KELOWNA – Mayor Colin Basran’s recent annual “state of the city” address to the Chamber of Commerce attracted hundreds of community members to the Capri Hotel Ballroom.
The mayor spoke about the many challenges of keeping up with demands in Canada’s fastest growing metropolitan area and described how Council’s strategic priorities guide its decisions.
“Continued growth over this time tells me that, as a city, we are managing to create a place that meets the economic and lifestyle needs that people from diverse backgrounds are looking for,” said Mayor Basran. “We are a growing city – and that’s good – but growth and change are not without their challenges.”
He noted the rise in homelessness across Canada has required more concentrated municipal involvement in pulling together community groups for unified actions toward solutions. One early highlight of this Council priority was news that a Transitional Storage Pilot Program has so far resulted in seven previously homeless people finding a place to live. The program is a partnership between the Kelowna Gospel Mission, BC Housing and the City of Kelowna.
Expanding the diversity of housing options in Kelowna is a Council priority that gained traction in 2016 with more than 1,000 new units of rental housing under development. That momentum is carrying through this year, with another 1,070 purpose-build rental units to be constructed in 2017 and 2018.
“BC Housing also funds nearly 30 developments in Kelowna that provide housing for families, seniors and adults with disabilities – that’s nearly 1,400 subsidized housing units.”
The mayor cited the Imagine Kelowna initiative currently underway as an essential community exercise in “future-proofing” Kelowna to prepare for long-term responses to pressures such climate change, skilled worker shortages and shifts in technology.
The City’s business and entrepreneur development efforts continue to keep the local economy diversified and growing, with business licences up six per cent in 2016. The City’s investments in its expanding fibre optic network for high-speed communication is contributing to technology sector growth, including new investments in film and animation facilities.
Mayor Basran ended his presentation with an appeal to the community to get involved in the Canada 150 celebrations this year. He urged Kelowna residents to take the national volunteer challenge and register their donated time at kelowna.ca under the 150 for 150 Volunteer Challenge.