2018 Annual Report by ColumbiaShuswapRD

ANNUAL REPORT

2018

TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION 03 Infographic Data Summary 04 Message from the Chair 05 Message from the Chief

Administrative Officer

06 Board of Directors

CORPORATE ADMINISTRATION 10 Overview and Highlights FINANCE 12 Overview and Highlights 13 2018 Electoral Area Grants-in-Aid Facts

14 CSRD Budget 15 Community Works Fund 16 CSRD Total Tangible Assets

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES 26 Development Services Overview 28 Planning Division 29 Building and Bylaw Enforcement Division GIS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 31 Overview and Highlights ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 34 Overview and Highlights SHUSWAP TOURISM AND FILM 36 Tourism Overview and Highlights 38 Film Commission

Overview and Highlights

OPERATIONS 18 Operations Management Department 19 Community Services Division 21 Utilities Division 22 Protective Services Division 24 Environmental Health Services Division

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

INTRODUCTION 2

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

BY THE NUMBERS

53,000 METRES

OF TRAIL MANAGED BY THE CSRD

PUMPED

1,241,994,396 L

THROUGH

10 & 1,992

COMMUNITY

VOTES

CAST IN THE

CSRD 2018

FREEDOM OF

ELECTIONS

REQUESTS

51,974

ITEMS

SYSTEMS WATER

CONNECTIONS

FIRE HYDRANTS 20,000

CHECKED OUT

OF THE CSRD

GOLDEN LIBRARY

RESPONDED TO

EVENTS

ASSISTING

DISPLACED FAMILIES

435 CALL OUTS

FOR THE CSRD

FIRE DEPARTMENT

TONNES

MANAGED

AT CSRD LANDFILLS

FROM LANDFILLS

RECYCLED

SHUSWAP ESS

OF SOLID WASTE

DIVERTED

AND TRANSFER STATIONS

185,000 CUSTOMER

TRANSACTIONS AT LANDFILL AND

TRANSFER STATIONS

1,811,984 KG OF SAND SUPPLIED

FOR SANDBAGS

MORE THAN

INFORMATION

50,000

TONNES

OF RECYCLING

4,100 MATTRESSES

12 MONTHS

2,627

WATER

252 CSRD

IN THE PAST

IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS

(including assent voting)

WATERMAINS

RECEIVED BY CSRD

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

81,900 METRES OF

VALID EMAILS

SPAM EMAILS

28,000 M3 YARD AND GARDEN WASTE

CHIPPED

160,000

BAGS FOR

FILLING WITH SAND

1,900

SHUSWAP ESS

VOLUNTEER HOURS

FIREFIGHTERS WITH THE

NUMBER OF MINUTES

CAN BREATHE WITH THE CSRDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NEW SELF CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS

MINUTES

OLDER MODEL

NEW 61 24 JUNIOR RECRUITS

AND

DEVELOPED PARKS

214,348

VERSUS

3,660,256

FIREFIGHTERS ADDED TO THE TEAM

STRUCTURAL

PROTECTION UNITS

WERE DEPLOYED TO OTHER COMMUNITIES FOR

39 DAYS

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

residents and the protection of properties. While we did not experience as many direct wildfire events as in previous years, our firefighters, volunteers and community members stepped up to help in many other areas of the province which were hit hard by such events. It is truly heartwarming to see how CSRD residents come together in times of need and I extend my thanks to each person who did their part.

RHONA MARTIN BOARD CHAIR

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR As Chair of the Columbia Shuswap Regional District, it is a pleasure to demonstrate where we have been in 2018 and get a sense of where we plan to go in the future. The Annual Report is a summary of the CSRDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s progress on major projects, services and financial performance over the past year. It also allows us to reflect on some of the priorities we have set and the projects that have been completed. In 2018, we saw a change at our Board table following the October General Local Elections. Some of us have returned to continue the governance work we have been doing for a number of years. We also welcomed new faces to our table, with the election of David Brooks-Hill in Electoral Area B, Jay Simpson in Electoral Area F, and the appointment of the newly elected Mayor of Revelstoke Gary Sulz to the CSRD Board. The election also saw Electoral Area A voters affirm their support for the Core Facilities Contribution Service, which will now permit the CSRD to make a financial contribution to the Town of Golden to cover some of the operational costs associated with four recreational facilities in that community. Once again, the 2018 emergency season was a very demanding time. Flooding in the Salmon Valley impacted many residents and the assistance and efforts of CSRD staff and volunteers was vital in supporting the safety of our

The CSRD also continued being proactive in ensuring the safety and well-being of property owners with planning for the expansion of Building Inspection into Electoral Area C. Public open houses were held, information was shared and many were educated about the increased safety and security building inspection can provide. Communications was also an important focus in 2018 with the signing of an agreement between 11 Shuswap local and SecwĂŠpemc governments. The purpose of the agreement is to establish and maintain long-term, cooperative government-to-government relationships and open communication across the Shuswap watershed. This has been discussed for many years, so to see this finally come together made it a very emotional day for me personally. It was very gratifying to see so many representatives of local government and First Nations come together and sign this document. And it is working. We are reaching out to each other more than ever before and it is producing results. Communicating with our constituents is a priority for every member of our Board, which is why we hope this report will provide you some knowledge about how the CSRD has accomplished its goals and is looking forward towards new projects and initiatives to ensure our region continues to thrive. On behalf of the Board of Directors, we look forward to continuing to serve the people of this region in an open, honest and respectful manner during the term ahead. We welcome your input and feedback. If you have questions about the workings of the CSRD, please contact our office so we can do our best to assist you. In closing, I would like to thank our staff, volunteers, firefighters and community organizations for their work, involvement and, especially their collaboration. Your efforts truly do make a difference.

