Wildfire Risk Reduction Projects Announced

Two separate wildfire risk reduction projects will bring prescribed burns to the 100 Mile area. According to the BC Wildfire Service, the initiatives are designed to lower wildfire risk, remove forest fuels strategically, and protect wildlife habitat, environmental features, and recreational values.

Watch Lake Burn Details

South of 100 Mile House, crews plan to burn nearly three hectares of woody debris near Watch Lake. This work is part of a broader 39.4-hectare project adjacent to properties in the Watch Lake and Green Lake area.

Ignitions could start as early as Thursday, Nov. 5, subject to weather and site conditions, and may continue until March 31, 2027. The BC Wildfire Service stated in a Nov. 3 news release that crews will ignite around 100 piles measuring two metres by three metres, created through selective pruning and thinning of immature trees.

“Smoke and flames may be visible to surrounding communities. Smoke from within the perimeter of the burn may be visible up to 72 hours after ignition,” the wildfire service noted.

Mirage Lake Project

Further north, approximately 138 hectares of woody debris are slated for burning near Mirage Lake. Mechanical raking and pile preparation are scheduled to begin as early as this week, with pile ignitions starting as early as December and extending through March 31, 2027.

In a separate release on Nov. 3, the agency confirmed that burn pile ignitions will move forward only if conditions remain safe, supported by favourable weather and atmospheric venting to clear smoke quickly.

Kelowna Mayor Pledges Communication Enhancements

Re-elected Kelowna Mayor Tom Dyas marked the start of the new municipal term at Monday’s swearing-in ceremony by promising to expand ways for the city to listen and communicate. Acknowledging that room for improvement exists, Dyas noted that public feedback over recent months highlighted a need for better engagement, prompting the city to examine potential updates to its process.

However, questions remain regarding whether these adjustments will offer the public and press greater access to individual councillors prior to official votes. Dyas maintains that elected officials should refrain from publicly sharing their positions before council meetings take place, explaining that deliberations and incoming information could shift a councillor’s perspective.

Media Restrictions and Academic Criticism

Past practice during Dyas’ first term frequently saw journalists informed that the municipal code of conduct restricted councillors from commenting on agenda items before table debates. Although the code does not explicitly forbid officials from voicing personal opinions on municipal issues either before or after council consideration, Dyas argued that speaking prior to a decision is inappropriate and risks outside discussion improperly influencing deliberations.

This stance faces criticism from University of Victoria journalism professor Sean Holman, the Wayne Crooks Professor in Environmental and Climate Journalism. Holman warned that withholding public discussion until after decisions are finalized undermines transparency and accountability. Stating that Canadians seek authenticity and truth from elected officials, Holman noted that scripted communications and limited access erode public trust and the right to know why decisions are made.

New Councillors Seek Open Public Engagement

The newly sworn-in nine-member council includes five new faces, several of whom advocate for a more accessible approach. Newly-elected councillor Les Bellamy stated he does not intend to be silenced and plans to speak respectfully, arguing that the code of conduct does not restrict comments on general municipal matters. Bellamy expressed a desire to ensure all relevant facts are gathered while simultaneously creating broader opportunities for resident input, announcing plans for a motion directing staff to explore enhanced communication channels such as townhalls or dedicated public input time during meetings.

Fellow newcomer Kevin Kraft similarly confirmed his comfort with speaking to journalists prior to meetings. With five new members joining the table, whether the updated lineup leads to lasting shifts in council communication will become clear over time.

Political Alignment Offers New Opportunities

Mayor Tom Dyas highlighted a unique political advantage during Monday’s inaugural city council meeting at the Rotary Centre for the Arts’ Mary Irwin Theatre. Addressing attendees at the largely ceremonial event following the Oct. 17 municipal vote, Dyas noted that Kelowna now has elected representatives serving within the governing parties in both Victoria and Ottawa.

Liberal MP Stephen Fuhr, who won his seat last year, represents the federal Kelowna riding. Provincially, BC Conservative candidates Gavin Dew and Pavneet Singh secured wins in Kelowna Mission and Kelowna-Lake Country-Coldstream respectively during the Oct. 24 election. A third BC Conservative candidate, Kristina Loewen, currently leads NDP candidate and former city councillor Loyal Wooldridge by 132 votes, with mail-in and absentee ballots scheduled for counting by Nov. 10. Dyas emphasized that these political connections offer a chance to advance municipal priorities and secure government investment.

Council Principles and Public Safety Focus

Re-elected for a second term with 50.5 per cent of the vote over challenger Ron Cannan’s 48 per cent, Dyas outlined five core principles for the upcoming term: maintaining focus on priorities, working as a team, ensuring accountability, improving public engagement, and prioritizing residents in every choice. He announced plans to set up a new public safety advisory committee, though details regarding its mandate, membership, and public access were not provided. In the prior term, some councillors criticized the mayor over the closed-door setup of task forces he appointed for downtown performing arts site selection and economic development.

The mayor welcomed new council members Laura Thurnheer, Les Bellamy, Davis Kyle, Brady Rogers, and Kevin Kraft, as well as re-elected councillors Rick Webber, Mohini Singh, and Gord Lovegrove. During his remarks, Dyas pointed to previous achievements, such as adding 34 RCMP officers, 18 firefighters, and 17 bylaw staff, expanding the Downtown on Call initiative to Rutland, partnering with the province on 180 tiny homes, upgrading the city shelter site, funding transit infrastructure, and hosting events that brought $150 million to the local economy.

Provincial Commitments and Healthcare

Provincial commitments made during the election campaign could also impact local infrastructure. Both the NDP and BC Conservatives pledged funding to open the sixth floor at Kelowna General Hospital and construct an involuntary care facility for severe addiction and mental health needs at the Okanagan prison located near Oliver.