It was a productive and promising week for the District of Coldstream at the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) conference in Victoria. The event, held from September 21 to 26, brought together civic leaders from across British Columbia to discuss issues and policies shaping local communities.
Coldstream Mayor Ruth Hoyte described the meetings as successful, noting that several important concerns for the North Okanagan region were brought forward. She said discussions covered environmental protection, wildfire readiness, and community infrastructure improvements.
Council members from Coldstream met with the provincial Ministers of Forests and Environment and Parks to advocate for the district’s resolutions. These meetings allowed local representatives to emphasize Coldstream’s priorities and seek provincial cooperation on key projects.
In addition, the council met with BC Assessment staff to talk about Farm Classifications, which affect local agricultural properties. The meetings helped clarify assessment policies and their impact on local farmers and landowners.
Mayor Hoyte and council members also attended sessions as representatives on several external boards, including the Municipal Insurance Association (MIA), the Southern Interior Local Government Association (SILGA), and the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO). These gatherings offered opportunities to strengthen regional collaboration and address shared challenges.
One of the most significant achievements from the week was the endorsement of Coldstream’s proposal for an early wildfire detection system. The Union of BC Municipalities supported the idea, recognizing its importance for protecting key natural areas.
Hoyte said that early detection is particularly important for Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park, a popular destination and a cherished part of the community. She expressed optimism that the initiative will lead to stronger wildfire prevention efforts across the region.
Another major discussion centered around waste water and sewer management. During a meeting with the Ministry of Environment, Hoyte and council members highlighted the need to upgrade and modernize existing systems. The discussions focused on ensuring Coldstream has the resources needed to manage waste effectively and support future development.
Hoyte explained that challenges faced by a local business had shown how urgently upgrades are needed. She said that improving the system would help prevent future problems and ensure long-term environmental protection.
The mayor noted that the province was receptive to Coldstream’s concerns. “Our meeting with the Ministry of Environment was positive and we should see some movement on that,” she said, expressing confidence that the discussions will lead to action.
The UBCM convention provided Coldstream with a strong platform to advocate for its community and build stronger partnerships with provincial ministries. Hoyte said that advancing local priorities at the provincial level helps small communities like Coldstream access funding, guidance, and technical support that might otherwise be out of reach.
The district’s participation also reinforced the importance of collaboration among municipalities facing similar issues. From wildfire safety to waste management and agricultural assessments, the discussions reflected shared goals of sustainability, safety, and responsible growth.
As the next steps unfold, the issues raised by Coldstream representatives will continue through provincial review and consideration. Mayor Hoyte said she is hopeful that the progress made at the UBCM will translate into tangible improvements for residents and businesses in the community.
She emphasized that the experience underscored the value of direct engagement between local and provincial leaders. “It was an important opportunity to make our community’s voice heard,” Hoyte said. “We came away encouraged by the level of support and understanding for Coldstream’s needs.”