Sincerely, RHONA MARTIN, Board Chair ANNUAL REPORT 2018

The CSRD’s services vary from those that are local in nature (such as water systems and fire suppression), to sub-regional services that are provided to a number of areas (such as milfoil control within the Shuswap), to region-wide services that are provided to all areas of the CSRD (such as land use planning, 9-1-1 services, refuse disposal and recycling).

CHARLES HAMILTON CAO

MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER The Columbia Shuswap Regional District remains at the forefront of BC local governments through its progressive program delivery, its diversification and its growth. Facilitating and managing the future direction of our region, while delivering a wide range of daily services and programs to the six electoral areas and four member municipalities remains the operational focus of the Regional District. I am pleased with my staff’s continued efforts to maintain and manage these services in a costefficient and responsible manner. We deliver services in response to the public’s requests, consideration for the environment and sound business practices. The list of services we provide grows annually, with that number now exceeding 100. It is a reality, however, that demands for services far exceed our funding abilities. Priorities have to be set. Local governments must continue to work hard to reconcile increasing service demands and costs with scarce resources. Our challenge will be to ensure that our spending on programs and services is both sustainable and affordable for our taxpayers over the long term.

Some of the new services added include the acquisition and planned development of the Rail Trail initiative, as we work together with the Splatsin First Nation and the Regional District of North Okanagan. This project will revamp the abandoned rail corridor between Sicamous and Armstrong into a multi-use recreational trail network and leave an important legacy for CSRD residents and visitors to enjoy far into the future. We are also pleased to have successfully laid the groundwork for building inspection to be implemented in March 2019 in Electoral Area C. We have negotiated a long-term Fire Services agreement for Electoral Area B with the City of Revelstoke, and, with the referendum consent of the voters in Electoral Area A, instituted a cost-sharing agreement for four recreational facilities in Golden. In recognizing the need for better communication with the public, we are working towards an enhanced presence in both traditional and social media and new ways to keep you informed about how the CSRD’s dollars are spent and how this affects your daily life. Our new hashtag is reflective of that -- #YourCSRD. You, the citizens of the CSRD, have an ownership stake in our organization. We recognize and respect this concept, and you should expect nothing less than a Board of Directors and staff who operate with openness, transparency and consideration for our constituents. The increasing challenges and workload are expected to continue into this year and beyond. The CSRD, however, is well positioned to meet these challenges. We will continue to work towards providing services and supporting programs that will create a healthy, vibrant and environmentally sustainable future for all our residents.

Sincerely, CHARLES HAMILTON, Chief Administrative Officer

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

BOARD OF DIRECTORS The CSRD Board consists of 11 Directors, one from each of the six electoral areas (that are unincorporated, defined in area by the provincial government and identified separately by letters of the alphabet). As well, there is one Director representing each of the member municipalities of Sicamous, Revelstoke, Golden, and two from Salmon Arm. Directors from the regional districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s member municipalities are known as Municipal Directors and are appointed by their respective municipal councils. Directors from the regional district electoral areas are known as Electoral Area Directors and are elected directly to the Board by the electors in the areas they represent and serve a four-year term. Each Board of Directors is headed by a Chair, who is the Chief Executive Officer of the regional district corporation. Back Row (from left to right): David Brooks-Hill (Electoral Area B Director), Jay Simpson (Electoral Area F Director), Rene Talbot (Electoral Area D Director), Paul Demenok, (Electoral Area C Director), Gary Sulz (City of Revelstoke Director), Tim Lavery (City of Salmon Arm Alternate Director) Front Row (from left to right): Terry Rysz (District of Sicamous Director), Rhona Martin (Board Chair and Electoral Area E Director), Kevin Flynn (City of Salmon Arm Director) Absent: Karen Cathcart (Electoral Area A Director), Caleb Moss (Town of Golden Director), Chad Eliason (City of Salmon Arm Director)

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

KAREN CATHCART Director, Electoral Area A

DAVID BROOKS-HILL Director, Electoral Area B

PAUL DEMENOK Director, Electoral Area C

Karen Cathcart is the Campus Manager for the Golden Campus of College of the Rockies. She has been the Electoral Director in Rural Golden for four years, saying it has been a tremendous experience working with local residents about addressing issues and opportunities that are a priority for them.

David Brooks-Hill is a lawyer who has been operating his own practice in Revelstoke since 2012. He enjoys the ability to practice law, while, at the same time, living in the wilderness. A political rookie, Brooks-Hill feels a connection to the area through his enjoyment of camping, hiking and skiing.

