Council Highlights - Feb. 23, 2021

Council shows support for 2021 Pink Shirt Day

Council donned pink to support anti-bullying initiatives. The City has a respectful workplace free of harassment and bullying and Council applauds staff and community members who show kindness at work, school and in their daily lives. Pink Shirt Day is Feb. 24. It began in 2007 when a community rallied around a youth whom kids had bullied because he wore a pink shirt to school.

2021 Budget consultation continues

Public consultation on the 2021 Budget and Council Strategic Priorities 2021-2022 Update will close Thursday, Feb. 25. West Kelowna residents can share their feedback or sign up for a Question and Answer Session scheduled for Feb. 25 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Staff will present a feedback summary to Council in March prior to final adoption in the spring. Visit westkelownacity.ca for more information.

Second annual Urban Re-Leaf Program starts soon

Building on the success of the last year’s Urban Re-leaf program there will be 200 trees, 50 more from the previous year available to West Kelowna residents from Mar. 8 to Apr. 1. The program provides trees to residents at half the costs of regular retail prices. Find information on how to buy and pick up one of the five varieties by visiting the City’s website at westkelownacity.ca/urbanreleaf.

Rose Valley Water Treatment Plant update provided

The Tender for General Contractor Award closed Feb. 18 with Maple Reinders selected as the preferred contractor. Staff will provide a public update to Council once due diligence is completed. The Plant is scheduled for completion in 2022.

City Hall/Library Building Project update given

The City Hall/Library Building Project is in the early stages of the Preliminary Design Phase and the project team is working closely with the Okanagan Regional Library Board in preparation for beginning the first round of public consultation this spring. Sign up for project updates at westkelownacity.ca/subscribe.

Application for non-farm use supported to accommodate potential skate park relocation

Council supported an application to the Agricultural Land Commission seeking non-farm use for the relocation of the skateboard park on a portion of 3743 Old Okanagan Highway in the Agricultural Land Reserve. The request would see the existing facility built at the nearby location as part of the overall site development for the City Hall/Library Building.

Regional District of Central Okanagan Board representation discussed

Council supported a change in the RDCO representation composition to reduce the challenges of having enough representation on the board as our region anticipates continued growth. The new composition, if put in place by the Province, will ensure the Regional Board can continue to have full representation from each of its members.

Proposed short-term rental regulations proceed to public hearing

Council gave first and second readings to Zoning Bylaw amendments, which, if adopted, would permit short term rentals in specific agricultural, rural and single-family residential zones, subject to new regulations and obtaining a business licence to operate. Staff anticipate scheduling a public hearing for the March 16 Special Council Meeting. Current Provincial Health Orders restrict in person attendance and residents are encouraged to watch live at westkelownacity.ca/webcasts. The public can submit written comments to Council in advance and sign-up to register to call in during the public hearing by calling 778-797-2250. Visit westkelowna.ca/shorttermrentals for details.

Council endorses first-ever Community Vision

Council thanked the community for their input over the past seven months in endorsing the City’s first Community Vision, launched June 2020 to establish the foundation for West Kelowna’s future to 2040. Read our news release at westkelownaicty.ca/news.

Sign variance approved

Council permitted a development variance to allow the Nature’s Gate development at 2575 Eagle Ridge Drive to install two signs, one at the main entrance with a six-square-metre area and another at the north entry at three square metres.

Water rate increases adopted in keeping with four-year plan

Council adopted the 2021 water rate increase, which originally underwent public consultation in 2017. Rose Valley water rates will increase 11 per cent, as planned, or an average of $17.29 per quarter. Powers Creek users will see the expected eight per cent increase or $12.74 per quarter. The City implemented increases starting in 2018 to equalize the rates between the two systems, ensure proper maintenance of existing water distribution and treatment assets, build reserves to assist in future upgrades and deliver clean, safe drinking water throughout the community by 2022.