Council Highlights - Feb. 11, 2025

Feb. 11, 2025 Regular Meeting
Date of Issue: Feb. 12, 2025

Watch meetings live or via the webcast archive
Council meetings are livestreamed at westkelownacity.ca/webcasts and archived within one business day. To view the Feb. 11 webcast archive, please visit pub-westkelowna.escribemeetings.com.

King Charles III Coronation Medals presented for community service
West Kelowna Mayor and Council and Central Okanagan – Similkameen – Nicola MP Dan Albas proudly presented King Charles III Coronation medals to eight citizens for contributions to Canada and our community. MP Albas, West Kelowna – Peachland MLA Macklin McCall, who sent regrets at being unable to attend due to commitments in Victoria, Mayor and Council, staff and a full audience of family and friends in attendance, extended heartfelt congratulations to honourees for their dedication, hard work and positive impacts in our community:

• Tina Bisson
• Melissa Anne Grassmick
• Al Hildebrandt
• Joe Houben
• Adrian Marr
• Dr. Hua Meng
• Ricki Morin
• Carl Zanon

A full list of biographies is provided below. Congratulations also to other award recipients who are receiving honours in other ceremonies. Watch the presentation via the webcast archive.

Appointment of Corporate Officer
Council appointed Legislative and Legal Services Director Mark Panneton as the City of West Kelowna’s new Corporate Officer, effective Feb. 18. For more information, please read staff’s report to Council.

Green Bay dredging project approved
Council adopted the Green Bay Dredging Project - Phase 2 Establishment Bylaw after property owners supported creating a Local Area Service to fund and complete improvements to the channel for safe boat access. Phase 1 evaluated environmental, financial and construction considerations. Phase 2 will involve the engineering, environmental and dredging components.

Council Housing Infrastructure Fund
Council directed staff to apply to the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF) seeking 40 percent federal contributions for the Westbank Centre PRV Improvement Project, which would improve flows for firefighting and drinking water in the urban centre. The project aligns with CHIF criteria by supporting water infrastructure improvements that would allow for denser development of more affordable, missing middle housing in an area already well served by municipal infrastructure.

Active Transportation Fund
Council directed staff to apply to the federal Active Transportation Fund (ATF) requesting 60 per cent federal funding contributions for Elliott Road improvements between Smith Creek and Reece Roads. The project is currently in the design stage and is listed in the 10-Year-Capital Plan for construction as early as 2026. The Elliott Road project meets objectives of the ATF program by providing cycling lanes and sidewalks, creating pedestrian connections between transit stops and improving safety.

Cemetery fee increases to be considered for final adoption
Council gave first, second and third readings to a new West Kelowna Cemetery Bylaw which, if adopted, will raise fees to create a self-funded service, to be covered primarily through user rates rather than taxation, much like the way in which utilities are funded. Staff’s report to Council shows that current cemetery operations use 2.0 FTEs for operations and maintenance and administration, but fees cover 0.5 FTEs. Taxes subsidize 1.5 FTEs. Council supports increasing fees to provide greater user-funded service levels that would address requests for improved maintenance and would plan and design for future, sustainable improvements.

Rose Valley source water improvements update
Council received the Rose Valley source water improvements report following a presentation from staff, which can be viewed via the webcast archive. Improvements will help mitigate increasingly challenging conditions in Rose Valley Reservoir and be completed in phases, starting with the installation of a potassium permanganate system, in late spring or early summer 2025. Aeration improvements are scheduled to occur in Spring 2026. The provincial government is planning to replant around the reservoir in 2026 and, longer-term, the intake screen will need to be replaced. Staff is also planning to resume the flushing program in the Rose Valley Water Service Area in 2025 to help remove accumulated sediment from the distribution system to prevent water discoloration that occurs when unanticipated events such as watermain breaks cause high velocity flows in the pipes.

Background: King Charles III Coronation Medal recipient biographies, in order of presentation

Tina Bisson – introduced by Councillor Stephen Johnston
Tina Bisson exemplifies outstanding leadership and dedication in both business and community service. Beginning her journey at Manchester Signs in 2010, she took ownership in 2022, ensuring its continued success. Beyond business, Tina's passion for community shines through her role as president of Westside Daze, West Kelowna’s premier family entertainment event. Her leadership has elevated celebrations like Canada Day, the Westside Daze Parade, and the Children's Festival, fostering inclusivity and joy. A recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal, Tina’s ability to balance business success with impactful community initiatives makes her a true inspiration, strengthening bonds and creating lasting traditions.