Paul Demenok has come a long way from his first foray into politics. As a university student in the 70s, Demenok earned a place on the student council after running on a platform focused on: “Better concerts… Man!” Demenok came out of a restful and enjoyable retirement in 2012 to join the political arena in the growing area of the South Shuswap.

RENE TALBOT Director, Electoral Area D

RHONA MARTIN Director, Electoral Area E

JAY SIMPSON Director, Electoral Area F

Rene Talbot’s entrance into politics began in a coffee shop with a couple of fair-weather friends. Talbot was chatting with people about the upcoming election and it was suggested he run to represent Falkland-Salmon Valley in the CSRD. Armed with only 20 election signs, Talbot defeated his opponent and has now spent 16 years on the CSRD Board.

Rhona Martin is a familiar face around the CSRD. In addition to her 28 years on the CSRD Board, Martin also operates a family restaurant in Malakwa. Her business provides a strong link to her community. She enjoys her interactions with her customers and her constituents, getting a chance to hear their community issues and aspirations.

Jay Simpson has been involved in community service through Rotary and the Chamber of Commerce and has now taken his first step into serving the North Shuswap as a CSRD elected official. His goal is simple – make the North Shuswap a better place.

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CALEB MOSS Director, Town of Golden

CHAD ELIASON Director, City of Salmon Arm

TERRY RYSZ Director, District of Sicamous

There’s a lot of reading involved in politics, but this is an attraction for Moss. He loves to spend time reading and owns a bookstore in Golden, as well as a store in Mexico. A self-described creative entrepreneur, Moss is also an owner of a consulting firm that does governance training and strategic planning. Moss returns to the CSRD for a second term after being re-elected for a fourth term as Golden Town Councillor.

Now in his fifth term as a Salmon Arm Councillor and his second term with the CSRD, Eliason hasn’t shied away from diving into additional roles. He’s past-president of the Southern Interior Local Government Association and currently sits on the Board of the Union of BC Municipalities and the Municipal Insurance Association of BC.

“Live More” is the District of Sicamous’ motto and it is one which Sicamous Mayor and CSRD Municipal Director Terry Rysz applies equally to his own life. Now in his second term as Mayor and the CSRD representative, Rysz’s enthusiasm shows through when he talks about his passions – his family, sports and the outdoors.

KEVIN FLYNN Director, City of Salmon Arm

GARY SULZ Director, City of Revelstoke

Kevin Flynn needs more than two hands to count his years of political experience, having just been re-elected as a Councillor for the City of Salmon Arm for a fifth term and re-appointed to the CSRD Board. He balances his political life with his work as a certified financial planner and employee benefit specialist as well as a love of golf and sports.

Being approachable and empathetic are traits incorporated into Sulz’ career, both as a funeral director and now into his political life. Sulz has spent more than 38 years in funeral service, listening and helping families. In 2014, he also brought his skills to local government, joining the City of Revelstoke as a Councillor and then advancing to the Mayor’s chair and CSRD Board in 2018.

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

CORPORATE ADMINISTRATION 9

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

2018 HIGHLIGHTS ■■ Providing leadership and policy direction to the Board of Directors on matters relating to all of the corporation’s departments. ■■ Consulting with Directors to determine key priorities and goals for the next four years, setting time-lines and funding opportunities. ■■ Conducting orientation sessions for the new CSRD Board, November 2018. ■■ Organizing and running the 2018 Local Government Elections for Electoral Areas B, C, E and F, as well as the acclamation process for Electoral Areas A and D.

CORPORATE ADMINISTRATION The Corporate Administration Department exists to provide quality, responsive and cost-effective services to the public, the Board and other CSRD departments. These include governance services, Board and Committee meeting management, legal and legislative matters, election services, Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act management, corporate communications, records management and other administrative services.

■■ Conducting a Core Facilities Contribution Service referendum for Electoral Area A residents voting on whether to make a funding contribution towards four recreational facilities located in the Town of Golden. The outcome of the vote was in favour, permitting the CSRD to make an annual funding contribution to the Town of Golden to cover 20 per cent of the net operating costs of the four facilities (Golden Municipal Swimming Pool, the Golden Civic Centre, the Golden & District Seniors Centre and the Mount 7 Rec Plex). ■■ Hiring a Communications Coordinator to enhance corporate communications including print, website, public information initiatives, communications strategies and social media, making the CSRD’s social media use a two-way communication tool. ■■ Day touring in Area E and Sicamous combined with a Board on the Road meeting in Sicamous, May 2018.

“We are pleased that our communications with the public have become more progressive; we continue to work on ways to better inform the public about the CSRD, its activities and the services it provides.”

- Lynda Shykora, Deputy Manager of Corporate Administration

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

FINANCE 11

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

2018 HIGHLIGHTS ■■ Preparing the Annual Five-Year Financial Plan, annual Year-End Statements and Statements of Financial Information documents, which include submission to the Province.

FINANCE The Financial Services Department is a complex, dynamic department that is integral to every other department within the CSRD. The finance team provides financial expertise, support, information and guidance to the CSRD’s internal departments, as well as the public. The finance department also develops and implements financial controls and policies which safeguard the CSRD’s assets and prevent fraud and error. The department assists in developing policies and procedures which assist the Board and guide staff in shaping the direction of the organization. The Financial Services Department coordinates the preparation of the annual Regional District Five-Year Financial Plan and audited financial statements, as well as ensuring full accounts of the Regional District and the Regional Hospital District are prepared, maintained and kept safe.

