West Kelowna

The following are highlights from the District of West Kelowna Council meeting held July 24, 2012.

Canadian Urban Forest Conference

Council directed that a letter of interest be sent to Tree Canada regarding West Kelowna potentially hosting the 2014 Canadian Urban Forest Conference.

2211 Campbell Road

Council agreed to support an application by Solunqua Orchards Ltd. to exclude a portion of 2211 Campbell Road from the Agricultural Land Reserve. The application is before the Agricultural Land Commission and requesting a 1.75 hectare portion of the 7.1 hectare subject property be removed from the ALR.

Industrial Land Study

Council directed staff to implement the recommendations of the Industrial Land Study and to integrate it into the Economic Development Strategy. The study identifies short, medium and long term projects including continued consultation with community stakeholders and industry experts to determine the most effective policy actions to take to help foster business development in the industrial area of West Kelowna.

Economic Development

Council directed staff to update the Economic Development Strategy with a revised focus of four core activities:
     1. Economic Development
     2. Business & Community Resources
     3. Tourism
     4. Communications
The intent of the revised plan is to ensure that it maintains some flexibility to accommodate changing conditions and emerging opportunities.

Gellatly Road – Phase 3

Council agreed to reject the two bids for construction of the Gellatly Road Upgrade – Phase 3 project and directed staff to conduct a technical analysis and provide cost estimate for redesign of Phase 3 for provision of additional parking along Gellatly Road.

McDougall Creek Recovery Plan

Council directed staff to apply for funding for works to implement a recovery plan under the Provincial Financial Assistance Program for $483,000 to conduct clean-up and flood prevention on McDougall Creek. In April 2012, a flooding event impacted McDougall Creek resulting in damages to several properties. The District is recommending a phased approach for the works to clean up from flood damage and to help prevent future flooding. The total estimated cost of the three-phase works is $585,000. If successful in receiving financial support from the province, Council will be updated.

Strategic Priorities Second Quarter Update

Council received an update on District staff activities during the period April to June 2012 related to Council’s established priorities in its 2012-2014 Strategic Priorities. Council was advised on key actions related to its top priorities:

Strategic Priority #1 – Economic Development
Priority 1 - Westbank Centre

• Report to Council on review of revitalization incentives
• Coordinated meetings with land owners and businesses to discuss establishing Business Improvement Area
• Finalized Parking Study for Council’s consideration
• Work with coordinators and businesses to encourage the continued expansion of Westbank Centre Farmers Market

Priority 2 – Industrial Land

• Investigated merchants association or business improvement area with land owners and businesses in the industrial area

Priority 3 – Economic Development Plan

• Revised the District of West Kelowna Economic Development Plan
• Announced collaboration between DWK and Interior Health in exploring options for Westside Health Facility

Priority 4 - Development Services

• Continuing efficiency improvements in Development Services

Strategic Priority #2 – Infrastructure
Priority 1 – Sewer

• All sewer projects under construction – 60 to 90% complete

Priority 1 – Water

• Council directed that a bulk water station be constructed on Shannon Lake Road

Priority 3 – Transportation

• Road Maintenance Strategy completed, RFQ complete, RFP underway
• 2012 Roads Rehabilitation Program tendered
• Transit Futures Plan approved
• Gellatly Road Phase 3 upgrade design complete, project tendering underway
• Boucherie Road Wine Route upgrade design complete, under construction

Strategic Priority #3 – Community Enhancement
Priority 1 - Land Acquisition & Disposition

• Application for sponsored Crown grant underway, awaiting MOTI support

Priority 2 – Waterfront

• Developed mobile vending policy for waterfront parks and public spaces
• Pritchard Park Conceptual Plan developed incorporating information received during public consultation

Priority 3 - Relationships with Other Governments

• Ongoing review of RDCO Services

Strategic Priority #4 – Services
Priority 1 - Public Safety

• RCMP School Liaison Officer position implemented

Priority 2 – Customer Service

• New customer service program implemented

Priority 3 – Communications

• Launched Social Media presence

Full departmental activity reports were included in the update to Council and a 1st quarter update of the corresponding 2012 Operational Details document.

Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund

Council directed staff to apply to the Government of Canada’s new Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund requesting grants for these projects:

• Jim Lind Arena Floor replacement
• Improvements to Osprey Park, Paddlewheeler Park and Waterfront parks.