Council Highlights - Oct. 13, 2020

Council Meeting

October 13, 2020

Rose Valley Water Treatment Plant adopts local area service and long-term borrowing bylaws

Council considered and adopted the local area service and long-term borrowing bylaws with 229 of 8,267 future Rose Valley Water Treatment Plant property owners submitting petition-against forms prior to the October 2, 2020 deadline. Early works construction is nearly completed. The plant is scheduled to be operational in 2022.

Bylaw Permissive Tax Exemption

Council provided first, second and third reading in accordance to Section 225 of the Community Charter to exempt eligible properties from taxation for 2021. The bylaw, if adopted, will provide full exemptions for 14 places of workshop and private schools, full or partial exemptions for six not-for-profit organizations and full exemptions for two public/local authorities.

Preliminary results of the first phase of West Kelowna’s Community Visioning

Council received the first presentation of preliminary engagement summary outcomes and draft framework to further inform the building of West Kelowna’s new Community Vision. Council thanked residents and community champions for taking part in #OURWK. Next steps will see the draft Community Vision reviewed through another round of community engagement anticipated November to December 2020. The Community Vision will be the foundation for the update of the Official Community Plan starting in the new year.

Application for 2789 Highway 97 S

Council supported the ALR Non-Farm Use application for the construction of a winery prior to the vineyard being planted and in production, and directed staff to forward the application to the Agricultural Land Commission for consideration. A proposed building height variance for the proposed 35.05m tasting facility (lighthouse) was postponed pending additional information from staff and the applicant, and providing an opportunity for the public to provide feedback to Council.

Development permit for Apollo Road authorized
Council authorized the mixed commercial and residential use building on 2417 Apollo Road which will consist of eight residential units and 110 square metres of commercial space. The proposed design elements align with the City’s design guidelines by increasing the walkability and streetscape characteristics.

Corporate Climate Action Update

Council received the annual report detailing the initiatives taken in 2019 to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as part of its commitments to the B.C. Climate Action Charter. The Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program (CARIP) is a conditional grant to help municipalities reduce GHG in City operations and in the community. Council directed staff to revisit commitments as they relate to community and corporate targets.

Alignment of Westbank Cemetery fees and service

Council gave first, second and third reading to amend the Cemetery Bylaw No. 0166 and alignment of fees to correlate with added services, improvements and cost recovery. The Cemetery will provide a service to the community for the next 25 years with the option to expand.

Park and Playground Inspection and Maintenance Policy

Council approved a policy that will establish a formality around Parks and Playground inspection procedures and frequency to improve safety and limit potential claims.

Council approves sourcing for new fire engine
Council approved using an RMA/Sourcewell Buying Group contract for the replacement of a West Kelowna Fire Rescue fire engine. It is expected that use of the established buying group will result in 5 pre cent savings over a Request for Proposal process. The existing fire engine has passed its service lifespan, with more than 14,400 hours of service to the community. The $1,056,000 piece of equipment falls within previous estimates and the purchase was approved as a part of the 2020 Capital Budget.

Council Meeting Schedule for 2021

Council endorsed the 2021 Council Schedule.