■■ Providing support to Operations Management in the development of an Asset Management Plan and assisting in collecting accurate data. ■■ Offering ongoing support to the Shuswap Emergency Program in accounting for events and deployments. ■■ Providing support for the CSRD’s landfill and tipping fee programs. ■■ Managing low staffing levels while sustaining normal operations of the department. ■■ Processed 8,071 accounts payable invoices to 1,190 suppliers. ■■ Issuing 3,850 landfill and miscellaneous invoices and 1,967 water bills. ■■ Paid 66 staff, 331 paid on-call firefighters and 27 emergency volunteers.

“The finance team is tiny compared to the volume of transactions that pass through this department. There is no way we could accomplish all that we do without the hard work and dedication of every member of the team. I am very proud of our finance staff and the way they embody the team spirit.”

- Jodi Pierce, Manager, Financial Services

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

2018 ELECTORAL GRANTS-IN-AID FACTS Grants-In-Aid are designed to help local groups achieve communitybased projects or offer services that enhance the lifestyle and wellbeing of residents in the various Electoral Areas. Grant recipient groups must be non-partisan, non-denominational and non-profit. The giving of Grants-In-Aid has been left to the discretion of the Area Director, however, requests must meet all requirements of the Local Government Act and be approved by the Board of Directors.

TOTAL OF GRANTS-IN-AID

ORGANIZATIONS RECEIVING $10,000 OR MORE:

TOP RECIPIENT IN EACH ELECTORAL AREA:

AREA A: AREA C: AREA E: AREA F:

AREA A: Golden Food Bank Society

Town of Golden Summer Kicks Concert Series - $10,000 Golden Food Bank Society Program Support - $14,165 Blind Bay Community Hall Society Flood Remediation - $55,000 South Shuswap Canada Day Society Canada Day Celebrations - $25,000 North and South Shuswap Community Resources Association Operational Funding - $25,000 Cedar Heights Community Association Upgrades to Golf Course - $20,000 Sunnybrae Seniors Society Hall Repairs - $16,000 Arts Council for the South Shuswap Program Funding - $15,750 Sorrento Elementary PAC Playground - $14,213 Sorrento and Area Community Association Sorrento Beautification - $13,250 South Shuswap Chamber of Commerce Educational Workshop Series - $11,000 Eagle Valley Community Support Society Program Funding - $10,000 Lakeview Community Centre Society Technology Upgrades and Repairs - $37,180 North Shuswap Chamber of Commerce Community Revitalization - $29,500 Lee Creek Arts and Sports Society Friday Nights Live - $10,000

AREA B: Burnham Road Water Users Society AREA C: Blind Bay Community Hall Society AREA D: Silver Creek Community Association AREA E: Eagle Valley Community Support Society AREA F: Lakeview Community Centre Society

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

CSRD BUDGET

Department

Total

Percentage

$7,433,011

16.3%

$403,724

0.9%

Development Services

$2,184,904

4.8%

Protective Services

$6,540,649

14.3%

Environmental Health Services

$7,395,038

16.2%

Utilities

$5,270,243

11.6%

Parks and Recreation

$5,277,555

11.6%

Economic Development and Tourism

$1,398,567

3.1 %

Other

$4,740,649

10.4%

$4,954,611

10.9%

$45,598,951

100%

Corporate Services and Finance Information Technology

Debt Payments for Member Municipalities

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

COMMUNITY WORKS FUND Community Works Funds are also known as Gas Tax Funds, which are provided to the CSRD from the Government of Canada. Gas Tax Agreement funding may be used towards designated public transit, community energy, water, wastewater, solid waste and capacity building projects. In 2018, a total of $1,133,264 in Gas Tax Funds were approved for distribution throughout the CSRDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Electoral Areas.

ALL AREAS

Asset Management Program Development (2016) - - - - $27,594 Asset Management Program Development (2017) - - - - $19,391

