West Kelowna council highlights from Jan 25. regular meeting.
Casa Loma emergency preparedness update
The city is partnering with various stakeholders and residents to plan and prepare for wildfires and other emergencies in Casa Loma. Wildfire mitigation will occur in Casa Palmero Park in 2022, in addition to work underway in adjacent Westbank First Nation and past work the Regional District Central Okanagan has completed in Kalamoir Regional Park. Evacuation planning is also underway for Casa Loma. Resident John Martin also made a presentation on a new 18-member fire warden team he has created to assist in prevention and emergency response.
Strategic Priorities Objectives
Staff presented the fourth quarter statistics on progress made in achieving council’s 2021-2022 strategic priorities objectives under the four pillars: Invest in Infrastructure, Economic Growth and Prosperity, Strengthen Our Community, and Foster Safety and Well-Being. View the reports for the final quarter of 2021 here.
Residential development proposal for Smith Creek proceeds to public hearing
Council gave first and second readings to Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw amendments for the proposed first phase of the recently approved Smith Creek Comprehensive Development Area. The application proposes a combination of single- and multi-family development for lands around Copper Ridge Drive West, realignment of the bend at Smith Creek Road, and an extension of Doucette Drive. Council directed staff to schedule a public hearing for a future meeting.
Council grants early approvals to capital projects identified in 2022 budget
Staff gave early approval to $11,243,500 in 2022 capital projects, including the Road Rehabilitation and Pedestrian Improvements Programs and the Shannon/Stevens/Bartley Active Transportation Corridor. Early approvals ensure infrastructure projects are prepared and tendered in time for peak construction season. The next phase of public consultations for the 2022 budget, which proposes a four per cent tax increase to cover policing cost increases, and a one per cent infrastructure levy, will take place from Jan. 31 through Feb. 13. Input can be provided after Jan. 31 at OurWK.
Water Regulations Bylaw updates
Council gave first, second and third readings to water regulations bylaw amendments, which, if approved, would require new residential developments to install meters in a secure outside pit, rather than inside buildings, making replacements and repairs easier and in keeping with accessible and safe best practices required in many other B.C. municipalities. Under the proposed amendments, residents who refuse the city’s multiple attempts to repair or replace existing indoor meters will also have a meter placed in an outside pit at the road at the homeowner’s cost.
New advisory Planning Commission appointed
Council appointed seven new community members to sit on the Advisory Planning Commission for a three-year term ending Dec. 31, 2024. Council welcomed and congratulated Anthony Bastiaanssen, Joe Gluska, Nicole Richard, Briane Simpson, Andrew Smith, Melissa Smith and Wayne Van Damme on their appointments and thanked everyone who applied.
Transit service reductions update
Due to COVID-19 and a related labour shortage, BC Transit reduced service on all routes in the city in the last quarter of 2021 and directed riders to check its website for delays. The transit operating costs charged to the city were also reduced accordingly. A 15 per cent service reduction is continuing in 2022 until further notice. Council requested BC Transit officials to present at a future meeting to provide an update on service levels.
2022 WildSafeBC initiatives approved
Council directed staff to proceed with the first step in becoming a Bear Smart Community by undertaking a bear hazard assessment. Council also invited WildSafeBC to attend the first 2022 Committee of the Whole meeting to provide an update on their education and awareness efforts to reduce wildlife conflicts throughout the city.
Council congratulates new youth ambassadors
Council welcomed and congratulated West Kelowna’s 2022 Youth Ambassadors. Pictured from left to right (below) are Lucas Nitsch, Abbie Schwab, Arielle Findlater, Mayor Gord Milsom, Ty Rempel, Trinity Symington and Bryce Frederick. Council thanked the youth for their volunteerism and efforts to represent our community.
Read More: West Kelowna council mulls developer cost charge increases
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
Want to support local journalism? Make a donation here.