Council Highlights - Aug. 25, 2020

Council meeting conducted in new Chambers

Council held the August 25 Regular Meeting in new portables, installed across from former Council Chambers at 2760 Cameron Road. The former Chambers were too small to accommodate Council, staff and the public in keeping with provincial COVID-19 health guidelines for social distancing and gathering size limits. The City will provide information in the coming weeks on how the public will be able to attend future meetings in the new Council Chambers.

Recreation and Culture Manager Bob Kusch congratulated on retirement

Council wished Recreation and Culture Manager Bob Kusch a happy retirement and thanked him for 53 years of local government service, including five with the City of West Kelowna. Mr. Kusch has the respect of his peers and is a mentor and member in high standing with the BC Recreation and Parks Association.

2019 Annual Report considered and approved

Council considered and approved the 2019 Annual Report, which presents the City’s financial position and highlights the programs, services and programs delivered in the last full operating year. Please view the report online at westkelownacity.ca/annualreport.

Regular Council update provided on Rose Valley Water Treatment Plant

Council received an update on Rose Valley Water Treatment Plant – the City’s top infrastructure priority project. Tenders for the construction of the filtration plant are underway along with the Council Initiative – Subject to Petition Against as part of the recommended long-term borrowing process that occurs September 3 through October 2. More than 8,200 future Rose Valley Water Treatment Plant Local Area Service property owners should watch their mail for packages arriving soon, containing the latest information about the recommended option to borrow long-term for the design, construction and financing of the plant.

Smith Creek Comprehensive Development Plan deferred

Council voted 5 to 2 to postpone adoption of the Smith Creek Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) pending a report on how to address concerns about future transportation network needs. The Smith Creek CDP applies to three large private properties above Copper Ridge Drive and Smith Creek Road, which the OCP proposed to accommodate future City growth, with a school site and a mix of single and multi-family homes and parks and natural spaces.

Development Variance permitted for brew house in Lakeview Village

Council authorized a Development Permit Amendment to allow a 150-seat brewery to operate at 835 Anders Road, instead of an adjacent site, and to reduce the number of required parking spaces from 40 to seven, and supported Lakesider Brewing Company’s required lounge application to the BC Liquor and Cannabis Regulations Branch.

New neighbourhood to be added to Powers Creek Water Service Area

Council passed first, second and third readings of two Local Area Service (LAS) amendment bylaws that, if adopted, will allow 105 domestic water connections, in a new subdivision at 2802 Smith Creek Road, and one existing home, at 2850 Dixie Road, to be added to the Powers Creek Water Service Area (formerly the Westbank Irrigation District).

Regional Housing Needs Assessment received

Council accepted the Regional Housing Needs Assessment, which Regional District of Central Okanagan staff created in consultation with other local governments. The report estimates that the City of West Kelowna will grow by 12,413 residents by 2036 and will need 4,491 more housing units including affordable options for singles and single parent households.

Discussion on short-term rentals deferred

Council postponed discussion on short-term rentals due to the number of items on the August 25 agenda and the need to give the subject suitable time for healthy consideration. Staff will bring back the item to Council in September. In the meantime, Council asked that Bylaw Compliance Officers continue strict enforcement of current rules that do not permit vacation rentals in the City and issue appropriate fines to the offending owners.

Statement of Financial Information presented

Council received the 2019 Statement of Financial Information (SOFI) report. The SOFI report is a provincial requirement that local governments publicly disclose Council remuneration, employee salaries in excess of $75,000 and payments for goods and services. In 2019, 98 of 200 full-time employees made more than $75,000 compared to 89 in 2018. The total payroll was $18.5 million. Total payments to suppliers of goods and services in 2019 was $77.1 million.

Lease agreement renewed for Constable Neil Bruce Playing Fields

Council authorized the City of West Kelowna to renew the lease for the three Constable Neil Bruce (CNB) Sports Fields for $1 per year through July 1, 2024. The original 20-year lease will expire October 31. School District No. 23 owns the land and, under the agreement, the City maintains and manages bookings for the fields, ensuring joint access to school children and youth and adult recreational sports groups.