INFORMATION RELEASE

The 2026 Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) Convention concluded in Vancouver on September 18, 2026. The annual convention provides an important opportunity for the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) to meet with provincial representatives, advocate for regional priorities, and advance discussions that support local communities.

A key focus of the RDOS advocacy efforts was support for residents and property owners recovering from the Bald Range Wildfire. During meetings with provincial representatives, the RDOS highlighted the significant impacts experienced by affected communities, including Faulder and Meadow Valley, and emphasized the need for measures that help reduce the financial burden on residents rebuilding homes, properties, and livelihoods. The RDOS identified Provincial Sales Tax (PST) relief as a critical area for provincial consideration.

The RDOS has provided information to the Province of British Columbia regarding properties impacted by the wildfire and continues to advocate for recovery measures that recognize the scale of losses experienced throughout Electoral Area “F”. Many residents are facing substantial rebuilding costs, including debris removal, site preparation, construction materials, utility reconnections, and code compliance requirements.

The RDOS has provided BC Assessment with a list of properties where infrastructure was lost due to the wildfire. Property owners may also submit a BC Assessment Residential Property Damage Declaration Form to report wildfire-related damage or loss to structures and land. The information provided helps support a review of the property's assessment where appropriate.

The form is available through BC Assessment:
BC Assessment Residential Property Damage Declaration Form

Submitting the form ensures BC Assessment receives property-specific information directly from affected owners when considering assessment reviews and adjustments.

In addition to recovery discussions, RDOS representatives met with provincial officials to advance regional priorities, including direct property taxation, the future of the Kettle Valley Rail (KVR) corridor and the Similkameen Trail, Chain Lake Dam assistance, regional dam infrastructure, encampments on Crown land, the private utility acquisition process, and establishing a new school district for the Similkameen Valley.

The RDOS Board of Directors and staff will continue to advocate on behalf of residents through ongoing communication with provincial representatives.

For further information, please contact RDOS Communications.

-30-

Campbell Watt, Vice-chair
Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen 

Contact:

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

Voyent Alert! Be safe, be informed, be involved in your community.
Register to receive routine and emergency notifications from the RDOS via email, text, or phone.
Contact RDOS Communications for assistance with your account.

Donegal Wilson, MLA Boundary-Similkameen, and RDOS representatives meeting with the Honourable Randene Neill, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship.