The District of Coldstream has highlighted a half-dozen actions made at its regular council meeting on Monday, July 28.
Successful FireSmart grant application
A win for the district this week was its successful application to the FireSmart Community Funding and Supports funding stream. The district will receive $200,000 each year for the next two years to support its FireSmart program. This will provide for the continuation of Coldstream's FireSmart coordinator position and related services until July 15, 2027.
The FireSmart Community Funding and Supports program is administered by the Union of BC Municipalities and is funded by the province.
Noise regulation change
Council adopted a change to the noise regulation bylaw to provide a blanket noise exemption at the Greater Vernon Athletic Park at 7000 College Way, for special events approved by the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO).
Aggregate extraction areas and fees
In another bylaw tweak, council adopted changes to the soil removal and deposits bylaw. This includes the addition of extraction area maps and a $2 per cubic metre fee for materials removed under a soil removal permit.
New interim finance director
Chief administrative officer Keri-Ann Austin has been appointed as director of financial administration for the interim while the district is recruiting a replacement for the outgoing financial administration director.
"The Director of Financial Administration is an exciting career opportunity for a seasoned financial professional," the district said. "This position is responsible for the overall supervision of the districtÎÚÑ»´«Ã½™s financial operations and for performing the statutory duties of the financial officer pursuant to the Community Charter."
To apply for the position, visit .
Accessibility Plan
Council endorsed the North Okanagan Accessibility Plan, which was created for the region collaboratively in response to requirements set out in the Accessible BC Act. The plan focuses on the following six points:
ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½¢ Accessible built environment and outdoor recreation
ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½¢ Safe and user-friendly transportation networks
ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½¢ Inclusive programs and services
ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½¢ Accessible communication and access to information
ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½¢ Collaboration and leadership to remove barriers
ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½¢ Educated and aware civil servants and community members
The RDNO and member municipalities will work together with the Inter-municipal Accessibility Advisory Committee to support the plan's actions, while each local government will be responsible for implementing them in their own communities.
OCP development open house
The district is hosting an open house Wednesday, Aug. 20 from 4-7 p.m. for residents to review and provide feedback on proposed changes to the official community plan (OCP). The OCP sets out a long-term vision and policy framework that will guide land use, housing, infrastructure, environmental protection and community development through 2050.
