Highlights from last week’s W. Kelowna council meeting
At a special council meeting before the regular meeting, Mayor Doug Findlater praised the efforts of three people who made a difference last winter shovelling snow to help their neighbours.
The city’s Snow Star program recognizes residents who assist others in the community without being asked or expecting thanks.
The 2017 Snow Stars are Isaiah Hill, Brian Jamieson and Ray Deitz.
Each was nominated by neighbours who were helped by the efforts of these citizens. The three received a certificate from the mayor.
2018 strategic priorities — first quarter
Council was provided with a first quarterly update outlining work done between January and March, intended to meet the goals and objectives set out in council’s 2018 Priorities document. The plan sets out targets for completion within council’s five main priorities; Economic Development, Infrastructure, Safety and Security, Service Delivery and Social and Environmental.
FOI request – speculation tax
Council directed staff to request from the Province of B.C., through a Freedom of Information request, all information that was used to determine that West Kelowna should be included in the speculation tax.
The mayor will also prepare an open letter to the premier regarding the reasons West Kelowna should be exempted from the tax.
West Kelowna’s numerous phone calls and emails to Ministry of Finance staff have been unanswered and this approach is expected to ensure the information West Kelowna wants to provide to the ministry is received.
Carrington Road development
Council adopted a zoning amendment bylaw to allow apartments to exceed 40 per cent of the gross floor area on the first storey of a building to be built at 2301 and 2311 Carrington Rd. The rezoning will permit the construction of a four-storey apartment building with 101 residential units.
Sign bylaw review
Council gave first three readings to the city’s sign bylaw with changes intended to simplify and modernize sign regulations, support signage opportunities for local business and align with regional standards and best practices. Key updates to the bylaw include: — A prohibition on animated signs — Creation of electronic message centre regulations
— Update and reworking of the freestanding signage regulations
— Changes to the sign permit requirements, including the inclusion of certain portable signs and exemption of banner signs
— Revised definitions including images to reduce interpretation issues
2018 Economic Development and Tourism Plan
Council approved the 2018 Economic Development and Tourism Operational Plan. The plan provides the framework for related activities which will be carried out by the Economic Development Officer in 2018.
These activities are focused on long-term economic development goals of encouraging development investment activity and to support West Kelowna businesses.