Kelowna water rates rising

Kelowna Council has approved new rates for the city’s water utility users, which includes increases for next year and 2023.

“In 2021, water consumption rates increased by six per cent,” a city manager’s report to council stated. “The water rate model was adjusted to apply a six percent increase over the next five years. These increases are required to support the utility and to make progress with its growing and aging infrastructure.”

The city says the rates remain competitive with other utilities in the Okanagan, and support running the system and making improvements.

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Meantime, Kelowna council has given the go ahead for phase two of a feasibility study for the Creative Hub, a facility for arts and culture groups.

The venue is planned as part of a new 13 story-building on the former RCMP site on Doyle Avenue.

Council agreed to proceed to phase two of the feasibility study, which includes more detailed design and mapping out the operating model.

Community Safety Plan update

Kelowna Council heard an update on the development of the Community Safety Plan.

Through public engagement and review of existing data, several community safety themes emerged. These include: Crime Prevention, Intervention & Sense of Safety; Domestic & Intimate Partner Violence; Housing & Homelessness; Mental Health & Problematic Substance Use (including alcohol); and Racism & Discrimination.

As part of next steps, the project team and steering committee will determine the governance structure required to implement the plan.

The final plan will be presented to council for approval in early 2022.

Cemetery fees

Council agreed to increase fees at the Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery by five per cent per year for the next three years.

The pricing structure follows the recommendations in the 2015 KMPC Masterplan, endorsed by city council.