2024 District of Lake Country Citizen Bulletin

IMPORTANT KEEP HANDY FOR DISTRICT INFO

2024

DISTRICT OF LAKE COUNTRY

CITIZEN BULLETIN

2024 BUDGET

On March 19th Council adopted the five-year financial plan for Lake Country which includes the 2024 budget. After extensive consultation with the community, including a Budget Town Hall on January 23rd, Council agreed that a 9.52% increase is required.

The increase is needed to support community safety, keep up with rising costs of delivering services, longterm infrastructure planning and asset management, and wage increases required to attract and retain skilled staff.

Tax increases are rarely welcomed; however, yearly property tax increases are necessary to keep community infrastructure and amenities from deteriorating, to maintain current service levels, and to attract and retain skilled employees. Lake Country is at a turning point and has faced extenuating circumstances in the past few years leading to larger than normal tax increases that have been necessary to deliver on the services and infrastructure the community continues to expect.

To put the 2024 increase into perspective, a 1% increase results in approximately $200,000 in revenue. The impact of the 9.52% property tax increase to property owners in Lake Country will result in an approximate $248 increase on a 2024 average priced single-family home of $1,086,000.

How does the BC Assessment value impact my municipal tax assessment?

Earlier this year, BC Assessment released 2024 assessments throughout BC that reflect the value of properties as of July 2023. The average Lake Country single-family home is valued at $1,086,000 approximately the same value as 2023. Here is a simple way to determine if your municipal tax assessment will increase.

• If your property’s value change was Lower than the average change of 1% for the residential class, you can expect the increase on the municipal portion of your tax bill to be less than 9.52%.

• If your property’s value change was Similar to the average change of 1% for the residential class, you can expect the increase on the municipal portion of your tax bill to be 9.52%.

• If your property’s value change was Higher than the average change of 1% for the residential class,you can expect the increase on the municipal portion of your tax bill to be more than 9.52%.

Visit letstalk.lakecountry.bc.ca to review budget information and watch Council meeting recordings relating to the 2024 budget.

OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN

AMENDMENTS IN 2024:

The Official Community Plan (OCP) is Lake Country’s roadmap for future growth. The plan provides guidance on how neighbourhoods and employment areas will grow and change within the District. More specifically, an OCP sets the strategic vision for the community, addressing land use, housing, transportation, economic growth, and environmental preservation. The OCP serves as a framework for growth, and making decisions about zoning, development permits, and infrastructure investments.

The current Lake Country OCP (Bylaw 1065, 2018) is undergoing a facelift. This is needed to ensure best practices for Development Permit approvals. Objective for these amendments include:

 Improving clarity of the plan.

 Process improvements for development approvals.

 Adherence to provincial legislative requirements.

All OCP amendments involve public input to ensure the community’s aspirations and needs are considered.

Visit letstalk.lakecountry.bc.ca/2024OCP to find out how you can get involved.

Get engaged your opinion matters!

SHORT TERM VACATION RENTALS IN LAKE COUNTRY:

Many Lake Country entrepreneurs have opened their homes to welcome tourists and visitors by providing short-term vacation rentals (STVRs). STVRs are important to Lake Country as they provide income to local homeowners and help fill the gap of limited temporary accommodations such as motels and campgrounds.

If you are thinking of starting a STVR, or you already have one, check the definition of a STVR in the District’s Zoning Bylaw 561, 2007. Also, check to see if STVRs are allowed based on the zoning for your property.

On May 1st, 2024 B.C.’s Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act will legislate short term vacation rentals throughout B.C. The District of Lake Country’s Zoning Bylaw is already aligned with the Accommodations Act and do not foresee required changes to the bylaw.

To qualify to operate a STVR within the District of Lake Country, the following must apply:

• Accommodations must be within a STVR zone (zoning map, zoning bylaw).

• Accommodations must be in the principal residence of the homeowner.

• Accommodations for the STVR must be located within the primary residence and not in an accessory suite separate from the home (examples include: trailer, motorhome, camper, garage, cabana, or shop).

• There are not more than four (4) sleeping units rented out at the same time.

• There is parking for all guests on the property (guests’ vehicles are not permitted to park on the street).

• All garbage and recycling is contained to the property and properly disposed.

• Homeowner must have the proper insurance for the STVR.

• All STVRs must have a valid District of Lake Country business licence.

Visit lakecountry.bc.ca/stvr

LIQUID WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN: What is it?

Liquid Waste Management Plans (LWMPs) help local governments control wastewater, safely. They consider factors like the environment, affordability, public opinion, governance, and social issues. Lake Country’s LWMP, over 20 years old, has undergone a complete update and the process has lasted two years and involved community engagement along the way. Solutions in the plan are influenced by residents’ input. Those solutions stem from the pressing challenge that the current system lacks capacity to handle today’s wastewater flows, on top of future needs, but the plan outlines steps to improve it,

meet water quality requirements, and expand services to more properties. The Stage 1-2 Report was accepted by the Province in August 2023, based on our proposed plan. This process aims to ensure a sustainable and effective approach to liquid waste management in Lake Country.

