Council Highlights - October 08, 2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 8, 2019 

BC Cannabis Store

Council gave first two readings to Zoning Bylaw Amendments for a non-medical, provincially-operated retail cannabis shop at 2475 Dobbin Road. The application will now be scheduled for an upcoming public hearing. Council had previously approved rezoning applications for five other non-medical retail cannabis stores in West Kelowna. The proposed provincial cannabis retail store would also include the regional office for BC Cannabis Stores in the Okanagan Valley (from Osoyoos to Vernon) which will provide administration in addition to both management and staff training for the regional stores.

Multi-Sport Dome Update

Council was updated on the construction of the City’s Multi-Sports Facility at 2139 McDougall Road. Installation of the artificial turf field surfacing, installation and inflation of the dome and construction of the washroom facility are complete. The majority of landscaping is finished as well and the project is on target for a mid-October handover to the City of West Kelowna. Council was given a sneak peak of the facility last month, as was members of the Westside Youth Soccer Association, which contributed $667,000 towards the construction of the $4.1 million facility. The City is planning a grand opening event for this November. Keep up to date on this facility opening and other news by subscribing to receive automatic emails at www.westkelownacity.ca/subscribe.

Cemetery Marker Theft Update

The Westbank Cemetery was broken into on September 16 and 55 bronze plot markers were stolen. RCMP notified the City of the theft and staff began the work to contact impacted family members. Then, on September 23, the City was advised that through excellent police work and local tips, the stolen bronze markers were recovered, however, 19 were damaged beyond repair. Council requested the City establish a fund to receive donations for these families. Families can apply to be reimbursed for up to $448 for replacement markers. Donors will be provided a tax donation receipt for donations exceeding $20. The City has agreed to waive installation fees and has increased security and improved locks since the break in and is also investigating the feasibility of security cameras on site. Details about the fund and how to donate will be publicized by the City.