W. Kelowna council highlights, May 23:
Highlights from the West Kelowna council meeting of May 23:
Thank you to the RCMP
Council congratulated the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, which celebrated 150 years of service on May 23. We thank the many RCMP officers and support staff who have served over the decades, and who continue to serve today, with pride and honour.
Central Okanagan Integrated Transportation Strategy
Council received a presentation from the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure on a proposed future for the Highway 97 corridor from Peachland to Lake Country. In West Kelowna, proposed road improvements include Boucherie and Westlake interchanges and removal of the Highway 97 couplet. To see the full presentation, watch the council webcast.
Growing Communities Fund
Council gave first, second and third reading to the Growing Communities Reserve Establishment Bylaw, which directs council to put a $10 million grant from the province in the bank.
The city received $10,212,000 from the one-time Growing Communities Fund at the end of March 2023.
These funds have been placed in a daily high-interest investment account with the city’s bank.
Longer-term secure investment vehicles are being researched.
Rock Ridge Park Flood Recovery Project
Council directed staff to award the construction contract for channel reconstruction, inlet enhancement and erosion protection for Rock Ridge Park to Cabin Resources Management for $857,316.91.
The flood recovery work is 80 per cent cost recoverable through the Province of B.C.’s Disaster Financial Assistance Program.
For the city’s contribution, council directed staff to amend the 2023 budget to include an additional $227,304.95 in the 2017 Flood Recovery budget from the reserve for Wildfire/Emergencies. Construction is anticipated to begin in summer 2023.
Fire Rescue Establishment and Operations Bylaw
Council gave first, second and third reading to the Fire Rescue Establishment and Operations Amendment Bylaw to provide enhanced safety for firefighters and the public.
West Kelowna Fire Rescue has identified updates to the bylaw required as a result of the types of buildings located in our community and storage of flammable materials in shipping containers.