KELOWNA – The City of Kelowna will host a public open house March 30 for an overview of this year’s capital projects and proposed changes to Development Cost Charges.
In previous years, the capital projects presentation was only available to the media, but this year residents and interested members of the public are invited to review the information and ask questions from 3 – 5:30 p.m. at the Kelowna branch of the Okanagan Regional Library on Ellis Street.
“The open house will give residents an opportunity to see what improvements and construction projects are planned in their neighbourhoods this year,” said Alan Newcombe, Infrastructure Divisional Director. “It will also give them time to consider alternate routes during construction periods.”
The annual capital delivery plan outlines more than $190 million in projects the City plans to undertake over the course of this year to build and maintain the diverse infrastructure needs in the community. Approximately $45 million is anticipated to be invested in new projects and $146 million will be carried over from 2015 projects, which includes airport development and the Kelowna Police Services building.
Some of this year’s major projects include a soccer field expansion at Rutland Centennial Park, a new roundabout at the intersection of Valley and Cross roads and infrastructure improvements along Ethel Street and Bernard Avenue that promote active transportation. There will be a continuation of multi-year projects as well, such as the Kelowna Police Services building, the Memorial Parkade and the Library Parkade.
The open house will also highlight information about the Development Cost Charge (DCC) Bylaw, which imposes charges on developers to offset some of the infrastructure expenditures incurred to service the needs for new development.
In order to service growth, the City is proposing a development charge rate increase this year. The last update to costs was approved in 2011.
The DCCs are expected to increase between four and 14 per cent, varying by city sector.
These charges, along with taxpayer contributions, help finance public roads, water mains, sanitary sewers, drainage and parkland acquisition that benefit growing communities.
For more information on this year’s projects and construction schedules, visit the following link and access the 2016 Capital Projects map viewer.