Committee Highlights - Oct. 19, 2021

The Regional Air Quality Program is a partnership initiative of the City of West Kelowna and other local governments in the Central Okanagan to provide education and awareness and reduce and prevent air pollution. Program staff provided an update on various initiatives, which include anti-idling efforts, the Wood Stove Exchange, the Radon Test Kit Challenge and more. View the presentation at westkelownacity.ca/webcasts and learn more at rdco.com/airquality.

Staff provided an update on the status of City of West Kelowna’s various reserves for capital, equipment, water, sewer and other accounts. To aid in advancing Council’s Strategic Priority objectives under the Invest in Infrastructure pillar, $3.15 million in operational surpluses will be transferred into capital reserves to modernize our community and ensure its strong future. A further $250,000 will be transferred to the Wildfire/Emergency Reserve. View the presentation at westkelownacity.ca/webcasts.

Council received an update on the next phase of the Powers Creek water system upgrades and future infrastructure funding requirements. The next phase of upgrades will accommodate storage expansion and replacement of infrastructure assets that serve 15,000 residents. Annual water rates are influenced by consumption, regulations, growth projections and capital needs to ensure a sustainable water system. Budgetary discussions will be brought forward to Council at a future meeting. An update to the Five-Year Strategy will establish annual rate increases to ensure the delivery of safe drinking water in our community. View the presentation at westkelownacity.ca/webcasts.