One of the biggest decisions in the history of Lake Country was made in April 2015 through the democratic
process. Lake Country voters embraced the prospect of partnering with other jurisdictions in a once-in-a-lifetime
real estate opportunity to acquire the discontinued CN rail corridor from Kelowna to Coldstream. The Okanagan Rail
Corridor is a continuous, minimal grade corridor with some of the valley’s most scenic features and waterfront
access that connects communities across the Okanagan. The District continues to work in collaboration with the
City of Kelowna, the District of Coldstream, the North Okanagan Regional District, the Central Okanagan Regional
District as well as the Okanagan Indian Band to build a legacy trail system within the corridor that will benefit
citizens for generations to come.
Throughout 2015, the District continued to provide a wide range of municipal services to local residents and
businesses, including fire protection/suppression, emergency management, policing, building inspection, bylaw
compliance, transit, engineering and public works, refuse collection and recycling, planning and development,
economic development, recreation, parks and culture, and water and sewer utility services.
Opportunities and Challenges
The District of Lake Country is faced with unprecedented growth. The District has taken up its growth challenge by
undertaking a number of master planning processes, by implementing new technology and by reviewing its
development cost charges. The District will have to continue to proactively review resources, systems and processes
as it moves forward in order to stay in front of the growth curve.
The District is committed to maintaining a fiscally responsible, accountable and sustainable community and
organization in the midst of this growth. District of Lake Country staff are up to this challenge as exemplified by their
dedication and commitment.
Respectfully Submitted,
Ken Bjorgaard, MBA, CPA, CGA
Interim Chief Financial Officer
District of Lake Country
2015 Annual Report
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