Wilson on Water Street
Be careful what you read when it comes to development
Often, when you read about a new proposed development, you’re not reading something anyone other than the developer has reviewed. What you’re...
New Kelowna road could have major impact on city's transportation future
As inconsequential as construction of a new road may seem, the City of Kelowna is on track to make a decision that will undoubtably determine the future of...
New Kelowna council passes its first tests
Kelowna’s new city council faced two big tests in its first couple of meetings and it appears it was clearly listening to the concerns raised by residents...
What will new Kelowna city council's legacy be?
With the 2022-2026 Kelowna mayor and city councillors sworn in, they will start go get to work on the list of issues that residents gave them over the last four...
Will Kelowna city council heed the call for change?
Kelowna’s city hall received a shake-up in the civic election on Oct. 15, and as Tom Dyas’ campaign manager in the election, I thought I would use...
Changes needed to keep the 'public' in public hearings
Public consultation is supposed to be a significant part of the democratic process when it comes to local decision-making. That’s why we hear so often...
Should Kelowna use a ward system for city council?
As municipal election season gets underway, it’s time to address a perennial election question — should Kelowna move towards a ward-based system to...
B.C.'s housing affordability crisis needs leadership
As average home prices across communities in British Columbia continue to reach above $1 million, including in Kelowna, the provincial government remains...
Public EV charging station requirements look good but won't do much
The City of Kelowna is planning to take a heavy-handed approach when it comes to requiring electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and capabilities across the...
Painting a picture of housing in Kelowna by the numbers
B.C.’s Minister responsible for Housing, David Eby, has made it clear, he will introduce legislation forcing municipalities to act faster and stronger...
Is Kelowna rezoning residential land to buy it cheaper later on?
What if you worked hard your whole life, bought yourself a nice house that you see yourself living in forever but then one day the city says it wants to buy...
Growing brewery district bubbling up in Kelowna's North End
Slowly but surely there’s an informal brewery district taking shape in Kelowna’s North End. With council providing the recommendation that approval...
Despite council comments, Kelowna can do more for housing
Kelowna city council has thrown its hands up in defeat at the ever-increasing cost of housing in Kelowna. Two councillors, when presented with a report from...
Would an audit of Kelowna services find much-needed savings?
The city of Kelowna has approved a 3.64% tax increase this year, while the City of Vernon approved a 6.88% increase and the City of West Kelowna is on track to...
Kelowna missed an opportunity to get more affordable housing downtown
Leveraging surplus municipally-owned properties for the delivery of public goods should be encouraged and applauded, but the City of Kelowna recently missed a...
Veterans' homelessness is one of many social issues our cities need to address
Veterans make up approximately 4.4% of our homeless population, and yet only 1.7% of the Canadian population are veterans. The overrepresentation of veterans in...
Municipal tax hikes make housing less affordable
Taxes in Kelowna might be going up again. While this may be good for services (if used appropriately), the only guarantee is that this increase would increase...
To combat vandalism, ban election signs on public property
My sign was cut in half. My sign was stolen. My sign was graffitied. Every single election, whether it be federal, provincial or municipal we hear the same...
City is a real estate mogul
Over the last week we’ve learned that the City of Kelowna is a large residential property holder and real estate investment firm. I’ll forgive you...
Council fields dissent
Earlier this month, Kelowna city council issued a rare defeat for new housing, by opposing a proposal that included 67 single-detached homes, improvements to...