Council Highlights - May 12, 2020

Council Meeting

May 12, 2020

Council and staff participated in the Regular Council Meeting via video conference; public access was restricted as per provincial health guidelines and legislation to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Mayor Milsom provides COVID-19 prevention update

Mayor Gord Milsom thanked the community for continuing to maintain social distancing and being patient during the City of West Kelowna’s digital service delivery and facility closures during COVID-19. City facility closures and service changes started two months ago, shortly after the Province of BC announced measures March 6 to protect public health. On May 6, Premier John Horgan announced BC’s Restart Plan to gradually ease restrictions in a way that will prevent a second wave of the disease. The City of West Kelowna is grateful for the Province’s strategic way forward. Until the Provincial Health Officer can significantly ease the restrictions, Mayor Milsom encouraged the community to continue to enjoy our parks and trails in a socially distanced manner. The Mayor also said he and Council looked forward to eventually returning to when the public could again attend meetings.

Parking and storage use denied for 3595 Elliott Road

Council voted unanimously against issuing a Temporary Use Permit to allow outdoor storage and accessory parking at 3595 Elliott Road to accommodate activities related to an adjacent construction site. The developer had requested temporary use of the lot until September 30 to alleviate neighbourhood concerns about parking congestion and street side materials storage. Activities surrounding the site have generated more than 25 bylaw complaints. However, Council felt that the temporary use permit would not adequately resolve enough of the issues, particularly those concerning noise, safety and unsightliness. Council encouraged the developer to continue to work with neighbours and City staff to find ways to resolve concerns regarding on- and off-site construction activities.

Storage containers permitted at 2659 Auburn Road

Council voted 4-2 to issue a Development Variance Permit to allow Burnco to use up to four metal shipping containers for office space and storage at their operations at 2659 Auburn Road in the West Kelowna Business Park. A December 27 electrical fire destroyed Burnco’s main office and storage shed, which housed most of the company’s operational equipment. The majority of Council agreed that Burnco should be able to use the metal shipping containers to ensure they could continue to do business on site; and, most hoped the solution would be temporary and that the company would eventually create a long-term plan to replace the permanent structure. Councillor Stephen Johnston excused himself from the discussion and the vote to avoid a potential conflict of business-related interest.

Bylaw amendments approved for future Tallus Ridge townhouse development

Council adopted City of West Kelowna Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 0100.56 and Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 0154.76, to allow for a proposed 26-unit strata townhome project at 2370 Tallus Ridge Drive. The amendments expand the area of the Multiple Family R3 Zone and reduce that of the Single Detached R1 Zone. The new zoning configurations allow for additional units.

Council receives emergency preparedness update

Staff provided Council with a presentation on wildfire and flood prevention measures that continue throughout the City of West Kelowna. Crews have thinned, felled and pruned trees and removed and chipped debris in Glen Canyon around the Powers Creek Water Treatment Plant. Similar work is underway on Mt. Boucherie near Eain Lamont Park. Crews will also perform the same activities later this year in Rock Ridge Park in Rose Valley, Davidson Creek Park in Shannon Woods and the western slopes of Mount Boucherie near the high school, city hall, ice rinks and the Rush Trail. Thanks to the Province of British Columbia for funding the projects through the 2019 and 2020 Community Resiliency Investment Programs.

The City is also working with BC Forest Service staff on possibly conducting prescribed burns at safe times of the year to reduce forest fire risks in other areas within the municipal boundary. The City halted prescribed burn plans after the Province banned open burning and campfires in response to COVID-19. Staff also reminded landowners that they could access a City grant of up to $500 to reduce forest fire risks on their properties. The City can provide FireSmart resources to landowners on how best to reduce risks on their properties and make the best use of grant funding. For more information, contact West Kelowna Fire Rescue at 778-797-3200.

On the flood front, sandbag stations remain set up throughout the community and crews check supplies regularly to ensure stocks are available for those whose properties are prone to seasonal flooding. The 2020 flood watch continues with few incidents reported so far, subject to future weather and snowmelt.

