The first draft of Kelowna’s 2030 Official Community Plan is calling for ten moves for sustainability.

As public consultations on the Greening our Future initiative move into the fifth month, the City of Kelowna is calling for all residents to provide feedback on the policies that will guide the city’s growth over the next 20 years.

Residents are asked to complete an online survey before September 12 or join the discussions at an Open House on September 17 at Fire Hall #1 on 2255 Enterprise Way from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

“Since April, we’ve had extensive input from our community about the need to ensure future development is sustainable,” says Signe Bagh, Manager, Policy, Research and Strategic Planning. “We’re tracking trends through the online survey and compiling residents’ views as they are received. The final draft policies will be shaped by the further input we receive throughout the next few weeks.”

From green buildings to a focus on active transportation, the draft plan calls for ten moves to develop Kelowna as a sustainable community:

· Reduce urban sprawl and focus growth in urban centres.
· Develop a sustainable open space network that protects and enhances sensitive ecosystems and provides exceptional recreational opportunities.
· Develop distinctive, walkable, mixed-use communities that are welcoming and accessible for all.
· Address housing needs of all residents through a variety of housing options including ownership, rental and non-market housing.
· Provide for safe and convenient passage along transportation networks with priority allocated to active modes of transportation (walking and cycling).
· Improve the energy efficiency and environmental performance of new buildings.
· Ensure long term availability of commercial and industrial ands and support business development.
· Emphasize a healthy local food system by supporting commercial agriculture and innovative community agricultural activities.
· Consider and respond to the needs of community members in all land use and development decisions.
· Take a sustainable approach to City infrastructure investment.

The survey can be found online at www.kelowna2030.ca