Board endorses terms of study
The RDOS has endorsed the terms of reference for the South Okanagan-Similkameen Transit Future Study.
BC Transit, in collaboration with the district, proposes to conduct a 25-year transit plan for the region. It will envision what the transit network should look like 25 years from now and describe what services, infrastructure and investments are needed.
The district’s corporate objectives for 2012 included developing a regional transit master plan. Public feedback indicates a desire for additional transit service options that link their communities and hamlets to larger urban centres. Phase one (community engagement) will begin in spring of 2013, while project completion is slated for winter of 2013.
Fire dispatchers busy
Oliver was responsible for nearly five per cent of fire dispatch calls in the region during the third quarter of 2012.
The RDOS released a fire dispatch summary report showing call percentages of individual departments. As part of the new dispatch service contract with Kelowna, calls are tracked in order to analyze the types of call-outs, trends, call volumes and geographic location. This information may be used for training, determining future resource requirements and budgeting.
During the third quarter of 2012, Penticton garnered nearly 70 per cent of fire dispatch calls, while Summerland had 6.2 per cent. Oliver and Okanagan Falls were tied at 4.6 per cent, while Willowbrook was 0.3 per cent.
In 2010, Oliver’s fire dispatch percentage was 3.3, which jumped to 3.5 per cent in 2011.
In November of 2012, the Oliver Fire Department responded to 11 calls, including five motor vehicle accidents, one bin fire, two alarm activations, and one gas leak. In December, nine of the 12 calls were motor vehicle accidents.
ESS changes name
The board has changed the name of the region’s emergency response group – from Emergency Social Services to Emergency Support Services (ESS).
The service that is currently provided by volunteers was first initiated in the 1950s, and continued through the 1960s and 1970s under the banner of Civil Defense, commonly known as Emergency Welfare Services.
The volunteer group recommended the name change in order to better describe the help it provides for people displaced in an emergency.
The group assists anyone forced out of his/her home or lodging because of fire, flood or other crisis. The volunteers help with accommodation, clothing and food for victims of any disaster.
New parks member appointed
A new member has been appointed to the Oliver Parks and Recreation Society.
The regional district board accepted Area C director Allan Patton’s recommendation that Dennis Magoffin be appointed to the society as the Area C representative, replacing outgoing member Gary Dell. A letter has been sent to Dell thanking him for his contribution.
Hovanes speaks out for environment
Oliver Mayor Ron Hovanes concurred with Bryn White from the South Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Society that the Oliver area ranks high in conservation focus.
“I don’t find it surprising in our area . . . we still are somewhat unspoiled,” said Hovanes.
He noted the rest of the Okanagan would be on a similar biodiversity level if it wasn’t so heavily developed.
Hovanes reiterated his opposition to the proposed 12-lot subdivision at Vaseux Lake, home to a world-class bird sanctuary. “The South Okanagan is ours to screw up if we choose to.”
