Council Highlights - May 25, 2021

Regular Meeting

Tuesday, May 25, 2021

Expenditures approved for City Hall Project

As outlined in the Five-Year Financial Plan Bylaw, Council approved $16 million in expenditures to construct its first City Hall. Watch for public engagement opportunities on the design of City Hall coming starting this spring on www.ourwk.ca. Sign up to receive project updates at www.westkelownacity.ca/subscribe.

Central Okanagan Public Schools’ plan for Westside Secondary School update

Subject to Board of Education approval May 26, a new Westside Secondary School would open in September 2025. As a result, two small parcels of city-leased land, a dog park and community garden adjacent to the École George Pringle school site, will be decommissioned by the Board of Education in January 2024. New locations will be established by the City and no impacts to the existing amenities in Westbank Centre would occur prior to January 2024. The Board of Education and City staff will also work together to address related changes by summer 2022 to the Webber Road facility currently sub-leased to the Okanagan Boys and Girls Club.

OCP and Zoning Bylaw amendments rescinded for proposed Shannon Lake development

Council rescinded first reading of Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw amendments for a proposed multi-family development on a 1.35 hectare land assembly at 2749 and 2769 Shannon Lake Road as the applicant is seeking a new prospective buyer for the site.

Bylaw amendment adopted to facilitate faster cleanup of unsightly premises

Council adopted a Good Neighbour Bylaw amendment that will require clean-up of unsightly properties within 48 hours after the City gives notice, instead of 14 days, in particular cases of ongoing non-compliance.

Smith Creek and Goats Peak developments added to fire rescue bylaw

Council has given first, second and third readings to an amendment to the Fire Rescue Establishment and Operations Bylaw that, if adopted, would provide fire prevention and emergency response services to properties within the Smith Creek and Goats Peak Comprehensive Development Plans as rezoning applications for proposed developments have now begun to move forward.

Council will trial a new public hearing process

Council will run a one-year trial of a new public hearing procedure. Council will consider third reading and possibly adoption at the meeting that follows a public hearing. Typically, Council waits until a subsequent meeting held two or more weeks later. Since Council cannot receive further submissions after the public hearing closes, the trial process will allow Council to consider proposals while community feedback is top of mind.

City seeks grant for housing needs assessment

Council approved staff’s application to a provincial grant program, seeking $30,000 to complete a Housing Needs Assessment for the City of West Kelowna. The City’s assessment will build on a regional report completed in 2019, by providing more specific information on the types and locations of housing, and the complimentary services and supports needed, for the Greater Westside Community.

Short term borrowing approved for fire protection and public works equipment

Council authorized short term borrowing of up to $2,195,894 over five years for the purchase of various equipment approved in the five-year financial plan including a new fire engine, back-up generators and pump connections for sewer lift stations and mowers required to bring parks maintenance in-house.