Ben Van Nostrand

The board discussed and took action on several items including the receipt of correspondence regarding the District of Sicamous' withdrawal from the Film Commission, the approval of the 2026 Board and Committee calendar and appointments, and the allocation of various Electoral Area Grant-in-Aids and Economic Opportunity Fund grants. Additionally, the board processed several administration bylaws, including amendments to the Cedar Heights Waterworks service, the 2025-2029 Five Year Financial Plan, and the Solid Waste Disposal Tipping Fee and Regulation bylaw. The board also reviewed challenges concerning buoy enforcement on navigable waters and finalized zoning and official community plan amendments for Electoral Area F.

The committee discussed several key topics including updates on road maintenance and closures, the accomplishments and fire training initiatives of the Nicholson Fire Department, and the upcoming 2026 budget process. Funding and grant allocations for various local societies were reviewed, alongside progress on the Kicking Horse fire program and engagement strategies regarding time zone changes. Additionally, the committee received updates on the aquatics study, enhanced mosquito control measures using drone technology, and project funding reallocations by the board. Future items were noted, such as solid waste management changes and upcoming construction notices.

The committee meeting included the election of the Chair and Vice Chair for 2026. Presentations were given by the Golden Community Economic Development regarding their quarterly report and by the project manager of the Age-Friendly Community Plan, which highlighted top community priorities. The Director's report covered various updates, including a governance study, provincial meetings concerning local government issues, the CSRD Parks and Recreation Plan, aquatic services facility options, road maintenance, mosquito control remediation, the Connect the Basin project, and an overview of the upcoming budget process.

The board conducted inaugural proceedings including the election of the Chair and Vice Chair for the 2025/2026 term. Key agenda items included discussions on advocacy for mosquito control using drone technology, a request for a letter of support for the Shuswap Regional Broadband Infrastructure Project, and advocacy for reforms to the Temporary Foreign Worker and Provincial Nominee Programs. The Board also reviewed committee reports, endorsed the 2025 Strategic Plan, awarded an environmental monitoring contract, and discussed proposed amendments to the Solid Waste Tipping Fee Bylaw. Furthermore, the meeting addressed various development and planning applications, including subdivision requests in the Agricultural Land Reserve, zoning amendments, and development variance permits, as well as appointments to the Regional Accessibility Advisory Committee.

The committee reviewed the Draft II 2026 Financial Plan, discussing requisition increases, surplus and deficit management, capital and operating reserve contributions, and the allocation of interest. The session also covered a review of the FireSmart Tipping Fee Waiver Program, noting the continuity of past assessments and the commitment to future discussions regarding program funding and reserve management strategies.