Council Highlights - May 10, 2022

Regular Meeting

Tuesday, May 10, 2022

Record number of nominations received during 2021-2022 Snow Star Program

Council received 52 Snow Star nominations this year, the most submitted since the program began in 2013. Council awarded winners with local gift cards to thank them for helping neighbours shovel snow:

• Gary Aldcroft
• Chris Bartel
• John Boruta
• Anthony Cohen
• Bentley Feddersen
• Gord Hall
• Doug Lessard
• Randy Shaw
• Darrel Swift
• Jack Trelenberg

New FireSmart Neighbourhoods recognized

Council congratulated the Rock Ridge and Casa Loma neighbourhoods for receiving FireSmart Community recognition for their wildfire prevention and resiliency efforts. The City also hired seasonal staff this year to complete wildfire mitigation work on municipal properties. West Kelowna Fire Rescue will also continue to accept grant applications from private property owners who conduct FireSmart work around their homes and will host FireSmart Family Day, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, May 28 at Fire Hall #31. Learn about West Kelowna’s FireSmart initiatives, which receive provincial support through the Community Resiliency Investment Program, at westkelownacity.ca/firesmart.

Deadline extended for Glenrosa rezoning application

Council approved a one-year extension for an application to rezone 3280 and 3290 Glenrosa Road, and an adjacent property on Salmon Road, from Rural Residential Large Parcel to Parks and Institutional, Single Detached Residential, and Low Density Multiple Residential Zones. The applicant needs more time to address rezoning conditions, including adjacent Glenrosa Road improvements. 

Smith Creek development application given second reading

Council rescinded and re-read second reading for proposed Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw Amendments for unaddressed property in the Smith Creek Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) area. The developer reduced the proposed density in the northeast corner of the property, based on neighbourhood feedback. A public hearing will be scheduled for the proposal, which, if approved, would be the first phase of developments to occur over several years in the CDP area.

Existing Glenrosa duplexes converted to strata ownership

Council approved converting a freehold duplex at 3344 and 3346 McMillan Road into two strata-titled units. The conversion allows the current owners, who occupy one side, to formalize the division from the other, vacant unit so future residents can separately own and operate their unit.

Council receives update on pedestrian, road and drainage infrastructure investments

Staff provided Council with an overview of the 10-year Pedestrian Improvement and Road Development Cost Charge Programs including a list of current and future, proposed investments in infrastructure that support active, multi-use transportation, improve safety and keep pace with growth. Staff also presented a list of projects made possible by the Infrastructure Levy, including a multi-use pathway on Whitworth Road and a sidewalk extension on Guidi Road. View the presentation via webcast archives at westkelownacity.ca/webcasts. 

City to extend sidewalks from Shannon Lake/Bartley/Stevens Roundabout to Highway 97

Council received an update on the Shannon Lake/Bartley/Stevens Roundabout project, which will include the extension of sidewalks from McDougall Creek Bridge to the roundabout and completion of sidewalk connections on Stevens Road from Dominion to Westlake Roads, with work due to wrap up this summer. Council also supported a staff request to extend sidewalks along the east side of Bartley Road, including streetlights and adding utility services, and creating a continuous pedestrian connection to Highway 97.

Tax rate and parcel tax bylaws adopted for 2022

Each year, following adoption of the annual budget and five-year financial plan, Council must also consider subsequent, supporting financial bylaws. Council adopted the required 2022 Tax Rate Bylaw, and parcel tax bylaws for the Sterile Insect Release and RDCO Solid Waste and Recycling Programs and the Westside Transfer Station on Asquith Road.

Council receives 2021 Audited Financial Statements

Staff presented Council with a full accounting of West Kelowna’s Audited Financial Statements for the year ending December 31, 2021. The statements, prepared by an independent, nationally recognized auditing firm, confirm that the City’s financial position remains healthy, accurate and transparent to taxpayers. View the presentation through webcast archives at westkelownacity.ca/webcasts and view the statements online via the City’s website.