West Kelowna Council highlights

Aug 18, 2010 / 4:00 pm CASTANET:
Economic Development Strategy - Council adopted the District of West Kelowna’s Economic Development Strategy. The strategy’s goals are to improve the local business climate, increase local job opportunities, expand the business tax base, provide vibrant town centres and gateway presence and ensure productive relations with the Westbank First Nation. The strategy’s recommendations include

Establishment of a business development resource to work with key partners

Hiring of a business development officer on contract for a two-year period

A plan for a $180,000 annual budget, $150,00 of which would come from the municipality

After two years, evaluate the program to determine performance in achieving desired outcomes
Council also amended the 2010 Financial Plan to include funding in 2010 and 2011 to implement the strategy.

Tourism Westside - Representatives of Tourism Westside, a committee of the Westbank and District Chamber of Commerce, provided Council with its first quarterly report for the 2010/2011 year. Tourism Westside’s strategic goals include examination of its governance structure, communication with stakeholders, marketing and product development. The District of West Kelowna contributed $94,683 to support Tourism Westside initiatives this year. Tourism Westside was also funded by Westbank First Nation, contributing $28,692, and Central Okanagan West Electoral Area contributing $3,000. The successes reported for this quarter include the continuing popularity of the Westside Trail Guide and a 26% increase in the number of parties visiting the Visitor Centre.