Agricultural Municipality Initiative Presentation
Council received a presentation from Summerland Mayor Doug Holmes regarding the proposed Agricultural Municipality Initiative (AMI), an advocacy effort aimed at securing provincial funding support for municipalities with significant amounts of land within the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR).
The presentation highlighted the financial challenges faced by municipalities, where the cost of maintaining roads, drainage, and other infrastructure serving rural and farming areas can exceed the property tax revenue generated from those lands. The proposed AMI would be modeled after the Province's successful Resort Municipality Initiative (RMI), in which the Province provides funding to tourism-based communities to help offset infrastructure and service demands.
Coldstream was identified as one of 12 municipalities being invited to participate in the initiative due to its substantial ALR land base. The group is advocating for a provincial funding program that recognizes the role local governments play in supporting agricultural production and maintaining infrastructure that benefits the farming sector.
Council received the presentation and will review the request to participate in the initiative, with a decision expected to be considered at the July 13, 2026 Regular Council Meeting.
Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) Presentation
Council received a presentation from the Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) highlighting its role in protecting and managing water resources throughout the Okanagan Valley. The presentation provided an overview of the Board’s collaborative approach to addressing regional water challenges, including water supply, water quality, climate change impacts, drought preparedness, invasive species prevention, and public education initiatives.
Council heard how the OBWB works with local governments, First Nations, water suppliers, and community partners to support science-based decision-making, watershed health, and long-term water sustainability. The presentation also outlined the Board’s 2026–2030 Strategic Direction, which focuses on advancing water science and monitoring, strengthening partnerships, and promoting responsible water stewardship across the region. The presentation was received for information.
BC Transit Fare Review
Council received a presentation from BC Transit outlining a proposed fare review for the Vernon Regional Transit System. The review aims to improve cost recovery, align local fares with BC Transit guidelines, simplify fare products, enhance interoperability between Vernon and Kelowna transit services, and support increased ridership through a more user-friendly fare structure.
The presentation highlighted several proposed changes, including replacing the current 90-minute transfer system with an automatic DayPASS fare-capping model, introducing separate local and regional fare products, and expanding the free youth travel program from children aged 12 and under to youth aged 18 and under. BC Transit also presented a phased approach to future fare adjustments designed to balance affordability with the long-term sustainability of transit services.
Following the presentation, Council considered a staff report outlining the proposed fare changes and their potential impacts on local transit users. As a member of the Vernon Regional Transit System, the District of Coldstream has been asked to provide feedback on the proposed fare strategy before BC Transit proceeds with implementation.
Council will consider the proposed fare review and provide direction at their July 13, 2026 Regular Council Meeting. The presentation and staff report were received for information as part of the ongoing fare review process.
Kidston Road Traffic Calming Improvements Approved
Council approved the installation of additional traffic calming measures on Kidston Road to help improve pedestrian safety and reduce vehicle speeds in the area.
The project includes the construction of two speed tables and a raised crosswalk equipped with a flashing pedestrian crossing light. These improvements are intended to enhance visibility for pedestrians, encourage safer driving behaviour, and support safer crossing opportunities for residents and visitors using the roadway.
Council authorized expenditures of up to $34,000 for the project, with funding to be provided through the Canada Community-Building Fund.
The traffic calming measures are expected to be installed later this year, subject to scheduling and project coordination.
Pumphouse Beach to Allow Dogs Following Successful Pilot Program
Council adopted amendments to the Parks and Public Spaces Bylaw that formally established a designated off-leash dog area at Pumphouse Beach. Responsible use will be supported through the provision of waste receptacles and dog waste bag dispensers. Administration will continue working with partner agencies to support water quality protection, monitor site use, and ensure access for water utility operations.
Pumphouse Beach will continue to provide a designated waterfront space where residents and visitors can enjoy the beach with their dogs while balancing the needs of all users. The District asks that patrons follow posted rules so the beach is a safe and enjoyable place for everyone.
New Public Notification Bylaw Adopted
Council adopted the District's new Public Notification Bylaw, establishing how the District will provide legislated public notices to residents.
Under the new Bylaw, the District website and email subscription service will serve as the primary channels for required public notices, while social media (Facebook, Instagram) will be used as supplementary channels when appropriate. To ensure information remains accessible to all residents, the District will continue to utilize local newspaper advertising to alert the public to notices and direct residents to the District website and/or staff for additional information.
The new approach is intended to improve efficiency, reduce advertising costs, and provide the District with greater flexibility in meeting legislative notification requirements. It also recognizes the increasing number of residents who access information online.
Residents are encouraged to subscribe to the District's email notification service and regularly visit the District website to stay informed about public notices, news, events, and other important community updates.
Agricultural Land Commission Annual Report
Council received the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) 2024–2025 Annual Report and are sharing it with the community: Provincial Agricultural Land Commission Annual Report.
The report provides an overview of the ALC's activities over the past year, including its work to preserve agricultural land, encourage farming, and administer the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR). It highlights application and decision statistics, compliance and enforcement efforts, and initiatives aimed at protecting British Columbia's agricultural land base for future generations.
Council recognized the importance of agriculture to Coldstream and the broader region and supported sharing the report to help residents better understand the role of the ALC in safeguarding farmland, supporting food security, and promoting the long-term sustainability of agriculture throughout the province.