W. Kelowna council highlight

Council gave first, second, and third readings to a fees and charges bylaw amendment that will incorporate utility fee increases for 2024.

The proposed increases per single-family household are: 3.2 per cent, or approximately $8 per quarter for the Rose Valley Water System, including costs to operate the new treatment plant; 4.5 per cent or an estimated $11.25 per quarter for the Powers Creek water system; 2.0 per cent or $2.02 per quarter for sanitary sewer service; and 5.4 per cent or $2.39 per quarter for solid waste management services.

Boat launch fees explored

In follow up to Coun. Garrett Millsap’s notice of motion at the Feb. 27 meeting, council directed staff to bring forward a report at a future meeting regarding possible fees for dryland boat rentals, boat club services, boat valets and personal watercraft rentals that use city-operated boat launches for commercial purposes.

Boundary extension denied Council opposed extending the city’s growth boundary and denied the respective first reading to a proposed official community plan amendment for two properties on Gates and Fenton roads. The applicant proposed changing the land use from rural residential to medium -density residential to allow future rezoning and development of a modular townhouse development.

Early approval in Glenrosa

Council gave first and second readings to zoning and official community plan bylaw amendments for 3636 McIver Rd. that, if adopted, would change the land use from agricultural to compact single detached residential to facilitate development of the fourth and final phase of the Glen Eagles subdivision. A public hearing will be scheduled.

Townhouses get support

Council gave first and second readings and directed staff to schedule a public hearing for an official community plan amendment that,, if approved, would change the land use from low density residential to medium density residential to permit a townhouse development on a lot along the west side of Boucherie Road, south of West Bay Road. Council also gave first and second readings to a related zoning bylaw amendment.

Public hearing changes adopted

Council adopted amendments to a city bylaw to waive public hearings in certain cases, such as a zoning bylaw amendment application that is consistent with the official community plan. Residents will still able to write to council and staff with comments regarding proposed developments. The changes are required under new provincial housing regulations.

Planning fee increases adopted

Council adopted Fees and Charges Bylaw amendments, which incorporate the established 2.0 per cent annual fee increase to subdivision, development and planning fees that ensure consistency with other local governments.

Energy retrofits at Royal LePage Place approved Council approved five recommended energy retrofit projects for Royal LePage Place, to which FortisBC will contribute $480,240 in rebates.

Council also approved spending of approximately $673,260 in city contributions to the project. The projects, which will reduce emissions and energy costs, will be completed during scheduled arena shutdowns this year and in 2025.

FireSmart and Wildfire mitigation

Staff provided an update on wildfire mitigation work that the city completed in 2023, and the accomplishments of last year’s FireSmart Program.

Council directed staff to apply to the provincial Community Resiliency Investment Program requesting a maximum grant of $300,000 to support the 2024 FireSmart Program and further wildfire mitigation initiatives.

Committee of Whole meeting Tuesday, March 5

Okanagan College

Council received a presentation from Okanagan College about the economic and social value created by having a college in a neighbouring community.

Annual audit

BDO Canada provided council with a timeline for providing them and the public with audited financial statements for the year ending Dec. 31, 2023. Auditors will present their findings to council at a public meeting in May, at which time the city will also post them publicly at westkelownacity.ca.

Urban Development Institute presentation

Council received a presentation from the Urban Development Institute – Westplan Group on the current state of attainable housing in the Central Okanagan and West Kelowna including cost of development, household incomes and future opportunities.

Find the committee of the whole meeting on the westkelownacity.ca website. Go to City Hall, Mayor and Council, Agendas and Minutes, to view the presentations.