INFORMATION RELEASE

The 2025 Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) convention wrapped up at the Victoria Conference Centre on Friday, September 26. Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) directors participated in several meetings with provincial representatives covering a range of issues, including rural encampments on Crown land; funding for Okanagan-Similkameen Regional Hospital District (OSRHD) capital projects; water utility and wastewater utility upgrades and acquisitions; Okanagan Falls incorporation; and direct property taxation.

On the opening day of the convention (Monday, September 22), Mark Pendergraft, RDOS chair met with the Honourble Brittny Anderson, Minister of State for Local Governments and Rural Communities. The Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) and Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) chairs also attended the meeting. The board chairs and electoral area directors discussed small, rural water systems that are facing unsustainable financial burdens due to the high cost of water treatment and infrastructure.

The financial burden on residents of rural communities to finance water systems through user fees and taxation (parcel tax) is not sustainable. A request was put forward to the province to consider providing funding to reduce this financial burden. The province was also asked to consider imposing specific requirements and rules, similar to the Local Government Act and Community Charter, that would include setting aside funds in a statutory reserve to help pay for system upgrades when required. During subsequent meetings at the annual UBCM convention, RDOS representatives asked the province to consider additional grant funding for utilities that the RDOS has taken over. 

RDOS directors also took part in three meetings with provincial representatives focused on the Regional District becoming a taxing authority. This would save an estimated $365,000 annually (based on fees that are charged by the province). The RDOS also asked the province to consider reducing the 5 ¼% rate charged by the province.

“While there were no firm commitments, the UBCM meetings were positive and productive,” said Mark Pendergraft, RDOS chair. “The RDOS board and senior staff look forward to continuing discussions with the province.”

In addition to meetings with provincial representatives, RDOS attendees participated in plenary and networking sessions, workshops, and presentations. The annual UBCM convention also provides opportunities for local governments to express concerns, share their experiences and take a united position as part of the resolutions process.

For further information, please contact RDOS Communications.

To learn more about the 2025 UBCM convention, please visit ubcm.ca.

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Mark Pendergraft, Chair
Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen

Contact:

RDOS Communications
250-490-4148
Toll-free 1-877-610-3737

Photo 1: (left to right) Will Cole-Hamilton, CVRD Chair, Hon. Brittny Anderson, Minister of State for Local Governments and Rural Communities, Barbara Roden, TNRD Chair, Mark Pendergraft, RDOS Chair

Photo 2: (left to right) Riley Gettens, Area “F” Director, Matt Taylor, Area “D” Director, Campbell Watt, RDOS Vice-chair, Hon. Brittny Anderson, Minister of State for Local Governments and Rural Communities, Mark Pendergraft, RDOS Chair, Irwin Chahal, Area “C” Director, Tim Roberts, Area “G” Director, Adrienne Fedrigo, Area “E” Director, Amelia Boultbee, MLA (Penticton-Summerland)