The Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) is undertaking an Alternative Approval Process (AAP) to seek elector approval for Swan Lake Wastewater Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 3069, 2026, which would authorize long-term borrowing of up to $4.8M to support the Swan Lake Wastewater Recovery project.
The North Okanagan Wastewater Recovery Project is a partnership between the RDNO, the Township of Spallumcheen, and the Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB) to explore ways to build an efficient and affordable wastewater collection and recovery system that serves the environment, area residents, and businesses well into the future.
Launched in 2015, the project's objective is to address concerns about environmental degradation of Swan Lake, the challenges posed by drought conditions for local agriculture, and the limited ability to sustainably meet the demands of industrial, commercial, and residential growth in the area.
Project Background
The project would provide wastewater service to residences and businesses in portions of RDNO Electoral Areas B and C, the Township of Spallumcheen’s south-east industrial area, and to OKIB IR#4 at the north end of Swan Lake. Key objectives of the project include:
- Addressing environmental impacts associated with existing septic systems in the Swan Lake area.
- Improving surface and groundwater quality and supporting environmental sustainability.
- Providing infrastructure to support residential, agricultural, and economic development.
- Delivering reclaimed water for agricultural irrigation, particularly during dry conditions.
More information on the project background and current project status can be found online here.
What is an Alternative Approval Process (AAP)?
An AAP is a provincially legislated process that enables local governments to obtain elector approval for certain bylaws, including those related to long-term borrowing. The AAP allows eligible electors within the defined service area to indicate opposition to the proposed bylaw by submitting an Elector Response Form. If an elector is not opposed, no action is required.
- Electors will have a minimum of 30 days to submit response forms.
- If 10% or more of eligible electors submit completed response forms in opposition by the deadline, the RDNO cannot proceed with the bylaw without first holding a referendum (assent vote).
- If fewer than 10% of electors submit response forms, the bylaw may be considered to have received elector approval.
For the AAP to be unsuccessful, at least 10% of eligible electors must have responded. The RDNO has published a formal Public Notice of AAP outlining the deadline for submitting Elector Response Forms, how to obtain and submit the forms, and additional details regarding the proposed bylaw. Additional details on eligibility, submission methods, and deadlines are provided in the official Public Notice.
Residents and property owners within the service area are encouraged to review the information provided and participate in the process as they see fit.
For more information on the Alternate Approval Process, please visit the AAP web page. Electors can also read more about the Swan Lake Wastewater Recovery Project online.
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For media inquiries:
Stacey Raftus, Communications Officer
communications@rdno.ca