Council Highlights - Jan. 10, 2023

Regular Meeting

Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023

Happy New Year

Council began the first meeting of the year by wishing our community a happy 2023.

Mayor issues correction regarding 2021 surplus

The Mayor issued a correction for a recent media article regarding the City’s reported surplus of $15 million in 2021. The City’s financial statements include an annual surplus amount that takes into account all revenues and expenses including grant funding for capital, Development Cost Charges and Gas Tax allocations. These items are already committed to specific projects and reserves and must be removed from the surplus in order to calculate the operating surplus. They make up almost $12 million of the annual surplus reducing the actual down to $3 million. Operating surpluses and deficits can occur in any given year and the retention of surplus funds helps protect against unexpected future deficits.

January is Crime Stoppers month

Council received a verbal presentation from Central Okanagan Crime Stoppers to highlight initiatives as part of Crime Stoppers Month.

Mayor Milsom thanks Glynton Brittain from Central Okanagan Crime Stoppers for sharing information about January's Crime Stoppers Month. 

Unique Identifier Count results shared with Council

Council received a report and presentation from Henluk Consulting Ltd. to gain insight into the current state of homelessness and housing instability on the Greater Westside through a Unique Identifier Count to update the 2018 Point-in-Time count. Read the full report at westkelownacity.ca

City of West Kelowna Housing Strategy

Council received a presentation from Urban Matters for development of the City’s first Housing Strategy. Building on the Housing Needs Assessment and Unique Identifier Count, the Housing Strategy will provide key directions, recommendations, and an implementation plan to address housing issues such as attainability, supply and needs across the housing continuum.

Secondary Suite and Carriage House Policy updates

Council adopted the Fees and Charges Bylaw and Business Licensing and Regulations Bylaw to streamline processes and improve tracking methods. Secondary suites and carriage houses will no longer be required to hold a valid business licence providing cost savings for property owners. 

Official Community Plan (OCP) and Zoning Bylaw amendments for Smith Creek Stage 4

Council gave third reading to OCP and Zoning Amendment Bylaw for Smith Creek Stage 4, which proposes a future single family residential subdivision of approximately 20 lots in Smith Creek. Adoption will be subject to the developer providing a no-build covenant to accommodate a wildlife corridor and off-site improvements including design and construction of a pedestrian pathway along Elliott Road, an extension of Doucette Drive to connect with Copper Ridge Drive and a wildfire hazard rating of low to moderate.

Council adopts the Road Closure and Disposition Bylaw

Council adopted the Road Closure and Disposition Bylaw to accommodate a future extension of Asquith Road to Tallus Ridge Drive.