wetland will act to filter the particulates and any contaminants they may contain, prior to discharging stormwater into the creek. The project consists of diversion piping, the wetland, discharge structures and plants. There will be immediate benefits with the wetland, and the plants are expected to provide additional filtration within a couple of years. Protection of Coldstream Creek Coldstream Creek supplies 80% of the surface water flow to Kalamalka Lake, which is a significant drinking water source for the Greater Vernon area. The health and wellbeing of the public relies on protecting the quality of water in both the creek and the lake. Water sampling tests show that the water often exceeds BC waterquality guidelines for e-coli, fecal coliforms and enterococci, for both drinking water and recreational water. Bacteria tests found that water contamination from the feces of dogs, birds and other wildlife was moderately high and that the problem originated in many locations. A high level of nutrients and sediments enter the creek through runoff from both rural and urban properties. Livestock access to the creek can increase erosion, resulting in sediment and bacteria contamination. Fertilizers, including manure that is spread too close to the creek, can contribute to further contamination. What can the public do to reduce these problems of high nutrients and fecal contamination? The District of Coldstream encourages a no-mow zone adjacent to the creek and planting a buffer of native plants above the high water mark of the creek on their property. As an example, this has been done in a number of locations throughout Creekside Park. This no-mow zone and plantings increase plant diversity, reduce erosion and help filter out contaminants before they reach the waterway. Fencing can limit access to the creek and discourage livestock and other domestic animals from excessive access to the creek. This will help reduce the amount of nutrients, sediment and other contaminants entering the creek. Coldstream also requires all dog owners to pick up dog feces and to discourage dogs from swimming in the creek. This way, owners can ensure they are doing their part to provide clean, safe drinking water.

11 Page 11 COMMUNITY NEWS PUBLIC WORKS It was another busy year for the Coldstream Public Works Department. As we transition from winter to spring, a number of activities take place within the District. Snowplows and sanders are removed and the process of street sweeping begins. As you read this newsletter, the street sweeping program should be completed, and a majority of the sand and grit has been removed from the roads. Once the sweeping has been completed, the drainage infrastructure is inspected, flushed and cleaned to ensure that the sediments are removed and the system is working appropriately. This helps not only to keep the infrastructure functional but also to reduce the amount of sediments being flushed into the local lakes and creeks. Additionally, as the spring melt begins, drainage ditches and culverts are inspected and cleaned; during the periods of high flows, these inspections are conducted on a daily basis. With all of the freezing and thawing activity last winter, crews have also been busy repairing the large number of potholes that have emerged as frost leaves the ground. This past winter was especially bad for creating potholes, and many communities, including Coldstream, are actively trying to stay on top of the situation. As the weather continues to improve, roadside mowing and brushing typically begins in mid-may and runs through until the middle to end of June. Depending on the weather, a second pass is often required in late August and early September. If our area experiences a long hot dry spell, mowing activities may be suspended if the fire conditions become too great. An inadvertent spark from the flail mower could ignite a brush fire along the sides of the roads. District staff and the Regional District of North Okanagan's Greater Vernon Water have also been active in the last little while. Currently we are wrapping up the last details of the work on the water system initiated by the Highway 6 upgrades. Water mains were replaced, and additional piping and valving were installed for separating agricultural water from domestic water. Another project nearing completion is the new pressure-reducing station on the corner of Highway 6 and Buchanan Road. This facility is the main water feed for the Middleton Mountain area and, in addition to the replacement of ageing infrastructure, will feature enhanced monitoring and control capabilities. Water separation works are also ongoing in the Lavington area. This year will see a new water main installed on Learmouth Road from the upper Reid Road intersection down to the Park Lane intersection. Residents in this area may experience minor delays and are asked to exercise caution and to obey all traffic control personnel and signage during construction. Soil removal or Soil Deposit Soil permit Are you planning to remove or deposit soil in the District of Coldstream? Under the Soil Removal and Deposit Bylaw No adopted March 10, 2014, you now have to apply for a soil permit when more than 50 cubic metres (5 dump truck loads) of soil are being removed or placed on a property, except where there is an active building or development permit. The purpose of a soil permit is to minimize the potential environmental or physical hazards that may cause damage to persons, property or water bodies, and to regulate noise, dust and hours of operation of equipment working to minimize any disturbance to neighbours. Permit fees range from $150 to $500 based on the aggregate amount of soil being deposited or removed. Applicants also have to provide a refundable $500 damage deposit. For the removal or deposit of soil on land within the Agricultural Land Reserve, the District requires a copy of the written approval or exemption granted from the Agricultural Land Commission under the Agricultural Land Commission Act. Additional information and approvals by other authorities (engineer, provincial or federal regulatory bodies) may be required depending on the scope of the works proposed. Any questions can be directed to the Director of Engineering Services at

12 Page 12 COMMUNITY NEWS Mission Statement We, the Council of the District of Coldstream, are committed to a long-range plan for Coldstream, which fosters orderly growth and which enhances rural living at its best. Our mission is to make this a living plan supported by efficient fiscal management, appropriate policy and procedure development, and effective delivery of services. Members of Council Mayor Jim Garlick If you wish to contact the Mayor and/or Councillors, you may phone or send an to info@districtofcoldstream.ca. Councillors DISTRICT OF COLDSTREAM 9901 Kalamalka Road Coldstream, BC V1B 1L6 Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday excluding statutory holidays Website: info@districtofcoldstream.ca Building Department / Business Licencing / Bylaw Enforcement / Fire Inspections Fax line Building Inspections (requests for) voic message Maria Besso Pat Cochrane Doug Dirk Public Works: Cemetery / Parks / Roads / Drainage / Water / Sewer Fire non-emergency numbers: Coldstream Fire Hall Lavington Fire Hall Richard Enns Gyula Kiss Peter McClean All Other Calls: Municipal Office Fax line Community Achievement Award The District of Coldstream is shaped by its residents and especially by the contributions of extraordinary, community-minded individuals. The District of Coldstream honours these individuals through the Community Achievement Award. This award celebrates individuals who go above and beyond in their dedication and service to others and who devote time and energy to making their communities more caring, dynamic, beautiful, healthy, and unique. They inspire by their example. You may nominate any current or former resident of Coldstream. Exceptions are current members of Council and District staff. Posthumous nominations will not be accepted. Nominations can be submitted to the District until September 30 each year, and the award(s) is presented at a Council meeting in late October or early November. Nominations received after September 30 will be considered in the following year. For more detailed information and the nomination form, please visit under the Residents tab. These documents can also be picked up at the Coldstream Municipal Hall.