West Kelowna offers condolences for fire property loss

Appreciation to fire fighters and condolences to those affected by wildfires

On behalf of West Kelowna Council, Mayor Gord Milsom extended heartfelt condolences to the owners of the home lost in Glenrosa from the Mount Law wildfire and to residents in the Regional District of Central Okanagan area whose properties suffered significant damage from the White Rock Lake wildfire. Appreciation was expressed for the community’s outpouring of gratitude for the crews working tirelessly on the wildfires and to all of the regional emergency operations staff and officials.

Council thanks province for two provincial grants administrated by UBCM

Council expressed their appreciation for the approval of two grants from the Province of BC, administered by Union of British Columbia Municipalities. The Housing Needs Report Program Fund will provide $30,000 through the Housing Needs Report Program and the Strengthening Communities’ Services Fund of $157,193.50 will bolster the Peer Ambassadors program. Read the news release to learn more.

Construction updates provided for Rose Valley Water Treatment Plant and Memorial Park Skatepark

Construction updates on the progress of the Rose Valley Water Treatment Plant and new Skatepark were provided to Council. Construction schedules remain on track. Skatepark construction is expected to be complete in late September. Visit westkelownacity.ca/capitalprojects for construction updates.

West Kelowna residents reduce water demand

Staff provided an update of water consumption data from the Powers Creek Water Service Area showing a 30 per cent reduction in water use, which is a good start towards helping replenish our reservoirs. Although water consumption data is encouraging, Drought Level 4 is in effect for the region as a result of unprecedented dry conditions. Recovery of reservoir levels is highly dependent on consecutive years of demand and what the snow pack and spring precipitation will bring. Stage 2 water restrictions will remain in effect into the fall. Visit westkelownacity.ca/water for sprinkling regulations and Okanagan Basin Water Board’s Make Water Work initiative to make a pledge.

Public Hearing attendance framework to be updated

The Province has passed legislation that will permanently authorize local governments to allow meetings and public hearings to be conducted electronically. This provides an opportunity to increase the transparency and accessibility that electronic meetings offer and respond to changes in public health orders when deemed necessary and appropriate by Council. Staff will return to Council with a proposed framework for in-person, electronic, or hybrid attendance for further direction to inform revisions to the Procedure Bylaw.

Development services fees adopted

Council adopted the amendment to the Fees and Services Bylaw to recover costs and ensure Development Services levies are in line with what other municipalities in the region charge.

The schedule will include annual cost of inflation increases of two per cent.

Works and services bylaw adopted

Council adopted a Works and Services Bylaw amendment to delegate powers related to statutory minimum parcel frontages on a highway to the Subdivision Approving Officer. This is provided that the minimum frontage meets the City’s Zoning Bylaw and is not reduced by more than 10 per cent as a way to streamline efficiencies. Any exemptions that exceed 10 per cent of the minimum will require approval from Council.

Congregate senior housing adopted

Council adopted a Zoning Bylaw amendment that proposes congregate housing at 2416 Saddleback Way. The development permit process will address form and character considerations, parking, landscaping, hillside and environmental mitigation. Future upgrades at the Shannon Lake/Asquith intersection and construction of a transit stop on the north side of Asquith Road and related crosswalk improvements are planned as part of the development.

Development Variance Permit for 1635 Pritchard Drive

Council authorized a Development Variance Permit at 1635 Pritchard Drive to vary the Zoning Bylaw to reduce the frontage minimum setback from 4.5 metres to one metre in order to accommodate a swimming pool.

Development Variance Permit for 2927 Thacker Drive

Council authorized a Development Variance Permit at 2927 Thacker Drive to vary the Zoning Bylaw to reduce the frontage minimum setback from 4.5 to 3.5 metres to construct an addition to the principal home.

Application for non-farm use supported for 30 new childcare spaces

Council supported an application to the Agricultural Land Commission seeking non-farm use for the construction of a School District Early Learning Program Facility at 1221 Hudson Road Elementary School to accommodate 30 new child care spaces.

Goats Peak Winery Development Variance Permit denied

Council denied the issuance of a Development Variance Permit for 2789 Highway 97S as part of the revised Goats Peak Winery building to seek a variance to increase the maximum building height from 15 to 35.05 metres, which would have required additional costs of $200,000 for high-rise fire protection equipment and training.

First reading for Solaqua Townhomes located at 2211 Campbell Road

Council gave first reading to revise the Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw and first reading for zoning amendments to consider up to 60 townhomes and permit a corresponding moorage facility to a maximum of 60 slips, reducing it from the proposed 242-slip commercial marina. Staff will work with the applicant on required reports for water, sewer, transportation, geotechnical, environmental and functional servicing in preparation for consideration of second reading prior to public hearing.