Minutes

Regular Council Meeting

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Council Chambers/Video Conference
10150 Bottom Wood Lake Road
Lake Country, British Columbia V4V 2M1
Council Present:
  • Mayor Blair Ireland
  • Councillor Tricia Brett
  • Councillor Michael Lewis
  • Councillor Todd McKenzie
  • Councillor Bib Patel
  • Councillor Cara Reed
Council Absent:
  • Councillor Heather Irvine
Staff Present:
  • Paul Gipps, Chief Administrative Officer
  • Jeremy Frick, Director of Planning & Development
  • Darren Lee, Fire Chief
  • Matthew Salmon, Director of Infrastructure & Development Engineering
  • Reyna Seabrook, Director of Corporate Services
  • Matt Vader, Director of Parks, Recreation & Culture
  • Carie Liefke, Manager of Current Planning
  • Scott Unser, Public Works Manager
  • Richard Wagner, Manager of Finance
  • Kiel Wilkie, Capital Project Manager
  • Shara Glenn, Legislative and FOI Coordinator
  • Cory Drinkwater, Support Analyst
Others:
  • Youth Councillor Mochinski


We acknowledge that we are conducting our business today on the unceded territory of squilx”/syilx (Okanagan) peoples. As a Council, we recognize the importance of doing our best to build respectful relationships that contribute to stewarding the land and waters in the community with integrity and consideration for future generations.

The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 

  • 2026-04-067 It was moved and seconded

    THAT the Regular Council Meeting Agenda of April 7, 2026 be adopted.

    Carried.
  • 2026-04-068 It was moved and seconded

    THAT the Special Meeting Minutes of March 16, 2026 be adopted.

    Carried.
  • 2026-04-069 It was moved and seconded

    THAT the Committee of the Whole Minutes of March 17, 2026 be adopted.

    Carried.
  • 2026-04-070 It was moved and seconded

    THAT the Regular Council Meeting Minutes of March 17, 2026 be adopted.

    Carried.

The Mayor acknowledged the Easter festivities having been a great success and thanked the community and Staff for coming out.

Jayson McCarthy presented on the Winfield Oldtimers Sports Association (WOSA) 50 years of organized recreation at the Winfield Recreation Complex.

To consider endorsement of and provide support for the Lake Country Safe Internet Initiative

  • 2026-04-071 It was moved and seconded

    THAT the Lake Country Safe Family Internet Initiative (SFII) (Attachment A to the report to Council dated April 7, 2026), be endorsed by Council;

    AND THAT the costs associated with use of the Creekside Theatre for one community event be funded through the Grant in Aid budget to a maximum of $1000.

    Carried.
Consideration of an updated policy
  • 20026-04-072 It was moved and seconded

    THAT Election Official Remuneration Policy 227, 2026 be adopted.

    Carried.

Consideration after a Public Hearing (prohibited)

  • 2026-04-073 It was moved and seconded

    THAT first, second and third reading of Zoning Amendment (Z0000265) Bylaw 1242, 2024 be rescinded and the file be closed.

    Carried.

Read a first, second and third time March 17, 2026

  • 2026-04-074 It was moved and seconded

    THAT the Zoning Amendment (ASP00005) Bylaw 1323, 2026 be adopted.

    Carried.

Councillor Patel emphasized with Spring here to be aware of property clean up as it relates to fire safety. 

Councillor Lewis was sorry to miss the Easter festivities at Jack Seaton, happy to hear it was a huge success and appreciates all the effort.

Councillor McKenzie invited the community to attend the Oyama community clean up on Sunday, April 12 and reminded that lunch is included.  He also acknowledged that the water levels of the canal is coming up and the canal is useable between Wood and Kalamalka lakes.

Councillor Brett reminded the community about a Health Essentials Clinic which is a by donation event at the Kelowna Community Theatre, April 14 at 7pm, registration is online.  It is a parent documentary which focuses on how to support parents regarding social media and provides resources.  

Councillor Reed thanked the community groups for attending the Easter festivities at Jack Seaton Park.  She also thanked the Regional District of the Central Okanagan for allowing dogs at Kopje Park during the winter season.  She thanked the Rail Trail team and is excited about the announcement to continue construction of next section.  She advised the first wildfires of the season have started in Lytton, reminded residents to use their green bins to clean up around properties and looks forward to the future community FireSmart bins arriving.

Councillor Mochinski enjoyed the Easter event over the weekend.  He announced the construction of George Elliot Secondary School outdoor classroom has started; and encouraged the community to participate.

Mayor Ireland announced some of the Okanagan Basin Water Board precipitation stats including Penticton, Kelowna and Vernon are all quite low.  He warns that it will be a dry summer and acknowledged that there is a need to make plans for the season. He reiterated the earlier comments regarding the Easter festivities and thanked all the groups for attending and participating. He reminded the community of the upcoming Official Community Plan events on Wednesday April 8, 3-7pm and Thursday April 9, 9-1pm at the Municipal Hall. He also announced that he completed a Carr's Landing Community Tour last week with Councillor Reed and the CAO and is looking forward to the Okanagan Centre tour with Councillor Brett next week.

The Mayor adjourned the meeting at 7:43 p.m.