Kelowna Mayor, Sharon Shepherd, emphasized community dialogue, sustainability and transportation during her inaugural address to City Council at the Rotary Centre for the Arts Monday.

Her address, entitled 'Pursuing the Possible,' outlined Shepherd's vision for Kelowna for the next three years.

"The most important priority over the first year of this new council will be the updating of the 2020 Official Community Plan. 'Greening our Future' to 2030 is the direction that has been identified by our Kelowna residents," Shepherd stated in her speech.

"My goal this term is to strengthen our community through sustainable practices. Sustainability is about balancing a vital economy presently under extraordinary challenges, with environmental preservation, while addressing social issues and maintaining cultural attributes."

Shepherd talked about bringing the community closer to its elected officials by holding more meetings with various community groups and striking committees on a wide range of topics.

These include:

• Biannual Breakfast with Business
  
• Kelowna Climate Action Committee
  
• Environmental Panel of Citizens
  
• Parks Advisory Committee
  
• Sidewalks and Bicycle Workshop
  
• Roundtable on Transit and HandyDART use
  
• Sports and Recreation Workshop
  
• Cultural Advisory Committee
  
• Resident dialogue every three months with residents in Glenmore, Rutland, Mission and Downtown.

Another major priority identified by the mayor was transportation.

"Transportation planning is an important component in balancing the economy of moving goods and services while preserving the environment and encouraging our residents to get out of their cars. Anticipating the needs for the future of our city means we need to discuss future corridors in a more efficient manner as a region."

Transit and alternative transportation were highlighted during the recent municipal election campaign.

Shepherd says there is a great deal of interest from Kelowna residents for improvements in bike lanes, sidewalks and transit connections.

"Our city has the most per capita bike lanes in the country and yet, I hear from our citizens how they do not feel safe to ride their bikes. Pedestrian crossings, speed bumps and traffic circles are all tools that have been utilized in our city and yet there is much more that we can and need to do to get the citizens out of their cars."

The mayor also highlighted better transit connections, affordable housing, public safety, sports and recreation, food security and completion of Jim Stuart Park as just some of her priorities for the new council.

Shepherd says planning must begin on a North Glenmore Recreation Centre Plan.

The most pressing issue for the new council will be construction of the 2009 budget. Shepherd says the community will expect council to provide services in a cost effective manner.

"I am sure there will be many interesting debates."

Above all, Shepherd told the assembled audience this council will provide leadership while directing change through a shared vision.

"A leader is someone that is willing to put themselves out for public scrutiny, occasional praise and often criticism. A leader is someone who cares and wants to make a difference. A council of committed individuals fits this definition."