New Zoning Bylaw
Council gave first and second reading to West Kelowna Official Community Plan (OCP) Amendments and second reading to the draft West Kelowna Zoning Bylaw, which will now be scheduled for a public hearing on November 26, 2013 at 6 p.m. Zoning Bylaws enable municipalities to regulate land use and implement the objectives of OCPs. The current Zoning Bylaw for West Kelowna was inherited from the Regional District of Central Okanagan and was last substantially reviewed in 2000. Council provided input into the OCP amendments and Draft Zoning Bylaw which will be incorporated into the documents, in preparation of the Public Hearing on Nov. 26.

Sign Bylaw
Council was provided an update on the ongoing Sign Bylaw review, providing further direction on key components of the draft bylaw. The District has created a photo inventory of the community’s existing commercial and industrial signage to ensure signage will be grandfathered should any new regulations be adopted as part of a new sign bylaw.  Two online surveys have been conducted regarding the sign bylaw, and the draft bylaw was taken to a public open house in June. The next steps are to incorporate Council’s direction into the draft bylaw and bring it back for Council consideration of second and third readings.

Recreational Trails Master Plan
Council was provided an update on the draft Recreational Trails Master Plan and provided feedback on key elements of the developing plan. During strategic planning in 2013, Council directed that enhanced community connectivity be pursued and the Recreation Trails Master Plan is being developed to guide improvements to the community’s trail network. The plan involves all lands within the District, but does not dictate what happens on Crown, RDCO or private lands.  Five public consultation events, including two workshops, two surveys and an open house, have been provided in the preparation of the plan. The plan will recommend short and long term trail improvements and construction. The plan will be amended based on Council’s input and brought back for Council considerations. Financial implications will be considered at upcoming budget deliberations.

News from © iNFOnews, 2013