In good hands?

Colin Basran was officially sworn in as Kelowna's youngest mayor during Monday's inauguration ceremony at the Rotary Centre for the Arts.

Basran, who turned 37 the night before the election, put a twist on Walter Gray's mantra from the 2011 election campaign.

Instead of Open for Business, Basran told those in attendance during his inaugural speech Kelowna was 'Open to Opportunity'.

Basran stated being open to opportunity means being open not only economically but socially to create a well balanced community.

"That means focussing not just on the financial health of our residents but equally on the social, physical and mental health of all, young and old," said Basran.

He added that, in order to build upon the city's strengthening economy, we must ensure Kelowna is a place where entrepreneurs can thrive.

"In particular, small businesses which make up the majority of our workforce.That's why we will continue to make sure our business tax rates remains amongst the lowest in the province."

The inauguration speech, which traditionally lays out a foundation of where the mayor hopes to take the city during his term, touched on numerous points punctuated during the election campaign.

Basran pointed to the airport, which will reach its goal of 1.6 million passengers a year ahead of schedule along with more improvements to the airport; the need to continue improving the city's security and transportation; the growth of the town centres; a new look for the north end industrial area; a plan to enhance the job market in Kelowna and a way to look for more revenue opportunities outside of taxation.

To that end, he talked specifically about Enterprise Kelowna, a city initiative which will look for different revenue streams other than taxation and user fees.

One example was naming rights to city facilities. The Apple Bowl and Rutland Arena are two that immediately jump to mind.

"We offer some services that no other businesses offer, so how can we take those and leverage those and make revenue for the city without charging our residents?" asked Basran.

"We have a new agreement with Fortis to do with landfill natural gas. We have an opportunity where we can leverage that to be able to bring in revenue for the community."

Basran also mentioned a Protective Services Levy.

By that he claimed he doesn't mean an addition tax, but a way to break out protective service costs into capital and regular expenses.

That change will be noted during budget deliberations in January.

Another item on Basran's wish list is a sobering centre.

While it's something he believes the city needs, it's not something that's on the horizon.

"Ideally, I'd love to have something concrete...a plan in place and a commitment from Interior Health and the regional partners that we are going to move forward."

"Right now what I think we need to focus on is working with Interior Health because they are the ones we would look to to provide the operating funds for it."

Basran also thanked outgoing mayor Walter Gray and councillor Gerry Zimmermann, Robert Hobson and Andre Blanleil who did not seek re-election.

Basran concluded by saying this council all put their names forward because they love their city and want to make a positive difference.

He said it's not about politics but about leadership, vision and good government.

"If we make informed and timely decisions that are consistent with this vision it will instill confidence in our community that will resonate across the province  and the country that Kelowna truly is a place for everyone. That Kelowna is a city we can all be proud of."

Basran, along with returning councillors Luke Stack, Gail Given, Maxine DeHart and Mohini Singh and newly elected Tracy Gray, Brad Sieben, Ryan Donn and Charlie Hodge, were sworn in by Honourable Judge Jane Cartwright.