Community Update – May 2026
May 13, 2026
Dear Residents,
Summer has arrived, and we hope everyone is enjoying the warm weather. As we move into July, we’d like to provide an update on several completed projects, ongoing maintenance initiatives, and important reminders that will help keep Lakeridge Park a safe, attractive, and enjoyable community for everyone.
Fire Safety & Dead Tree Removal
With wildfire season now underway, fire safety remains one of our highest priorities. The recent wildfire at Kalamoir Regional Park serves as an important reminder that we all have a role to play in reducing fire risk within our community.
West Kelowna Fire Rescue Chief Jason Brolund recently stated:
“This fire should be a wake-up call across our region. We are potentially in for a long wildfire season.”
He also noted that cedar hedges, which are common throughout many neighbourhoods, present a significant fire hazard during dry conditions.
Residents are reminded that:
- Dead, dying, or hazardous trees – particularly cedar trees – should be removed promptly.
- Dumping pine needles, brush, or other combustible materials in the natural areas behind homes is strictly prohibited.
- Yard waste should be disposed of through appropriate disposal facilities.
If dead trees are located:
- Within road rights-of-way or common areas: Lakeridge Park Residential Corporation will coordinate removal as required.
- On private property: Removal remains the responsibility of the property owner.
Where significant fire hazards are identified, formal notices may be issued requiring corrective action. If necessary, removal may be arranged by management with associated costs charged back to the property owner.
If you are unsure whether a tree presents a hazard, please contact the Property Manager for guidance.
Derrickson Place Area
The Derrickson Place area has now transitioned from restoration work into regular seasonal maintenance.
Recent work completed includes:
- Irrigation repairs have been completed and fully operational.
- Weed control treatment was completed by Arcadia Tree & Lawn Care.
- Additional treatments will occur throughout the summer as required.
- Seasonal cleanup of pinecones and natural debris will now occur on a regular basis depending on conditions.
These maintenance activities will become part of our annual maintenance program moving forward.
Invasive Tree Species
Two invasive tree species have been identified within the community:
- Siberian Elm (Ulmus pumila)
- Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima)
Several of these trees have already been removed this year.
These invasive species spread rapidly through windborne seeds and extensive root systems, often crowding out desirable vegetation and spreading onto neighbouring properties.
If you notice either species growing on your property, we encourage you to remove them promptly or consult a qualified arborist regarding appropriate removal methods. Early removal significantly reduces future maintenance costs and helps protect neighbouring properties.
Invasive Weeds Control
Residents are reminded that controlling weeds such as thistle growth on their private property, including the boulevard interface, is the responsibility of the property owner. Weeds such as thistles spread rapidly if left unmanaged and negatively impacts neighbouring properties and the appearance of the community.
Recommended control methods include:
- Pulling or digging plants, including the root system.
- Regular monitoring and treatment of affected areas.
- Proper disposal of removed plant material before seed development.
Reference photos of various growth stages have been included to assist with identification.
Parking Enforcement
Parking enforcement will continue throughout 2026 on both roadways and road rights-of-way. At present, tickets are being issued as a deterrent under lease covenants and WFN law. Residents must park in their driveways or lot lines. Vehicles that repeatedly violate parking rules and do not respond to enforcement actions will be subject to towing on the third ticket occurrence.
Short-Term Rentals
Residents are reminded that self-contained short-term rentals are not permitted within Lakeridge Park. Bed & Breakfast operations are permitted only where all applicable requirements are met with WFN, including:
- The owner occupies the principal residence.
- Guest accommodations consist of room rentals only.
- A valid Westbank First Nation Business Licence has been obtained.
- All required inspections have been completed by WFN.
These regulations help preserve the intended residential character of our community.
Several unauthorized short-term rentals have recently been identified through online booking platforms. Addressing these violations will continue to be a priority throughout 2026.
Potential violations may be reported to:
- James Carmichael, Property Manager
- Westbank First Nation Building Department
Community Safety
We appreciate the assistance of residents in helping keep our community safe.
If you observe suspicious activity, vandalism, theft, transient activity, or property damage, please report it directly to the RCMP. Each report assists law enforcement in identifying trends and allocating policing resources appropriately. Residents should never confront suspicious individuals directly.
If you observe an illegal fire or unauthorized burning, please contact RDCO Fire Dispatch immediately at 250-469-8577. Burning without the appropriate permit or in violation of permit conditions may result in fines of up to $2,000, in addition to suppression costs.
Completed Projects 2026
Since the beginning of the year, the following projects have been completed:
- Derrickson Place grassy area restoration substantially completed.
- Front entrance irrigation repairs completed.
- Bayview Court stub intersection area asphalt replacement completed.
- Michelle Crescent & Tomat Avenue stairway improvements completed.
- Protective rock installation completed.
- Community pathway hedges trimmed.
- Michelle Crescent hillside vegetation trimmed.
- Tree of Heaven removal and treatment completed.
- Siberian Elm removal completed along Tomat Avenue.
- Grass cutting completed on vacant lots.
- Seasonal irrigation repairs completed throughout the community.
Looking Ahead
Over the coming months, residents can expect continued work including:
- Seasonal tree hazard assessments.
- FireSmart vegetation management.
- Ongoing invasive species removal.
- Weekly landscape maintenance.
- Continued parking enforcement.
- Community beautification initiatives.
- Irrigation monitoring and repairs.
- Removal of hazardous dead trees where required.
Preferred Vendors
- Large Tree Removal:
Callum Crowley – GoodFellars Tree Care
250-488-4284 - Arborist / Medium Tree Care:
Ntityix Resources – Dave Gill
778-795-0029 - Irrigation:
Tomahawk Irrigation – Mike Derickson
250-808-4476 - Plumbing / Heating / AC / Poly-B Replacement:
Bree-Link Plumbing
250-859-6778 - Junk Removal:
1-800-GOT-JUNK – Harrison
250-300-4739 - Construction & Contracting:
Kilawna Builders – Paul Courtoreille
778-795-0027
Thank you for your continued cooperation and for helping make Lakeridge Park a safe, attractive, and welcoming place to live.
We appreciate everyone’s efforts in maintaining the pride and appearance of our community.
Sincerely,
Lakeridge Park Residential Corp., the general partner of WFN Development Limited Partnership
c/o James Carmichael,
NDC Property Manager