INFORMATION RELEASE

The 2026 Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) Convention wraps up at the Vancouver Convention Centre on Friday, September 18, 2026.

Directors from the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) have been meeting with provincial representatives, advocating for regional priorities, and building relationships that support local communities.

This afternoon, RDOS staff will meet with Premier David Eby to discuss the future of key regional trail assets, including the Kettle Valley Rail (KVR) corridor. Discussions will focus on retaining strategic sections of the Princeton-Coquihalla corridor and exploring options to preserve this important regional recreation and tourism asset. The meeting will also advance discussions on a collaborative partnership with snpink’tn (Penticton) Indian Band and the Province to support the long-term stewardship, safety, and improvement of the KVR Trail between Summerland, Penticton, and Kaleden. The RDOS will advocate for partnership-based solutions that protect these important recreation, tourism, cultural, and transportation assets for future generations.

To support these discussions, RDOS staff have prepared briefing reports for meetings with provincial representatives. Other topics will include direct property taxation and provincial sales tax (PST) relief related to the Bald Range Wildfire.

The RDOS has shared information with the Province of BC about properties impacted by the wildfire. However, affected property owners are encouraged to submit their own information through the BC Assessment Residential Property Damage Declaration Form. This allows residents to explain why their property assessment should be reviewed or adjusted based on wildfire-related damage or loss, including impacts to land.

For further information, please contact RDOS Communications.

To learn more about the 2026 UBCM convention, please visit ubcm.ca.

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Mark Pendergraft, Chair
Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen

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

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