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COVID-19 Action, Response and Service Continuation
NEW! April 07, 2020: City of West Kelowna Council adopted financial relief measures during its April 7 Regular Meeting to assist residents and businesses who are facing unprecedented challenges during COVID-19 prevention efforts. See details in ourApril 7 news release.
The safety and well-being of our West Kelowna community is very important to Council and staff. We’re following the recommendations from the BC Ministry of Health and the BC Centre for Disease Control and remaining vigilant to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
Our sincere gratitude goes out to our community members and visitors for helping to protect themselves and their loved ones.
Our Senior Management Team is working with emergency management organizations to implement local-to-regional measures to help protect our communities. As we know, the status of COVID-19 is changing daily and we must adhere to the health authority’s recommendation for social distancing to prevent the spread of the virus.
Public access at civic facilities is restricted until further notice to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but City Hall continues to remain operational in a socially distanced manner; staff are fully committed to the best customer service levels possible, via phone, email, mail and digital services. Please use the list below for information on how to get to the right place for the service you are seeking or call 778.797.1000 or email us.
Please read on for more information and visit our Daily Downloads section below to keep informed.
The Weekly Review
The City of West Kelowna continues to adapt civic operations in response to COVID-19. Please read our March 23 to 27 Weekly Review to learn more about our actions and adaptations.
The Daily Download April 8, 2020
Mayor Gord Milsom
City Actions and Response to COVID-19
The City is following the daily recommendations from the BC Ministry of Health and the BC Centre for Disease Control, which includes these examples:
Continued awareness about the importance of washing hands for at least 30-seconds, using and carefully discarding tissues to cough/sneeze, not touching your face.
Enhanced cleaning at city facilities, limit in-person contact and interactions through social distancing and isolation where required.
Emergency responses will continue in all cases. Discontinued public tours and visits to fire halls and public education activities, suspending fire inspections and increasing telephone contact between Fire Rescue staff and the public, including postponing the spring FireSmart Family Day, are examples of some of the changes.
Adhere to the changing recommendations from health authorities to help yourself and your loved ones stay healthy and safe.
Encouraging the public to use telephone and online channels to communicate, including paying bills online.
Working closely with employees who have recently travelled, who are away and who are currently working in our facilities to maintain a safe workplace and protect our employees, customers and visitors.
Just like our outstanding community members, Council and staff are doing the best we can navigating through this uncharted territory. The City would also like to thank our community for doing your part to protect your health and that of your loved ones.
City Adjustments to Ensure Service Continuity During COVID-19
Public access at civic facilities is restricted until further notice to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but City Hall continues to remain operational in a socially distanced manner; staff are fully committed to the best customer service levels possible, via phone, email, mail and digital services. Please use the list below for information on how to get to the right place for the service you are seeking or call 778.797.1000 or email us.
Thank you for your understanding as we get through this together.
City Hall
City Hall public access is restricted until further notice and business must be done on the phone or digitally.
During COVID-19: If you cannot reach our staff at the traditional methods above, please contact our centralized number at 778-797-1000 and we will ensure we get you to the right person.
Business Needs – Economic Development, Licensing, Permits and Other Services
City Hall public access is restricted until further notice and business must be done on the phone or digitally.
Cancellations, new applications and renewals
You can submit new applications and payments by mail via the Finance Department at West Kelowna City Hall, 2760 Cameron Road, V1Z 2T6.
Renewals can be paid by mail or through online banking.
During COVID-19: If you cannot reach our staff at the traditional methods above, please contact our centralized number at 778-797-1000 and we will ensure we get you to the right person.
Bylaw Enforcement
Bylaw Office public access is restricted until further notice and business must be done on the phone or digitally.
During COVID-19: If you cannot reach our staff at the traditional methods above, please contact our centralized number at 778-797-1000 and we will ensure we get you to the right person.
During COVID-19: If you cannot reach our staff at the traditional methods above, please contact our centralized number at 778-797-1000 and we will ensure we get you to the right person.
Communications and Media Relations
City Hall public access is restricted until further notice and business must be done on the phone or digitally.Please call 778-797-2252 or email communications@westkelownacity.ca
Council
Council meeting and public hearings schedules may change. Please visit our Council and Committees page or the most current information.
During COVID-19: If you cannot reach our staff at the traditional methods above, please contact our centralized number at 778-797-1000 and we will ensure we get you to the right person.
Development Services
City Hall public access is restricted until further notice and business must be done on the phone or digitally. For more information, please read the Department's Bulletin on COVID-19.
