W. Kelowna council highlights

Highlights from the West council meeting of April 23:

Boucherie Multi-use Pathway

With emergency watermain repairs and roadwork now completed, council celebrated completion of phases 1 and 2 of the Boucherie Multi-use Pathway.

Council members went to see the new path for themselves. (See photo.)

Last meeting held in existing council chambers

The April 23 regular meeting was the last to be held in existing council chambers at the Mount Boucherie complex.

Council chambers will move to West Kelowna’s new City Hall. The location of the next regular council meeting, slated for May 14, will be confirmed by May 10.

Fire Hall replacement project update Council received a report regarding next steps for the Anders Road fire hall replacement project. For more information, read the April 23 report to council at pub-westkelowna.escribemeetings.com.

First quarter 2024 update provide Staff presented statistics for the 2024 first quarter, ending March 31, with details on progress made in achieving council’s 2022 to 2026 strategic priorities.. For more information, see the April 23 regular council meeting agenda.

2024 tax rate bylaw introduced Council gave first, second and readings to the 2024 tax rate bylaw.

Tax notices will be mailed to property owners in mid to late May; taxes will be due by 4:30 p.m. July 2, with a 10 per cent penalty applied July 3 to all amounts unpaid by the due date.

Council will consider bylaw adoption on May 14.

third

Council adopted the required 2024 West Kelowna Transfer Station, Sterile Insect Release and RDCO Solid Waste and Recycling Program parcel tax bylaws. The bylaws permit parcel tax collection from applicable city properties to enable the programs’ ongoing operations in service to our community.

Bill 44-related zoning bylaw amendments considered

Council gave first, second and third readings to zoning bylaw amendments that will incorporate required provincial regulations under Bill 44 – The Housing Statutes Residential Development Amendment Act.

The bill requires local governments to update zoning bylaws to allow more smallscale multi-unit housing.

Council will consider adoption after the B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure approves the amendments.

Lower Glenrosa townhouse to be reconsidered

Council gave first and second readings to official community plan and zoning bylaw

development amendments that, if adopted, could permit a townhouse development at 2734 and 2736 Lower Glenrosa Rd.

The applicant proposes the zoning on Lot 2734 be amended from Rural Residential Small Parcel and on Lot 2736 be changed from Institutional Assembly to Low Density Multiple Residential and Parks and Open Space.

The OCP designation would be changed on both properties. Staff will next schedule a public hearing.

Charges

bylaw

Council adopted Development Cost Charges Bylaw amendments that implement increases of 3.9 per cent as per British Columbia’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) for 2023.

Annual increases linked to the CPI ensure the city can maintain adequate funding levels needed to cover growth-related capacity upgrades to infrastructure, year over year.

Water service extensions approved in Westside Road/Raymer and Glenrosa areas

Council adopted Local Area Service Bylaw amendments to allow 1179 Westside Rd. to be included in the Rose Valley Water Local Area Service and 3636 McIver Rd. to be included in the Powers Creek Water Local Area Service.

Final round of public input scheduled for draft Parks and Recreational Trails Master Plans

The final round of public engagement for the Parks and Recreational Trails Master Plans updates began on April 24.

A Community Open House will be held May 15, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the West Kelowna Yacht Club, 4111 Gellatly Rd. Engagement will end May 24.

The city is seeking community input on the draft plans’ goals and recommendations. The plans will be finalized and presented to council for consideration of adoption this summer.

Stage 2 watering regulations, which allow even-addressed properties to irrigate on Saturdays and Tuesdays, and odd-addressed properties to irrigate on Sundays and Wednesdays, take effect April 24.

The watering regulations are needed due to ongoing drought and low snowpack, which are preventing reservoirs from filling. Stage 2 regulations now may prevent stricter measures this summer.

Council supports FireSmart and wildfire mitigation resolution

Council endorsed submitting a resolution, seeking more provincial funding for wildfire prevention to the Southern Interior Local Government Association conference in Kamloops, this week.

The resolution also seeks to change the grant program from a competition-based application process to an allocation-based formula for at least five years to reduce red tape, and allow for implemented more effective prevention-based planning and response.

New appointments to regional board Coun. Rick de Jong was appointed as a director on the Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) Board, replacing Coun. Stephen Johnston, whose other community service obligations are requiring more time and commitment. Mayor Gord Milsom also serves as an RDCO director.

Councillors Jason Friesen and Tasha Da Silva were appointed first and second alternates, respectively.