Council Highlights - Dec. 14, 2021

On behalf of Council, Mayor Gord Milsom thanked the West Kelowna community for remaining strong, resilient and compassionate throughout the year. Well wishes were extended to all for a safe and peaceful holiday season and a prosperous New Year!

Council approved the Emission Reduction Policy to implement carbon neutral strategies for the replacement of City operated equipment. This policy follows the Province of BC’s Zero-Emission Vehicle Act, supports Council’s priority for energy efficiency, and reduced carbon emissions.

Council approved early approvals of $11.2 million for current commitments and the timely delivery of infrastructure projects. Public consultation on the 2022 Budget and Capital Plan is underway to hear from the community on priorities. Visit ourwk.ca/2022budget to learn more.

As a matter of procedure, Council gave first, second and third reading to the current 2021 Financial Plan. Staff has accumulated all amendments throughout the year to bring forward for Council consideration at the end of the current fiscal year.

Council received an update on the activities to bolster the Peer Ambassadors program operated by Partners in Resources (Piers), funded through the Union of BC Municipalities. A newly assigned bylaw community support officer is proactively working with Piers, community groups and specialized populations to enhance connections to resources and contribute to a safer environment for all members in the community.

Council approved a 20-unit townhouse development at 825 Anders Road, with variances to the Zoning Bylaw to reduce the minimum amenity space from 500 m2 to 0 m2, and to reduce the number loading spaces from 1 to 0. A contribution of an amenity cash-in-lieu of $36,000 will be dedicated to future neighbourhood park improvements.

Council gave second reading to revise the Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw and second reading for zoning amendments to consider up to 60 townhomes and permit a corresponding moorage facility to a maximum of 60 slips, reducing it from the proposed 242-slip commercial marina. The development proposal will be brought forward to a future public hearing.

Council directed staff to proceed with development of the preferred growth concept as part of the 2040 Official Community Plan (OCP) update. An additional 12,000 residents are expected to make West Kelowna home by 2040 and planning is underway to confirm where this growth will occur. The preferred growth concept proposes to concentrate growth in urban and neighbourhood centres in support of creating vibrant and complete communities. A key component of the land use plan will enhance and promote the West Kelowna Business Park as the economic core of the city. The public will have an opportunity to view the draft land use plan and preferred growth concept in a future public consultation activities in the New Year. Learn more about the OCP update, visit ourwk.ca/ocp.

Council received an update of the draft rates proposed for the City’s Development Cost Charges (DCCs). DCCs are a method to fund infrastructure for roads, sewer, water, storm drainage, and parks associated with future growth. Collected from developers, DCCs are used to offset some of the infrastructure expenditures required to service new development. With the draft rates considered by Council, next steps will include stakeholder consultation with the development community and introduce the draft DCC Bylaw at a future public information session for feedback.

Council received a request to trial a pilot project brought forward by the Greater Westside Board of Trade, to allow the consumption of alcohol at designated parks and beaches. Council has deferred the request until further notice due to current resourcing of City priorities.

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