Where is Lake Country in the three-stage process?

Liquid waste management plans progress through three stages: identification, evaluation, and adoption. Lake Country’s adopted Stage 1-2 Report propelled the LWMP process to Stage

3. The Stage 3 Report, scheduled for submission in July 2024, encompasses the implementation plan with programs, strategies, activities, projects, schedule milestones, funding, and timelines. The implementation plan takes the preferred direction forward to meet our goals for liquid waste.

What is Lake Country’s preferred direction to manage liquid waste for the next 20 years?

The plan emphasizes exceeding minimum requirements for public health and environmental well-being, as Lake Country is known to do. Key aspects of the approved plan include upgrading the wastewater treatment plant, building a new outfall line, exploring water recycling for fields and other uses, expanding the collection system in the Urban Containment Boundary, continuing the biosolids program, and enhancing stormwater management. The focus now shifts to implementing the plan effectively.

Cost over 20 years to implement LWMP plan:

*

*M

What does the implementation plan include?

Phase 1:

2024 to 2029

• Upgrade Treatment Plant

• Install Outfall Line

• Update Stormwater Management

Phase 2: 2029 to 2039

• Expand the Collection System

• Conduct Retrofit Sewers

Ongoing Initiatives

• Continue Biosolids Management

• Continue Water Quality Monitoring

• Explore Water Reuse Systems

• Update the LWMP ~ 10 Years

The total costs estimated to implement the LWMP is $87.1M (2023 dollars).

What are the cost implications to property owners in Lake Country to implement the LWMP?

SUBJECT TO COUNCIL APPROVAL

Sewer utility customers

• Total fees remain the same after eliminating parcel tax and porting that share of cost recovery into sewer utility user fees.

• Today: $600 including $250 fees and $350 in parcel taxes.

• In 2025: Sewer fees to remain consistent with existing rates.

Properties not connected to the sewer utility

• Parcel taxes to be reviewed with Council.

• Sustained expectation to ensure responsible septic system maintenance.

Other core funding and cost-recovery methods

• Development Cost Charges

• Senior Government Grants

• Grants from the Okanagan Basin Water Board

Stay involved in the process and provide comments and submit questions

• Head over to Let’s Talk – Lake Country and explore posted materials.

• Fill out a brief survey at letstalk.lakecountry.bc.ca/lwmp

free outdoor concerts

PRESENTED BY

july 5 - august 23, FRIDAYS: 7:00 - 9:00 PM

July 5 kinship KINSHIP

ONLINE PROPERTY TAX, UTILITY & BUSINESS INVOICES

Access your property tax, utility accounts and business accounts online:

The District of Lake Country has launched MyLakeCountry.ca, an online portal, to provide citizens with 24/7 access to their property tax, utility and business licence account information. More services will be added in the coming months.

Lake Country property owners, utility customers and businesses can now create a personal profile and sign up to:

• Access property tax, utility and business accounts 24/7.

• View property assessment.

• View invoices and transaction history.

• View business licences.

July 12 the everly brothers experience

SWALWELL PARK • 10090 Bottom Wood Lake Road Beside the Lake Country Farm Market liveinlakecountry.ca

• Say YES to subscribe for eBilling (paperless billing emailed right to your inbox!)

Add your property tax, utility and business licence account to your profile:

• To add a property tax account to your profile you will need the folio number and access code found on your 2023 or 2024 Tax Notice.

• If you no longer have your notice, request a copy by email at propertytax@lakecountry.bc.ca by providing your address and the full names of the individual(s) registered as owners on the property.

• If you are new to Lake Country, you will be able to register for MyLakeCountry when you receive your 2024 tax notice in the mail, expected in late May or early June.

• To add a utility account to the profile, you will need the utility account number and access code found on your utility invoice.

• If you do not have your invoice, contact utilitybillings@lakecountry.bc.ca

• To add a business licence account to the profile, you will need the business licence account number and access code found on your business licence invoice.

• If you do not have your invoice contact business@lakecountry.bc.ca

Important 2024 Dates

April Sent: Utility Invoices First Quarter 2024 (see page 9)

May 15 Due: Utility Invoices First Quarter 2024

Late May Sent: Property Tax Notices

Access your invoice online (see page 9)

May to July 2 Apply for your Homeowner Grant online

(Note the District cannot apply or submit your application for the homeowner grant. Apply by July 2nd to avoid a penalty gov.bc.ca/homeownergrant)

July Sent: Utility Invoices Second Quarter 2024

Access your invoice online (see page 9)

July 2 Due: Property Tax Due Date

(OPTIMAL: Pay online 5 business days prior to due date though your financial institution.

