BC Transit Service Update
Council was presented with an update on 2014 RapidBus Service Changes and upcoming public consultation related to the new service. Construction is underway at the Westbank Centre Exchange on Elliott Road and the Boucherie Mountain Exchange on Westgate Road with completion expected by August. A detour for Route 27 and 29 has been implemented due to Westlake Road Upgrade construction. On August 31, 2014 the expanded RapidBus service will begin. BC Transit intends the new service to maximize access to RapidBus and improve local bus service while maintaining the current cost level. West Kelowna transit routes will be realigned to serve the new transit exchanges and service reliability issues will be addressed (late buses). Some customers will have to adjust their travel schedules due to discontinuation or reallocation of certain trips to align with the new RapidBus service. BC Transit is hosting open houses to get feedback from the public on proposed new schedules and routes. An open house will be held in West Kelowna at the Westbank Library on Wednesday, April 30 from 4 to 8 p.m. The public will also be able to provide input via an online survey available at www.kelownarapidbus.ca

Draft 2014 Budget
Council gave second and third reading to its Draft 2014 Financial Plan which includes a 2.95% tax increase. This amounts to a tax increase of approximately $46 on an average house, assessed at $427,081. The plan provides for balanced operating revenues and expenditures of $87,204,822. The total includes operational requirements, transfers to and from reserves, debt servicing and collections of other governments of $22,180,107. The 10-year plan includes projects identified in existing master plans. Completion of the Water Master Plan, Facilities Master Plan and Asset Management Plan will be incorporated into the plan during 2014 budget planning. Council also received the results of public input into the Draft 2014-2023 Financial Plan which was presented at an open house February 12 at the Westbank Library, attended by approximately 25 people. Adoption of the Financial Plan Bylaw is slated to be considered at Council’s May 13, 2014 meeting.

King Road Rezoning
Council gave first and second reading to Zoning Amendment Bylaw for 3253 King Road. The application is to rezone the 8.6 hectare property from RU1 Country Residential to R1 Single Detached Residential to facilitate a future seven-lot subdivision. The application will be scheduled for public hearing once an updated servicing report is received by the District.

Agricultural Support
Council was provided a report on actions taken to support agriculture in West Kelowna, actions resulting from a request in June 2013 from the BC Fruit Growers’ Association. The District’s Agricultural Advisory Committee (AAC) was established in 2010 to assist District staff and Council in protecting, enhancing and promoting agriculture in the District. All housing and water items that could impact agriculture are referred to the AAC for review. The AAC seeks a valley-wide approach to regulation as requested by the BC Fruit Growers’ Association. District staff also continue to foster a great relationship with the agricultural sector, a major contributor to economic stability, support industries, the environment and tourism. Working with more than a dozen West Kelowna farmers, the District is supporting the creation of the Westside Farm Loop and related marketing materials, similar to the Westside Wine Trail. A copy of the report will be provided to the BC Fruit Growers’ Association.

News from © iNFOnews, 2014