Minutes

Regular Council Meeting

Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at 7:00 P.m. - 11:00 P.m.

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

Council Absent:

• Councillor Heather Irvine
• Councillor Cara Reed

Staff Present:

• Paul Gipps, Chief Administrative Officer
• Jeremy Frick, Director of Planning & Development
• Trevor James, Chief Financial Officer
• Darren Lee, Fire Chief
• Matthew Salmon, Director of Infrastructure & Development Engineering
• Brad Savoury, Director of Legal Services and Risk Management
• Reyna Seabrook, Director of Corporate Services
• Matt Vader, Director of Parks, Recreation & Culture
• Carie Liefke, Manager of Current Planning
• Ruth Sulentich, Economic Development and Public Engagement Specialist
• Scott Unser, Public Works Manager
• Richard Wagner, Manager of Finance
• Kiel Wilkie, Utility Manager
• Makayla Ablitt, Legislative & FOI Coordinator
• Travis Tonn, Support Analyst
• Lauren Sanbrooks, Grant Funding Specialist
• Mike Mitchell, Utility Operations Manager
• Philippa Harding, Manager of Corporate Services

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1.

Call to Order and Territorial Acknowledgement

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. 

2.

Adoption of Agenda

• 2025-05-116 It was moved and seconded

  THAT the Regular Council Meeting Agenda of May 20, 2025 be adopted.

  Carried.

3.

Adoption of Minutes

3.1

Parcel Tax Roll Review Panel Meeting Minutes of May 6, 2025

• 2025-05-117 It was moved and seconded

  THAT Parcel Tax Roll Review Panel Meeting Minutes of May 6, 2025 be adopted.

  Carried.

3.2

Regular Council Meeting Minutes of May 6, 2025

• 2025-05-0118 It was moved and seconded

  THAT the Regular Council Meeting Minutes of May 6, 2025 be adopted.

  Carried.

3.3

Special Council Meeting Minutes of May 8, 2025

• 2025-05-119 It was moved and seconded

  THAT the Special Council Meeting Minutes of May 8, 2025 be adopted.

  Carried.

4.

Mayor's Report

5.

Announcements

Lake Country Road Safety Awareness Week will be held in conjunction with Go By Bike Week May 31 - June 6 to promote the safe sharing of road use in our community. Log any active transportation during that week, whether it’s to school, work, for exercise, recreation or doing errands around the community. You could win some great prizes! Stop by the Celebration station on Wednesday, June 4^th from 7:30am-9:30am at Swalwell Park. Register at gobybikebc.ca

Lake Country Fire Department is hosting a FireSmart Open House on May 24^th from 11am – 2pm at Station 71 (Winfield). Meet the local firefighters for a fun family day of emergency preparedness education.

Next recycling depot pop-up is on Saturday May 24, from 10am-2pm. Attendees have an opportunity to enter and win a backyard composter or a $50 gift card to a local business. Your name will also be entered for the Grand Prize, an e-bike provided by Lake Country Cycle at the end of the season in October.

We are sad to share the passing of well-loved community member Dave McClure on May 8th 2025.  A long time Oyama Community member, Dave was a firefighter, farmer, orchardist, small boat builder, and lifelong adventurer, serving 10 years on the Agricultural Advisory Committee.  His kindness, dedication, and adventurous spirit will be deeply missed.

6.

Delegations

6.1

Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission (COEDC)

Roadmap to Resiliency (COEDC Strategy 2025 - 2030) presented by Krista Mallory, Manager COEDC.

7.

Planning and Development Applications

7.1

Agricultural Land Reserve | ALR00195 | 12192 Oceola Road

To permit 79 temporary farm worker housing units within 17 trailers within the Agricultural Land Reserve.

• 2025-05-120 It was moved and seconded

  THAT Non-adhering Residential Use application ALR00195 for property at 12192 Oceola Road, (PID 010-562-605) to allow temporary farm worker housing within 17 trailers not be supported;

  AND THAT Non-adhering Residential Use application ALR00195 not be forwarded to the Agricultural Land Commission.

  Motion Failed.

