Spring 2010 General Managers Report

After just over a year and a half on the job, I can look back and see that there have been significant strides forward for the Development Corporation (PIBDC). The Board of Directors has worked hard to put into place specific policies in dealing with governance, as well as an annual strategic plan. Setting the priorities for the year given, with limited resources available is always a challenge and it was realized early that we should focus on “do-able” projects as opposed to the large scale and long term ones.

The following is a synopsis of what has happened to date of these initiatives:

Fish Hatchery: The project has been expanded from the initial production of 5 million eggs to 8 million. The building design has been modified to accommodate this production level along with additional servicing requirements. It is anticipated that the Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA) will conclude a lease agreement in the next month. The environmental assessment, legal survey, engineering and architectural specifications are finished. The funding has also been formalized with the US Public Utilities who will be funding 100% of the construction. A referendum is anticipated prior to the end of the year to allow for a fall 2010.

IR#2: An understanding in principal has been reached with the City of Penticton to provide sewer, water, power, access and related municipal services to the property. Once final servicing agreement negotiations have been completed a legal contract will be drawn up for approval by both Councils. Three development and construction companies were short listed and asked to prepare phase I plans for review to determine the style, design, housing density, business uses and joint venture agreement. A final decision to enter into a Memorandum of understanding with the firm of Canadian Horizons was made and is now in the hands of the lawyer awaiting approval of the Chief and Council. The plans for a residential subdivision of around 80 units will be submitted for approval to INAC and will go to the community for approval in a referendum to be held this year.

Game Farm:Approval was given last year by the community to proceed with a land designation for the site. A number of potential developers did show interest for a combination golf course and residential development. It was decided to place the project on hold in order to concentrate on other closer developments, which are closer to existing services.

Arrow Leaf: A requests for expression of interest for a servicing, land use, design and marketing plan is currently being drawn up. The intention is to produce a list of qualified development and investment companies that are interested in working with the PIB to create a golf and residential development. Once a decision is made on a joint partner a detailed and up to date plan will be submitted to the community for input. A detailed site servicing, transportation study and marketing plan will be required prior to the project going ahead. Once completed a phased land designation and development scheme would be adopted in order to allow for a spread out 99 year leases.

Water and Sewer Services: the principles for an agreement are being worked out for the extension of utility services for parts of IR#1 not previously covered in the original agreement as well as IR#2 this will allow for new commercial, business and residential development to take place. Both Chief and Council and the City Council endorsed the idea in principal and are committed to see a final agreement which will include supply cost, delivery details and the signing of a legal contract. The pipes for water and sewer services were put in place under the Channel Parkway to the boundary of the reserve this year.