2026 UBCM Convention
Council attended the 2026 Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Convention, which took place September 14–18 in Vancouver. Each year, the UBCM Convention provides local governments from across British Columbia with an opportunity to connect with provincial decision-makers, discuss issues affecting their communities and advocate for local priorities.
As part of the Convention, Council met with several provincial ministers and representatives to bring attention to matters important to the community:
Minister of Finance: Farm Property Taxation
Council met with the Minister of Finance to discuss UBCM Resolution NR66 – Creation of Farm-Use Subclasses for Property Taxation.
The resolution calls on the Province to create subclasses within Class 9 (Farm) that would give local governments an additional tool to distinguish large-scale, industrial agricultural operations from smaller-scale and lower-impact farm uses for property taxation purposes.
Under the proposed framework, the use of these subclasses would be optional for local governments. Municipalities could choose whether to implement them based on local circumstances and community needs.
Minister of Forests: Early Wildfire Detection
Council met with the Minister of Forests to advocate for increased investment in early wildfire detection cameras, particularly in high-risk wildland-urban interface areas. Council requested that the Province expand its wildfire camera network, prioritize high-risk interface areas, and integrate detection technology with local emergency operations, evacuation planning and wildfire response – highlighting Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park and the surrounding residential areas as a priority.
The request builds on UBCM Resolution NR43, sponsored by the District of Coldstream in 2025, which called for early wildfire detection technology in wildland-urban interface areas.
Minister of Environment and Parks: Strengthening Oversight of Onsite Sewerage Systems
Council met with the Minister of Environment and Parks to discuss the need for stronger environmental oversight of high-risk onsite sewerage systems, particularly where these systems could affect municipal drinking water sources.
Coldstream is asking the Province to establish a risk-based review process for high-volume onsite sewerage systems and to consider these safeguards as the Province reviews and modernizes its sewerage regulations.
The request builds on UBCM Resolution NR73, sponsored by Coldstream in 2025 and endorsed by the UBCM Executive Committee.
Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs: Sustainable Funding for Public Libraries
Council met with staff from the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs to discuss the need for increased and sustainable provincial funding for public libraries, advocating for an increase to the Province’s core annual library funding along with future funding adjustments tied to inflation and population growth.
Council will continue to advocate for these priorities with the Province, working to ensure the needs and interests of Coldstream residents are heard and considered.
Future of 8505 Kalavista Drive Parkland
Earlier this year, the District issued a Call to Action and invited local groups to share ideas for the potential future use of the parkland at 8505 Kalavista Drive (formerly known as the Log House Property). This initiative generated feedback ranging from youth arts and recreation programming to opportunities to highlight the area’s wetlands, wildlife and ecological importance. The community also expressed interest in keeping the property as a park and improving it for day-use activities, such as picnic areas, shade structures and other amenities.
While some good ideas were brought forward, the Call to Action did not provide fulsome responses, so Council will hold an open house in early 2027 to gather further community input.
Safer Crossing Planned for Kidston Road
Council will be improving the pedestrian crossing near 12677 Kidston Road to provide a safer connection to the multi-use path (MUP). This involves relocating the existing concrete barriers to create a protected 1.2–1.5 meter pathway and improving the crossing with zebra pavement markings and pedestrian crossing signage.
The road will also be narrowed slightly in this area, and the speed limit will be reduced to 40 km/hr near the crossing to improve safety for pedestrians and motorists.
Work is planned for 2027 and will be coordinated with the District’s annual road line-painting program.
Flag Protocol Updated to Include Okanagan Indian Band Flag
Council approved an updated Flag Protocol and District Symbols Use Policy to formally recognize the addition of the Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB) flag at Coldstream Cenotaph Park. The OKIB flag now flies alongside the Canadian, British Columbia and District of Coldstream flags, being risen for the first time on September 29, 2026 in a public ceremony.
The permanent display recognizes the enduring presence of the syilx people in their traditional ancestral territory, their deep connection to the land, and the growing relationship between the Okanagan Indian Band and the District of Coldstream. The Cenotaph location also provides an opportunity to recognize and honour OKIB veterans and military members and their contributions to the Canadian Armed Forces.
Council Meeting Schedule Update
Council has made changes to its upcoming meeting schedule. The Committee of the Whole meeting scheduled for October 5, 2026, has been cancelled, and Council has scheduled a Finance Committee meeting for October 19, 2026.