Public Notification Bylaw Receives First Three Readings
Council gave first, second, and third readings to the District's new Public Notification Bylaw, which establishes how the District will provide legislated public notices to residents.
The proposed bylaw reflects changes to the Community Charter that allow municipalities to use alternative methods of public notification instead of relying solely on print newspaper advertisements. If adopted, the District website and email subscription service would become the primary notification channels for required public notices, while social media and local newspaper advertisements would continue to be used as supplementary communication tools.
The change is intended to improve efficiency, reduce advertising costs, and give the District greater control over meeting legislative notification requirements. It also aligns with how many residents now access information online.
Recognizing that not everyone has access to digital communication channels, the District plans to continue utilizing local newspaper advertising to alert residents to public notices and direct them to the District website or Administration for additional information.
Residents can stay informed by subscribing to the District's email notification service and visiting the District website for public notices, news, events, and other important updates. The propose bylaw will be considered for adoption at the next Council meeting – stay tuned!
Pumphouse Beach Off‑Leash Dog Pilot Project Update
Since June 14, 2025, dogs have been permitted at Pumphouse Beach as part of a pilot program designed to evaluate how the beach would function with this additional use, identify any conflicts, and gauge public acceptance and usage. Feedback was gathered through direct correspondence with Administration, staff and Council observations, and input received through the Beach Access Survey and Open House held in August 2025.
The majority of feedback received was positive, with many residents and visitors expressing appreciation for the opportunity to use the beach with their dogs. Concerns raised primarily related to maintaining the beach's previous use, ensuring dogs remain under owner control, and proper waste cleanup. These concerns were reflected in survey and open house responses but represented a minority of comments overall.
Council also considered recommendations from Greater Vernon Water and the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) to protect water quality near the offshore domestic water intake. Administration will continue working with partner agencies to support responsible use through enhanced public education, water quality monitoring, maintenance practices, and ensuring access for water utility operations. Animal Enforcement representatives also noted that providing a designated off-leash beach is expected to reduce violations at beaches where dogs are not permitted.
Based this, Council is moving forward with amendments to the Parks and Public Spaces Bylaw that will permanently allow dogs at Pumphouse Beach, with a delineated portion being for off-leash dogs (including waste receptacles and a waste-bag dispenser).
The amended Parks and Public Spaces Bylaw was given first three readings, and will be considered for adoption at the June 22, 2026 Council Meeting.
Lavington Wetland Flood Resiliency Plan Received
Council received the Lavington Wetland Flood Resiliency Plan, a report developed through funding from the Okanagan Basin Water Board's Water Conservation & Quality Improvement Grant program. The study was undertaken following the 2018 Coldstream Creek avulsion event and focused on assessing the condition of the wetland's infrastructure, identifying vulnerabilities to future flooding, and developing a shovel-ready project that could be advanced when suitable grant funding opportunities become available.
The report recognized opportunities to reduce future flood risk and identified several repairs needed to existing infrastructure. To address these needs, Administration will develop a phased implementation plan that aligns with available funding from the Drainage Reserve and existing planned expenditures.
By receiving the report and advancing planning for both infrastructure repairs and future mitigation projects, Council is taking proactive steps to improve the long-term resilience of the Lavington Wetland and reduce the impacts of future flooding events.
Council Seeks Proposals for the Future Use of Kalavista ‘Log House’ Property
In consideration of the potential future uses of the parcel of parkland at 8505 Kalavista Drive (the former Log House property), Council reviewed a range of potential opportunities that have been identified over the past several years, including picnic shelters, a nature centre, recreational amenities, food truck space, washroom facilities, and other park enhancements. The site offers unique opportunities due to its location, mature trees, proximity to the lagoon, and existing servicing.
Council also considered the property's environmental significance. Kalavista Lagoon supports a variety of wildlife, including the Western Painted Turtle, a blue-listed species, and Council has previously committed to preserving and enhancing habitat within the area. Plans for turtle nesting beds and educational signage have already been approved, with installation timing dependent on future site planning decisions.
After careful deliberation, Council resolved to seek community input on potential future uses. Non-profit organizations are invited to share ideas for how the site could support activities such as meetings, gatherings related to non-motorized water recreation, or storage of non-motorized watercraft. Council is interested in working collaboratively with groups that can help identify practical and sustainable opportunities for the property. Interested groups can submit proposals by email to info@coldstream.ca.
The property will be maintained as passive greenspace through 2026, preserving public access to the site while allowing additional time to explore long-term options that balance recreation, environmental stewardship, and community benefit.