Year of ‘mixed emotions’ for West Kelowna mayor

It's been a year of change, challenge, and investment in West Kelowna.

That’s evident when Mayor Gord Milsom speaks about the past 12 months, calling it likely the “most successful term of council” when it comes to getting things done, but mired in “mixed-emotions.”

“But I must say, I’m really proud of our community for coming through it strong and resilient and the amount of compassion our residents provided those in need was tremendous,” he told Kelowna 10.

His list of highlights is long, topped with the city starting construction on the community’s largest ever infrastructure project – the $75-million Rose Valley Water Treatment Plant. It will bring high quality water to nearly half the city, curbing most water advisories.

That’s followed by signing off on the design and build of West Kelowna’s first purpose-built City Hall, which will be paired with a regional library and incorporate Indigenous culture and art. A new roundabout, advocacy for greater westside policing, more childcare spaces and mental health services fill out the list.

And it all took place as a global pandemic burned in the background and wild weather took its toll on the province.

The city faced evacuations when the Mount Law blaze sparked up in August. While one home was destroyed, Milsom commended the efforts of fire crews for containing what could have become a dangerous situation.

“That was a difficult time,” he said.

West Kelowna is in the middle of developing its official community plan (OCP), plotting out what the future of the city will look like. The effort has involved a litany of resident feedback, with city staff taking unique steps to engage citizens, be it with pop up tents, on social media and through virtual meetings.

“That was an excellent project. It was great to hear what is really important with regards to the future from our residents,” Milsom said.

Currently home to about 36,000 people, it’s anticipated closer to 50,000 people will call West Kelowna home by 2040. With that comes a need for obtainable and affordable housing, a predicament Milson and his council colleagues are well aware of.

And where that growth takes place is equally important.

Residents want the focus to remain on town centres, with Boucherie and Westbank set to potentially accommodate buildings of up to 6- and 12-storys, respectively.

He said residents want to maintain the uniqueness of neighbourhoods and have smaller village centres to support their daily needs with multi-family dwellings, small businesses, and a grocery store all within a short distance of each other. Infill, in many forms, is also top of mind.

Progress on all this will continue in 2022, he said, thanks in part to rigorous strategic planning by elected lawmakers and senior management.

His final message to residents as the year winds down: “Stay strong, stay resilient, and care for one another. We are going to get through some of the difficult times like the global pandemic. We have a wonderful community and together we are strong. We are going to have a good 2022.”