The current situation is that the conversation between the Sage Mesa Water System owner and the RDOS is still ongoing.  Until the water system owner and the RDOS come to an agreement and the RDOS is invited by the owner to take over the Sage Mesa water system (and that invitation is supported by the majority of ratepayers), hands are tied. 

I am sure you are all aware that this conversation has been ongoing for a very long time.  Past Director Brydon summed up the situation and challenges very well last October. http://areaf.rdos.bc.ca/cms/node/480

I can tell you that meetings are happening between the water system owner and the RDOS; both parties want to see a resolution.   As soon as there is new information to report, we will ensure that all impacted residents will be updated.  

I had the opportunity to ride-along with Zoe Kirk (RDOS Wildlife Special Projects Coordinator) last night as she toured the Greater West Bench area to tally up the number of garbage cans and recycling containers that were put out the night prior to the scheduled pick-up day. According to our bylaw, garbage and recycling containers cannot be placed on the curb until Thursday morning at 5:00 a.m.

More importantly, and as you likely know, there have been a number of bear sightings in the Greater West Bench lately. Our garbage/recycling is why the bears are sticking around. They are hungry and our garbage is an appealing and easy meal.

Please help us help the bears and do not place your garbage or recycling out the night before. It is just too tempting for wildlife and will inevitably lead to the animal being put down. Just as important, please keep your garbage secured during the week. This too is part of the bylaw.

Results from the public consultation regarding the proposed National Park Reserve in the South Okanagan – Similkameen

The following is copied from an email sent May 7th:

Proposed national park reserve in the South Okanagan-Similkameen “What We Heard” Report – Public Information Sessions