Okanagan Regional Planning Framework (ORPF)

The Okanagan Regional Planning Framework (ORPF) will use MetroQuest computer modeling to build on the Regional District’s first integrated development plan for water, air, land, and transportation. In the Okanagan, water consumption rates remain one of the highest in the world, despite water conservation efforts. Transportation concerns focus on Highway 97, a source of congestion, particularly in Kelowna. Current development patterns follow a suburban sprawl format, with negative effects on environmentally sensitive areas, farmland, and municipal infrastructure. The Okanagan Regional Planning Framework’s goals include developing and implementing a regional water management strategy; reducing the need for additional infrastructure; reducing air, land, and water pollution; preserving open space, farmland, and critical environmentally sensitive areas; setting standards for development that encourages walking, cycling and efficient transit use; undertaking better planning across all communities, and using mutually agreed-to principles to achieve a level of “aesthetics” that will support wineries and tourism. Projected goals for the next 40 years include reducing water consumption by 15 per cent and air pollution by 50 per cent. If fully implemented, the project could reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 52 per cent; carbon monoxide (CO) by 57 per cent, volatile organic compounds (VOC) by 47 per cent; nitrogen oxides (NOx) by 62 per cent, sulphur oxides (SOx) by 84 per cent, and particulate matter (PM10) by 48 per cent.