RCMP Presentation on Community Policing and Public Safety
Council received a presentation from the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP providing an overview of local policing statistics and activities. The presentation covered a range of topics including the Integrated Crisis Response Team, traffic enforcement initiatives, property and violent offences, Criminal Code statistics, and calls for service within the community. Review the full report.
The RCMP also spoke about their ongoing work to support public safety and vulnerable individuals through community outreach and engagement initiatives. Council expressed appreciation for the RCMP’s continued efforts to maintain community safety and for their collaborative approach to addressing local policing priorities.
Updates to the Parks and Public Spaces Bylaw
Council approved and adopted updates to the Parks and Public Spaces Regulation Bylaw to help keep our parks safe, enjoyable, and easy to access.
The proposed changes include adding rental rates for Coldstream Station, updating definitions for organized activities and special events, and clarifying permit requirements for certain park uses. The bylaw updates also prohibit open fires, allow portable gas barbecues in designated areas, and introduce a new Outdoor Fitness Permit.
Parks and Recreation fees will increase by 2.5% annually from 2026 to 2028, and a new 2% Parks and Recreation Enhancement Fee will be added to all park rentals starting in 2026. Funds from this fee will go toward improving local parks and recreation spaces.
View the changes to the Parks and Public Spaces Bylaw
Community Feedback on Kalamalka Lake Access and Use
Council received a summary report on recent community engagement about Kalamalka Lake access and usage. Residents were invited to share their thoughts through an online and hand-delivered survey, by email, and at an open house event. In total, 399 surveys were recieved and 76 residents attended the open house.
From the feedback collected, five main themes emerged:
- Lake access and usage
- Improved amenities
- Accessibility and inclusivity
- Environmental concerns
- Zoning and dog areas
Participants also shared their likes, dislikes, and ideas for each specific lake access location. The information gathered will help guide future planning and decisions related to lake access, recreation, and environmental stewardship.
Council referred the discussion to a future Committee of the Whole for further consideration.
Lavington Pool Filtration Tanks Replacement
Near the end of the 2025 season the sand filtration tanks at Lavington Pool had begun to fail which required the pool to close a week early. Upon further investigation, it was determined that the tanks were beyond repair, and replacement was needed to prevent damage to the pool pumps.
To address to issue, Council has allocated up to $25,000 from the Parks Reserve in the 2026 Financial Plan to replace the tanks and ensure the pool remains safe and fully operational for the community.
Future Plans for 9801 Kalamalka Road
The District recently engaged Quality Appraisals to conduct a highest and best use analysis of the property at 9801 Kalamalka Road, previously used as office space for Protective Services and Infrastructure Services. The analysis identified several viable options, including:
- Single-family residential
- Non-profit office or institutional use
- Office or medical office use
- Redevelopment in accordance with P1 (Civic One) zoning
After reviewing the analysis, Council resolved to prepare a bylaw to rezone the property from P1 (Civic One Zone) to C4 (Town Centre Zone). In addition, Council approved the issuance of a Request for Expression of Interest (RFEI) to lease the municipally owned property for uses consistent with the Town Centre Zone, supporting potential community services and investment opportunities.
Did you know you can follow the District on Facebook, Instagram or subscribe to the Newsfeed to receive important notices directly to your email inbox?