City in good shape to manage projected shortfall

The following are highlights from the West Kelowna council meeting on Nov. 10, 2020

Staff delivers third quarter update on City operations during COVID-19

Council thanked the public for patience and understanding as the City continues to adjust and adapt to ensure essential, and priority services continue during COVID-19. While City expenses are down $1.37 million to date and revenues have declined by $1.83 million, the municipality remains in a solid financial position to manage the projected shortfall of $460,000. Staff will provide more details via upcoming 2021 budget deliberations.

Council also heard that the business outlook in the City remains better than expected to date in 2020 compared to 2019. The value of construction is $94.6 million compared to $93.4 million in the same period in 2019. Building permits were up to 462 over 426 a year earlier.

New business licences are higher at 433 to date in 2020 compared to 362 in the first three months of 2019.

Council receives update on Rose Valley Water Treatment Plant project

The final key milestone of civil and site works in preparation for the Rose Valley Water Treatment Plant is underway with the tie-in of the 750 mm main between the Lakeview-Rose Valley Water Service Area and the future plant.

Staff is now advancing the main construction tender for the plant, with final bids from the four qualified contractors due in January and the next phase of construction to start in winter 2021.

Asquith Road property zoning amendment

Council gave first and second readings to a Zoning Bylaw Amendment that proposes to re-zone an unaddressed, 2.04ha property on Asquith Road to allow a 23-lot subdivision and a road dedication for a future connection between the Smith Creek and Tallus Ridge neighbourhoods.

The amendment will move to the next public hearing.