Council Highlights - Feb. 22, 2022
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2022
Council stands together against bullying
Mayor and Council showed their support for annual Pink Shirt Day, the national campaign against bullying. They asked the community to join them in treating one another with kindness and respect as an example for our children and grandchildren and to create an inclusive future for all. The Pink Shirt Day campaign aligns with the City’s Respectful Workplace Policy, which promotes courtesy and acceptance and has zero tolerance for bullying, harassment and hate in all relationships among all employees, customers and contractors.
Condolences on the passing of Rodney Wright
Mayor and Council expressed condolences to family, friends and neighbours of Rodney Wright, whom they fondly remembered as a great advocator for his Casa Loma community. The City is grateful to Mr. Wright for his many efforts to make his neighbourhood and our community a better place.
Council receives presentation on annual financial auditing process
BDO Canada provided Council with a timeline for providing them and the public with the Audited Financial Statements for the year ending Dec. 31, 2021 in keeping with the City’s ongoing commitment to transparency and accountability. Auditors will present their findings to Council at a public meeting in May, at which time the City will also post them publicly at westkelownacity.ca.
Public invited to provide input at March 3 open house
With COVID-19 restrictions lifting, the City will host an in-person open house on Phase 3 of the Official Community Plan and Phase 1 the Transportation Master Plan. Attend Thursday, March 3, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Cove Lakeside Resort to provide your feedback on how and where our city will grow and how you will get around over the next 20 years. Online input also continues at OurWK.ca.
Council approves mixed-use development proposal for Westbank Centre
Council adopted a Zoning Bylaw amendment that permits construction of live/work units at 3595 Elliott Road, while maintaining the property’s neighbourhood commercial zoning. The bylaw includes increased requirements to address parking demands in the area. The developer must now provide details on building types, landscaping, parking layout and height prior to the City issuing a development permit.
Development variance issued for new home construction in Shannon Lake
Council authorized a Development Variance Permit for 2169 Ensign Quay to reduce the front setback between the planned garage and the City’s road Right of Way from 6.0 to 4.52 metres to accommodate construction of a single-family home, while also ensuring the minimum driveway length of six meters will be maintained.
New utility rates adopted to reflect sewer, waste collection and water costs
Council approved the following utility rate amendments for 2022:
- An $8.25-per-quarter increase in Rose Valley water rates to cover anticipated capital and increased operating costs.
- An $8.75-per-quarter increase in Powers Creek water rates to fund short-term debt to replace aging infrastructure and to cover increased operating costs at the treatment plant.
- A $2.78-per-quarter increase in sewer rates, which the City has not adjusted in the last four years, to build reserves and to fund debt for future infrastructure upgrades.
- A net $4.97-per-quarter reduction in waste management services fees, to account for a difference between higher landfill tipping fees and lower curbside collection costs.
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