Business development
778-797-2215
Current and long range planning
778-797-8830
Development applications and subdivision approvals
778-797-8830
Land agent
778-797-8839
During COVID-19: If you cannot reach our staff at the traditional methods above, please contact our centralized number at 778-797-1000 and we will ensure we get you to the right person.
Engineering
City Hall public access is restricted until further notice and business must be done on the phone or digitally.
General inquiries, capital projects and transportation planning
During COVID-19: If you cannot reach our staff at the traditional methods above, please contact our centralized number at 778-797-1000 and we will ensure we get you to the right person.
Facilities
All civic recreational facilities are closed and programs and events are cancelled until furter notice.
Facility and Field Booking are paused until further notice.
During COVID-19: If you cannot reach our staff at the traditional methods above, please contact our centralized number at 778-797-1000 and we will ensure we get you to the right person.
Finance
City Hall public access is restricted until further notice and business must be done on the phone or digitally.
Pay by mail C/O West Kelowna City Hall 2760 Cameron Rd. West Kelowna, BC V1Z 2T6
Use the drop box next to City Hall’s main entrance; payments can be made by cheque, include account information, and place in an envelope and deposit at any time.
Pay by phone through most financial institutions.
Pay online through your bank's website or online app; contact your bank for set-up assistance using the account number at the top left of your bill; choose City of West Kelowna Utilities as the payee.
Sign up for Pre-Authorized Payments by completing the application form to have the payment automatically deducted from your bank account on the due date; complete the Pre-Authorized Payments revision form for changes.
Please note, bank statements and cleared cheques are proof of payment, but if you need an additional receipt, please call 778-797-8850 and one can be emailed/mailed to you.
During COVID-19: If you cannot reach our staff at the traditional methods above, please contact our centralized number at 778-797-1000 and we will ensure we get you to the right person.
Fire and Rescue
Public access is restricted at fire halls and West Kelowna Fire Rescue Administration until further notice and business must be done on the phone or digitally.
Administration
8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday to Friday, excluding holidays
Emergency responses will continue in all cases. Discontinued public tours and visits to fire halls and public education activities, suspending fire inspections and increasing telephone contact between Fire Rescue staff and the public, including postponing the spring FireSmart Family Day, are examples of some of the changes.
If it is an emergency dial 9-1-1.
Garbage and Recycling
Please direct Garbage and Recycling inquiries through the Regional District of Central Okanagan.
During COVID-19: If you cannot reach our staff at the traditional methods above, please contact our centralized number at 778-797-1000 and we will ensure we get you to the right person.
Parks Maintenenance
City Hall and Operations Administration Building public access is restricted until further notice and business must be done on the phone or digitally.
General inquiries and maintenance
778-797-8849
Regional Parks (Gellatly Nut Farm, Glen Canyon, Kalamoir and Rose Valley)
250-469-6232
During COVID-19: If you cannot reach our staff at the traditional methods above, please contact our centralized number at 778-797-1000 and we will ensure we get you to the right person.
Policing/RCMP
Crime prevention
250-707-8021
Emergencies
Call 9-1-1
General inquiries (non-complaint based) and non-emergencies
During COVID-19: If you cannot reach our staff at the traditional methods above, please contact our centralized number at 778-797-1000 and we will ensure we get you to the right person.
Roads, Sidewalks and Transportation
Illegal dumping clean-up, pothole patching and pavement repair, streetlights, street sweeping, weed control
For Highways 97 and 97C, Westside Road and Westbank First Nation streets, call AIM at 1-866-222-4204.
For William R. Bennett Bridge, call Protrans at 1-888-769-2925.
Infrastructure planning and public works projects
778-797-8840
During COVID-19: If you cannot reach our staff at the traditional methods above, please contact our centralized number at 778-797-1000 and we will ensure we get you to the right person.
Sewers
City Hall and Utilities Administration Office public access is restricted until further notice and business must be done on the phone or digitally.
Emergencies and service and technical inquiries
778-797-2246
Connect to sewer
778-797-8820
During COVID-19: If you cannot reach our staff at the traditional methods above, please contact our centralized number at 778-797-1000 and we will ensure we get you to the right person.
Street Lights, Lines and Signs
City Hall public access is restricted until further notice and business must be done on the phone or digitally.
778-797-2225
During COVID-19: If you cannot reach our staff at the traditional methods above, please contact our centralized number at 778-797-1000 and we will ensure we get you to the right person.
Utility Bills (garbage, sewer and water)
City Hall public access is restricted until further notice and business must be done on the phone or digitally.
