INFORMATION RELEASE

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) is providing an update on the status of the Sage Mesa Water System (SMWS) referendum and the ongoing process to address long-standing water infrastructure needs.

Referendum date set
The RDOS Board of Directors has set the referendum date for April 11, 2026. The referendum will ask eligible electors whether they are in favour of establishing the Sage Mesa water service and authorizing borrowing of up to $33,034,000 for capital upgrades.

UBCM grant application for Sage Mesa
The RDOS has been advised that the Sage Mesa application to the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Strategic Priorities Fund remains in the queue for second-stage evaluation.

Due to the high number of applications and the requirement that all financial contributions be confirmed, the application cannot move to final evaluation unless the upcoming referendum is successful. Even with a successful referendum, approval is not guaranteed.

There is also a possibility that evaluations may be completed before the referendum date. If that occurs, the application would be deferred to a future intake should the referendum pass.

UBCM has not confirmed the timing for final evaluations. RDOS will continue to monitor the process and provide updates as new information becomes available.

Why a referendum?
In order to establish a service and borrow funds, a referendum needs to take place. The Sage Mesa Water System, which serves 242 residential parcels in Electoral Area “F” (including Sage Mesa Drive, Sandstone, Westwood Properties, Husula Highlands, and two golf courses), has been under provincial administration for more than 30 years.

Key details:

• If the RDOS acquires SMWS, all options for upgrades and funding will be explored.
• Debt servicing for the proposed upgrades would be the responsibility of the 242 affected property owners, with annual costs depending on the final scope and available grant funding.
• The timing of the referendum is important: holding the vote before grant announcements may improve eligibility for future funding opportunities.

Recent Board discussion
At the November 6, 2025, Board of Directors meeting, the RDOS Board authorized the expenditure of $56,000 from the Area “F” Community Works (Gas Tax) Reserve.

The funds will support a feasibility study on the construction of a joint water treatment facility with the Penticton Indian Band (PIB). The study cost will be shared between RDOS and PIB, with RDOS contributing $56,000.

The Board also resolved to proceed with the referendum in April 2026, rather than waiting for potential grant announcements, to maximize the project’s eligibility for future funding and address urgent infrastructure needs.

Stay informed
For more information, updates, and resources, visit the project page at rdosregionalconnections.ca.
Information about the referendum and how to participate will be advertised. The RDOS encourages residents to stay engaged and informed as the process moves forward.

For further information, please contact RDOS Communications.

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Mark Pendergraft, Chair
Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen

Contact:

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