Council Highlights - April 5, 2022

Hydrogen power plant proposed for West Kelowna Business Park

Council received a delegation from a company seeking to convert recycled aluminum into hydrogen fuel, at a proposed zero-emissions plant at an industrial site on Stevens Road in the West Kelowna Business Park. View the presentation through the webcast archives at westkelownacity.ca/webcasts.

Council adopts 2022 Budget and 2022 to 2026 Financial Plan

The newly adopted 2022 budget supports key Council priorities such as public safety, infrastructure investments and efficient operations. The budget includes a four per cent tax increase, which includes 2.4 per cent to cover police services cost increases, a one per cent Infrastructure Levy to support priority infrastructure investments, and 0.6 per cent to meet other priority operating and capital costs. Learn more at westkelownacity.ca/news.

Council adopts 2022 Strategic Priorities

Council adopted its 2022 Strategic Priorities, which reflects investment in priority projects under all four pillars: Invest in Infrastructure, Economic Growth and Prosperity, Strengthen our Community and Foster Safety and Well-being. The priorities reflect community input for additional investments in infrastructure such as roads, sidewalks and active transportation, to increase RCMP members, to deliver Rose Valley Water Treatment Plant and to replace Fire Hall #32. Priorities also include increased advocacy, updating the Official Community Plan, returning Mt. Boucherie Community Centre to the community and strengthening Westbank First Nation partnerships. Learn more at westkelownacity.ca/councilpriorities.

Greater opportunities for mail-in voting proposed

Council gave first, second and third readings to proposed Local Government Election Bylaw amendments that, if approved, would provide mail-ballot voting opportunities to all electors. The Local General Election takes place Oct. 15.

Council receives update on initiatives to address homelessness in our community

The provincial Strengthening Communities' Services program is supporting a Community Support Officer position for one year to help the City build relationships with people experiencing homelessness, understand their circumstances and more closely liaise with the support services that are available to them in West Kelowna. The officer is the City’s go-to person for addressing homelessness-related public complaints, first through outreach and support and then, if necessary, enforcement.

Council supports dock application for winery in the Pritchard neighbourhood

Council gave first and second readings to a Zoning Bylaw amendment that, if approved, would allow commercial use of an existing dock at Frind Winery at 3725 Boucherie Road. The proposal will now proceed to public hearing at a future meeting.

Goats Peak Comprehensive Development area

Council adopted Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw amendments for the first phase of the Goats Peak Comprehensive Development Plan area, located between Gellatly Road South and Highway 97. The development area consists of four separate parcels with a diverse range of proposed, phased land uses. The amendments, which apply to Block C, in the center of the overall development area, will allow a mix of single-family, duplex and townhouse units to be located among parks and open spaces to the east, south and west.

Portions of Goats Peak added to Powers Creek Water Service Area

Council gave first, second and third readings to a Local Area Service Establishment Bylaw amendment that, if approved, will add a portion of the Goats Peak Comprehensive Development Area to the Powers Creek Water System. Block B is the development area located closest to Highway 97, nearest the Glenrosa Road Interchange, with a proposed mix of single- and multi-family homes.

Council proceeds with next steps in review of Development Cost Charges

Council received a consultation report as part of the City’s review of the charges that new development must contribute to future infrastructure needs such as parks, roads and sidewalks, sanitary and storm sewers and water distribution and treatment. As part of the Development Cost Charge (DCC) Review, the City had provided several input opportunities from Feb. 23 to March 11 including a virtual session with stakeholders, an online survey, an interactive project webpage at OurWK.ca, and an open house. Staff will now prepare a background report and an updated DCC Bylaw for Council’s consideration at a future meeting. The provincial government must also approve the updated bylaw prior to Council adoption.

Council receives update on Transportation Master Plan public consultation process

The City has completed Phase 1 of public consultations on the Transportation Master Plan (TMP) Update. From Feb. 14 through March 6, the City hosted individual meetings and small group sessions with partners, stakeholders and interested organizations, welcomed idea sharing through the OurWK.ca public engagement website, provided pop-up displays at key community locations and held an open house. Participants asked for safe bike routes, more sidewalks, improved transit, a connected community, roads that work for all users, improved emergency and evacuation routes, safe and welcoming streets and equitable access. This summer, the City will host Phase 2 public consultation on proposed recommendations for the City’s transportation network.