Our community

Contact: Planning & Development |  T 250 769 4999

The WFN Comprehensive Community Plan, last updated in 2015, provides the strategic foundation for more detailed plans and policies as they relate to the various departments within the Westbank First Nation government. Internal strategic plans reflect and encompass the basic principles set in the Plan and are implemented in department policies, programs, and community development.

Community Plan 

The provision of Membership housing, incorporating culture, language and traditional governance principles, building a youth center, installing sidewalks and street lights within the Community Core, and many other initiatives highlighted within the Community Plan are in various stages of planning, development and implementation. While we have been successful in implementing the Plan, it is important that we continue to refine and review the Community Plan, ensuring it remains relevant to the changing needs of the community.

2015 Update

The 2015 Community Plan update resulted from seven Membership meetings, a technical review by staff and committee members, two Council reviews, an open house, and Member-staff presentations. The consultation process of the original 2010 plan involved 35 consultation meetings, input from all government departments, and a comprehensive review by Chief and Council.

New Action Items:

• Support the implementation of laws and regulations to promote environmentally sustainable practices in water conservation, food security, waste disposal and recycling, and alternative energy.
• Whenever possible, reinforce syilx traditions through oral histories and stories before or during community events.
  Develop a purchasing policy to minimize waste at community events and other WFN meetings.
  Implement and monitor landscaping regulations that require residents to use plant species requiring a relative standard of irrigation; and develop a monitoring system to limit water consumption.
• Support the implementation of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations located on reserve. Consider issues around food security and promote community agriculture production on WFN lands. Develop an Agriculture Plan to increase local food production and security on WFN land. Encourage community gardening and take steps towards food security and providing opportunities to develop a market for local agriculture.
• Update zoning regulations to reflect WFN’s commitment to retaining space for community use, especially community agriculture.
• Support and implement a strategy to increase availability, accessibility and use of locally produced food on WFN land.
• Develop a Tree Preservation Policy.
• Develop and implement a traditional use plan for forest beds and encourage traditional harvesting of food and medicines.
• Share Okanagan stories within Parks.
• Explore the development and implementation of a restorative justice program for WFN members.
• Research options for Elders to maximize their independence while also receiving care.
• Develop a strategy that aims to understand the ever-changing needs of WFN Elders and their desired support options.