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Feedback wanted for community plan in West Bench area

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen is updating the Okanagan Lake West/West Bench OCP
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The second round of community survey questions for the Okanagan Lake West/West Bench official community plan are now available to provide feedback.

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen has the questions available online and in hard copy for all Area F residents including West Bench, Sage Mesa, Faulder, Meadow Valley and North Beach.

The community issues mentioned most frequently in the first round included concerns with the use of residential properties for home industry or commercial uses, sanitary sewer service in the West Bench area and water supply and quality. Responses were split between those supporting the potential sewer and those not supporting it.

According to the survey report, the largest proportion of respondents who identified the issue felt that introducing sewer service would encourage subdivision and development, which would diminish the area’s more rural character. Those who supported the potential expansion of sewer service to the West Bench area saw it as an opportunity to improve infrastructure, provide storm water service and to address concerns around aging septic systems, which may need costly repairs. Eliminating septic fields would also increase the development potential of sites.

“I encourage every resident to get involved,” said Michael Brydon, electoral Area F director. “The OCP is one of our most important local planning documents. Not only does it establish policies around development and land use, it will also give direction to other plans, including capital plans, transportation strategies and the like.”

An advisory group made up of residents from across the electoral area has been established and they will help review materials, provide input and reach out to area residents.

To access the survey on line, go to www.rdos.bc.ca, and watch for the banner to come across the top of the screen. Round two of the community survey questions will run until Nov. 27.