Council Highlights - March 9, 2021

Council Meeting

Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Council expresses sympathy on the passing of Rolli Cacchioni

Council extended condolences to the family of former School District 23 Board of Education Chair, educator and community leader Rolli Cacchioni, who recently passed. Council said the community’s great memories of him and his tremendous spirit will stay with us forever.

COVID-19 vaccination clinic to open in West Kelowna

Council thanked Interior Health and City staff for collaborating to arrange space in Westbank Lions Community Centre to serve as a Westside location for COVID-19 vaccinations, starting March 22. Eligible residents can call 1-877-740-7747, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. seven days a week, to pre-book a time at the Westside location or an earlier date at a Kelowna clinic. Find eligibility and vaccination details at news.interiorhealth.ca/news/covid-19-vaccines.

Rose Valley Water Treatment Plant project achieves major milestone.

A significant construction milestone has been achieved with the City approving Maple Reinders as the general contractor for construction of Rose Valley Water Treatment Plant. The $45.1 million contract award is within budget. Site and civil construction began in spring 2020 and the project completion schedule for 2022 remains unchanged. Visit westkelownacity.ca/news for more details.

Council provided City Hall/Library Building project update

The transition from concept design to preliminary design is underway for building siting and massing at 3731 Old Okanagan Hwy. Staff has issued a pre-qualification for contractors for the Skateboard Park. No impacts to the existing skateboard park will occur until a newly transformed park is operational. Public consultation will begin this spring.

Driveway setbacks approved on three properties

Council permitted a development variance for 33 lots at 2802 Smith Creek Road for homes, garages and carports reducing the required setback from the lot line, provided that driveways remained of sufficient length so as to prevent vehicles from jutting out into the street. Similar setbacks were permitted for homes along Pritchard and Diamond View Drives.

Council defers Regional Growth Strategy Review

Council has asked the Regional District of Central Okanagan to not undertake a Regional Growth Strategy review, which was last adopted in 2014, pending outcomes of other plans that are currently underway and updates to provincial legislation which could simplify the multi-jurisdictional process. The strategy’s purpose is to create a long-term vision for growth-related matters throughout the region including housing needs, transportation, greenspace and more.

City seeks grant funding for Flood Risk Assessment and Mitigation Plan

Council supported the City’s application to the provincial Community Emergency Preparedness Fund seeking $150,000 towards creating a Flood Risk Assessment and Mitigation Plan for McDougall, Powers and Smith Creek, which have experienced past flooding and to identify future recommended prevention works over and above those already completed.