Top News Stories
Keep up-to-date with what SOSCP is doing by reading our News Blog below, or check out the news and events from the Central Okanagan Collaborative Conservation Program (OCCP)
New SOSCP Guide to Establishing a Regional Conservation Fund
“Establishing a Regional Conservation Fund in British Columbia” is the title of a new guide for Local Governments and community organizations. This is the essential “how to” manual to create a dedicated source of funding to support conservation efforts. The guide provides a legal context and an overview of steps involved including real life examples...
Union of BC Municipalities endorse policies protecting the environment
Each year UBCM member local governments submit resolutions on province-wide issues. Resolutions endorsed by the membership are then conveyed to other orders of government as appropriate. The resolutions listed below demonstrate local government support for protecting our environment and caring for the long-term health and well-being of BC communities. Resolution B91Development of a Nature &...
Nature Conservancy of Canada wins award for Darkwoods project
The Real Estate Foundation of BC announced the winners of the 2011 Land Awards for initiatives that showcase leadership, innovation, and collaboration related to the sustainable use and conservation of land in British Columbia. NCC won the non-profit sector award for its work on the Darkwoods Carbon Project. After purchasing Darkwoods in 2008, NCC and...
H-2-Oh! The amazing story of water at Penticton Museum
A new exhibit explores the nature of water, its role in the environment, the history of its use in Penticton and how water is managed today. Kids of all ages are encouraged to attend and try out the museum’s new Curator Kid Science Lab. There are tons of interactive activities including the use of microscopes...
Twin Lakes Ranch – only $300,000 needed to secure property
The Nature Trust of BC is very close to meeting the goal to purchase Twin Lakes, one of the largest intact grassland properties in the South Okanagan. This special property is a unique addition to the complex of conservation lands in the White Lake Basin and thanks to many supporters is almost within reach. If...
Wineries support South Okanagan conservation
Lake Breeze Winery in Naramata recently announced support for the South Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Program or SOSCP. “The vineyard is the foundation of our business. We all see our local landscape changing and we hear about disappearing habitat and water issues. We felt it was important to support conservation in our area and donating our...
Biodiversity Loss a Significant Business Risk
The July issue of the Environmental Leader online magazine reported on a survey of businesses and consumers on the loss of biodiversity. According to the survey, more than half of businesses see species loss impacting their bottom line in some countries, while about 80 percent of consumers said they would stop buying products from companies...
Nature Conservancy of Canada receives support from Quail’s Gate Winery
On June 24, 2010, Quail’s Gate CEO Tony Stewart announced a commitment of $75,000 over three years to support NCC initiatives. This is part of the winery’s long-term strategy to incorporate sustainable practices that benefit the environment into the company. Okanagan Program Manager Barb Pryce thanked the Stewart family for their support for conservation work...
District of Summerland adopts Environmentally Sensitive Development Permit Areas.
On June 28, 2010 the District of Summerland Council voted unanimously to adopt the Environmentally Sensitive Development Permit Areas and all the supporting mechanisms into the Official Community Plan (OCP). Almost 2,000 hectares of land have this permit designation which allows for careful consideration of ecological values during the development application and approval process. This...
Oliver Council adopts new environmental and riparian development regulations
Excerpted from Penticton Herald, July 16, 2010 “Eager to protect the town’s remaining sensitive ecosystems from potentially damaging development, Oliver council adopted a new set of environmental and riparian development regulations on Monday. Council’s decision followed a 90 minute public hearing during which several speakers expressed concerns that the new regulations would do little more...
Okanagan Odyssey: Journeys Through Terrain, Terroir and Culture by Don Gayton
“Okanagan Odyssey is a quirky and lyrical examination of BC’s Okanagan Valley. Sticking to the backroads and byways, Gayton gently pokes and prods local ecosystems, histories, vineyards and people. The author revels in the biological and social diversity while sampling local wines and fruit along the way. In his unique version of wine pairing, Gayton...
Past News Stories
What's New?
- New SOSCP Guide to Establishing a Regional Conservation Fund
- Union of BC Municipalities endorse policies protecting the environment
- Nature Conservancy of Canada wins award for Darkwoods project
- H-2-Oh! The amazing story of water at Penticton Museum
- Twin Lakes Ranch – only $300,000 needed to secure property
- Wineries support South Okanagan conservation