A brief and informal summary of the latest decisions made by Penticton City Council.
Next steps for major housing development
Council gave three readings to a zoning amendment bylaw that will allow for a property on Government Street to build up to 1,500 new units.
The rezoning would see the property at 1704 Government Street be rezoned to high-density, mixed use. Before adoption, staff will seek legal agreements with the developer on a series of off-site improvements.
For more details, click here
City prepares to battle invasive mussels
Council has agreed to write a letter to the federal and provincial governments, as well as the local MP and MLA, supporting the Okanagan Basin Water Board’s push for the provincial and federal governments to do more to stop the spread of invasive mussels.
The OBWB is calling for a temporary moratorium on out-of-province boats until the full status of the infestation of the Columbia Basin is assessed and wants significant improvements to the inspection system.
As well, Council has asked staff to come back with a report on what proactive steps the City can take - possibly in conjunction with Kelowna and other Okanagan communities - to stop the mussels.
Zebra and quagga mussels are closely-related mollusks and are non-native to North America. They live in freshwater – such as lakes and rivers – and are invasive. They are known to encrust and corrode hard surfaces and cause serious harm to waters where they become established.
For more, go to https://dontmoveamussel.ca/
Pilot project for affordable housing okayed
An innovative plan that will see the City work with non-profits to assist in the development of affordable housing projects is moving ahead.
Council approved transferring $100,000 to the Affordable Housing Pilot Funding Program from the Affordable Housing Contribution Reserve. Under the proposal, non-profits would be able to access funds for pre-development work to give them a better chance of success when accessing capital grants from senior levels of government.
For more details, click here
Hotel goes up with new addition
Approval of a development permit means Hotel Penticton will be allowed to add a three-story, 52-room addition.
Council gave the nod to the plan after a presentation by staff that noted the expansion is in line with the Official Community Plan and the vision for the North Gateway area of town.
The Parks Department is requiring the protection of the existing boulevard trees along Westminster Avenue West during construction of the proposed addition. The developer will also be required to install a new sidewalk on Westminster Avenue West and Vernon Avenue fronting the hotel.
Time to apply for Neighbourhood Grants
Do you have a great idea that celebrates where you live?
Then Community Foundation, along with the City, wants to remind you that applications for Neighbourhood Grants open on March 14.
Over the last six years, more than 114 projects have been approved for up to $500 from the Foundation.
The money can be spent on beautification, block parties with a purpose, a scavenger hunt, cultural celebrations or something completely unique to your neighbourhood.
For more information, go to www.cfso.net/neighbourhood-small-grants/
Funds sought to support Emergency Operations Centre
Council has given the green light to applying for $30,000 to help support the operations of the Penticton EOC.
The funding, which comes from the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund, would go towards cost of EOC exercises, updated equipment and needed supplies.
These highlights are intended to provide a brief summary of recent Council proceedings. The summary is not inclusive of all agenda items. For a detailed account of the full agenda, including staff reports, other supporting documents and official meeting minutes, click here. For a full video of the Council meeting, click here.