Staff Suggestion and Cost Saving Program
A cost savings suggestion program was implemented in 2016 to
provide the opportunity for staff to offer their input on how to
save the District money. Staff are encouraged to share their input
on workplace savings and ideas to benefit and save money in
delivering services for the community.
Customer Comment Card
The District implemented a system for the public to provide
customer feedback through a comment card with drop boxes
available on both floors of Municipal Hall. Feedback collected is
reviewed by Department Managers with the objective of
improving service to better meet the needs of citizens.
Health Resource Communication
The HR department has been actively liaising with various health resources in the community to improve
communication between the agencies and community groups to meet the needs of Lake Country citizens.
Smoking Regulation Bylaw
A Smoking Regulation Bylaw to regulate smoking and vaping in parks, trails, public buildings and spaces was
developed after consulting with Interior Health and other local governments on best practices. A communications
plan was designed to inform and educate the public on the new restrictions contained within the Smoking
Regulation Bylaw. Human Resources and Communications staff also worked with UBC Okanagan Nursing students
to develop some public outreach materials.
Lake Country’s Smoking Regulation Bylaw prohibits smoking in any public space, at or within 7.5 metres of any park,
transit stop, common area, outdoor customer service area, or within 7.5 metres measured on the ground from any
point of opening into any building including any doorway, opening window or air intake. The only exception is the
ceremonial use of tobacco in a traditional Aboriginal cultural ceremony.
Mock Water Billing
The Finance Department, Communications, and Infrastructure Services worked collaboratively to develop a new
water bill to reflect metered consumption based on proposed new rates. A communications plan was implemented
to increase customer awareness and understanding of the importance of water use accountability. Water utility
customers received a quarterly “mock bill” to educate them on the cost of their consumption so they can make
changes to consumption patterns and implement conservation strategies to reduce their bill the following year.
Fees Bylaw
The Business Systems Review and Council’s Strategic Priorities identified the need to review and adjust fees, where
appropriate. Numerous fees were evaluated in terms of cost recovery, applicability, fee structure and inflation.
An updated Fees Bylaw was adopted by Council in the third quarter.
Increase Activity Guide Advertising
The quantity and quality of advertising by community groups and businesses was increased in the seasonal Activity
Guide published in the Spring and Fall of each year with the goal of covering the direct cost of the guide.
Largest outdoor Yoga class – Sol-ful
Yogis of all varieties shared the grass at Beasley Park in Lake Country on Sunday, June 19 th for the first ever
Sol-ful Summer Solstice Yoga event. The beautiful green park on the shores of Wood Lake was the perfect location
to stretch, rejuvenate, meditate, chant, drum, or even try SUP Yoga on the water.
2016 Annual Report
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