Residents who were interested in finding out about whether carriage homes will be allowed in West Kelowna, how the new recycling changes will affect them or how the Westlake Road upgrades are coming along found their answers under one roof Wednesday evening.
The District of West Kelowna hosted a three-hour community open house at Royal LePage Place, and although the room seemed fairly empty toward the end of the event, Mayor Doug Findlater predicted 300 or 400 people likely attended.
“The feedback from those who come is always excellent; they really like the format of so many different topics,” said Findlater.
“They came maybe to look at carriage houses, but then they go over and talk about recycling with the regional district.
“It’s a very relaxed way to get to people.”
A staff report on carriage homes is expected to come to West Kelowna council in the coming months. Findlater said he believe it will be a controversial issue.
“We know, generally, people are resisting more densification.
“Personally I’m not sold on (carriage homes) yet. I think we’ve come a long way in a fairly short period of time on densification, and maybe it’s time to take a breather.
“But public feedback will affect my views on it.”
Residents also had the opportunity to visit booths explaining the draft water master plan, the wayfinding signage program, the municipal alcohol policy, this year’s municipal election, Westlake Road upgrades, Johnson Bentley Memorial Aquatic Centre facility updates and Wildhorse Community Park.
Findlater said the district will likely continue the community open house as an annual event.
wpaterson@kelownacapnews.com
Twitter: @PatersonWade
