Regional growth strategy consultation plan approved by Central Okanagan board
West Kelowna City Hall (Image Credit: Vernon Matters Staff)
The Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) board has approved a plan to gather public input on a new regional growth strategy.
The consultation plan was adopted July 16 and will guide how the RDCO engages residents, municipalities, First Nations, community organizations and government agencies during the development of the updated strategy.
The current Regional Growth Strategy was adopted in 2014, and officials say it needs to be updated to reflect more than a decade of population growth, changing provincial legislation and increasing challenges around housing, transportation and climate-related risks.
The RDCO said the region has grown by more than 40 per cent since the current strategy was developed and is projected to add another 70,000 to 80,000 residents by 2050.
The consultation plan includes two rounds of public engagement. The first will focus on gathering feedback about regional priorities, challenges and future growth, while the second will allow residents to review and comment on a draft strategy.
Engagement will include online surveys, workshops, open houses and community events, with opportunities for input from residents, businesses, youth, seniors, Indigenous communities and other regional partners.