Melissa Anne Grassmick – introduced by Councillor Tasha Da Silva
Melissa Anne Grassmick, inspired by her daughter, Julia, who was paralyzed by a blood clot when she was 17 months old, led the fundraising for West Kelowna’s first fully accessible playground called Julia’s Junction – Inclusive Play Space. Melissa and her team raised a majority of the $900,000 needed to complete the 12,000-square-foot all-inclusive playground. Our community is grateful for Melissa’s outstanding leadership, unwavering commitment and unparalleled dedication to make this project a reality. Melissa also serves our community as a member of the City’s Accessibility and Inclusion Committee and as a Rotarian.

Al Hildebrandt – introduced by Councillor Rick de Jong
Al Hildebrandt’s journey, from police officer, to entrepreneur, to philanthropist, embodies the spirit of community service and leadership. Named Kelowna’s Citizen of the Year in 2020, Al’s impact extends from local initiatives to global humanitarian efforts. After founding QHR Technologies and selling it in 2016, he dedicated his life to philanthropy, supporting organizations like the KGH Foundation, Cops for Kids, and World Vision. His strategic approach to giving, including matching incentives, has amplified community impact. Internationally, he has funded projects in healthcare, clean water, and child protection across multiple countries. A key achievement was Kelowna’s Global 6K for Water, raising over $250,000. Al’s lifelong commitment to service, innovation, and philanthropy makes him a deserving recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal.

Joe Houben – introduced by Councillor Rick de Jong
Today, we honor Johannes "Joe" Houben, an exceptional immigrant from the Netherlands who has devoted over 40 years to law enforcement. With 25 years at the Calgary Police Service and 14 years with the RCMP, Joe's career has been marked by a commitment to public safety and justice. His work in uniform, vice, and major crimes investigation has brought justice to many, while his mentorship has instilled values of professionalism, integrity, and duty in countless officers. Joe's journey to staff sergeant and his work in homicide investigations reflect his dedication. Now serving with ICBC's Special Investigations Unit, Joe continues to inspire through his service, embodying the Canadian dream. We thank him for his lifetime of service to our community and country.

Adrian Marr – introduced by Mayor Gord Milsom
Since 2021, Adrian Dwayne Marr and his family have generously dedicated several acres of land in the Rose Valley neighborhood of West Kelowna for temporary public use as an off-leash dog park and as a multi-use pathway area. Adrian volunteers his time daily to pick up after the pets in the dog park, groom the trails, perform fire mitigation and to ensure the wellness/play area stays safe and clear of litter. Adrian and his family also host an annual community dog social, education and fundraiser event for pet emergency services. Adrian also currently serves as a volunteer for the Royal Canadian Humane Association - Canada Bravery and Lifesaving Awards, with the West Kelowna Salvation Army and as a board member of the Westbank Museum.

Dr. Hua Meng – introduced by Councillor Jason Friesen
Dr. Hua Meng is a visionary leader who has transformed countless lives in the Okanagan Valley. A McGill University Ph.D. graduate and medical scientist, she has dedicated over a decade to helping newcomers thrive through the OCCA Communities Association. Under her leadership, OCCA provides career-building programs, essential immigrant services, after-school initiatives, and cultural celebrations that foster unity. Dr. Meng has also brought together diverse cultural groups, strengthening community bonds. Her dedication to inclusivity and opportunity embodies the best of Canadian values. In receiving the King Charles III Coronation Medal, Dr. Meng is rightfully recognized for her outstanding contributions.

Ricki Morin – introduced by Mayor Gord Milsom
Ricki Morin, founder and chairperson of the West Kelowna Youth Ambassador Program, is a true pillar of our community. With unwavering dedication, she has transformed the lives of countless young people, guiding them toward confidence and leadership. Rain or shine, Ricki devotes endless hours to mentoring, transporting, and encouraging youth, ensuring they reach their full potential. Her impact is profound—helping shy teenagers blossom into strong, capable leaders. Through her selfless service, she has created a legacy of hope and inspiration. A deserving recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal, Ricki’s contributions will continue to shape our community for generations.

Carl Zanon – introduced by Councillor Carol Zanon
Councillor Carol Zanon stated that it was her profound privilege to speak about her beloved husband Carl, as he received the King Charles III Coronation Medal for his lifelong dedication to service. His connection to the Crown began in 1953 when, as a sea cadet, he represented British Columbia at Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation. His distinguished career spanned aerospace engineering, groundbreaking X-ray technology development, and teaching at Okanagan College. Even in retirement, Carl remains deeply involved in the community, serving as past president of the Gellatly Nut Farm Society, contributing to West Kelowna Community Policing, and leading the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers’ Vancouver Section Life Members Affinity Group. His unwavering commitment to service and innovation has left a lasting impact locally and beyond. This medal is a fitting tribute to a man who embodies the values of dedication, excellence, and community spirit. Carl’s contributions continue to inspire, making him a truly deserving recipient of this prestigious honor.