INFORMATION RELEASE 

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) is providing an update regarding the ongoing review of floodplain mapping for Park Rill Creek, Horn Creek, and Kearns Creek in Electoral Areas “C” and “I”. 

In 2022, the RDOS received the Park Rill Creek, Horn Creek and Kearns Creek Flood Mapping Report, prepared by Northwest Hydraulic Consultants Ltd. The report was commissioned in response to flooding that occurred within the three watersheds during the 2018 freshet. 

The report recommends adopting updated floodplain maps and associated flood construction levels for planning purposes. According to the report, the updated mapping would help limit increased flood risk from unmitigated and/or unrestricted development within the associated floodplains. 

As a result, Draft Amendment Bylaw No. 2800.61, 2026, is being proposed to incorporate the new floodplain mapping into the Okanagan Valley Zoning Bylaw No. 2800, 2022, and update the bylaw's floodplain regulations for lands within the Park Rill Creek, Horn Creek and Kearns Creek watersheds based on the technical work completed by Northwest Hydraulic Consultants. 

Currently, the project remains in the preliminary stages and is open for public consideration and feedback. The proposed amendment bylaw has not received any readings from the RDOS Board of Directors. 

"The review process is intended to ensure there is sufficient time to gather information, carefully consider public feedback, and provide comprehensive information for decision-makers," said Allen Fillion, RDOS Managing Director - Development and Infrastructure Services. "The intention is that the feedback and technical information collected through this process will help inform future discussions and decisions by the newly elected RDOS Board of Directors following the October 17, 2026, municipal election." 

Prior to any consideration of bylaw readings, RDOS Planning staff will present the feedback received from residents, property owners, and other interested or affected parties to the Electoral Area Services Committee of the Regional District Board. The Committee will review the input and provide direction on the next steps in the process. 

Following the orientation of the new Board, the RDOS intends to bring this matter back to the Electoral Area Services Committee, subject to Committee and Board scheduling and work program priorities. 

For more information, including background materials and updates regarding the floodplain mapping review process, please visit the Floodplain Mapping project page at rdos.bc.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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