By Times Chronicle Staff
Council gets RGS update
Growth happens, but it’s a matter of how you manage it that counts.
A recent presentation to Oliver town council by RDOS planning manager Chris Garrish outlined the highlights of the Regional Growth Strategy (RGS) review.
He noted the policy areas in the review include housing and development, ecosystems and parks, infrastructure and transportation, community health and well-being, economic development, engagement, and climate change.
Garrish said the goal under housing is to focus development in designated “primary” and “rural” growth areas.
Primary growth areas include Osoyoos, Oliver, Okanagan Falls, Penticton and Summerland, while rural growth areas include Gallagher Lake, Twin Lakes, Willow Beach, and Anarchist Mountain.
In rural Oliver (Area C), the RGS review acknowledges concerns expressed by residents about the long-term suitability of Gallagher Lake as a growth area.
The review seeks to direct 95 per cent of future growth to existing growth areas.
Other categories include resort area, village settlement area, rural residential area, and agricultural area.
Public engagement via meetings are slated to be held in the near future.
Council awards sewer contract
The Town of Oliver has awarded the Okanagan Street sanitary sewer replacement project to H&M Excavating for $719,917.
Staff report this infrastructure work is necessary after reviewing CCTV video showing the sewer mainline pipe is reaching the end of its life.
The project involves replacing 400 metres of pipe (distance of two blocks). It will be funded from the sewer and water reserve fund.
