2016 Achievements
Community Services
Tourism Strategy
A new Tourism Strategy was developed for Lake Country recognizing the role that tourism plays in the local
economy. The project engaged stakeholders and provided solid direction to expand this sector.
Visitor Information Centre Contract
A multi-year contract was renewed with TLC Management for delivering the Visitor Information Centre services both
from a static location at Gatzke Orchards and kiosk location on Main Street near the entrance to Kangaroo Creek
Farm.
Fibre Optic Network
TELUS announced an investment of more than $14.5 million to connect more than 90 per cent of homes and
businesses in Lake Country directly to its fibre optic network. Construction work began in the fall of 2016, and TELUS
anticipates connecting all homes and businesses before the end of 2017.
Once the build is complete, Lake Country residents and businesses on TELUS PureFibre will have access to TELUS’
first-ever symmetrical 150 Mbps Internet plan, offering customers lightning-fast download and upload speeds of
150 Mbps. TELUS has made significant investments to bring fibre directly to the doorsteps of homes, businesses,
schools and hospitals in all major Okanagan communities from Vernon to Osoyoos, making the Okanagan region
home to the most technologically advanced network in Western Canada.
Lake Country Recognized for Re ducing Corporate Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Lake Country was awarded Level 2 recognition by the Joint Provincial UBCM Green Communities Committee for its
achievements in reducing corporate greenhouse gas emissions for the 2015 reporting year.
Lake Country signed the Climate Action Charter in 2007 making a commitment to work with the Province and UBCM
to take action on climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the community and corporate operations.
Lake Country demonstrated progress on fulfilling the commitments in the Charter. The Level 2 award recognizes the
District’s completion of a corporate carbon inventory and familiarity with the Community Energy and Emissions
Inventory (CEEI).
By reducing or offsetting municipal carbon emissions, Lake Country
intends to provide an example of how municipal carbon neutrality can
become a reality, and by doing the right thing can also position
themselves for continued senior government grants. “Our plan has
allowed us to inventory all aspects of the municipal operation over
time, identify cost saving areas and historic trends, as well as focus on
those facilities needing the most attention,” says Mayor James Baker.
Open for Business Award
Lake Country was recognized as one of the most Open for Business
communities in British Columbia. During the Union of British Columbia
Municipalities (UBCM) 2016 Conference in Victoria, Mayor James
Baker received the prestigious Open for Business Award from Minister
for Small Business and Red Tape Reduction Coralee Oakes.
2016 Annual Report
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