Council Highlights - April 6, 2021

Council Meeting

Tuesday, April 6, 2021

Council expresses condolences on the passing of Len Novakowski
Thoughts and prayers were extended to family and friends of Mr. Leonard Novakowski. Mr. Novakowski was a true gentleman and a leader that served this community as an alternate Regional Director for four years and as a Regional Director for 11 years. His thoughtfulness and calm presence will be greatly missed by Council and staff.

Rose Valley Water Treatment Plant update
The contractor for the construction of the Rose Valley Water Treatment has mobilized on site to continue the construction of the Plant. Updates to Council will occur monthly and project updates will be issued through the City’s e-News. Visit westkelownacityca/RVWTP for more information.

Development Variance Permit for 3507 Gates Road approved
Council authorized the issuance of a Development Variance Permit at 3507 Gates Road to vary Zoning Bylaw to increase the maximum floor area of a secondary suite from 90 m² to 104.5 m².

Development Variance Permit for 2409 Tallus Ridge Drive approved
Council approved a Development Variance Permit 2409 Tallus Ridge Drive to vary Zoning Bylaw to increase the maximum floor area of a secondary suite from 90 m² to 120 m² and increase the maximum allowable percentage from 40 per cent to 48 per cent of the liveable floor area of the home.

Excessive Nuisance Abatement Fees
Council gave first, second and third reading to the Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw. Where a member of the RCMP, Fire Department, a Bylaw Enforcement Officer, or other City Officials is required to respond to real property for more than one nuisance service call within a twenty-four hour period; or more than three nuisance service calls within a twelve month period; the current nuisance abatement fees of $75 to $100 is recommended to increase to $500 for substantiated complaints.

Major projects outline for City’s Long-Range Planning
Staff presented information on the upcoming projects for 2021 which include the Official Community Plan (OCP) Review, Zoning Bylaw Update, Fees and Charges Bylaw Update, Corporate Climate Action Plan and Housing Strategy. A concurrent review of the Development Cost Charges Bylaw, Transportation Master Plan and OCP represent the most significant coordinated development and infrastructure review policy since the City’s initial master planning exercises following incorporation in 2007. These critical plans will help move the City forward.

Draft Short Term Rental Amendments Bylaw update
Council received a report outlining a series of decision points to amend the draft Short Term Rentals Bylaw. Secondary suites and carriage homes will be considered as permitted use. Bed and Breakfasts will be maintained within the current regulation of the Zoning Bylaw and will not see further changes. Next steps will see the rescinding of second reading and an updated revision of the draft Short Term Rental Zoning Bylaw brought forward to Council for consideration prior to a Public Hearing. See the latest update at westkelownacity.ca/shorttermrentals

Contract award for Transportation Master Plan
Council received information on the award of contract to HDR Corporation for update of the Transportation Master Plan starting this spring. The Plan will be developed to update and identify network demands, infrastructure improvements and land use and transportation integration to support decision making over the next 20 years.

Council gives third reading to the Five-Year Financial Plan Bylaw
Council gave third reading to the update on the 2021-2025 Financial Plan Bylaw and 10-Year Capital Plan and received a summary of the 2021 Budget consultation outcomes. The original tax rate was set at 4.75 per cent in December’s budget deliberations and ultimately reduced to 4.05 per cent which includes a one per cent Infrastructure Levy. Final adoption is scheduled for April 20.