The District of Coldstream is considering a fourth elementary school.

Council unanimously approved first reading of a zoning amendment bylaw to rezone property at 10050 Middleton Dr. from R2 - Urban Large Lot Residential to P1 - Civic One Zone.

The change would allow for the construction of a new elementary school on property beside Our Lady of the Valley Church, owned by the Roman Catholic Bishop of Kamloops.

"A new elementary school would be an important community asset and would be beneficial for current and future households with young children," said district staff in a report to council. "The school would provide opportunities to foster community building, and to act as a place of community gathering and community service."

One issue for council about the rezoning was parking, but Mayor Ruth Hoyte said that issue has been addressed and that there will "lots of parking" for the new school.

"We're very excited about the project," said Hoyte.

The district has three elementary schools, Coldstream Elementary, Kidston Elementary, and Lavington Elementary.

Kal Lake Rotary pier

With construction of the new dock underway at Kal Beach, council has approved the general site plan for the proposed Rotary signage installation.

This will include the Rotary Seal and dedication text on a natural, granite rock.

"Administration supports the installation of this sign in terms of materials as it is made of real granite, so it will be relatively maintenance free and will resist wear from both the sun and weather, as well as from the climbing activities of children," said staff in a report to council.

"The granite will make a beautiful, natural looking sign that will fit in well with the aesthetic of the beach. Additionally, the stone will be extremely heavy and will be affixed to a concrete base that is embedded into the sand 91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ“ this will make over-turning the sign unlikely."

Rotary has also proposed signage with historical detail around the pier and the beach, and will bring to council conceptual drawings and draft language to a future meeting for consideration.

All three North Okanagan Rotary clubs 91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ“ Vernon, Kalamalka, and Silver Star 91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ“ are involved with the project.

The district's regional accessibility committee has highly encouraged the use of Mobi-mats at the beach which will improve accessibility for all users.

Martin's medal

Mayor Ruth Hoyte presented Lavington Fire Hall Fire Chief Martin Wright with the 20-Year Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal.

A medal recipient must provide 20 years of service with 10 of those years being served in the performance of duties that involve potential risks. They must also have demonstrated providing exemplary service during that time.

The medal was created on Aug. 29, 1985 to honour members of a recognized Canadian fire service. 

Building numbers

District building permits and values were up in November 2024 over the same month a year ago.

A total of 12 permits were issued in the month, consisting of two additions, three swimming pools, three renovations, and three single-family dwellings. There was one decommission for a single-family home.

That compares to just four permits issued in November 2023.

The construction value was up by nearly $2.9 million for a total of $3,811,603.44. This compares to last year when the construction value was $914,500.

The number of housing units were up by two for the same month as last year.