The corner of Rutland Road and Highway 33 has taken a leap forward with the ground breaking of the new Valley First Credit Union. This two level 9,600 square foot building, is slated to be complete this summer. The attractive new building will be an anchor in the Uptown Rutland town centre. "This is the type of revitalization that the City has been working toward." said Deputy Mayor Luke Stack. Best wishes to the Valley First Team.  Valley First Credit Union has 37 branches and is BC's third largest credit union. The sod turning was February 7, 2012. 

This is the fifth new office building to proceed in Kelowna in the last 12 months: These are Landmark Vl;  Raymer and Osprey; Bertram Street; Leon Avenue; and now Valley First Credit Union on Highway 33 and Rutland Road

Wendy's once again sponsored a fantastic Dreamlift day at all the Okanagan restaurant outlets. The goal this year will take total donations to over $1 million dollars. This was achieved as $114,276 was raised to bring the total raised in the last 18 years to $1,109,356. To help celebrate  - the actual "Wendy" from Wendy's restaurants was in town. Many volunteered to join in this fund raising event. Hats off to all the Wendy staff who donate their day's wages to this event.

Lavonna and Luke working the front Counter on Harvey Avenue

City Council and staff have been working on the 2012 budget since September 2011. In light of the ongoing sluggish economy, Council gave direction to staff to target a 0.0% increase in 2012. Kelowna City Manager, Mr. Mattiussi, delivered this in his draft budget. In a year where the national consumer price index rose 2.91% it is a challenge to keep the budget from increasing. Approximately $3 million dollars in cuts had to be found. Secondly, Council did not want to make service cuts. Through collaboration and teamwork, the goal was achieved.  

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The total budget is $332 million dollars. Of this, $97 million dollars is comes from taxation revenue.

Pictured above is the actual budget document.

Mayor Walter Gray announces Kelowna's first 0% budget to the press

Each year a special matinee of "The Nutcracker" is put on by Ballet Kelowna in the Kelowna Community Theatre.This is a free event to provide children access to this wonderful Christmas production. Pictured here is myself and from the Bridge Youth and Family Services  - Michele Hucul (In elfen red) and Lani Soar. They prepared 500 stockings for the children in attendance. Thanks to the many volunteers and donors that made this event such a big success.  Merry Christmas!

Election night was a roller coaster ride!

Thank you to all the people that supported my campaign. I am very happy to begin serving my second term as your representative.Thank you for your vote of confidence. I look forward to working with the newly elected candidates.Together we will get the job done.

For all those that did not secure a victory, I thank you for participating in the democratic process. I enjoyed meeting you all and I know that every person that ran had the best of intentions for our great city.

Sincerely,

Luke Stack