South Shuswap Destination Trail Planning - - - - - - $24,393

AREA A

Master Parks Plan and Regional Trail Strategy - - - - - - - - - - - - $13,592

Tappen Sunnybrae Fire Hall Energy Efficiency Upgrades - $4,216

Notch Hill Town Hall Furnace - - - - - - $767

Warming Hut Parson Park - - - - - - $64,200

Sunnybrae Waterworks Upgrade - - $200,000

Nicholson Boat Launch - - - - - - - - -$1,911

Golden Light Horse Club - - - - - - - $72,635

Sunnybrae Community Association Raise the Roof - - - - - - - - - - - - $30,000

Rotary Club of Golden - - - - - - - - $35,177

John Evdokimoff Park - - - - - - - - $33,023

Parson Warming Hut - - - - - - - - - $85,600

Sorrento Memorial Hall - - - - - - - -$ 11,197

Cedar Lake Recreation Site - - - - - $20,497

Sunnybrae Waterworks Upgrade - - - $50,000

AREA B

Thomas Brooks Water - - - - - - - $150,000

AREA D

Ranchero/Deep Creek Fire Hall Water System Assessment - - - - - - - $480

AREA C

Sorrento/Blind Bay Community Sewer - - - - - - - - - - $1,214

Salmon River Road Parallel Trail - - - $6,231

John Evdokimoff Park Playground Equipment - - - - - - - - $20,490

Salmon Valley Senior Citizens Hall - - $ 3,698

John Evdokimoff Park Playground Additional Equipment - - - - - - - - - $26,750

Falkland Fire Hall Energy Efficiency Upgrades - - - - - $12,142

Silver Creek Community Hall - - - - - $17,178

Tappen Sunnybrae Fire Hall Expansion $4,800

AREA E

Malakwa Community Park - - - - - - $35,979

Additional Tourism Kiosks - - - - - - $29,505

Malakwa Community Center Association Radon Remediation - - - - - - - - - $82,605

AREA F

Tourism Kiosk Project - - - - - - - - $48,008

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

CSRD TOTAL TANGIBLE CAPITAL ASSETS

$18,062,649

Land

$7,063,582

Land Improvements

$25,112,699

Buildings

$8,495,479

Equipment Mobile Vehicles

$10,099,386

Water Infrastructure

$25,862,613

Other

$ 3,961,642 Total:

$ 98,658,050

VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO VIEW OUR FIVE YEAR FINANCIAL PLAN

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

OPERATIONS 17

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT The Operations Management Department is responsible to plan, manage and operate a diverse range of service functions including parks, solid waste management, recycling, airports, arenas and other civic buildings, weed and mosquito control, fire and emergency services, dog control, street lighting, water systems and many others. The day-to-day management and supervision of these diverse services are delivered through staff and contract resources on a local, sub-regional and regional basis, dependent on the extent of the service area and the communities served.

HIGHLIGHTS ■■ Undertaking the successful negotiation of a Fire Services Agreement between the CSRD and the City of Revelstoke. The agreement will provide continued fire suppression services to approximately 250 properties in Electoral Area B (Rural Revelstoke) for the next 10 years. ■■ Working with Team Leaders to successfully complete 12 contract renewals, 23 new service agreements and one license of occupation agreement. ■■ Completing the Scotch Creek Master Water Plan, along with a $6.8 million grant application submitted to the Province under a Building Canada Grant.

Environment for final approval. A property purchase agreement is in place for land adjacent to the Salmon Arm Landfill, and has been extended into 2019. ■■ Playing a key role in negotiations with Swansea Point landowners adjacent to Swanson Road. This will enable the CSRD to advance the property development into a community park in 2019. ■■ Continuing progress on developing the corporate asset management program including developing the asset database, resource planning, and facility condition assessments.

■■ Assisting with updating the Solid Waste Management Plan, which has been submitted to the Ministry of “The accomplishments of the Operations Management Department in 2018 can be attributed to the leadership and support of its team of staff, volunteers, contractors, consultants and Board Directors. Innovative construction projects and continuous improvements to ongoing programs demonstrate the capabilities, professionalism, and dedication of the department to deliver effective and efficient services.”

- Darcy Mooney, Manager, Operations Management

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

COMMUNITY SERVICES DIVISION The Community Services Division delivers services related to five core functions: Parks and Recreation, Recreational Facilities, Building Maintenance and Security, Revelstoke Airport Management and Dog Control.

PARKS AND RECREATION HIGHLIGHTS ■■ Completing the Golden & Electoral Area A Regional Trail Strategy which advances the development of a Trail Alliance for the area. ■■ Developing a revamped warming hut, concession and picnic shelter in Parson Park for a cost of $140,000. Construction was completed by the end of the year and the community celebrated the opening with a skating party. ■■ Continuing work on the Bristow Road Park and Boat launch, including removal of dwelling and rezoning, as well as the installation of a dry hydrant. Plans are to tender and construct the project in 2019. ■■ Constructing $125,000 in improvements to John Evdokimoff Park including a paved, multi-purpose sport court, children’s playground, nature play area and upgrades to the picnic shelter. ■■ Creating a new Community Park in Malakwa in 2018. It included two new walking and cycling loop trails, a concrete plaza with timber-frame picnic shelter, a children’s play area and community garden.

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

FACILITIES HIGHLIGHTS

OTHER PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

■■ Conducting crack sealing and asphalt replacement at the Revelstoke Airport.

■■ Continuing work to advance the Sicamous-toArmstrong Rail Trail including the submission of a $13 million grant application to the Federal Investing in Canada Infrastructure grant program.

■■ Upgrading the Sicamous arena with security, LED Lighting, heat timers and an energy efficient hot water system. ■■ Rebuilding Golden Arena’s ice plant compressor.

DOG CONTROL FUNCTION After the previous contractor decided not to renew the CSRD’s Dog Control Contract, the dog control service was suspended for a one-month period in 2018. The CSRD and City of Salmon Arm partnered to secure Commissionaires BC to renew the service in early 2019.

■■ Completing design work on the Salmon River Parallel Trail, obtaining appropriate approvals and tendering of pedestrian bridge construction. Construction of the trail is to be tendered in early 2019 for spring construction. ■■ Working in conjunction with the Shuswap Trail Alliance, planning and community engagement continued for significant trail projects including Glenemma and South Shuswap Destination Trail.

