Council Highlights - Feb. 8, 2022

Regular Meeting

Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2022

Regional housing strategy update presented

The Regional District of Central Okanagan is updating the Regional Affordable Housing Strategy to identify gaps, improve access to affordable and attainable housing and address homelessness. Watch a presentation at westkelownacity.ca/webcasts or view the PowerPoint. You can also provide your input at rdco.com/housing.

Sign variance approved in Gellatly/Goats Peak neighbourhood

Council approved a Sign Bylaw variance, for three-years, increasing the maximum size of two temporary real estate signs from 6.0 to 8.9 and 14.9 square metres. The variance also permits one sign to be located off site, at nearby Highway 97 South to promote sales of new residences in the recently approved Goats Peak Comprehensive Development Area along Gellatly Road South.

Bylaw Compliance and Enforcement Policy updated

Council adopted housekeeping amendments to the Bylaw Compliance and Enforcement Policy including a new flow chart that will guide residents through the complaint process. Find the new flowchart on the City’s website.

Water regulations amendments adopted

Council adopted Water Regulations Bylaw amendments, which require all new residential construction to have water meters installed in secure outside pits, rather than inside dwellings, to make replacements and repairs easier. The amendments also allow the City to install water meters in outside pits, at a homeowner’s expense, when a resident refuses to allow the City to repair or replace an existing indoor, malfunctioning meter, ensuring that all customers pay their fair share of operating the non-profit water system.

New utility rates reflect sewer, waste collection and water costs

Council gave first, second and third readings to new utility rates for 2022. The proposal includes:

• 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.

• 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 contract costs.

Development variance granted for new home construction in Green Bay

Council permitted a development variance at 1355 Green Bay Road, reducing the minimum setback from the proposed home frontage to the roadside property line, from 4.5 to 3.0 metres, to enable construction of a new detached, single-family residence.

Development variance permitted for carriage house construction in Lakeview Heights

Council approved a development variance at 828 Franwill Road to allow the roof of a newly proposed carriage house to exceed the height of the peak of the existing principal residence, located on the same lot.

Public input needed on Official Community Plan and Transportation Master Plan Updates

Council received an update on the Official Community Plan (OCP) draft land-use plan and the first phase of the Transportation Master Plan (TMP). Together, the updates for the OCP and the TMP will help create a vision of a vibrant, walkable and connected West Kelowna. The OCP plan proposes that most future growth occur in urban and neighbourhood centres to set the foundation for better transit, more housing variety and complete neighbourhoods. The TMP will help inform recommendations for future network upgrades to accommodate growth, encourage greener modes of transportation and facilitate neighbourhood connectivity. Public consultation is open from Feb. 14 to 28. Learn more and provide input at ourwk.ca.

Council supports future construction of accessible and inclusive playground

Council supported the future construction of a fully accessible playground at one of three potential park locations in the City. Staff will further investigate the most suitable location. Council will dedicate $75,000 to the project this year, and consider a further $125,000 during 2023 budget deliberations. Council also asked staff to set up a trust fund to receive public donations for the project.

Vehicle and Equipment Acquisition, Replacement and Disposal Policy updated

The City’s Vehicle and Equipment Acquisition, Replacement and Disposal Policy was more than 10 years old and has been updated to account for the purchase of models with electric, hybrid and other alternative sources of power. The policy also allows staff to repurpose older vehicles for lighter duties, if possible, to extend their use prior to disposal.

Grant funding sought for Powers Creek Water Treatment Plant intake screen

Council directed staff to apply to the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program seeking funding under the BC Green Infrastructure Environmental Quality sub-stream to replace the aging intake screens at Powers Creek Water Treatment Plant with project construction anticipated in 2023 as recommended in the City’s 10-year capital plan.