DWK Council meeting highlights

Contributed

Highlights of the West Kelowna council meeting, July 10, 2012.

Wine Route – Boucherie Detour

Council received an update on actions taken in response to concerns received from the public regarding traffic detours as a result of sewer and road construction in the Lakeview Heights area. Council was shown maps of the detour area and was advised that additional signage will be placed to make the detour clearer to the travelling public. Information will also be posted on the District’s website homepage to ensure it is clear that businesses in the detour area, in particular Boucherie Road from Highway 97 to Stuart Road, are accessible by the public.

Council Committees Activities

Council was provided information on the activities of the Advisory Planning Commission and Agricultural Advisory Committee. Currently there are seven members on the Advisory Planning Commission, which provides feedback to Council on land use and planning issues, and has received 12 referrals in 2012. The Agricultural Advisory Committee has six members and advises on land use and economic development matters related to agriculture. This committee has received 10 referrals in 2012.

Economic Development

The District’s Business Development Officer provided Council an Economic Development Strategy progress report. The report outlined work accomplished to date in the areas of business development, partnerships and tourism. Remaining work for 2012 includes development and implementation of a tourism strategy and hosting of a small business forum.

Federal Infrastructure Funding Program

Council endorsed the Federation of Canadian Municipalities campaign to ensure the new long term municipal infrastructure funding program plan being developed by the federal government reflects municipal priorities. Included in the resolution was the following:

WHEREAS, the District of West Kelowna has identified more than $70 million in infrastructure spending priorities in its 2012 to 2021 Capital Plan, including improvements to:

• Roads and pedestrian pathways;
• Municipal facilities;
• Water utility and drainage systems; and,
• Parks

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that West Kelowna Council strongly endorses the Federation of Canadian Municipalities campaign to ensure the new plan reflects municipal priorities and urges the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities to work with the FCM to meet communities’ needs;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that West Kelowna Council requests the Government of Canada will ensure that the new long term funding plan will be in effect when existing programs expire in 2014.

Annual Report

Council endorsed its 2011 Annual Report which includes audited annual financial statements, permissive tax exemptions and information on services, operations, performance measures and objectives. Full results from the 2011 Citizens’ survey are also included. The report can be viewed on the District’s website at www.districtofwestkelowna.ca or copies can be obtained at Municipal Hall, 2760 Cameron Road, West Kelowna.