Council supports idea for lobbyist registry

Kelowna council has supported a motion from Mayor Tom Dyas to direct city staff to develop a municipal lobbyist registry.

The registry would require developers, residents’ groups, unions or others seeking to influence government decision-making to register online to allow more public information about those meetings.

The city said the goal is to provide the public with information on the frequency and content of meetings with local government officials.

The following are other highlights from Kelowna council’s Dec. 5 meeting:

Civic awards nomination

The nomination period is officially open for the 48th Annual Civic & Community Awards.

The awards recognize outstanding Kelowna residents, athletes, artists, organizations, and businesses who positively contribute to the city.

This year’s award winners will be honoured at an evening gala in April.

Nominations are due Friday, Feb. 10. Nomination forms, award criteria, and past recipients can be found at kelowna.ca/civicawards.

Preliminary budget

Kelowna council heard a summary of the key financial impacts in the 2023 preliminary budget, ahead of budget deliberations on Dec. 8.

The preliminary budget includes investments in infrastructure, community safety, social wellness, active and alternative transportation initiatives, digital transformation, and our natural environment addressing climate action through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

The 2023 preliminary budget proposes a 4.01 per cent tax increase that includes a one per cent Public Safety Levy.

On Thursday, live stream on kelowna.ca/council as Council goes through each budget request or to view each request in the 2023 Financial Plan, visit kelowna.ca/budget.

Development statistics update

Council received a staff update around building and development statistics for the third quarter of 2022.

The number of applications has slowed compared to 2021, with 1,758 building permits issued to date compared to 2,841 in 2021.

Both the type and location of housing projects under construction are consistent with the official community plan goals of densifying the downtown and urban centres.