Staff provides update on Rose Valley Water Treatment Plant design, construction and financing

The last report to Council from the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) on March 24 provided the forecast that future Rose Valley Water Treatment Plant (RVWTP) users would pay no more than $150 for the debt re-payment financing (design, construction and finance costs of the plant) by 2022. Staff has now provided assurance to Council and the community, that despite the financial impacts of COVID-19, the forecast remains at no more than $150, which is an increase of $34 over two years.

The 2020 (current) water rate for the debt re-payment portion is $116 per year for future RVWTP users. As part of the 2021 water rate bylaw increase for the debt re-payment portion, RVWTP users will pay $13 for a total of $129. In 2022, the debt re-payment portion will increase by $21, for a total of $150. This means when staff seek Council’s direction to move forward with the borrowing bylaw, the total increase that future RVWTP users will pay for the debt re-payment (design, build and financing the plant) is $34. The Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia have provided a $41 million grant to reduce water customers’ costs. However, Council has been very clear that borrowing will be required with the previous land purchase, upgraded design and infrastructure required to pay for the plant. In 2023, the City of West Kelowna plans to move the entire $150 of the debt re-payment portion from water utility bills to a parcel tax. This would provide some property owners with the ability to pay their share up front to avoid the annual fee. It could also allow others the ability to defer their costs under the Provincial Tax Deferment Program. Staff will present the necessary borrowing bylaw to Council this summer and provide more information to ratepayers on the plans going forward. Ratepayers can sign up to receive City news at www.westkelownacity.ca/subscribe to keep up to date on next steps. Construction of Rose Valley Water Treatment Plant early site works are well underway. Staff expects to award second tender for RVWTP construction this summer soon after site works are finished.

Terms extended for Economic Development Committee

Council thanked Economic Development Committee members for their past two years of service and extended their appointments for a further two and a half year term ending October 2022. Members of the committee are Laurie Evans, Chris Kotscha, Tyler Neels, Michael Porter, Lorrie Whiteway and Nick Wizinsky. The Committee provides advice to City Staff and Council on matters relating to the local economy and business issues in West Kelowna and for the Greater Westside. Committee members also facilitate networking opportunities and provide feedback from businesses. Calvin Bar will serve as the Greater Westside Board of Trade appointee to the Committee.  Krista Mallory attends as a non-voting member representing the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission.

Economic Development Office Provides COVID-19 Response Update

The Economic Development and Tourism Manager provided an update on City efforts to support businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Initiatives have included providing website resources, reaching out with support letters from Mayor Milsom, remaining active in the Regional Economic Development Response Team and the Mayors’/WFN Chief’s Regional Task Force, and the City’s Spotlight on Business social media campaign, reminding people of ways they can support the Westside. With the Province of BC announcing the Restart Plan, to gradually rekindle the economy and return life to a new normal, the Economic Development Office has begun to shift its focus to business recovery support.  West Kelowna will reach out to Westbank First Nation, District of Peachland, Tourism Kelowna and the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association to collaborate on tourism marketing efforts in keeping with guidelines from the Provincial Health Officer and find ways for businesses to welcome guests through this summer, fall and beyond.

West Kelowna joins with Central Okanagan local governments on essential services mutual aid

Council authorized staff to enter the City of West Kelowna into the two-year Central Okanagan Essential Services Mutual Aid Agreement. Other partners include the City of Kelowna, District of Lake Country, District of Peachland, Regional District of Central Okanagan and Westbank First Nation. The Province issued a Ministerial Order March 26, 2020 directing that neighbouring jurisdictions create mutual aid agreements to ensure the public receives essential services, such as water, waste water and solid waste, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The agreement enables a local government or First Nation to request assistance from another jurisdiction if they have insufficient resources to maintain their own essential services. The municipality in need of the mutual aid will cover the costs of the jurisdiction providing the essential service.