Big White Security Service Review

Big White Security Service Review - deadline extended

We Want Your Input (Please complete the survey below - closes Monday, 2 March 2026)

For more than 10 years, the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB) has funded a private security patrol service at Big White. The service provides a visible presence and works on an observe-and-report basis, sharing information with the RCMP in Kelowna when needed.

Why are we reviewing the service?

• The current annual cost is approximately $250,000 and is expected to rise in future years.
• Big White has changed — with more year-round residents, more visitors, and increased recreation use with the summer mountain biking season.
• Before renewing or changing the service, the RDKB wants to understand how the community values it and where future investment should be focused.

Current service level

• Winter: 12 hours per day
• Summer: 24 hours per day

What does this mean for taxes?

Individual tax impacts are relatively small:

• A $500,000 property pays about $70/year for security
• A $1,000,000 property pays about $140/year

Reducing the service could lower this to roughly:

• $50/year (for a $500K property)
• $100/year (for a $1M property)

While individual savings are modest, reducing the service could free up to $60,000 to be reinvested in Big White–specific services, such as:

• Fire Department
• Recreation

Your feedback will help guide whether the service stays the same, is reduced, or whether funding should be redirected to other priorities.

PLEASE TAKE THE SURVEY BELOW (CLOSES MONDAY, 2 MARCH 2026)