Public Works & Housing

The OKIB Public Works and Housing Department manages and maintains the infrastructure and buildings on the reserve.

Services Include

Maintenance of all water systems to ensure safe potable water for all members on OKIB water systems (7 separate systems).
Maintenance and upkeep of all Band parks.
Maintenance of all Band roads.
Maintenance of all Band buildings to ensure a safe workplace for all staff.
Provide housing for Band members.
Future housing – working with INAC/CMHC for future developments.
Working with INAC on current and future capital projects – be that housing/infrastructure/water.
Subdivision development.
Working with members to secure mortgages through Band approved lenders.

Our OKIB Water Systems

Current status: OKIB is currently under Stage 3 Water Restrictions as of June 16th, 2026

About the OKIB Water System

The Okanagan Indian Band operates several community water systems that provide drinking water to residents throughout IR1.

Unlike some neighbouring communities that rely primarily on lakes, reservoirs, and other surface water sources, much of OKIB’s water supply comes from groundwater wells. Groundwater is water that is stored underground in natural aquifers and accessed through wells. Rainfall and snowmelt gradually recharge these aquifers over time.

Groundwater systems are generally more resilient during periods of hot weather and short-term drought because the water is stored underground and protected from evaporation. Surface water systems, such as lakes and reservoirs, can be affected more quickly by low snowpack, reduced stream flows, and prolonged dry conditions. However, groundwater is not unlimited and must be carefully managed to ensure a reliable supply for homes, businesses, agriculture, and emergency services.

Water from OKIB wells is pumped to reservoirs and storage facilities before being distributed through the community water system. Maintaining adequate storage levels is important to ensure water is available for daily use and emergency fire protection.

Why Water Restrictions Are Sometimes Needed

Water restrictions help ensure that enough water remains available for essential uses, including drinking water, household needs, agriculture, and fire protection.

Restrictions may be implemented when:
• Water demand exceeds normal seasonal levels.
• Drought conditions affect water supplies.
• Reservoir levels fall below target levels.
• Equipment failures reduce system capacity.
• Emergency situations require additional conservation measures.

Water Restriction Stages

Stage 1 – Water Wise
Restrictions:
• Water lawns and gardens during permitted hours only.
• Avoid unnecessary water waste.
• Check irrigation systems for leaks.
• Use water-efficient watering practices.

Stage 2 – Moderate Water Conservation
Odd-numbered addresses: Tuesdays and Saturdays only.
Even-numbered addresses: Wednesdays and Sundays only.
No outdoor watering permitted between 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Automatic irrigation systems: 12:00 a.m. – 6:00 a.m. on designated watering days.
Manual sprinklers: 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. on designated watering days.
Hand watering permitted outside daytime restrictions.

Stage 3 – Significant Water Conservation
Restrictions:
• Lawn watering may be further reduced or prohibited.
• Irrigation schedules may be shortened.
• Filling pools may be restricted.
• Additional outdoor water use restrictions may be implemented.

Stage 4 – Critical Water Conservation
Restrictions may include:
• No lawn watering.
• No irrigation except for essential food production.
• No filling pools, ponds, or water features.
• Strict limits on non-essential water use.

Fire Protection and Water Storage

One of the most important reasons for water conservation is maintaining sufficient water reserves for fire protection.

Reservoirs and storage facilities must maintain minimum operating levels to ensure water is available for firefighting and emergency response.

Capital Projects

The Water Improvement Project at Round Lake, Madeline Lake, Heart Lake and Salmon River gets underway with an open house on April 4, 2024. Click here to go to the Water Improvement Project web page.

Events & Facility Rentals

Please email completed facility use forms to [email protected].

Facility Booking Form (Interoffice use only)

Komasket Park booking form 2025

Head of the Lake Hall booking form 2025

Housing

Social Housing

New Social Housing Application Form – Updated October 2024

Social Housing Rental Wait List – Updated March 19th, 2026

The Social Housing Rental Waitlist has been updated with those who have submitted their updated New Social Housing Applications.

Priority for Applicants who have the same rank will be determined by the credibility of their references.

If you do not see your waitlist code, this means that you have not submitted your updated application.

OKIB Social Housing Policy – Updated May 2024. Application on Pages 41-45, rating scale on Page 46

Social Housing Pets Policy

House Renovation, New Build and Emergency Renovation applications

Emergency Home Improvements Program (EHIP) and Application. Fillable form. (Updated March 2026)

BC Housing Temporary Rental Supplement Program

OKIB Rent to Own Housing Application Form and Ranking Criteria

Renovation Guide – Updated May 2024

Renovation Application Fillable form. (Updated March 2026)

New Home build/Purchase Subsidy Application Fillable form.(Updated March 2026)

BMO Mortgage checklist (Updated July 2025)

Recycling & Garbage Schedule

Recycling & Garbage Schedules

2026-2027 Garbage and Recycling Schedule

For Garbage pick up:

Mondays is garbage except for statutory holiday’s the date will be moved to Tuesday.

The extra garbage pick up on Fridays has been discontinued.

For Recycling pick up:

Every second Wednesday is recycling

2023 Water Project Completion Event

A Project Completion Event held April 5, 2023 to mark the culmination of our work on two major projects over the past few years. Watch the videos and check out some photos of the event:

FAQ

What is Manganese?

Q&A for Manganese

How do I apply for housing?

Download and print the OKIB Social Housing Policy and the Social Housing Application, or contact the Public Works and Housing, Housing Officer at 250‐542‐3444 or by email at [email protected]

News & Updates

Contact

250-542-3444

[email protected]

11505 Westside Road, Vernon, BC V1H 2C1

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