October 22, 2009
The Regional Growth Strategy establishes a common vision for how the North
Okanagan accommodates growth over the next 20 years. The strategy will provide
guidance on a variety of key growth issues that directly affect the quality of life for all
residents throughout the North Okanagan. Public input on the growth issues early in the
process will assist in the development of the Regional Growth Strategy. The ‘My
Sustainable North Okanagan’ Age-Friendly Public Input initiative provides opportunities
for all ages to comment on what an ideal Region would look like in 2031. There are
three projects – a survey designed for residents over 55, a youth survey and a youth
contest series, although anyone is encouraged to fill out a survey.
The Your Thoughts About…Age-Friendly Communities Survey is designed for North
Okanagan residents 55+, although anyone, regardless of age, is encouraged to provide
your thoughts about your community, the future of the Region and the issues that you
feel are important. The survey is available at the Schubert Centre, in all municipal
offices and throughout the Region, as well as on-line at www.rdno.ca/rgs. Survey dropoff
boxes are in the Armstrong, Enderby, Vernon, Coldstream, Lumby and Spallumcheen
municipal halls, the Schubert Centre and at key public locations throughout the Region.
The deadline is November 30th, 2009.
For the young photographers, media artists and videographers in the North Okanagan,
get your equipment ready to showcase your talents in the multimedia contest. Our
poster contest is calling to all our young (under 14) artists to start your creative juices
flowing. Aspiring writers, sharpen your pencils and let the words flow for the creative
writing contest. All you debaters and dialoguers out there, put your conversation
abilities, survey skills and craft supplies to work preparing for the regional mapping
contest.
Always thought you had the greatest idea for making the North Okanagan an awesome
place to live? Roll up your sleeves and tackle tough growth issues such as revitalizing
downtowns, enhancing transportation, exploring sustainable development, or thinking
about the future of our economy. The deadline for submissions is December 31st, 2009.
For youth with little time and an interest in the future of the North Okanagan, the “What
Future Would YOU Like to Create” youth survey is for you. This two page survey
focusing on desired futures and the issues that concern youth. The youth survey will
provide the opportunity for broad youth participation within the Regional Growth Strategy
process. Everyone who fills out this survey will be entered into a draw for an iPod Nano.
The survey will close on December 31st, 2009 and the draw will take place in early
January 2010. All youth contest and survey information will be available on the Regional
District of North Okanagan website.
The Youth and Age-Friendly Surveys are available to anyone who has something to
contribute, so if you have something to say, please fill one out. Your input will contribute
to the development of the Regional Growth Strategy and the alternatives that will be
explored. Stay tuned – the Growth Issues Working Groups are hard at work on the
issues of agriculture and food systems, transportation and infrastructure, urban
containment, governance and service delivery, the environment, affordable housing,
economic development and water stewardship. Your voice will be added to the
discussion. For more on the Regional Growth Strategy and how to get involved, visit
www.rdno.ca/rgs.
For more information:
Anthony Kittel, Regional Growth Strategy Coordinator
Regional District of North Okanagan
9848 Aberdeen Road
Coldstream, BC V1B 2K9
Tel: (250) 550-3750
Fax: (250) 550-3701
E-mail: anthony.kittel@rdno.ca