“I am incredibly proud of the Parks team’s efforts in all areas of the region, from the new park opening in Malakwa to facilities in Parson and the playground at White Lake. The project planning for the Salmon River Parallel Trail, Bristow Road boat launch and the Rail Trail are community legacy projects that will be appreciated by area residents throughout the region.”

- Ryan Nitchie, Team Leader, Community Services

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

UTILITIES DIVISION The Utilities Division delivers services to four core functions: Community Water Services, Community Sewer Services, Street Lighting and Fire Hydrant Servicing. The Utilities Division strives to provide these services in the most costeffective manner possible, while still meeting or exceeding regulatory requirements.

2018 UTILITIES HIGHLIGHTS ■■ Continuing the safe and effective operation of 10 community water systems, as well as operating and maintaining five fire hall/community water systems. ■■ Updating the 2007 Scotch Creek Master Water Plan including a presentation of the plan to the general public. ■■ Completing upgrades to the Sunnybrae Waterworks including a new intake and water treatment plant. ■■ Engineering of the Cedar Heights Waterworks Pressure Reducing Station (PRV) upgrade, with the project work continuing into 2019. ■■ Continuing to work towards securing a site for a future Wastewater Treatment Plant in Blind Bay. A refusal by the Agricultural Land Commission has limited options for this type of system, however staff continue to explore this issue. ■■ Constructing dry hydrants in Celista and Swansea Point.

“The past year saw the completion of the Sunnybrae water system upgrade. This project was particularly satisfying for the Utilities Division as this failing water system was abandoned by its private owner back in 2011 and the community has been trying to maintain service ever since. In 2016, the CSRD secured a $1.7 million grant and the system was finally able to be acquired and upgraded.”

- Terry Langlois, Team Leader, Utilities

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

PROTECTIVE SERVICES DIVISION FIRE SERVICES HIGHLIGHTS ■■ Completing the Tappen-Sunnybrae Fire Hall expansion to including post-disaster construction requirements and paving work. ■■ Initiating a recruitment drive for on-call firefighters which has resulted in 64 new firefighters joining the 13 CSRD Fire Departments. The Protective Services Division delivers services related to three core functions: Fire Service, Emergency Fire Dispatch (9-1-1 services) and Emergency Management. The CSRD operates 13 fire departments within eight local fire suppression areas, manages 14 fire halls, more than 45 major pieces of apparatus and more than 300 paid oncall fire fighters. The CSRD also directly manages the Shuswap Emergency Program for Electoral Areas C, D, E and F as well as the City of Salmon Arm and the District of Sicamous. Emergency programs for Electoral Area A are managed by contract with the Town of Golden, while those in Electoral Area B are managed by the City of Revelstoke.

■■ Ordering a replacement for Engine #1 at the Shuswap Fire Department, which is being manufactured with delivery expected in January 2020. ■■ Constructing dry hydrants in Celista and Swansea Point and training fire department members in their use. ■■ Purchasing a Command Unit for Nicholson, which has been useful at fire scenes and has reduced the costs of travel for members of the department. ■■ Upgrading and updating radio systems and adding enhancements to the repeater at Eagle Bay to service Anglemont. Beginning work on repeater upgrades in Nicholson.

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

PROTECTIVE SERVICES DIVISION ■■ Continuing work on the Bastion Mountain Assessment after a grant was approved in 2018, followed up by a draft report. This work continues into 2019.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT HIGHLIGHTS ■■ Activating an Emergency Operations Centre for 10 events. Some of the more major events include an evacuation alert for 11 properties along Caen Road in Sorrento due to Newsome Creek causing severe erosion issues; Flooding in the Salmon Valley of Electoral Area D; Shuswap Lake high water and flooding requiring infrastructure protection and a debris flow which impeded access on Falkland Road. ■■ Purchasing equipment to upgrade a Structural Protection Unit.

■■ Recruiting and training Emergency Support Service volunteers primarily in the Golden and Revelstoke areas. A total of 31 new volunteers signed on to the program. ■■ Renovating and upgrading the CSRD boardroom for use as an Emergency Operations Centre. ■■ Deploying the Sprinkler Protection Units (SPU) team three times to assist with the provincial wildfire situation. ■■ Developing 18 new Neighbourhood Emergency Programs (NEP). These programs develop community capacity to respond and recover from disasters at the community level. ■■ Hiring a new Emergency Program Coordinator.

“The Emergency Team at the CSRD helped residents deal with 24 emergencies in 2018 including a 1-in-200 -year flood on the Salmon River in Electoral Area D and Salmon Arm, significant lake freshet, and severe erosion in Newsome Creek. The emergency team concentrated much of their efforts into building the community’s ability to respond and recover from disasters through emergency planning, Neighbourhood Emergency Programs, and community action groups such as the Newsome Creek Watershed Action Group.”

- Derek Sutherland, Team Leader, Protective Services

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SERVICES DIVISION The Environmental Health Services Division delivers services related to nine core functions: Solid Waste Management, Waste Reduction, Climate Action, Milfoil Control, Noxious Weeds, Mosquito Control, On-site Sewer System Education, Groundwater Monitoring and Dike Maintenance.

