West Kelowna council highlights – Jan. 12

Amended BC Transit 2020-21 operating agreement approved

Council adopted an amended annual operating agreement with BC Transit for the current fiscal year in order to receive a Safe Restart Grant of $351,398 from the Province of BC to cover COVID-19-related ridership decreases and related revenue losses. West Kelowna’s transit system will cost $1.8 million to operate by the end of BC Transit’s fiscal year on March 31, with the City’s share being $1.17 million.

Rose Valley Water Treatment Plant update provided

Council awarded Spartan Controls with a $2.78 million contract to supply electrical, instrumentation, and controls for Rose Valley Water Treatment Plant. Xylem Canada will supply the ultraviolet disinfection equipment for $290,000. The primary tender for plant construction closes within the month, with construction scheduled to start this February.

Council supports home site severance application in Westbank Centre

Council supported an Agricultural Land Commission application to remove a 0.4-hectare home site from a 2.5hectare property at

3535 Paynter Rd. Council asked the ALC, that if approved, to require a covenant on the remnant property to ensure it remains arable farmland.

Council supports microbrewery in Lakeview Heights

Council supported a lounge application to the BC Liquor and Cannabis Regulations Branch for a new brewery and lounge, at 2850 Boucherie Rd. Council denied the variance that would have allowed fewer parking spaces than the 42 required.

Council requests more information on lounge application for winery in Westbank

Council postponed support of an application for a lounge and special event liquor licence at 3930 Harding Rd. A winery, under construction on the 4.5-hectare property, seeks approval for a 146-seat lounge and 150-person event space. Council supported the project in principle but wanted confirmation on sufficient road and pedestrian access and parking.

Mowing services cost savings 2020 Council received an update on its decision last year to move park mowing services to city crews, rather than contracting out. The move saved $204,458 in 2020.