Council Highlights - Nov. 22, 2022

Regular Council Meeting

Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022

Julia’s Junction playspace project update

Melissa Grassmick provided an update on Julia’s Junction, an inclusive playspace planned for Westbank Centre—a first of its kind in the city. Construction is anticipated to begin Spring 2023, pending funding and budget approvals. Visit westkelownacity.ca/donate to learn more about the project and how to contribute.

WildSafeBC provides 2022 program summary

WildSafeBC’s Okanagan Westside Coordinator provided an overview of the year’s wildlife activity in the community, which included 276 black bear sightings and was a slight increase over a six-year average. Garbage continues to be the main attractant in Westside neighbourhoods and the program continues to receive resident requests for more homeowner education and new, innovative solution.

Staff present third quarter update for 2022

Council received the third quarter update of departmental statistics. A detailed report is available online by visiting the westkelownacity.ca/webcast. 

Winter road maintenance

Staff provided an update on winter road maintenance including anti-icing techniques, road priorities and contracted services. The City also provides snow clearing and ice control at City facilities and major pathways such as the Gellatly waterfront path.

Holiday events in West Kelowna

West Kelowna will kick off the festive season in December with holiday events including Light Up, Twinkle Tour and the West Kelowna Fire Rescue (WKFR) Food Drive. Light Up will be held on Brown Road on Dec. 2 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. with the lights being switched on a 6 p.m. and fireworks to begin at 8:30 p.m. The community is also encouraged to take a tour of the Twinkle Tour’s holiday light displays throughout the city and bring a non-perishable food item to any of WKFR’s fire halls to support our local food banks. For details on these holiday events and more, visit westkelownacity.ca/communityevents

2023 Council Meeting schedule

Council gave first, second and third reading to the Council Procedure Amendment Bylaw to adjust the timing of the first meeting of each month in 2023, from 1:30 p.m. to begin at 3:30 p.m. The amended schedule will be brought back to Council for consideration of adoption, following a public notification process.

Freedom of Information Bylaw update

Council gave first, second and third reading to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Bylaw for administrative updates.

Council gets preview of public safety and infrastructure investment-based budget process

Staff provided an outline on the process and timelines of the Draft 2023 Budget with public consultations anticipated to begin in late January. Sign up at westkelownacity.ca/subscribe to stay up to date on 2023 Budget engagement opportunities.

Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw amendments go to Public Hearing for 1045 Bear Creek Road

A Public Hearing was held and closed prior to the regular Council meeting. Following the Public Hearing, Council postponed consideration of the OCP and Zoning Amendment Bylaw for 1045 Bear Creek Road to further identify conditions related to site servicing for water and stormwater and potential off-site improvements as part of consideration of third reading.

Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw amendments go to Public Hearing for Smith Creek Stage 4

A Public Hearing was held and closed prior to the regular Council meeting. Following the Public Hearing, Council postponed consideration of the OCP and Zoning Amendment Bylaw for Smith Creek Stage 4 to allow for further details regarding the proposed off-site pedestrian and cycling improvements and other applicable conditions as part of consideration of Third Reading.

Official Community Plan updates

Staff provided an update on the Official Community Plan with a summary of the major shifts within the OCP to create vibrant city centres and complete, connected neighbourhoods, with connections to shopping and services, while preserving the beaches, parks and urban agriculture that make West Kelowna unique. Key opportunities and challenges regarding the draft Official Community Plan were discussed. A public information session is being planned for early 2023. To stay informed, subscribe for engagement opportunities at westkelownacity.ca/subscribe.

Secondary suite and carriage house policy updates

Council gave first, second, and third reading to amend the Fees and Charges Bylaw and Business Licensing and Regulations Bylaw to streamline processes and improve tracking methods. If adopted, secondary suites and carriage houses will no longer be required to hold a valid business license providing cost savings for property owners.

Zoning Bylaw Amendments for 3725 Boucherie Road adopted

Council adopted the Zoning Amendment Bylaw for an existing dock at Frind Winery, located at 3725 Boucherie Road, which would permit six slips to be utilized to support temporary moorage to access the winery. The amendment includes registration of a statutory right of way and associated agreements for public access over a three metre-wide pathway through the property to provide connectivity along the waterfront.