During COVID-19: If you cannot reach our staff at the traditional methods above, please contact our centralized number at 778-797-1000 and we will ensure we get you to the right person.
Visitor Information Centre
The Visitor Information Centre is closed until further notice
During COVID-19: If you cannot reach our staff at the traditional methods above, please contact our centralized number at 778-797-1000 and we will ensure we get you to the right person.
Wastewater Treatment Plants
Westside Regional Waste Water Treatment Plant
250-469-6120
Water
Emergencies and service and technical inquiries
778-797-2246
Sprinkling regulations and violations
778-797-8810
During COVID-19: If you cannot reach our staff at the traditional methods above, please contact our centralized number at 778-797-1000 and we will ensure we get you to the right person.
Watch Previous Daily Download Videos Here
As part of our commitment to serve you and keep you connected during COVID-19, please watch our short video clips called the Daily Download for information about temporary adjustements to services. These brief updates will help our community navigate these changing times.
The Daily Download: April 8, 2020 from Mayor Gord Milsom
The Daily Download: April 7, 2020 with Bylaw Compliance Supervisor Mike Cain
The Daily Download: April 6, 2020 with CAO Paul Gipps
The Daily Download: April 3, 2020 from Mayor Gord Milsom
The Daily Download: April 2, 2020 from Director of Human Resources Michelle Reid
The Daily Download: April 1, 2020 from Mayor Gord Milsom
The Daily Download: March 31, 2020. Parks and Fleet Operations Manager Stacey Harding introduces a new piece of City of West Kelowna equipment.
The Daily Download: March 30, 2020 from Director of Corporate Initiatives Sandy Webster and Communications Manager JoAnne Kleb
The Daily Download: March 27, 2020 - A Week in Review with CAO Paul Gipps
The Daily Download: March 26, 2020 from Director of Engineering & Public Works Allen Fillion
The Daily Download: March 25, 2020 from Mayor Gord Milsom
The Daily Download: March 24, 2020 from Director of Development Services Mark Koch
The Daily Download: March 24, 2020 from Chief Financial Officer/Director of Finance Warren Everton
The Daily Download: March 23, 2020 from Director of Corporate Initiatives Sandy Webster
The Daily Download: March 20, 2020 from West Kelowna Fire Rescue Chief Jason Brolund and RCMP S/Sgt. Duncan Dixon
The Daily Download: March 20, 2020 from Mayor Gord Milsom
The Daily Download: March 20, 2020 from Director of Development Services Mark Koch
The Daily Download: March 20, 2020 from CAO Paul Gipps on Engineering, Parks and Public Works.
The Daily Download: March 19, 2020 from Director of Corporate Initiatives Sandy Webster
The Daily Download: March 19, 2020 from Mayor Gord Milsom
The Daily Download: March 19, 2020 from Chief Adminstrative Officer Paul Gipps
Small Business Support
Governments and the private sector are providing a wide-range of supports for small businesses in British Columbia affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
As part of B.C.’s COVID-19 Action Plan, the B.C. government is providing an additional $5 billion in income supports, tax relief and funding for people, businesses and services in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Please click here for a resource document entitled Suppport for Small Businesses in B.C. from the Province of British Columbia and Small Business BC.
For a comprehensive resource on federal support programs and services for individuals and businesses, as well as Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, please click here.
The Daily Brief - Facilities & Hours of Operations Update
Below is a table that will be updated by 4 p.m. daily about the status of services and facilities in the City of West Kelowna during COVID-19.
Please note, for a review of the list below please check out the COVID-19 Week in Review issued March 27, 2020.
COVID-19 Daily Brief
City Facilities
Daily Information Update (as of April 8, 2020)
City Hall and all City Facility Buildings
PUBLIC IN-PERSON ACCESS IS RESTRICTED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE; CONNECT WITH US DIGITALLY
Please check with us for updates regarding public access for council meetings
City Hall services remain digitally accessible from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays.
Public in-person access to City facilities, including City Hall, is restricted until further notice.
The public is encouraged to conduct business over the phone, via email and online as much as possible using our points of entry:
Public in-person access is restricted but the proceedings can be viewed via webcast
The City of West Kelowna will hold an electronic Council Meeting April 7, 2020.
In response to COVID-19, recent Provincial Ministerial Orders allow Council to hold regular meetings without the requirement for public in-person attendance.
The City of West Kelowna is ensuring transparency, openness and engagement through the continued practice of webcasting the meeting live while adhering to the requirements of the Provincial Health Officer.
The Council meeting will be available to the public through a live webcast available on the City’s website at www.westkelownacity.ca/webcasts.