WASTE REDUCTION AND MANAGEMENT HIGHLIGHTS ■■ Completing the review and update on the Revelstoke Landfill design and operations plan and a Conformance Review of the BC Landfill Criteria.

CLIMATE ACTION HIGHLIGHTS ■■ Remaining a leader in Climate Action and being awarded the highest level ‘Achievement of Carbon Neutrality’ from the Provincial-Union of BC Municipalities Green Communities Committee.

■■ Upgrading of the Malakwa and Falkland Transfer stations.

■■ Collecting and removing approximately 8,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent gas at the Salmon Arm landfill biogas capture project, which equates to approximately $100,000 in revenue. Final numbers for 2018 will be available in June 2019.

■■ Initiating the public outreach on the proposed Area C Curbside Garbage and Recycling Collection.

MOSQUITO CONTROL

■■ Installing of two new monitoring wells at the Golden Landfill.

■■ Working towards the establishment of a food waste composting program in Revelstoke. ■■ Developing a Hazardous Waste depot at the Golden Landfill.

■■ Receiving approval from BC Parks to treat Shuswap Lake Park in Scotch Creek. Continuing service for reducing nuisance mosquitoes in Golden and Area A, Revelstoke and Area B and the Scotch Creek/Lee Creek areas of Electoral Area F.

“The CSRD continues to show leadership when it comes to delivering environmental health programs across the Regional District. We are particularly proud of receiving the highest level ‘Achievement of Carbon Neutrality’ from the Provincial-Union of BC Municipalities Green Communities Committee which demonstrates our continued commitment to climate action and waste reduction.”

- Ben Van Nostrand, Team Leader, Environmental Health 24

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES 25

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

MAJOR LAND USE APPLICATIONS

BYLAW AMENDMENTS/ DP’S/DVP’S/TUP’S

140 120 100

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

LAND USE PLANNING

DEVELOPMENT CONTROL

BUILDING REGULATION

BYLAW ENFORCEMENT

60 40 20

2009

2012

2016

2017

2018

DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS ANDApplications PERMITS Development and Permits

TOTAL NEW APPLICANTS AND PERMITS

The Development Services Department’s mandate is to provide land use planning, development control, building regulation and bylaw enforcement in the six Electoral Areas to meet the expectations and needs of the residents of these areas. The department provides professional advice and recommendations to the Board of Directors who provide policy and decision-making on significant land use matters. Development Services staff adhere to provincial government legislation and works cooperatively with both provincial and federal ministries and agencies to deliver products and services.

450 400 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 2009

2012

2016

2017

2018

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

Building Inspection Electoral Areas B/E/F Bylaw Enforcement

BYLAW ENFORCEMENT/BUILDING INSPECTION

BYLAW COMPLAINTS & BUILDING PERMITS 180 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 2009

The total number of land use applications including Bylaw Amendments, Development Permits, Development Variance Permits, Temporary Use Permits, Subdivisions and Agricultural Land Reserve reviews is similar to 2017, with 221 new files created in 2018. There has been significant growth in development over the past decade. For example, in 2009, there were 39 new files created for bylaw and land use permit applications (e.g. rezoning applications, variance permits, development permits) and are now up to 122 applications in 2018, a 213 per cent increase. The adoption of the new Bylaw Enforcement Policy in 2017 had the desired effect of decreasing the overall number of

2012

2016

2017

2018

complaints received and the time necessary to manage those complaints. While Bylaw Enforcement files decreased in 2018 to 52 new files, this has been offset by the creation of new Building Inspection files for Electoral Areas B, E and F. The Building Inspection function saw 170 new files created in 2018. With the CSRD’s plans to add building inspection to Electoral Area C and, potentially, Electoral Area D over the next two years, the number of building permit applications will continue to increase significantly. Overall, in the last 10 years, there has been a 72 per cent increase in new files and applications to the Development Services Department.

“One of the things that stands out for me is the expansion of building inspection to more areas of the CSRD and what that means for CSRD residents. Purchasing a home is one of the most significant investments people will make in their lifetime and a building inspection service should give comfort to new and future homeowners that their home is safe and will be structurally sound for many years to come.”

- Gerald Christie, Manager, Development Services

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

PLANNING DIVISION The CSRD’s planning function is divided into two categories: Long Range Planning and Current Planning which are undertaken by planners in the Development Services Department. Current Planning consists of application processing for such things as rezoning, Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) proposals, Temporary Use Permits (TUPs), and variances to bylaw requirements. Long Range Planning is primarily focused on developing and amending Official Community Plans (OCPs), Zoning Bylaws, and creating new and updated land-use policies, for example, the Cannabis Related Business Policy and Telecommunications Facilities Policy.

PLANNING DIVISION HIGHLIGHTS

■■ Updating the Municipal Ticket Information bylaw for zoning regulations.

■■ Adopting the Ranchero/Deep Creek Zoning Bylaw.

■■ Reviewing and proposing changes to Lakes Zoning Bylaw with regards to dock size and mapping. This work will continue into 2019.

■■ Reviewing medical marijuana and cannabis retail regulations. ■■ Developing and adopting the Cannabis-Related Business Policy and the Cannabis Retail and Productions Referrals Procedure. This involved timesensitive research and completion necessary due to the legalization of recreational cannabis and its retail sale.

