West Kelowna prepares to resume public hearings

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 13, 2020

The City of West Kelowna is preparing to resume public hearings for eligible applications. Hearings have been on hold at the City due to restrictions to public gatherings ordered by the provincial health authorities. The City is adapting the format of the hearings to allow the public process to proceed while respecting the physical distancing requirements in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“COVID-19 has created some very unique challenges for Council proceedings and I’m pleased that we can start to get back to business and begin to resume public hearings in a safe and meaningful way,” says Mayor Gord Milsom.

When hearings resume later this month, members of the public will have the opportunity to submit their feedback to City Council in writing by mail, email or by leaving a copy in the drop box outside the doors of the Municipal Hall. As per the legislative process, all written submissions received on time will be provided to City Council in advance of the hearing and Council will have the opportunity to comment at the next reading.

The public will also have an option to attend hearings in person at the Municipal Hall if required. The City is preparing to stage the participation of attendees to support safe distancing while meeting legislative requirements. Council will participate in the public hearings electronically and comments by attendees will be received through a video conference. To participate in-person, citizens are asked to attend at the date, time and address stated on the advertised notice. More instruction on staging will be provided to attendees upon arrival. Anyone wishing to watch the public hearing also has the option of viewing the live webcast available on the City’s website at www.westkelownacity.ca/webcasts.

“We want citizens to know that Council values the feedback we receive in writing equally with what we hear in person,” says Mayor Milsom. “So while we are making it possible to attend at this time, we do encourage citizens to submit their feedback in writing and to watch our webcast from the safety of their own homes.”

West Kelowna has three applications that are currently ready for public hearings. The City will continue to review and adjust the format of the hearings as the direction of the provincial health authorities evolves and to improve the experience of citizens. The ability to host hearings for future applications will be evaluated on an individual basis. The City will follow the legislative process to notify affected citizens as the hearings and details are confirmed. For more information about current applications, please visit www.westkelownacity.ca.