Public Hearings in April 2020
Cancelled until further notice
Public hearings scheduled in April have been cancelled until further notice.
City Parks and Trails
Play structures in City parks are closed as of March 23
City Parks and Trails remain open
Play structures are closed as of March 23 until further notice.
Please note that City parks and trails remain open.
City sports fields, tennis courts and pickle ball facilities.
Fields, courts and pickle ball facilities are closed as of March 23
Sports fields and facilities are closed as of March 23 until further notice.
City Committee Meetings
1) Economic Development Committee Meeting in March is Cancelled
2) Advisory Planning Commission Meeting in March is Cancelled
3) Agriculture Advisory Committee Meeting in March is Cancelled
The March meetings for the Economic Development Committee, the Advisory Planning Commission and the Agriculture Advisory Committee meetings are cancelled
RDCO Solid Waste Services
Service changes as of March 25, until further notice
Tag-a-Bags for extra garbage will no longer be accepted.
Cart upgrades and change outs will be suspended at this time. Carts for new homes, replacements for broken carts or missing carts will still continue. Please contact the waste hauler at 250-868-3211 for broken or missing carts.
Cash will no longer be accepted as payment at the Westside Transfer Station in West Kelowna or at the Glenmore Landfill in Kelowna.
All daily activities posted on the City’s website are postponed until further notice.
April 2020
All events for April are being postponed until further notice.
May 2020
FireSmart Family Day is now postponed until further notice.
Message from Mayor Milsom
Taking Care Of Each Other To Prevent The Spread of COVID-19
The safety and well-being of our West Kelowna community, including our staff and Council members, is of utmost importance to our Council. We’re following the recommendations from the BC Ministry of Health and the BC Centre for Disease Control and remaining vigilant to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
On behalf of Council, I sincerely thank our community for remaining vigilant by adhering to health authority recommendations in the interest of protecting our health and for those around us. Please, let’s take care of ourselves and each other as we follow the recommendations and get through this together.
Our Senior Management Team is working with emergency management organizations to implement local-to-regional measures to help protect our communities. As we know, the status of COVID-19 is changing daily and we must adhere to the health authority’s recommendation for social distancing to prevent the spread of the virus. This means we’re evaluating the operations of our facilities, and which programs and events should be postponed or cancelled. Council will receive an update from staff later today (March 16) and we will issue the appropriate daily advisories to help keep our community and staff informed and safe.
We’ll also be increasing our electronic tools to stay engaged with our community. We’ll be expanding the use of our live streaming services, increasing our website and social media posts and online feedback. More information will be available in the days ahead.
It is important for our Council and staff to stay connected with our community as we strive to maintain our municipal services and keep the flow of information intact. For those who are not connected to the digital world, our staff will provide information to you over the phone and/or mail information directly to you if you prefer. And, for those who wish to visit us at our City facilities, please use social distancing at all times.
As part of the priority to implement social distancing and to protect our community and staff, we encourage our community to decrease in-person visits for city-related business. Please call us at 778.797.1000 or visit our website at www.westkelownacity.ca and staff will get you to the right place.
To pay bills online you may also visit the City’s webpage:
Beginning today, City of West Kelowna staff will be issuing a Daily Brief about any city-related facility closures along with service and event updates in our West Kelowna jurisdiction. This Daily Brief will be posted on the City’s website, e-mailed to our subscribers and posted on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram feeds.
For information regarding facilities and services in the Westbank First Nation jurisdiction, please visit Westbank First Nation Website: https://www.wfn.ca/.
The BC Ministry of Health and the BC Centre for Disease Control remain the centralized source for all COVID-19 information:
Just like our outstanding community members, Council and staff are doing the best we can navigating through this uncharted territory. Remaining healthy inside and out is critically important to all of us, and during times of uncertainty we really are stronger together. Maybe not together as much in-person as we use extra caution, but we remain at your service. I have been so very impressed with our staff and I expect these times to be no different. I’d also like to thank our community for doing your part to protect your health and that of your loved ones.
We’ll be issuing a Daily Brief March 16, 2020 and every weekday until further notice, that will outline any city-related facility closures, event cancellations and other city-related updates so please watch for our city-related information. We’re looking forward to staying the course with our city business while we continue to adhere to health authority recommendations. Please accept our apologies should any temporary disruption to facilities, programs and events occur as we move forward together.
Public Health - Get COVID-19 information
As we move forward, we all must ensure we are reading and seeking accurate, reliable information about the COVID-19 situation and how we should all respond.
Ask West Kelowna
