Photo: Wayne Moore

Mayor Gord Milsom

Newly minted West Kelowna Mayor Gord Milsom says clean water is his No. 1 priority.

Milsom and his council were officially sworn into office Tuesday, before family and well wishers.

Following his inauguration, Milsom reiterated his desire for safe, clean drinking water for the community.

"We have to go ahead and build the water treatment plant, and hopefully get that done in a timely manner," he said. "We're looking at three years, but in the meantime, perhaps we can find other ways of improving the water quality between now and when it's completed."

Milsom also prioritized safe roads, better collaboration with Westbank First Nation and other regional governments, and a need to run City Hall like a business, with a "compassionate, social conscience."

"We need to improve our development applications and timelines. We are in the business of helping growth within our community and being more business friendly in our community."

He also put a priority on diverse housing options and lobbying the provincial government to improve the flow of traffic on Highway 97.

"In order to take our community to the next level, we need to connect with and communicate more with our residents. In order to be successful, we must all collectively take ownership and responsibility for our community's future. Are you up for the challenge? Because I know our city council and staff are."