Council Highlights - Dec. 13, 2022

Regular Meeting

Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022

Condolences to the Loseth Family

Council expressed their deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to one of our West Kelowna families, the Loseth family, for the passing of their nine-year-old daughter, Ayla. Our hearts go out to everyone who knew her.

City of West Kelowna turns 15!

Council marked a special birthday. The City of West Kelowna celebrated its 15 years of incorporation on Dec. 6. Council thanked everyone who’s worked together with the City over the past 15 years to help build a strong and caring community.

Holiday events and Light Up well attended

Council thanked City staff for their efforts this holiday season by lighting up the city with holiday light displays. Light Up festivities on Dec. 2 were well attended and it was great to see our community come together to celebrate.

Mayor’s statement noting last Council meeting in 2022

On behalf of Council and staff, Mayor Gord Milsom wished the West Kelowna community a happy and healthy holiday season and a prosperous New Year.

Freedom of Information Bylaw adopted

Council adopted the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Bylaw for administrative updates.

2023 Council Meeting schedule

Following the public notification process, Council rescinded reading consideration given to the Council Procedure Amendment Bylaw to adjust the timing of meetings in 2023. Council approved the original 2023 Meeting Schedule with the 1:30 p.m. meeting start time. The first Council meeting of 2023 will be on Jan. 10 at 1:30 p.m.

2022 Year In Review presented

Council received the 2022 Year In Review, which highlights the City’s achievements in advancing Council’s Strategic Priorities. Major milestones included reaching the final stage of construction of the Rose Valley Water Treatment Plant, completion of the Shannon Lake-Bartley-Stevens Roundabout, enhancing neighbourhood and waterfront parks, streamlining development applications, and more. View the 2022 Year In Review document and video at westkelownacity.ca.

Council supports agreement for mobile washroom project

Council directed staff to move forward to sign the SPARC BC Homelessness Community Action Grants Project Agreement to implement a mobile shower and washroom trailer project in West Kelowna. The mobile washroom will be operated on a one-year term by the Salvation Army and is funded entirely through a provincial grant and funding from BC Housing. This temporary facility will provide access to a shower and washroom for those who are experiencing homelessness in our community.

Short-term equipment financing

Council approved borrowing up to $1,869,192 from the Municipal Finance Authority (MFA), for the purpose of funding equipment from the 2019, 2020 and 2022 Capital Plans. Council approved repayment of the loan within 5 years, with no rights of renewal. Readily available borrowing through the MFA allows the City to bring forward financing where appropriate for carryover capital projects.

Land Use Contract Amendment for 753 Lindsay Court

Council gave first and second reading to the Land Use Contract Discharge Bylaw for 753 Lindsay Court to convert an existing accessory building into a carriage home. Staff will schedule a Public Hearing for a future Council meeting.

Temporary Use Permit for 2352 McDougall Road

Council approved the issuance of the Temporary Use Permit renewal for 2352 McDougall Road, for a three-year period to permit gravel extraction for a parcel zoned A1 – Agricultural. The permit is conditional on Ministry of Mines, Agricultural Land Commission requirements and ongoing geotechnical assessment.

Glenrosa development application denied

Council denied Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw amendments to permit a townhouse development proposal for approximately 45 units at 2734 and 2736 Lower Glenrosa Road.

Zoning Bylaw Amendment for 3746A Wetton Road

Council gave first and second reading to amend the Zoning Bylaw for a proposed 12-unit townhouse complex proposed for 3746A Wetton Road. The application proposes to increase the density on the site from 0.75 to 0.95 Floor Area Ratio. Staff will schedule a Public Hearing for a future meeting.

Council gives third reading to 1045 Bear Creek Road

Following a Public Hearing, Council gave third reading to Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw amendments to rezone the 9.1 ha property at 1045 Bear Creek Road to Rural Residential. The proposed zoning application will be brought forward for consideration of adoption at a future meeting following design, cost estimates and a registered easement for extension of water service, a fire rescue filling station and turnaround as well as a future hydrogeological assessment.

Zoning Bylaw Amendment for 3575 Elliott Road

Council denied a Zoning Bylaw Amendment for 3575 Elliott Road to permit a carriage house and a secondary suite on the same property.

Council receives Short Term Accommodation and Bed and Breakfast update

Staff provided an update on the Short-Term Accommodations (STA) and Bed and Breakfast (B&B) licensing process. Council directed staff to not issue or renew business licenses that do not clearly meet the traditional definition of B&Bs and bring back necessary bylaw amendments for consideration at a future meeting as part of a broader review of the B&B Bulletin and STA Program.

Council authorizes closure of an undeveloped section of Asquith Road to accommodate a future extension of Asquith Road to Tallus Ridge Drive

Council approved the authorization of the Mayor and Corporate Officer to allow the road closure of an undeveloped portion of Asquith Road adjacent to 3030 Asquith Road for the purpose of consolidating the road to accommodate a future extension of Asquith Road to Tallus Ridge Drive. This section will be replaced in the future with a more direct road connection.

Wildfire mitigation activities and 2023 FireSmart grant application supported

Staff provided an overview of the year’s FireSmart activity in the community, which included wildfire mitigation work near roadways and 29 parks across the city. Fifty FireSmart grants were awarded and neighbourhood FireSmart plans were completed in three neighbourhoods to help protect our community.

Council directed staff to apply to the Community Resiliency Investment Program requesting the maximum grant contribution of $200,000 to conduct community FireSmart activities and support wildfire mitigation operations in 2023.