INFORMATION RELEASE

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) Board of Directors has initiated amendments to several land use bylaws to support recovery efforts following the Bald Range Wildfire.

The proposed amendments are intended to streamline development approval processes associated with site remediation and the reconstruction of buildings and structures damaged or destroyed by the wildfire. The proposed changes include:

• Amending the Electoral Area “F” Official Community Plan (OCP) Bylaw No. 2790, 2018 to remove the Environmentally Sensitive Development Permit (ESDP) Area designation from all parcels within the Bald Range Wildfire area.
• Amending the Electoral Area “A”, “C”, “D”, “E”, “F”, “H” and “I” OCP bylaws to introduce a new exemption criterion for Watercourse Development Permits (WDPs), allowing property owners to undertake site remediation activities that are typically required following a wildfire event.
• Amending the Okanagan Valley Zoning Bylaw No. 2800, 2022 to introduce a temporary exemption for parcels within the Bald Range Wildfire area, allowing an accessory building or structure to be placed on a property before a principal building is established or a building permit for a principal building is issued, subject to specified criteria.

To provide information on the proposed amendments, the RDOS will host an online Public Information Meeting on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. via Webex.

Public Information Meeting:

Date: November 4, 2026
Time: 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Location: https://rdos.webex.com / 1-833-311-4101
Meeting #: 2771 764 7410
Password: RD@S (7317 by phone)

Residents and property owners interested in learning more about the proposed amendments are encouraged to attend.

Information about the Public Information Meeting, including participation details, draft bylaws, and Administrative Reports, is available on the RDOS Bald Range Wildfire project web page: rdos.bc.ca/development-services/planning/strategic-projects/bald-range-wildfire-updates/

A video recording of the staff presentation will also be posted on the project web page before the November 4, 2026, meeting for those who are unable to attend the live event.

The RDOS continues to work with affected property owners and partner agencies to support wildfire recovery efforts and reduce barriers to rebuilding in areas impacted by the Bald Range Wildfire.

For further information, please contact RDOS Communications.

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Mark Pendergraft, Chair
Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen

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