Sustainable Transportation Partnership
Council was provided an update on the activities of the Sustainable Transportation Partnership. In March 2013, the partnership was established through an Intermunicipal Service Agreement between the local governments of West Kelowna, Kelowna, Lake Country, Peachland, Westbank First Nation and the Regional District of Central Okanagan. The partnership coordinates the regional delivery of sustainable transportation programs and projects in support of common regional policy, plans and interests.

Zoning Bylaw Adjustment
Council gave first and second reading to a Zoning Amendment Bylaw to address two specific setback clauses within the new Zoning Bylaw, adopted February 11. Since adoption of the new bylaw, the District has received a number of inquiries and development variance applications regarding the setback clauses. Council agreed to a zoning text amendment as a general housekeeping matter. The Zoning Amendment Bylaw will be taken to public hearing on April 22, 2014.

Wildhorse Park Plan
Council directed staff to add the completion of a public consultation and preliminary park plan for Wildhorse Park, in the Smith Creek neighbourhood, to the 2014 operational plan and adjust the timing of other projects accordingly. Council also directed that $4,000 be put towards site cleanup and $8,000 for a preliminary park plan for the park in the 2014 Budget. The move is in response to a request from the Smith Creek Residents Association to pursue development of the park ahead of the recommended timelines in District’s Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
Bartley Road Licence of Occupation
Council authorized the execution of a Licence of Occupation agreement between the District and the Province of BC for the westerly three acres of 2515 Bartley Road for a 20 year term commencing on March 25, 2014. The site will be used for municipal works activities and the District will continue to pursue a Sponsored Crown Grant for the entire parcel.

Westlake Road Upgrades – Tender Award
West Kelowna Council tendered the $5.1 million Westlake Road Upgrade construction project on April 8, 2014 with work expected to begin this month on this important transportation corridor. TT Contractors Ltd. was the lowest bidder on the construction project which will see Westlake Road, between Highway 97 and Starlight Crescent, transformed from a rural state to an urban arterial standard. The project is expected to take approximately five months to complete and will include the construction of:
-  3.6 metre wide travel lanes in each direction
-  1.5 metre cycling lanes in each direction
-  Curb, gutter and underground storm drainage
-  Replacement watermain
-  1.8 metre wide sidewalks at in each direction from Stevens Road to Highway 97
-  1.8 metre wide sidewalks on the east side from Stevens Road to Starlight Crescent
-  56 streetlights
-  A roundabout traffic circle at the intersection of Stevens Road and Westlake Road.
During construction, motorists can expect traffic disruptions and road closures. Signage will be placed at key intersections indicating alternate routes during construction.  Detour routes will be established to access homes and businesses throughout the construction period with a detailed detour map available on the District’s website. Residents can watch the website for traffic notifications related to Westlake Road or to sign up to be emailed this information directly via the District’s e-Notification system. The District’s Facebook and Twitter followers will also be notified of construction activity. The total Westlake Road Upgrade project is expected to cost $6.2 million with the following funding sources:
-  Development Cost Charges: $3.876 million
(from new construction projects over the past several years).
-  Gas Tax Funds: $500,000
(provided by the Government of Canada and Province of British Columbia).
-  District Capital Reserves: $479,300
-  Reserves for Future Expenditures: $250,000
-  Water Reserve: $1.038 million
-  Donation: $95,000

MADD Signage
Council provided support for the installation of 16 signs as part of the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) “Campaign 911” within the community. The Canada-wide campaign is intended to provide awareness and encourage the public to report suspected drunk driving and boating. MADD will cover the costs associated with the signage and installation at seven locations (14 signs) on various District arterial roadways and two District boat launches.

News from © iNFOnews, 2014