  OPPOSED: Mayor Ireland, Councillors Brett, Lewis, McKenzie, Patel

  
  
• 2025-05-121 It was moved and seconded

  THAT Non-adhering Residential Use application ALR00195 be referred back to staff to work with the applicant on reducing the size and reconsidering the location of the proposed temporary farm work housing on the property;

  AND THAT staff be directed to research and develop a temporary farm worker housing policy for the municipality;

  AND THAT staff report back to Council at the earliest convenience.

  Carried.

8.

Departmental Reports

8.1

The 2025 ParticipACTION Community Challenge

Lake Country to participate in the 2025 ParticipACTION Community Challenge.

For information.

8.2

Liquid Waste Management Plan Stage 3 Report Adoption

An overview of the stage 3 report, seeking adoption to send to the Ministry of Environment for Approval

• 2025-05-122 it was moved and seconded

  THAT the Liquid Waste Management Plan Stage 3 Report (Attachment A to the report to Council dated May 20, 2025) be adopted.

  Carried.

8.3

Council Committee Update – Agricultural Advisory Committee (AAC)

To consider adopting updated Terms of Reference for the AAC

• 2025-05-123 It was moved and seconded

  THAT the Agricultural Advisory Committee Terms of Reference dated 2012 be repealed;

  AND THAT the Agricultural Advisory Committee Terms of Reference attached to the Report to Council dated May 20, 2025 be adopted.

  Carried.

8.4

Wildlife and Vector Attractant Bylaw No. 1280, 2025

To consider a Wildlife and Vector Attractant Bylaw and associated penalties.

• 2025-05-124 It was moved and seconded

  THAT Wildlife and Vector Attractant Bylaw No. 1280, 2025 be read a first, second and third time;

  AND THAT BNE and MTI Amendment (Wildlife and Vector) Bylaw 1281, 2025 be read a first, second and third time.

  Main Motion Carried as Amended.

  OPPOSED: Councillor McKenzie

  
  
• Amendment:
  2025-05-125 It was moved and seconded

  THAT the main motion be amended by deleting and replacing the second part of the main motion with the following:

  AND THAT BNE and MTI Amendment (Wildlife and Vector) Bylaw 1281, 2025 be amended to adjust the penalties as identified by Council;

  AND THAT BNE and MTI Amendment (Wildlife and Vector) Bylaw 1281, 2025 be read a first, second and third time as amended.

  Amendment to Main Motion Carried.

  OPPOSED: Councillor McKenzie

  The main motion as amended reads as follows:

  THAT Wildlife and Vector Attractant Bylaw No. 1280, 2025 be read a first, second and third time;

  AND THAT BNE and MTI Amendment (Wildlife and Vector) Bylaw 1281, 2025 be amended to adjust the penalties as identified by Council;

  AND THAT BNE and MTI Amendment (Wildlife and Vector) Bylaw 1281, 2025 be read a first, second and third time as amended.

  
  

9.

Bylaws for Adoption and Readings Following a Public Hearing

10.

Rise and Report from In Camera

11.

Council Committees

12.

External Committees and Boards

12.1

Okanagan Basin Water Board Report of May 6, 2025

13.

Strategic Priorities

14.

Report from Councillors

Councillor McKenzie announced Oyama Days is soon and asked Staff to look into how feedback is being received online for the Community Centre.

Councillor Brett asked that the District of Lake Country write a letter to Ministry of Infrastructure to reconsider the impact of Bill 15 adoption, specifically noting the lack of consideration of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, and a removal of community involvement through the processes.

Councillor Patel announced he will be at the dunk tank for Oyama Days on June 1 and encouraged community members to participate in the event.  He shared a quote in memory of Dave McClure: "To honor Dave, take your dog on a drive, learn at least one song on guitar to play proudly, and never pass up the chance to order dessert"

Councillor Lewis encouraged community members to attend the FireSmart Open House on May 24th from 11am - 2pm at Station 71.

Mayor Ireland announced he will be attending the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Conference next week in Ottawa.  He reminded community members of the pop up recycling depots and their opportunity to win a brand new e-Bike.

15.

Adjournment

The Mayor adjourned the meeting at 9:13 p.m.