Council Highlights - Aug. 26, 2025

Regular Council Meeting

Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025

Date of Issue: Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025

Watch meetings live or through the webcast archive

Council meetings are livestreamed at westkelownacity.ca/webcasts and archived within one business day. To view the Aug. 26 webcast archive, please visit pub-westkelowna.escribemeetings.com.

Congratulations offered to Chief Robert Louie for receiving the Order of B.C.

Council offered congratulations to Westbank First Nation Chief Robert Louie for receiving the Order of British Columbia.

Catch the final Music in the Park of the season

Music in the Park has been extended with one more show this Friday, Aug. 29 at 6:30 p.m. at the Annette Beaudreau Amphitheatre in Memorial Park. After being rained out earlier this summer, LIPS: the Ultimate Rolling Stones Experience is back by popular demand. Also extended by popular demand is our new Pop Ups in the Plaza. A free outdoor line dance class has been added from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 10 during Canadian Country Music Awards week that is taking place in the Okanagan.

Social sector insights presented

The Central Okanagan Foundation presented research highlighting the strengths, gaps, and opportunities in social services in the City of West Kelowna.

Additional youth mental health services required

The Canadian Mental Health Association Kelowna & District presented its goals for expanding services, including plans to open a permanent branch in the City of West Kelowna, with a soft launch proposed for fall/winter 2026. Council passed a motion to write a letter in support of the association’s funding request for more youth mental health services in West Kelowna.

Support sought for home energy retrofit pilot project

HomeZero Collective presented Council with a draft letter and results from a Home Energy Performance Pilot Project, seeking support for a Federation of Canadian Municipalities sponsored project to improve the energy efficiency of more than 500 homes in the region. Council passed a motion to defer decision on providing a letter of support until the next meeting.

Council receives a delegation on proposed short-term rentals in the RC3 Zone

A West Kelowna resident gave a presentation about a proposed Zoning Bylaw amendment to allow short-term rentals in the RC3 Zone, requesting improved public notice, expressing concerns with allowing short-term rentals, and requesting further public consultation.

Zoning Bylaw amendment proposing short-term rentals in the RC3 Zone moves to public hearing

Council gave first reading to proposed RC3 amendments to the Zoning Bylaw that, if adopted, would allow short-term rentals (in secondary suites only) in the Compact Single Detached and Duplex Residential (RC3) Zone. A public hearing will be scheduled and publicly advertised.

Major Capital Project Review received

Council received a detailed MNP review of three recently completed major capital projects: The Rose Valley Water Treatment Plant, City Hall/Library Building, and the Operations Centre. The review acknowledged the efforts of City staff and consultants in navigating complex issues and recommended improvements to project management by developing a Capital Delivery Model.

Strategic Priorities Progress Report received

Council reviewed the 2023–2026 Strategic Priorities Progress Report, which provides an update on the status of key initiatives under the four main pillars: Invest in Infrastructure, Pursue Economic Growth and Prosperity, Strengthen Our Community and Foster Safety and Well-being.

Progress report received on Provincial Housing Target Order

Staff presented the second progress update, Report 1.2, on how the City of West Kelowna is meeting the Province of British Columbia's Housing Target Order.

CMHC Housing Accelerator Fund update provided

Council received an update on the City’s progress in delivering key milestones under the CMHC Housing Accelerator Fund grant, which supports the delivery of new affordable housing in our community. The update also outlined milestones on which staff will focus for the remainder of 2025.

Notice of Motion for Municipal Organics Recycling

Councillor Millsap introduced a Notice of Motion proposing the inclusion of a municipal organics recycling purchasing pilot program in the 2026 Budget for Council’s consideration. The motion will be brought forward for Council’s consideration at a future meeting.

Parcel Tax Roll Review Panel

The Parcel Tax Roll Review Panel, comprised of three members of Council, reviewed the roll for the Rose Valley Water Treatment Plant Project Local Area Service Parcel Tax, as legislatively required by the Community Charter.