Sphere of influence extends beyond Kelowna’s borders

Kelowna will continue to have some say on development issues occurring outside its municipal boundaries.

A so-called fringe planning agreement, aimed at promoting better local government in the Central Okanagan, was renewed Monday.

It gives Kelowna’s representatives on the regional district board the right to vote on matters such as development variance permits, official community plan amendments, and zoning bylaw changes in rural areas outside the city limits.

The rationale for the agreement is that development outside Kelowna’s boundaries could impact city services such as roads, public transit, and utilities.

The agreement specifies that Kelowna’s sphere of influence extends to include the unincorporated Ellison and Joe Rich areas east of the city, as well as some areas along Westside Road north of the City of West Kelowna.

However, having the right to comment on certain development applications outside the municipality comes at a cost to the city.

The city will be expected to contribute about $178,000 a year toward the regional district’s planning department.

“It’s clearly in the city’s interest to have a voice at the table for these issues,” Coun. Luke Stack said. “Although there’s a price to this, it’s a price that’s well worth the investment.”

Coun. Brad Sieben also expressed support for the agreement and suggested its terms might be expanded in the future to include such things as proposals that affect watersheds: “We’re more linked together than ever.”