Retirement of Protective Services Manager
Council recognized Protective Services Manager, Keith Green, in advance of his retirement at the end of August, presenting him with a gift in appreciation of his many years of dedicated service.
Mr. Green has spent decades working in emergency services with communities across B.C., including more than seven years with the District of Coldstream. During his time with the District, he has provided leadership across fire protection, emergency management, inspections, investigations, and occupational health and safety, while also supporting the Coldstream and Lavington Fire Halls.
Council thanked Mr. Green for his professionalism, expertise, and commitment to public safety, and wished him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.
Emergency Operations Centre Equipment and Training Grant
The District of Coldstream has been awarded up to $30,000 through UBCM's Community Emergency Preparedness Fund – Emergency Operations Centres Equipment and Training funding stream.
The funding will support Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) staff training and the purchase of equipment for the District’s Emergency Operations Centre to strengthen emergency preparedness and response capabilities for both small- and large-scale emergencies.
Restricting Driveway Access from Road End Parks and Lake Accesses
Council gave first, second and third readings to a bylaw amendment that would restrict new driveway access from road end parks and lake access points.
The amendment would require new homes, or properties undergoing substantial renovations requiring a new access permit, to access driveways from travelled roadways rather than road end parks or lake accesses. The proposed restrictions apply to properties along Boat Launch Road to Kinloch Drive and Mint Beach to Westkal Road.
Existing properties with access from these locations will not be affected, unless they undergo substantial renovations, in which case future builders must consider alternative accesses. Any future request to access a driveway from a road end park or lake access would require a variance from Council.
The bylaw will now be forwarded to the Ministry of Transportation and Transit for approval prior to adoption.
Cypress Drive Parking Area
Council received a delegation from residents on August 10, 2026 regarding concerns and requests related to the Grey Canal parking area project on Cypress Drive.
In consideration of the delegation, Council directed Administration to investigate several of the requests and report back with options and costs, including, but not limited to the potential installation of a fire hydrant on Cypress Drive, reducing speed limits to 40 km/hr on Upland Road and 30 km/hr on Cypress Drive between the trailhead and Upland Road, and establishing seasonal bylaw compliance parking patrols in the parking area, application of calcium chloride for dust control, prohibiting e-bikes on the trails, and traffic calming to name a few.
Council also directed Administration to forward requests that fall under the responsibility of the Regional District of North Okanagan and the North Okanagan Cycling Society to those organizations for their consideration and response directly to the delegates.
Council Meeting Schedule Update
Council approved changes to the September meeting schedule as follows:
- The Committee of the Whole meeting scheduled for September 8, 2026 has been cancelled.
- The Finance Committee meeting scheduled for September 21, 2026 will instead be held as a Committee of the Whole meeting.
Night Sky Protection Policy
Council adopted Policy PLD 44 – Night Sky Policy, establishing a practical and consistent approach to reducing unnecessary light pollution from District facilities, parks and other District properties.
The policy encourages staff to consider opportunities to minimize light pollution when planning, designing, replacing or upgrading District lighting, while balancing these considerations with public safety, accessibility, security, operational needs and costs.
The policy does not introduce new enforcement requirements or require a separate approval process for District lighting projects.
Traffic Calming Policy
Council approved amendments to Policy PW43 – Traffic Calming to improve clarity and make the process for traffic calming requests more responsive and transparent.
Key changes include:
- Allowing Administration to bring forward recommendations to Council immediately when an emerging safety concern is identified.
- Replacing the petition requirement with letters of support from at least five neighbouring properties.
- Adding a public comment period for major traffic calming projects, such as speed tables.
- Providing public communication about other traffic calming measures, such as signage, through the District’s website and social media.
- Clarifying how road classifications and coordination with neighbouring road authorities are addressed.
The amendments are intended to improve the process while maintaining the policy’s existing purpose and objectives.
Electric Kick Scooter Pilot Project
Council has approved the District of Coldstream’s participation in the Provincial Electric Kick Scooter Pilot Project, effective September 1, 2026.
Under the provincial pilot, riders 16 years and older will be permitted to use electric kick scooters throughout the District in accordance with provincial regulations.
At this time, the District is not proposing additional restrictions. If concerns arise during the pilot, Council may consider amendments to District bylaws to restrict or prohibit e-scooter use on specific roads.
The provincial pilot project is currently scheduled to run until April 5, 2028.
Please note that School District 22 prohibits e-scooters on all school properties.