Highlights from W. Kelowna council
Highlights from the West Kelowna council meeting of June 12:
Agricultural Worker Dwellings Council gave first and second readings to a zoning amendment bylaw to update the city’s regulations for agricultural worker dwellings and temporary agricultural worker dwellings.
The amendments will bring the bylaw further in line with the regional standard for these types of dwellings as well as incorporate changes to the regulations to ensure better standards of living for workers living in these dwellings. The matter will now be scheduled for an upcoming public hearing. Olalla Road development Council rescinded second reading to a zoning amendment bylaw and re-read second reading of the application for 2750 and 2708 Olalla Rd.
The applicant has requested minor amendments to the proposed comprehensive development zone for the two parcels, approximately five acres in size.
Further analysis of the density bonusing agreement, which had included consideration for a new fire hall in the development, has led to the conclusion that the concept is not feasible based on the reduction to the fire hall parcel area, the decreased financial contribution from the developer and the estimated construction costs for a new fire hall.
The application now proposed a mixed-use development comprised primarily of multiple residential units, including a seniors-oriented independent living component and some limited opportunities for small-scale commercial uses. An institutional use is also permitted to allow the existing fire hall to operate while further opportunities are explored for a new facility. The application will now be scheduled for an upcoming public hearing. Cannabis regulation Council adopted changes to West Kelowna’s Zoning Bylaw related to cannabis regulation. The changes further clarify the existing prohibition the city has on the sale of cannabis. The city prohibited retail sales of marijuana in June 2017 and these changes update bylaw language in advance of the federal government’s planned legalization of cannabis for recreational use. Sign bylaw review Council adopted changes to the city’s sign bylaw, which simplify and modernize sign regulations, support signage opportunities to support 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 sign and exemption of banner signs
— Revised definitions including images to reduce interpretation issues Two new fire trucks Council awarded the contract for the purchase of two Wildland Urban Interface Type II Fire Engines from to Safetek Emergency Vehicles at a cost of $598,500 per unit (not including tax). These new trucks replace aging units that have exceeded their useful life as front-line firefighting apparatus. The smaller Type II apparatus will be based at Station 33 (Rose Valley) and Station 34 (Glenrosa). Signs discouraging tossed cigarettes Council directed staff to request neighbouring municipalities pursue installation of roadway signage intended to educate the travelling public about the dangers of throwing cigarette butts out of their vehicle windows.
The city will install six signs in West Kelowna at key locations on travel corridors in the community.
The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure has agreed to install similar signage at the entrances to the community along Highway 97. The city is hoping other municipalities agree to install similar signage in an effort to educate the public and minimize fire threat.