Archives for November 27, 2020

At 2304 hrs on Nov 26 the Oliver RCMP responded to a single vehicle rollover collision on Hwy 97 near Secrest Hill Rd.  The driver and sole occupant sustained minor injuries.  Alcohol was determined to be a factor and the driver was issued a 90 day immediate roadside prohibition.

The vehicle was impounded for 30 days.  While the investigation was being conducted, and the collision scene was cleared, a section of Hwy 97 was closed and traffic was diverted via a short detour.

 

 

Time: 11:07 pm

On Scene, RCMP, EMS and Oliver Fire department

White truck roll-over reported on north lane of Hwy 97 just south of River Rd intersection.

One person with minor injuries escaped and treated by EMS

OFD assisted with traffic control for about an hour.

Traffic diverted at Park Rill Rd and River Rd on Highway 97 North of Oliver

Flood Resilience Projects

As an outcome of the OBWB’s discussions at the November board meeting, I have now secured a contract with the B.C. Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, titled: Gap Analysis and Recommendations of studies needed to update the Okanagan Lake Regulation System and its Operating Plan. This is the first step in the process to lay the groundwork for a review and potential revision to how the lake is managed. The province is funding the gap analysis, and the OBWB will manage the contract. The report is expected to be competed in March 2021, and it will lay out a plan of study on what is needed for the review.

It’s likely that a number of technical studies, risk assessments, and modeling will be needed. This
should help assess how lake operation changes will affect flood and drought risk, their respective
economic impacts, as well as potential impacts to fisheries if changes are made or conversely, if the
existing guidelines remain in place. We anticipate that there will need to be extensive collaboration
with Okanagan Nation, and consultation with different sectors.

As discussed last month, we will be working with the Okanagan local governments to raise the
awareness of this issue within the provincial government, and the need for ongoing funding to do the
work. The task of reviewing the lake operations and making changes is a provincial responsibility, but
there is much that the OBWB and our local partners can do to assist. I will be presenting again to the
RDCO board on December 7th, and collecting letters of support from local governments throughout the
valley.

Source: Report of Anna Warwick Sears OBWB CAO
Okanagan Basin Water Board

Throughout the winter/spring ODN presents the latest info on weather, snow conditions and most important the amount of water in storage for our huge water resevoir – the Okanagan Lake/River/Creek system.

Premier John Horgan has announced a new cabinet that will focus on keeping people healthy and safe through the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The pandemic has turned the lives of British Columbians upside down,” Premier Horgan said. “We have come a long way together, but we have much further to go. This skilled, diverse team is ready to continue our fight against COVID-19 and build an economic recovery that includes everyone.”

The new cabinet members are tasked with continuing government’s cross-ministry response to the pandemic, providing better health care for people and families, delivering affordability and security in B.C.’s communities, and investing in good jobs and livelihoods in a clean-energy future.

“I know this is a hard time for British Columbians. COVID-19 has brought challenges unlike any we’ve faced before,” Premier Horgan said. “By putting people first, investing in hospitals and diagnostics, supporting front-line workers and by everyone doing their part to fight this virus, we will make it through, together.”

The new cabinet includes 20 ministers and four ministers of state. Gender representation remains balanced. The cabinet will be supported in its work by 13 parliamentary secretaries, with portfolios including Rural Development, Anti-Racism, and Technology and Innovation.

The cabinet and parliamentary secretaries are as follows:

Premier: John Horgan
Parliamentary Secretary – Rural Development: Roly Russell

Attorney General (and Minister Responsible For Housing): David Eby

Parliamentary Secretary – Anti-Racism Initiatives: Rachna Singh
Advanced Education, Skills and Training: Anne Kang

Parliamentary Secretary – Skills Training: Andrew Mercier
Agriculture, Food and Fisheries: Lana Popham

Parliamentary Secretary – Fisheries and Aquaculture: Fin Donnelly
Citizens’ Services: Lisa Beare

Children and Family Development: Mitzi Dean

Minister of State for Child Care: Katrina Chen
Education: Jennifer Whiteside

Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation (and Minister Responsible for the Consular Corps of British Columbia): Bruce Ralston

Environment and Climate Change Strategy (and Minister Responsible for Translink): George Heyman

Parliamentary Secretary – Environment: Kelly Greene
Finance: Selina Robinson

Parliamentary Secretary – Gender Equity: Grace Lore
Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development: Katrine Conroy

Minister of State for Lands, Natural Resource Operations: Nathan Cullen

Health (and Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs): Adrian Dix

Parliamentary Secretary – Seniors Services and Long Term Care: Mable Elmore
Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation: Murray Rankin

Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation: Ravi Kahlon

Minister of State for Trade: George Chow
Parliamentary Secretary – Technology and Innovation: Brenda Bailey
Labour: Harry Bains

Parliamentary Secretary – New Economy: Adam Walker
Mental Health and Addictions: Sheila Malcolmson

Municipal Affairs: Josie Osborne

Public Safety and Solicitor General: Mike Farnworth

Parliamentary Secretary – Emergency Preparedness: Jennifer Rice
Social Development and Poverty Reduction: Nicholas Simons

Parliamentary Secretary – Community Development and Non-Profits: Niki Sharma
Parliamentary Secretary – Accessibility: Dan Coulter
Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport: Melanie Mark

Parliamentary Secretary – Arts and Film: Bob D’Eith
Transportation and Infrastructure: Rob Fleming

Minister of State for Infrastructure: Bowinn Ma