Rose Valley–Lakeview users receive clean, safe, reliable water from new treatment plant
The new Rose Valley Water Treatment Plant is now delivering clean, safe, and reliable water to former Rose Valley - Lakeview System users, effective Nov. 14, as confirmed in consultation with Interior Health. Mayor Gord Milsom expressed that this is a landmark day, and that Council and everyone at the City of West Kelowna are very excited to share the excellent news that the former Rose Valley - Lakeview System users are now receiving water from the new plant! At the Oct. 24 meeting, Council was updated that water from the plant would be provided in two phases:
Learn more and view the Project Update Information Sheet at westkelownacity.ca/rvwtp.
City Hall project update provided
West Kelowna’s first-ever, purpose-built City Hall/Library Building is nearing completion with the City and Okanagan Regional Library anticipating occupancy near the end of January to mid-February, dependent on BC Hydro completing their work and the commissioning process. Several factors have delayed substantial completion and the anticipated occupancy timelines. Cost escalation from several factors has also occurred, but no new tax increases will result. The local MP and MLA’s offices, and Service BC and ICBC will also provide services from the new building. Read the full report in the Nov. 14 Regular Council meeting agenda. Due to missing and/or poor audio from the webcast, a summary of the discussion is located on the project webpage at westkelownacity.ca/cityhallproject.
Development permit with variances postponed in Westbank Urban Centre
Council postponed consideration of a development permit with variances at 2405 Bering Road that, if approved, could facilitate a townhouse development at the corner of Old Okanagan Highway in the Westbank Urban Centre. Council gave the applicant more time to reconsider parking configurations.
Development permit with variances approved in Shannon Lake
Council approved a development permit with variances for 29 townhouses to be built at 2102 Shannon Ridge Drive subject to submission of landscape and remediation securities, as well as the protection of the site’s environmentally sensitive areas.
Zoning Bylaw amendment denied for vehicle and equipment storage in Bartley North
Council denied a Zoning Bylaw amendment to permit vehicle and heavy equipment storage on approximately 0.4 hectares of a 3.99-hectare agriculturally zoned property at 2004 Bartley Road.
Zoning Bylaw amendment in West Kelowna Estates receives first and second readings
Council gave first and second readings to a proposed Zoning Bylaw amendment at 1018 West Kelowna Road that, if adopted, could permit construction of a modular carriage house in a single-family, detached residential zone on a parcel less than 1,100 square metres.
City to seek ALR exclusion to create a civic and recreational hub in Westbank Urban Centre
Council supported a request to exclude City-owned land at Memorial Park at 3737 and 3743 Old Okanagan Highway from the Agricultural Land Reserve to create a civic and recreational hub in Westbank Urban Centre. Up to 82 per cent of the 3.95-hectare site is already developed and used for Johnson Bentley Memorial Aquatic Centre, Annette Beaudreau Amphitheater, the Skatepark and the City Hall/Library Building and Music in the Park, Canada Day celebrations and Westside Daze.
Consideration given to add two properties to Rose Valley Water Service Area
Council gave first, second and third readings to Local Area Service Bylaw amendments that, if adopted, would allow properties at 1045 Bear Creek Road and 1931 Bartley Road to receive water from the new Rose Valley Water Treatment Plant.
Community invited to participate in holiday celebrations and seasonal programs
Recreation and Culture staff updated Council on upcoming holiday programs and events including the popular Light Up from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1 on Brown Road from Main Street to Gossett Road. The event will feature the Mayor and Santa arriving by Zamboni and fire truck to turn on the lights at 6 p.m., choirs singing carols, food vendors, a holiday market, plus free kids activity stations and hot chocolate and fireworks at 8:30 p.m. Learn more at westkelownacity.ca/lightup. Watch for the new Winter Rec Guide on Friday, Nov. 24 for information on Twinkle Tour, the Polar Pancake Pajama Party and the Holiday Public Skating and Dome Play Day schedules at westkelownacity.ca/recguide.
Council receives update on West Kelowna Economic Development Corporation
B.C.’s Inspector of Municipalities has approved the City creating a standalone West Kelowna Economic Development Corporation. City staff will report back to Council on Dec. 12 on next steps including articles of incorporation to startup in January, appointing a board of directors and hiring a chief executive officer. Council also approved a $335,810 budget in 2024 using funding that has already been set aside.
Short-term Accommodation Regulations updated
Council provided direction guiding future amendments to Short-Term Accommodation Regulations to align with provincial regulations and create smoother application, approval, and compliance processes. Council directed staff to amend bylaws which will no longer permit entire single-family dwellings to be rented, merge the Bed and Breakfast and revised Short-Term Accommodation Regulations, and require a building inspection for every proposed Short-Term Accommodation unit.