Council confirms committee appointments
The council appointed councilor Jason Friesen to represent the city on the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission. Councilor Doug Findlater will serve on the Okanagan Regional Library Board, and Councilor Carol Zanon will serve as an alternate. City council Zanon was appointed representative of the municipal insurance association of the city, acted as deputy city council Friesen. Councilor Rick de Jong will serve on the airport’s advisory committee and Councilor Findlater will be named deputy. The one-year term begins on December 1, 2021.
Update on detailed planning advice for the town hall / library building
Staff presented the summary report for detailed design advice for West Kelowna’s first purpose-built town hall / library building. Contributions from 607 visitors were received through engagements, including ourwk.ca/cityhallproject. Suggestions included enhancing the customer experience, creating open and inviting interiors, highlighting indigenous culture, providing inclusive landscaping and outdoor facilities, and modern amenities such as a drive-through box that staff will now incorporate into the final design.
The town hall / library building planning and construction management teams are also moving forward, identifying finishing materials, mechanical and electrical systems, and calculating to ensure the project stays within budget as construction progresses. The supply work from Old Okanagan Hwy to the site has been completed, the connection to the water pipe is planned for this fall. A cooperative investigation with West Bank First Nation confirmed that no archaeological material was found on site.
Skatepark update was made available to the council
The finishing touches on the new skate park in Memorial Park will be finished in the next few weeks. The landscaping will be completed in the spring. A 13-year-old youth won the skateboard and helmet that Mayor Milsom gave to the community during the official opening of the skate park on September 22nd. The Okanagan Boys and Girls Club held a competition where the winner earned the board by getting the most community placements by volunteering in three weeks.
Council approves workshop expansion in Glenrosa
The council approved a Development Variance Permit at 3301 McKellar Road to increase the maximum height of an outbuilding from five to 5.28 meters to allow for an addition to an existing, free-standing workshop.
Limited license to use winery in West Kelowna Business Park extended
The council extended a three year temporary license to operate a commercial winery at 350-1405 Stevens Road. The property’s light industrial zone typically does not allow commercial winemaking; However, the staff say the winery operates in good standing, offers local employment opportunities, and contributes to tourism.
The Lower Glenrosa development proposal has been revised
Council canceled second and third readings on an earlier proposal on townhouse development; and they gave the second reading to an updated proposal for 2734 and 2736 Lower Glenrosa Road. The original application from 2018-2020 has been revised to apply for additional townhouses throughout the development. The staff are planning a public hearing for a future meeting.
Goats Peak’s comprehensive development plan discussed
The council has carried out the third reading amendments to the Official Parish Plan and Zoning Bylaw requests for 4012 Gellatly Road South and an unaddressed property on Highway 97 South in the Goats Peak Comprehensive Development Plan area. After a public hearing on 25 May and a review of the main technical information, the Council received updated information on the proposal and will consider adopting it at a future meeting. Subdivision and development permits are expected to be issued in phases over several years and include single-family, semi-detached and terraced houses.
