Council Highlights - Jan. 27, 2026

Date of Issue: Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026

Watch meetings live or through the webcast archive

Council meetings are livestreamed at westkelownacity.ca/webcasts and archived within one business day. Please visit pub-westkelowna.escribemeetings.com to view the Jan. 27 webcast archive.

Council encourages participation in creating the Community Safety and Well-being Plan

Council encouraged the public to participate in a survey and Feb. 11 to 13 workshops to help create the City’s first Community Safety and Well-Being Plan, which seeks solutions on housing, mental health, public safety and supports youth, seniors, families and Indigenous residents. Please, visit OurWK.ca/communitysafetyplan.

Presentation given on proposed mixed-use residential/sports complex development

A developer provided a presentation regarding a proposed mixed-use residential and sports complex development. Council requested that staff bring forward a report outlining next steps regarding the proposed development.

Brown Road mixed-use development proposal will be considered for adoption

Council gave second and third readings to a Zoning Bylaw Amendment for 3898 Brown Road that, if adopted, would permit a mixed-use housing, childcare and commercial development, with conditions. The proposal would secure approximately 4.1 hectares of new parkland, trail access and wildfire mitigation. Road, servicing and emergency access upgrades would be phased with development.

Amendments adopted to align Official Community Plan with provincial housing legislation

Council adopted Official Community Plan amendments to align municipal policies with provincial Small Scale Multi Unit Housing legislation and the City’s Interim Housing Needs Report, in support of current and future housing development.

Amendments to the Housing Accelerator Fund bylaw adopted

Council adopted Official Community Plan amendments which enable Housing Accelerator Fund – Pre-Approved Building Plans and Designs to be used. The changes aim to streamline approvals by exempting duplexes and CMHC fourplex designs from certain development permits.

Election Officers appointed for the 2026 General Local Election

Council appointed Polly Palmer as the Chief Election Officer and Mark Panneton and Rebecca Narinesingh as Deputy Chief Election Officers for the 2026 General Local Election on Oct. 17.

Warming Bus Policy to be modified

Council requested modifications to, and deferred consideration of, the Emergency Weather Response (Warming Bus) Policy. The policy sought to provide guidelines for site selection and permitting for the Warming Bus program, which is provided by a community organization and funded by BC Housing.

Quarterly update given on Mount Boucherie Community Centre Restoration Project

Council requested staff provide an updated risk registry on the Mount Boucherie Community Centre Restoration Project. The project remains within the approved $4.8 million budget and on schedule for September 2026 completion. The completed facility will support childcare, community programming and recreation administration.

Traffic Bylaw amendments adopted

Council adopted traffic-related bylaw amendments to update enforcement, ticketing and fee structures. The amendments provide clearer and more modern traffic management procedures for the City.

Royal Canadian Legion commemorative crosswalk to be installed

Council approved painting a Royal Canadian Legion commemorative crosswalk at the Dobbin/Highway 97 North and Elliott Road intersection to honour veterans and active service members. The $20,000 project is scheduled to be completed by July 17 to coincide with the Legion’s 100-year anniversary.

Letter of support endorsed for electronic fire danger rating signs

Council authorized the Mayor to issue a letter of support for a community-led fundraising initiative to install electronic fire danger rating signs in high-risk areas. The signs would provide real-time wildfire risk information and emergency messaging, strengthening public awareness and community safety during wildfire season.

Council supports regional grant applications for emergency preparedness funding

Council supported regional applications to the UBCM Community Emergency Preparedness Fund to strengthen emergency operations, training, public notification, and evacuation planning for the Central Okanagan. The Regional District of Central Okanagan, which administers the regional emergency management program on behalf of local governments, would manage and coordinate the grants.