Council Highlights - April 9, 2024 - City of West Kelowna

Regular Meeting

Tuesday, April 9, 2024

Watch Council meetings live or view the webcast archive

Council meetings are livestreamed at westkelownacity.ca/webcasts and archived the next business day. Find the April 9 agenda and archive atpub-westkelowna.escribemeetings.com.

2024 Snow Stars recognized

Mayor Milsom thanked West Kelowna’s 2024 Snow Stars who lent helping hands to shovel snow and ice around their neighbours’ homes this past winter. In recognition of their good deeds, Council gave a gift card to a local business to each Snow Star – Darryl Linney, Stan Grant, Les Wagman, Cheryl Lepard, Parm Saini, Greyson Mackie, and Brooklyn and Lucas Sims.

Council urges community to provide input into first Accessibility Plan

Councillor Garrett Millsap, who represents Council on their Accessibility and Inclusion Committee, encouraged our community to provide input into the City of West Kelowna’s first Accessibility Plan at ourwk.ca/accessibility. Posters with QR codes and printed engagement kits are also available at City Hall, Johnson Bentley Memorial Aquatic Centre, and the Westside Seniors Activity Centre.

Presentation given on West Kelowna wildfire fuel mitigation projects

Ntityix Resources and the Forest Enhancement Society of BC gave a presentation on West Kelowna fuel mitigation projects that help prevent devastation from wildfires and which have proven effective during the Mt. Law and McDougall Creek Wildfires, to help save lives and homes. Learn more via the April 9 webcast archive at pub-westkelowna.escribemeetings.com.

Presentation given on upcoming Okanagan Wildfire Responders Gratitude Event

The Okanagan Wildfire Responders Gratitude Event committee provided information on their upcoming Saturday, April 27 event from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Memorial Park, where our community will have an opportunity to honour McDougall Creek Wildfire first responders, enjoy a free barbeque, take in fun, family activities, listen to live music and observe a Walk of Heroes. They also presented Fire Chief Jason Brolund with a commemorative plaque and an honour coin, which members of Council also received for their steadfast service during the emergency. View the presentation via the April 9 webcast archive at pub-westkelowna.escribemeetings.com.

Council encourages opponents of BTK spraying to lobby provincial government

Council suggested that the West Kelowna Branch of the Kelowna Citizens Safety Association lobby Kelowna West MLA Ben Stewart and the provincial government regarding their opposition to BTK aerial spraying, which is used to prevent spread of spongy moths. The group hoped to present to Council but, as the matter falls outside municipal jurisdiction, the presentation would not permit under Council’s Procedures Bylaw.

Parcel tax bylaws to be considered for adoption

Council gave first, second and third readings to the required 2024 West Kelowna Transfer Station, Sterile Insect Release and RDCO Solid Waste and Recycling Program Parcel Tax Bylaws. The bylaws permit parcel taxes to be collected from applicable properties within the City to enable the programs’ ongoing operations in service to our community. Council will consider adoption at future meeting.

2024 Budget and Five-Year Financial Plan adopted

Council adopted the 2024 Budget and the 2024 to 2028 Financial Plan, which contains a 6.85 per cent increase, which will result in a tax requisition of $45,034,242 to invest in needed capital projects and maintain current levels of services that the City delivers to our community each day. Learn more at westkelownacity.ca/budget.

Council adopts 2022 to 2026 Strategic Priorities: Annual Update 2024

Council adopted the 2022 to 2026 Council Strategic Priorities: Annual Update 2024, which provides direction under the four pillars of Invest in Infrastructure, Pursue Economic Growth and Prosperity, Strengthen our Community and Foster Safety and Well-being. Learn more at westkelownacity.ca/councilpriorities.

Rezoning approved for proposed multifamily development in Westbank Urban Centre

Council adopted a Zoning Bylaw amendment to rezone 3715 and 3717 Hoskins Road and 2424 Dobbin Road from three Single Detached Residential lots into one Comprehensive Development property to allow for a proposed seven-storey, mixed-use building with 90 square metres of commercial space, 65 residential units, 250 square metres of outdoor amenity space and parking.

Short-term Rental Regulations amendments adopted

Council adopted Zoning Bylaw amendments for short-term rentals to streamline the program for users and staff who enforce the program.

Water service extensions to be considered in Westside Road/Raymer and Glenrosa areas

Council gave first, second and third readings to Local Area Service Bylaw amendments that, if adopted, would allow 1179 Westside Road to be included in the Rose Valley Water Local Area Service and 3636 McIver Road to be included in the Powers Creek Water Local Area Service.