Council Highlights - June 10, 2025

Regular Meeting

Tuesday, June 10, 2025

Date of Issue: Wednesday, June 11, 2025

Watch meetings live or through the webcast archive

Council meetings are livestreamed at westkelownacity.ca/webcasts and archived within one business day. To view the June 10 webcast archive, please visit pub-westkelowna.escribemeetings.com.

Council recognizes National Indigenous Peoples Day

National Indigenous Peoples Day is June 21 – the longest day of the year, which has meaning for First Nations, Inuit and Métis as a time of renewal, connection, and celebration. West Kelowna Council’s Strategic Priorities include a commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, and they encourage you to join them in recognizing the day by perhaps enjoying Indigenous art, films and literature, attending an event, or in your own way. Local events include the Turtle Island Festival on Leon Avenue in Kelowna from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on June 21 and Westside Multiculturalism Day at West Kelowna’s Memorial Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 28.

Councillors report on beneficial Federation of Canadian Municipalities convention

Councillors Da Silva, Johnston, Millsap and Zanon and Chief Administrative Officer Ron Bowles attended the Federation of Canadian Municipalities annual convention in Ottawa from May 29 to June 1 as the City of West Kelowna continues to seek support and funding from the federal government on infrastructure renewal and expansion, growth, housing, public safety, accessibility and more. The convention also offered opportunities to learn about ways to more effectively communicate with our community, to reduce red tape, uses of artificial intelligence, homelessness and more. Council also met with representatives from comparably sized municipalities to learn about their similar challenges and share solutions and success stories.

West Kelowna Council recommends non-support of curbside food waste collection

Following a presentation from Regional District of Central Okanagan staff on a proposed curbside food waste collection program, Council determined that it was unable to support the City’s participation in the program, at this time, noting the financial impacts of the City of Kelowna’s decision not to participate, amongst other factors.

Council seeks more information on proposed new regional transportation service

Following a presentation from the Regional District of Central Okanagan regarding a proposed new regional transportation service, West Kelowna Council requested that City staff provide a report on the financial and other implications associated with participation, which would be expected to start in 2026 at an initial annual cost to the municipality of $64,000. The proposed service would coordinate the collaboration of local governments, BC Transit and the BC Ministry of Transportation and Transit in strategizing and planning for future improvements and support regional initiatives such as GoByBike Weeks.

Interior Health gives drinking water quality presentation

Interior Health, which works closely with City of West Kelowna staff to ensure drinking water quality, gave a presentation to Council on the Rose Valley Water Treatment Plant, and on Rose Valley Reservoir Source Water including last year’s challenges with manganese, which are being addressed through source water improvements that are currently in the works. Interior Health also provides drinking water resources online at drinkingwaterforeveryone.ca.

Okanagan Regional Library provides presentation on community services and initiatives

Okanagan Regional Library (ORL) staff appeared as a delegation to Council to present information on the many programs and services that it provides in communities throughout the valley, including at the new West Kelowna Branch in the City Hall/Library Building at 3731 Old Okanagan Highway. ORL staff and Mayor and Council encouraged the community to visit and enjoy the new branch, which has been receiving many rave reviews from visitors.

Recreation and Culture presents program and events update

West Kelowna Recreation and Culture provided an update on upcoming City programs and events including summer favourites such as Music in the Park and Park Play Days. New events this summer include Pop Ups In the Plaza and Farmer’s Market on the Plaza at the City Hall/Library Building. Also new is a Stanley Cup Watch Party that the City is hosting in partnership with the West Kelowna Warriors, starting with Game 5 at Royal LePage Place. The City continues to support and participate in community events such as Canada Day, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on July 1, and Westside Daze, from July 10 to 13. Visit westkelownacity.ca/cityevents for more information.

Shannon Lake Community Centre proposal site review

Council thanked the Shannon Lake Neighbourhood Association for bringing forward a proposal earlier this year for consideration of a community and daycare centre building at Shannon Woods Park. Council received the staff report, which offered a preliminary review of the proposal. Council noted that the timing for such a project was not right, for now, but could be worth considering in the future.

Temporary use permit approved for agritourism accommodations at Quails’ Gate Winery

Council authorized a temporary use permit, for three years, for agri-tourism accommodations, in an existing single detached dwelling and carriage house, at Quails’ Gate Winery at 3303 Boucherie Road. The seven planned guest rooms must offer minimum three-night stays.

Staff to prepare bylaws proposing short-term rentals in the RC3 Zone

Council directed staff to proceed with making bylaw amendments that, if adopted at a future meeting, would permit short-term rentals, in the form of secondary suites, in the Compact Single Detached Residential Zone (RC3).

Council provides further direction on Rose Valley Water initiatives

Council received a report on funding reconciliation for the Rose Valley Water Treatment Plant (RVWTP) Project and also approved a second intake in September 2025 for parcel owners who may wish to pay the optional upfront lump sum for their share of RVWTP construction. Council did not approve an independent review of the 2014 Water Utility Master Plan, instead opting to continue moving forward with an update of the plan that is already underway. Council also directed staff to expedite a new aeration system for Rose Valley Reservoir in 2025, instead of 2026.