NOT OPTIMAL: Paying in person on July 2 at Municipal Hall.)

August 15 Due: Utility Invoices Second Quarter 2024

October Sent: Utility Invoices Third Quarter 2024

November 15 Due: Utility Invoices Third Quarter 2024

December 16 Sent: 2025 Business Licence Renewals IMPORTANT – all Business Accounts have new account numbers important to change if paying through your banking institution

December 31 Due: Deadline to apply for the current year homeowner grant (apply before July 2 to avoid penalty).

January 2025 Sent: Utility Invoices Fourth Quarter 2024

February 15 2025 Due: Utility Invoices Fourth Quarter 2024

March 1 2025 Due: 2025 Business Licence Fee

Know Your Property Lines

• Before starting any project you must know your property lines which are easily accessed on the GIS map at lakecountry.bc.ca or by calling 250-766-5650 and verified by a property survey.

• If you wish to undertake any work within the District Right-of-Way, you must apply before starting any construction activity.

• The permit required is called Permit to Construct in Right-of-Way and can be accessed online at lakecountry.bc.ca

• The permit is free and can potentially save property owners’ time and money if the work that has been done is stopped or needs to be removed.

March 23

April 27

May 25

June 22

July 27

August 24

September 28

October 26

10 am until 2 pm in the parking lot at the corner of Main Street and Hill Road (3165 Hill Rd). Drop off your glass bottles and jars, Styrofoam packaging, plastic bags and overwrap, other flexible plastic packaging, and small household electronics.

To find out more about the pop-up depots and what materials can be recycled, go to rdco.com/recycle, or email recycle@rdco.com.

juice etc.

Do

Flexible

• Farm Gate Trail – buy fresh local fare by visiting one of the many farm gate stands in Lake Country. View the most up to date map of local farms online. visitlakecountry.ca/farm-gate-trail

Will be back again in 2024 – details on trees being offered and when to order and pickup will be available in June. Don’t miss out - subscribe to receive information sent directly to your inbox.

Reporting a Problem

Municipal staff are available to respond Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Bylaw Officers are available Monday to Sunday, 8:30 am to 6:00 pm, with extended hours from May to September.

You can report issues you observe online at lakecountry.bc.ca using the ‘I Want to > Report a Problem/Request Service’ feature or the Report a Problem popular link on the Living in Our Community tab; or by calling 250-766-5650. To report a Bylaw contravention, you can report the problem online or call 250-766-6673.

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WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THERE IS AN EMERGENCY?

IMPORTANT - SIGN UP TO THESE THREE WEBSITES TO RECEIVE IMPORTANT TIMELY INFORMATION – FAST!

lakecountry.bc.ca/subscribe

Information for residents specific to Lake Country emergencies will be sent out to email subscribers. Subscribe to have information sent directly to your inbox.

cordemergency.ca

Central Okanagan residents should sign up for email updates to receive notifications from the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) when the EOC is activated.

myLakeCountry.ca

MyLakeCountry eServices is a secure, online service that provides Lake Country residents with instant access to their property tax and utility accounts 24/7 and enables users to sign up for eBilling. The database also allows emergency information to be sent out by areas (example – water outage impacting District customers).

NOTE: Pay attention to the official channels listed above as media may not publish the most up to date information for your area. Social media is not always accurate.

EMERGENCY EVACUATION LEVELS WHAT DO THEY MEAN AND WHAT SHOULD I DO?

LEVEL WHAT IT MEANS

EVACUATION ALERT

EVACUATION ORDER

An event has taken place that may require residents to BE READY TO LEAVE their homes ON SHORT NOTICE. Gather your important documents; prepare yourself with several days of clothing, toiletries and medication; and make arrangements for pets. Locate all family members and designate a meeting area outside of the evacuation area should an Evacuation Order be called while you are separate.

An event has made it necessary for residents to leave their homes immediately for their own safety. Residents will be restricted from returning. Notifications and updates will be provided through lakecountry.bc.ca and cordemergency.ca and will be shared with media.

TACTICAL EVACUATION

There is an IMMEDIATE THREAT TO the LIFE AND SAFETY of individuals. An emergency of this sort does not allow for any warnings or time to prepare to evacuate. Usually, the RCMP, Bylaw officers or fire fighters will come to your home to tell you to leave immediately.

Gather your family. DO NOT use more vehicles than you have to.

Take critical items (ID, medicine, purse, wallet, and keys) ONLY if they are immediately available. Take pets in pet kennels or on leash.

INFORMATION WILL BE SENT TO YOUR INBOX

Make sure to subscribe to receive email notifications

LAKECOUNTRY.BC.CA/SUBSCRIBE CORDEMERGENCY.CA

lakecountry.bc.ca • 250.766.5650

visitlakecountry.bc.ca

10150 Bottom Wood Lake Road Lake Country, BC V4V 2M1