INFORMATION RELEASE

At its meeting on September 3, 2026, the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) Board of Directors approved temporary regulatory and financial relief measures to support the recovery and rebuilding efforts of property owners whose principal dwelling was lost to the 2026 Bald Range Wildfire in Electoral Area “F”.

The approved measures include:

Temporary RV accommodation during rebuilding

The RDOS will temporarily suspend bylaw enforcement related to the placement and occupancy of up to two recreational vehicles (RVs) on eligible fire-affected properties for a period of up to five years from the date of Board approval, subject to the following conditions:

• The property must have experienced the loss of its principal dwelling as a result of the 2026 Bald Range Wildfire.
• A maximum of two RVs may be placed and occupied on the property.
• RVs should be certified to the CSA Z240 RV Series or an equivalent recognized recreational vehicle safety standard.
• An active building permit is not required for temporary RV occupancy under this enforcement suspension.
• The temporary measure applies only to the placement and occupancy of RVs. It does not remove permit requirements for dwellings, additions, decks, foundations, accessory structures, utility installations, renovations, rebuilding activities, or any other regulated construction.
• Wastewater and sewage disposal must comply with Interior Health requirements and any applicable onsite sewerage system approvals. Wastewater must not be discharged to the ground, roadside ditches, watercourses, or any unapproved location.
• The RDOS retains the authority to address public health, nuisance, fire safety, and other health and safety concerns where necessary.
• The enforcement suspension will expire when the replacement dwelling receives full occupancy approval or at the end of the five-year period, whichever occurs first.

The temporary measure is intended to provide flexibility for residents during recovery and rebuilding and does not authorize RVs to become permanent dwellings.

Reduced permit fees to support rebuilding
To help reduce the financial burden associated with rebuilding, the RDOS Board also approved a 50% reduction in Building Permit and Demolition Permit fees for eligible fire-affected properties for a period of up to five years.

The fee reduction will apply only to Building Permit and Demolition Permit fees related to properties impacted by the 2026 Bald Range Wildfire and will be funded through the Building Inspection Stabilization Reserve.

These measures recognize that wildfire recovery can take several years and are intended to assist affected residents as they navigate insurance claims, site remediation, permitting, financing, and reconstruction of their homes.

For more information, please contact RDOS Communications.

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Contact:

RDOS Communications
250-490-4148
Toll-free 1-877-610-3737