Lake Country Embraces Role of Sustainability Leader

News Release

Project made possible thanks to federal Gas Tax Fund

July 17, 2014 – Lake Country, British Colombia

After a year and a half of extensive community consultations, the District of Lake Country Council has taken a bold step towards shaping the future development of the District with the adoption of an Integrated Community Sustainability Plan (ICSP).

In consultation with local residents, the newly adopted ICSP sets a clear vision whereby Lake Country seeks to be a healthy, sustainable community that attracts and retains residents, businesses and visitors because of its employment opportunities, outstanding outdoor recreation, thriving arts and culture, special agricultural character, natural beauty, and easy access to urban amenities. The plan will influence infrastructure investment, zoning, economic development and environmental protection within the District for years to come.

The plan is divided into three key sections: a Sustainability Framework; a State of Sustainability Report and a Sustainability Action Plan.

The $250,000 project was funded entirely through the federal Gas Tax Fund.

Quick facts

The Government of Canada provides $253,276,892 in annual funding for municipal infrastructure in British Columbia through the federal Gas Tax Fund.
The Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) administers the Gas Tax Fund in BC, in collaboration with Canada and British Columbia.
Since 2006, the District of Lake Country has received $7,387,891 under the federal Gas Tax Fund.
An ICSP is a long-term strategic plan that will assist the District of Lake Country and its many community partners in coordinating efforts, articulating a vision for a sustainable future and making progress towards a set of goals for the environmental, cultural, social, and economic dimensions of a sustainable community.
The ICSP community engagement process included: a Stakeholder Forum to identify sustainability issues, opportunities, and major goal topics; a Visioning Workshop to identify sustainability issues and explore priority actions and a vision; a Public Survey to reach out to community organizations, clubs, businesses, committees and non-profit organizations; and a Public Discussion Forum to spark true community discussions, create deep awareness and reveal choices.

Quotes

"Since 2006, our Government has been investing in infrastructure projects that strengthen the economy and contribute to healthier, more sustainable communities in British Columbia and across the country. We are pleased that Lake Country developed an Integrated Community Sustainability Plan, since it will contribute to the enhancement of the quality of life for residents and help make the District an attractive destination for visitors for many years to come."

-Ron Cannan
Member of Parliament for Kelowna-Lake Country

"Planning is an important component of creating healthy sustainable communities that are great places to live, work and visit and I know that this plan, funded with $250,000 from the Gas Tax Fund, will guide Lake Country well into the future. Many people from various sectors in the community contributed and this document is a true reflection of the values we share and the pride we have in being able to call this part of the province home."

-Norm Letnick
MLA Kelowna-Lake Country

"We are thankful for the time given by all partners through the process. As with most strategic plans, the process to get to the point of plan adoption and community alignment is simply the first step in a long journey. We now have a roadmap to guide future decisions, plans, and policies, and more importantly a community-driven strategy to begin executing the long list of tangible action items that were prioritized on an implementation timeline."

-James Baker
Lake Country Mayor

"What sets this plan apart is the extensive engagement that was conducted, with the plan being developed in partnership with a core group of community stakeholders including arts and cultural groups, educational institutions, other government agencies, environmental organizations, the Chamber of Commerce, and individual volunteers. What really made this plan process fun was the broad youth engagement. Youth representatives were included throughout the project and even as community ambassadors on a Street Team attending neighbourhood events to discuss sustainability with the community."

-Mark Koch
Director of Community Services
District of Lake Country

"Community plans that are broad in scope and look towards long-term development are critical tools for local governments. I appreciate the support provided by the Government of Canada for the District’s renewed focus on sustainability through this plan."

-Rhona Martin
UBCM President

Associated links

Learn more about Lake Country's Integrated Community Sustainability Plan project. The plan can be viewed on the District of Lake Country Website.
See how the federal Gas Tax Fund provides long-term funding to help local governments build and revitalize their local infrastructure.
Learn more about the New Building Canada Plan, Canada's largest long-term infrastructure plan, which will provide stable funding for a 10-year period.
Consult Canada's Economic Action Plan to learn more about the Government of Canada's focus on jobs and the economy.

Contacts

Vincent Rabault
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and
Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec
613-943-1838

Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
Communications
250-953-3677

Mark Koch
Director of Community Services
District of Lake Country
250-766-5650, extension 225
mkoch@lakecountry.bc.ca

Paul Taylor
Director of Communications
UBCM
250-356-2938

Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251 or toll-free 1-877-250-7154
Email: media@infc.gc.ca
Twitter: @INFC_eng
Website: Infrastructure Canada

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2016-12-14

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Lake Country Embraces Role of Sustainability Leader

News Release

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