News

For Immediate Release
October 17, 2012

Highlights from Council's October 16, 2012 Meeting

Road Maintenance Contract

After significant preparation in anticipation of this day, West Kelowna Council authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to execute an agreement for roads and drainage maintenance services with HMC Services Inc. for a five-year period beginning December 7, 2012. Currently, roads maintenance in West Kelowna is conducted by ARGO Road Maintenance under contract with the Province of British Columbia. The proposed contract presented for Council’s consideration has an annual cost of road maintenance of $1,731,496. There will be no anticipated tax increase in 2013 as a result of this contract. The cost of road maintenance is the fourth highest budget item for West Kelowna, next to Fire, Police and Transit services. Roads maintenance has been the top concern of residents in the last four Citizens’ Surveys and Council is seeking an enhanced service to address this priority of its residents. The contract, with defined specifications, terms and conditions, is anticipated to result in an elevated level of service for the community, with mechanisms built in to address issues of performance or unexpected seasonal influences while still allowing room for cooperation between the parties. Both parties are interested in working in partnership to provide the residents of West Kelowna with an increased level of service. Roads maintenance is the final service to transition from the Province of BC as part of the District of West Kelowna’s incorporation.

Staff Report

2012 Citizens’ Survey Results

Council was presented with results of the 2012 Citizens’ Survey, conducted in July. The survey collected data on a number of municipal services and governance. This year's survey was the fifth annual survey. The survey was mailed to 1,000 randomly-selected West Kelowna property owners and 321 were returned. Overall, the top areas of concern for citizens were:

• Road Maintenance
• Roads
• Sidewalks
• Growth and Development Planning
• Illegal Dumping, Cleaning Program
• Economic Development

Council also received results by neighbourhoods. The information is used by Council during its strategic planning and budget deliberations each year. Full results are available online by clicking here.

Staff Report

Strategic Priorities – 3rd Quarter Update

Council received an update on District staff activities during the period July to September 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 1.1 - Westbank Centre
  • Drafted Zoning Bylaw provisions to establish a Westbank Centre Commercial Zone including density bonus provisions.
  • Controlled density using FAR (floor area ratio) rather than unit per hectare; this allows developers to offer a wider range of unit sizes (including smaller more affordable units) and still achieve the maximum permitted floor area.
  • Reduced Westbank Centre parking requirements including cash in lieu for parking in off-street parking and loading.
• Priority 1.2 – Industrial Land
  • Investigated merchants association or business improvement area with land owners and businesses in the industrial area.
• Priority 1.3 – 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 1.4 - Development Services
  • Subdivision Servicing Bylaw Review and Update: first reading of bylaw.

STRATEGIC PRIORITY 2 - INFRASTRUCTURE

• Priority 4.1 – Sewer
  • Applegreen Court/Cameron Road: complete.
  • Remaining sewer projects: under construction - 75 to 95% complete.
  • Sewer Servicing Strategy Update: 60% complete.
  • Horizon Lift Station upgrade: detailed design initiated - 80% complete.
• Priority 4.1 – Water
  • Boucherie Water Main replacement: complete.
  • Sunnyside Reservoir replacement: detailed design - 25% complete.
• Priority 4.3 – Transportation
  • Road Maintenance Strategy: 85% complete.
  • Boucherie Road Wine Route: under construction - 80% complete.
  • 2012 Roads Rehabilitation Program: under construction - 90% complete.
  • Vineyard Drive traffic calming initiatives: 90% complete.

STRATEGIC PRIORITY 3 - COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT

• Priority 3.1 - Land Acquisition & Disposition
  • Sponsored Crown Grant: applications continue.
• Priority 2 – Waterfront
  • CNR Wharf Park: completed concept development, open house, bathometric survey and youth survey.
  • Osprey, Paddlewheeler and Springer Parks: completed conceptual design development, design estimate, online surveys, open houses and information report to Council.
  • Draft Recreational Trails Master Plan: reviewed and referred to staff and external agencies for comment.
  • Pritchard Park: developed detailed design plans with post-demolition landscaping and opening.
• Priority 3 - Relationships with Other Governments
  • RDCO Services: review ongoing.

STRATEGIC PRIORITY 4 - SERVICES

• Priority 1 - Public Safety
  • Wildfire Mitigation SILGA Resolution: supported at UBCM.
  • Second power line to West Kelowna: BC Hydro attended September 12, 2012 Council meeting to provide an update regarding plans.
• Priority 2 – Customer Service
  • Positive compliments being received recognizing excellent service by District of West Kelowna departments and staff

Staff Report