■■ Managing 221 new development files in 2018. The past three years, 2016-2018, have been historic years with regard to the number of land use applications processed by Development Services staff.

“In addition to applications, a key role of the planning function is communication. We all work hard to provide timely and detailed information by phone, email or in person at the CSRD office. Planning staff are available to answer questions from property owners about the bylaws and regulations that apply to their properties and what is permitted, or not. It’s great when we can help people navigate the system and avoid any potential pitfalls.”

- Corey Paiement, Team Leader, Planning Services

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

BUILDING AND BYLAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION The Building Division’s mandate is to provide building regulations that support the BC Building Code standards in the applicable Electoral Areas. Bylaw Enforcement is primarily responsible for processing, investigating and resolving contraventions of the Columbia Shuswap Regional District’s Bylaws. This enforcement service extends throughout the Regional District.

BUILDING AND BYLAW ENFORCEMENT HIGHLIGHTS ■■ Researching, developing and receiving approval for Building Bylaw No. 660. The CSRD Building bylaw is now the first of its kind in the province and is expected to be used as a template by other regional districts when creating and updating their building bylaws. ■■ Hiring of a new Team Leader, Building and Bylaw services. ■■ Informing the public about the introduction of Building Regulation and Inspection services to Electoral Area C, which were implemented in March 2019. ■■ Developing the appropriate bylaws to allow for the

introduction of the Building Inspection to Electoral Area C. ■■ Developing and adopting Noise Bylaw No. 5754 and an associated service area to give RCMP another tool for enforcement. ■■ Filling a vacant staff position to allow for better response to bylaw complaints. ■■ Dealing with an increasing number of Building Inspections due to the expansion of the service within CSRD areas. ■■ Planning for future expansion of the Building Inspection service to Electoral Area D. ■■ Attending to bylaw complaints throughout the region.

“In 2018, there were emails and stories to our department from distraught residents who had lost their homes or savings due to natural hazards or construction concerns. With the knowledge that a Building Inspection Service may have assisted these people, it was hard not to become personally affected. So I was extremely proud of our team’s accomplishment in expanding building inspection to Electoral Area C, increasing safety and security for residents.”

- Marty Herbert, Team Leader, Building and Bylaw Enforcement

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

INFORMATION SYSTEMS INFORMATION SYSTEMS HIGHLIGHTS ■■ Conducting a Fibre Optics Feasibility study for Electoral Area C. ■■ Improving the Shuswap Emergency Program database, including better mapping of the Sicamous Narrows in case of flooding and creating maps for BC Forest Service workers who assisted with sandbagging the Salmon River Floodplain.

The role of the Information Systems Department is to provide reliable, stable and current technology systems to all CSRD departments. This division of corporate administration maintain all the servers, workstations, firewalls, printers, scanners, phones, pagers and security systems. They also coordinate and manage short- and long-term information technology infrastructure planning, acquisition of computer equipment, software services and telecommunications. The role of the Geographic Information System (GIS) is to provide vital support for all departments. All internal and external mapping is maintained through the use of an extensive special database for house numbering and 9-1-1 services information, trail and park data, Shuswap Tourism data, detailed property information, asset management and land-use planning. The department also provides an easyto-use public web mapping application, making it easy for residents or visitors to access the data from anywhere in the world.

■■ Continuing work with the Shuswap Trail Alliance to improve and publish geo-referenced maps which are free to the public, as well as maintaining an up-to-date parks and trails database for free public download. ■■ Executing an in-depth analysis of current planning development permits and floodplain exemption areas for the Development Services Department. ■■ Researching, mapping and digitizing areas of the Sicamous-to-Armstrong Rail Trail. ■■ Upgrading all the servers in the CSRD building to allow for secure, off-site backups of data as part of the ongoing disaster continuity plan. ■■ Continuing with conversion from paper to electronic management of documents through Laserfiche, a highly regarded document management, storage and retrieval device. Expected completion of the conversion is Fall 2019.

“Our work is often behind the scenes, but is critical to the day-to-day operation of the CSRD. Planners can’t plan without accurate maps, people can’t get 9-1-1 services without proper addresses and staff can’t do their work effectively without functioning computers. Our servers, network, databases and electronic records are the backbone of the organization. We are the team that keeps things running smoothly.”

- Brad Payne, Manager, Information Systems

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

WEBSITE & SOCIAL ANALYTICS 473,525 WEBSITE VISITS

1,532

163,463

FACEBOOK FOLLOWERS

DEVICES USED TO VISIT CSRD.BC.CA

TWITTER IMPRESSIONS

OUR MOST VISITED PAGES CSRD HOME PAGE LANDFILL HOURS MAPS CEDAR LK REC. SITE CONTACT US

47% DESKTOP 12% TABLET 41% MOBILE

FACEBOOK REACH* * NUMBER OF UNIQUE TIMES

OUR CONTENT WAS SEEN

363,476

10 AM - 2 PM

MON-THURS MOST POPULAR

TIME TO VIEW THE

CSRD WEBSITE

42,410 36,985 21,525 12,649 10,907

MOST

VIEWED

DAY IS WED

TOURISM WEBSITE STATS