Council Highlights - June 8, 2021

Regular Council Meeting

Tuesday, June 8, 2021

Statement on Kamloops Indian Residential School discovery

In response to the heartbreaking news of the discovery of the remains of the 215 children at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School, the Mayor expressed deepest condolences to the lost children’s families, the neighbouring First Nations communities in Kamloops, our good neighbours Westbank First Nation, and across the province and country. This tragic discovery shines a light on the truths of our darkest past and for this, we must all apologize. Watch the webcast for the full statement.

Council receives presentation from Regional District of Central Okanagan

The RDCO provided information on programs and services that it delivers to West Kelowna residents including Glen Canyon, Goats Peak, Kalamoir and Rose Valley Regional Parks, Regional Waste Water Treatment Plant and Westside Residential Waste Disposal and Recycling Centre. Mayor Gord Milsom and Coun. Stephen Johnston sit on the Regional Board, with Couns. Rick de Jong and Jason Zilkie serving as alternates. View the presentation at www.westkelownacity.ca/webcasts.

Council applauds Shetler Park fundraising effort

Council received a delegation, which requested a new playground for Shetler Park in the greater Smith Creek neighbourhood. Council asked staff to include a budget request in the 2022 Budget for playground equipment and encouraged the community to continue with their fundraising efforts for additional equipment for the park.

Save the date! First public consultation on preliminary design for purpose-built City Hall/Library Building will begin June 14

Staff provided an update of next steps for the skatepark construction now that approvals are in place from the Agricultural Land Commission to relocate the skatepark adjacent to Memorial Park. Council also received a presentation providing an outline for the first round of consultation for the Preliminary Design of the City Hall/Library Building planned from June 14 to 27. Visit www.westkelownacity.ca/cityhallproject to learn more.

Fire Rescue bylaw updated to include two new neighbourhoods

Council adopted an amendment to the Fire Rescue Establishment and Operations Bylaw that provides fire prevention and emergency response services to properties within the Smith Creek and Goats Peak Comprehensive Development Plans with rezoning applications for proposed developments now moving forward.

Council receives presentation on next steps for Official Community Plan update

Council received a presentation on the communication and engagement plan for the update of the City’s Official Community Plan this summer. The next phase of input runs June 23 to July 7. Visit ourwk.ca to get involved online and learn more about the various feedback opportunities. As COVID-19 restrictions ease, staff will incorporate in-person outreach opportunities within the community. Council also requested that the team makes extra effort to engage hard to reach populations.