Official Community Plan Amendment – Water Supply Considerations
Council considered amendments to the District’s Official Community Plan (OCP) to incorporate water supply and system capacity reviews into the development approvals process.
These proposed amendments would help ensure that future development applications consider overall water system capacity as part of the review process, supporting responsible long-term growth planning in the community. The amendments are considered minor changes to the OCP and would not impact current residents or existing water service levels.
Council gave first and second readings to “District of Coldstream Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 1878, 2026, Amendment No. 2” and in line with legislated process, a public hearing will be advertised and held at the next practical opportunity.
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Canadian Mental Health Association Funding Request – Foundry North Okanagan
At its May 11, 2026 meeting, Council received a request from the Canadian Mental Health Association Vernon and District for a funding contribution toward the construction of a new facility in Vernon. This facility would house Foundry North Okanagan, an integrated youth wellness centre that provides free support services for youth ages 12–24 and their families.
As this expenditure was not included in the District’s 2026–2030 Financial Plan, Council will consider the request alongside other community priorities during 2027 budget deliberations. Discussions on 2027 budget priorities are scheduled to begin at the July 20, 2026 Finance Committee meeting.
School Road Rehabilitation Project Tender Award
The School Road Rehabilitation project includes widened shoulders and new streetlights to improve safety, drainage upgrades, isolated subbase repairs, new base gravel and pavement, and the replacement of the existing speed table and road line markings between Jeffers Drive and Learmouth Road. These improvements will help enhance safety, drainage, and overall road infrastructure in the area.
Council awarded the construction project contract to Bear Paw Earthworks Ltd. for approximately $1.03 million plus GST.
Vernon Kokanee Swim Club Gaming Grant Application
Council will be providing a letter of support for the Vernon Kokanee Swim Club’s (VKSC) application to the BC Community Gaming Grant program. VKSC is a long-standing regional not-for-profit sports organization that has served youth in the North Okanagan for nearly 60 years, with strong participation from Coldstream families. The club plays an important role in promoting youth athletics, accessibility to competitive swimming, and regional community connection.
Council’s letter of support recognizes VKSC as a valuable regional program that contributes to youth development, community health, and active living in Coldstream and the wider North Okanagan.
Secondary Suite Amnesty Certification Process Policy
Council adopted the “Secondary Suite Amnesty Certification Process – 2 Year Policy (PLD43)”, supporting a structured approach to recognizing and reviewing eligible secondary suites in the District, which as now permitted in all residential zones in British Columbia.
The intent of the Policy is to provide an opportunity to bring existing unauthorized secondary suites to a safer, documented standard, while ensuring a basic life safety inspection is completed. The inspection review includes requirements for safe egress from the suite and bedrooms, the presence of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, a fire extinguisher, and minimum ceiling height standards.
As part of the initiative, Council also directed Administration to bring forward amendments to the Miscellaneous Fees and Charges Bylaw to establish a $100 secondary suite registration fee, plus $50 for any additional inspections required. These amendments will be brought forward at a future Council Meeting.
This policy supports safer housing outcomes while providing a clear and consistent pathway for addressing existing unauthorized secondary suites in the District. The inspection program will be rolled out summer of 2026, stay tuned to District News to get the updates directly to your inbox.