Council Moves Forward With Strategic Priorities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 29, 2020

West Kelowna City Council has adopted its 2020 – 2022 Strategic Priorities aimed at providing programs, services and facilities that will serve the Greater Westside community now and for generations to come.

The strategy includes four key pillars and a number of priority projects that reflect Council’s commitment to developing its vibrant, resilient and inclusive community of individuals and families who work together to prosper and who care for one another. The four pillars include:

• Invest in Infrastructure:
  • Rose Valley Water Treatment Plant
  • Major Roadworks (Gellatly Rd, Glenrosa Rd, Shannon Lake Rd and Stevens Rd/Bartley Rd Roundabout)
  • Public Works Yard
  • Fire Hall #32
  • Plan for City Hall

• Economic Growth and Prosperity:
  • Increased vitality in core city and neighbourhood centres
  • Growth in local businesses
  • Quality, innovative urban development
  • Policies and advocacy to enhance economic prosperity
  • Continued growth in tourism

• Strengthen Our Community:
  • Community building partnerships with Westbank First Nation, local governments and organizations in the region, and strengthening our Federal and Provincial partnerships
  • Events and festivals in West Kelowna community parks
  • Community Visioning
  • Official Community Plan Update
  • Mayor's Youth Council

• Foster Safety and Well-being:
  • Influence increased access to health care services and networks, including advocating for an urgent and primary care centre
  • Advocate for social housing facilities, including subsidized and seniors housing, and services to reduce homelessness
  • Wildfire mitigation measures
  • Review and enhance protective services
  • Fostering a culture of environmental stewardship, including review of the climate action charter

“We’re excited about moving forward with staff to deliver the priorities of Council, some of which are long-overdue,” says Mayor Gord Milsom. “We’re a young municipality and after the first year together as a new Council, we’ve reset our goals and are energized about developing stronger partnerships with Westbank First Nation, with all levels of government and with our community that is so fundamental to our growth and success.”

Above all, Council unanimously agreed that the Rose Valley Water Treatment Plant remains their top-priority project. “Tenders for works at the new site will be issued in the marketplace starting in February,” says Mayor Milsom. “Staff are also preparing the water rates and borrowing options for Council’s review in March. The question isn’t about the water treatment plant being built – it’s about how to pay. Minimizing debt and preventing further cost escalation for a project of this magnitude is just as much of a priority as getting it built,” says Milsom.

Along with community visioning and many other outreach initiatives slated to begin this spring, staff will be engaging with stakeholders and the public to ensure issues and opportunities remain at the forefront as the city moves forward to deliver on its priorities for the community.

The public is encouraged to sign up on the city’s website to receive e-updates and participate in engagement opportunities that will occur across the city. Annual updates on Council’s progress will also be posted online at www.westkelownacity.ca to keep the community informed of the City’s accomplishments through 2022.