E-scooter pilot project close to launching in Kelowna

E-scooters are expected to be allowed on Kelowna roads soon, pending city council’s approval at a meeting April 19.

A bylaw change would allow people to ride both private and shared e-scooters as part of a provincial pilot project supporting new green ways to get around.

Staff will report back by December 2021 with an evaluation of the Bikeshare (micromobility) Permit Program, with a focus on shared e-scooters.

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Other highlights of April 12 Kelowna Council meeting:

Kelowna RCMP 2021-24 Strategic Plan

Kelowna RCMP Supt. Kiara Triance presented the 2021-24 Strategic Plan for final feedback.

The plan includes four strategic priorities and a framework of more extensive metrics beyond conventional crime statistics as the sole measure of police effectiveness.

DeHart rezoning

Council considered a rezoning request for a vacant property at 844 DeHart Road, to allow for a three-lot subdivision.

Council gave first reading to the proposed rezoning and waived the public hearing.

Infill housing update

Council agreed to discontinue the fast-track process as part of the RU7 Infill zone.

The process allowed for an accelerated planning and building permit approval process for two specific designs.

The designs have been popular, and staff want to encourage more design diversity in the RU7 neighbourhoods.

Edith Gay Park ball fields

Council will consider in the 2021 final budget a request for $254,000 to install 40 feet of new netting, as well as poles and cables, at the Edith Gay Park baseball fields.

The new netting is necessary to prevent balls from leaving the left and right outfields, into neighbouring properties.