Council Highlights - April 21, 2020

Council Meeting

April 21, 2020

Safe distancing and digital conferencing continue during COVID-19

In keeping with COVID-19 regulations, the City of West Kelowna conducted the Regular Council Meeting of April 21 via video conferencing, ensuring safe distancing of Council and staff. Public access was also restricted; and therefore, staff scheduled no matters requiring immediate public input. Council unanimously passed a procedural resolution permitting video conferencing of all Regular and Special Meetings, Committees of the Whole and other committee proceedings. The procedure will continue during the Provincial State of Emergency and for the duration of the protocols that the Province has enacted to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Council sends condolences to the people of Nova Scotia

On behalf of West Kelowna Council, City staff and the entire community, Mayor Gord Milsom extended heartfelt sympathies to the families and friends of the victims of the senseless shootings on April 18 and 19 that have so far claimed the lives of 22 people in Portapique, Wentworth, Debert, Shubenacadie and Enfield, Nova Scotia. Mayor Milsom also expressed sorrow for the loss of RCMP Const. Heidi Stevenson, a 23-year member of the force, wife and mother of two, who died in the line of duty responding to the emergency. Mayor Milsom extended condolences to the officer’s family, friends, co-workers and the national and Nova Scotia RCMP forces. “Our hearts are with you all,” said Mayor Milsom.

Mayor Milsom participates in the launch of Regional Mayors’ and WFN Chief’s Economic Recovery Task Force

Mayor Milsom committed to continue working on behalf of Westside businesses during the response and recovery to the COVID-19 pandemic, including efforts to seek further economic stimulus in the wake of the crisis. The Regional Mayors’ and WFN Chief’s Economic Recovery Task Force launched April 15. Mayor Milsom and the Mayors of Kelowna, Lake County and Peachland, the Regional District of Central Okanagan Board Chair and Chief Chris Derickson of Westbank First Nation initiated the task force. The group will seek ways to advocate for the immediate and future needs of local businesses and drive for full economic recovery in the Central Okanagan.

Devon Road church development proposal moves to public hearing

Council gave first and second readings, paving the way for a public hearing for a proposal to rezone a property at 1080 Devon Road that would allow for church construction. The 1.5 hectare property in the Rose Valley neighbourhood is currently zoned Rural Residential Small Parcel. The applicant proposes rezoning to Institutional and Assembly to allow for development of a 6,000 sq. ft. church, access road, and parking area. The date and format for the public hearing will be set once staff confirms the statutory process for holding such proceedings during the COVID-19 pandemic, in keeping with Provincial Health Officer Orders.

Cannabis production proposal moves to public hearing

Council gave first and second readings, and directed that staff schedule a public hearing, regarding a proposed multi-unit cannabis production facility in a light industrial complex under construction at 2648 Kyle Road. If adopted, the zoning amendments would reduce the minimum required buffer between the operation and the Brookhaven Care Facility property from 150 meters down to 110m. The zoning amendments would also permit cannabis production in a building with multiple occupancies. The owner would be required to place a covenant on title to notify all future tenants or occupants that the site contains a cannabis production facility. The date and format for the public hearing will be set once staff confirms the statutory process for holding such proceedings during the COVID-19 pandemic, in keeping with Provincial Health Officer Orders.

Financial relief measures to be deliberated at April 28 Special Meeting

The provincial government is enacting changes to property taxation penalties to provide relief during the COVID-19 pandemic. The proposals would delay penalties from July to October for business and commercial classes. Council directed staff to hold a special meeting on April 28 to provide further details on provincial relief measures, what steps the City of West Kelowna can take in response to the new options and what the affects have been on municipal operations resulting from financial accommodations that the municipality has already provided. Council relief measures to date have included a reduction in the 2020 tax increase from 4.8 per cent down to 2.8 and waiving the late penalty on utility bill payments for the remainder of 2020.

BC Hydro letter sheds positive light on a redundant power supply for the Greater Westside

Mayor and Council thanked BC Hydro for continuing to move forward with options to explore a second transmission line for more than 70,000 residents and businesses in West Kelowna, Peachland, Westbank First Nation and the surrounding areas. BC Hydro indicated that it continues to explore a second line between the Nicola Substation in Merritt and the Westbank Substation in Shannon Lake; however, talks also continue with FortisBC about the possibility of submerging a line in Okanagan Lake. “It is imperative that we have a redundant power supply,” said Mayor Milsom. “This is really good news.”

Mayor thanks West Kelowna for preventing the spread of COVID-19

Mayor Milsom thanked the community for continuing to adhere to the COVID-19 prevention guidelines of Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry. “I am pleased to see that people are following social distancing of two meters in our parks,” said Mayor Milsom. “The fight is still on against COVID-19 and we cannot let up. We have a ways to go before we beat COVID-19, but we can get through this situation together.” CAO Paul Gipps said that the City of West Kelowna is thankful that people continue to socially distance in trails and parks, allowing staff to keep the green spaces open as recreational options. Staff have also placed signs along many trails or trailheads to remind people to continue social distancing. The mayor closed the meeting by encouraging everyone to, “Stay safe, keep calm, and be kind to others.”