Council Highlights - Mar. 12, 2024

Council gave first, second, and third readings to a Fees and Charges Bylaw amendment that will incorporate required utility fee increases to maintain services for 2024. The proposed increases per single family household are: 3.2 per cent, or approximately $8 per quarter for the Rose Valley Water System, including costs to operate the new treatment plant; 4.5 per cent or an estimated $11.25 per quarter for the Powers Creek Water System; 2.0 per cent or $2.02 per quarter for sanitary sewer service; and 5.4 per cent or $2.39 per quarter for solid waste management services.

 

Council opposed extending the City’s growth boundary and denied the respective first reading to a proposed Official Community Plan amendment for two properties on Gates and Fenton Roads. The applicant proposed changing the land use from Rural Residential to Medium Density Residential to allow future rezoning and development of a lease-hold modular townhouse development.

 

Council gave first and second readings to Zoning and Official Community Plan Bylaw amendments for 3636 McIver Road that, if adopted, would change the land use from Agricultural to Compact Single Detached Residential to facilitate the development of the fourth and final phase of the existing Glen Eagles subdivision. A public hearing for the proposed OCP amendment will be scheduled for a future meeting.

 

Council gave first and second readings and directed staff to schedule a future public hearing for an Official Community Plan amendment that, if approved would change the land use from Low Density Residential to Medium Density Residential to permit a townhouse development on an unaddressed lot along the west side of Boucherie Road, south of West Bay Road. Council also gave first and second readings to a related Zoning Bylaw amendment, that if approved would change the zone from Agricultural to R3 Low Density Multiple Residential.

 

Council adopted amendments to the City’s Development Applications Procedures Bylaw to incorporate changes, required under provincial Bill 44 and the Local Government Act, to waive public hearings in certain cases, such as if a Zoning Bylaw amendment application is consistent with the Official Community Plan. The City bylaw retains notification requirements and residents are still able to write to Council and staff with comments regarding proposed developments.

 

Council adopted Fees and Charges Bylaw amendments, which incorporate the established 2.0 per cent annual fee increase to subdivision, development and planning fees that ensure consistency with other local governments in our region and support sustainable service delivery and cost recovery.

 

The City of West Kelowna provides and supports opportunities for our community to enjoy a variety of programs and events each season. Recreation and Culture staff gave Council a presentation of scheduled events this spring, and leading into summer, at City parks and recreation facilities.

 

Council approved five recommended energy retrofit projects for Royal LePage Place, to which FortisBC will contribute $480,240 in rebates. Council also approved spending of approximately $673,260 in City contributions to the project, which are to be provided through Municipal Finance Authority Equipment Financing. The projects, which will reduce emissions and energy costs, will be completed during annual scheduled arena shutdowns this year and in 2025.

 

Staff gave a presentation outlining the importance of using FireSmart’s wildfire mitigation principles around the home and showed a video about how the work can be effective in saving properties from wildfires. Staff also provided an update on wildfire mitigation work that City staff completed in 2023 and the accomplishments of last year’s FireSmart Program. Council directed staff to apply to the provincial Community Resiliency Investment Program requesting a maximum grant of $300,000 to support the 2024 FireSmart Program and further wildfire mitigation initiatives.