Residents and Leaders Come Together at Shannon Lake Meet & Greet

SLNA President Tom Groat addressing Shannon Lake Residents and Guests

The Shannon Lake Neighbourhood Association (SLNA) welcomed residents and community leaders alike to its annual Meet & Greet on April 15th—an evening that highlighted connection, collaboration, and the shared future of the Shannon Lake community.

The event drew a strong turnout from local residents, reflecting the growing engagement and pride within the neighbourhood. Attendees had the opportunity to meet and speak directly with several distinguished guests, including Mayor Gord Milsom, Councillors Rick DeJong, Stephen Johnston, Garrett Millsap, and Carol Zanon, along with City CAO Ron Bowles and RCMP Staff Sergeant Brendan Dolan. Representatives from the BC Hydro West Kelowna Transmission Project team were also in attendance, providing valuable insight into one of the region’s most significant infrastructure initiatives.

Councillor Garrett Milsapp and RCMP Staff Sargent Brendan Dolan

A key highlight of the evening was the opportunity for residents to engage directly with BC Hydro representatives regarding the West Kelowna Transmission Project. Once completed, the project will provide a critical secondary power source to approximately 70,000 westside residents, strengthening both safety and long-term community resilience. While completion is anticipated by 2032, important decisions remain under consideration—particularly the final routing of the transmission lines and whether they will be constructed overhead using approximately 100-foot poles or placed underground.

Councillor Stephen Johnston in conversation with residents

Residents brought forward thoughtful questions on these topics. In response to concerns about public input—specifically whether BC Hydro would honour the strongly preferred route option identified in its survey—the project team emphasized that all factors, including environmental considerations, geotechnical constraints, community impact, and cost, will be carefully evaluated before a final decision is made.

Community safety was another important topic. When asked about the timeline for additional RCMP resources, Staff Sergeant Dolan confirmed that three new officers are expected to join the West Kelowna detachment by the end of 2026, with an additional three members anticipated in 2027.

SLNA Executive Laurel Harris and Tina Clarke welcoming guests

Questions also addressed the broader issue of homelessness. Representatives from the RCMP and the City highlighted a collaborative approach that focuses not only on managing current challenges but also on prevention. Efforts are increasingly directed toward coordinated services, including mental health support, addiction services, and pathways to stable housing.

Beyond these discussions, the evening also celebrated the work of the SLNA over the past year. The association has continued to foster a strong sense of community through well-attended events such as Santa’s Breakfast, a Dinner & Dance, and local Town Hall meetings. Advocacy efforts have also led to meaningful improvements, including promoting safer transportation infrastructure in residential areas, the installation of a new picnic table at Tallus Ridge Point, and ongoing engagement with BC Hydro to ensure community interests are represented.

Encouragingly, SLNA leadership reported a 20% increase in membership over the past year—a clear sign of growing community involvement and momentum.

For residents who are not yet members, the association offers a welcoming opportunity to stay informed, get involved, and help shape the future of Shannon Lake. Membership information is available at www.shannonlake.org/join-us.

The April 15th Meet & Greet served as a reminder of what makes Shannon Lake a vibrant place to live: engaged residents, open dialogue, and a shared commitment to building a strong, connected community.