For more information or to register, contact Recreation and Cultural Services at 250 469-8800 or visit us online at kelowna.ca/recreation.

The Glenmore Landfill will be open its regular hours of 7:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Thinking of working in the garden over the weekend? Pick up your OgoGrow or GlenGrow at the Glenmore Landfill or the Commonage Road Compost Facility until 4 p.m.

Parkinson Recreation Centre will be open Monday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For general information about the City and its services, please visit kelowna.ca.

Kasugai Gardens are located off Queensway Boulevard east of City Hall. The walled garden provides a tranquil environment featuring traditional elements of a Japanese garden such as stone lanterns, pine trees, a waterfall and pond. The gardens were completed in 1987 to symbolize the friendship between Kelowna and Kasugai, Japan, sister cities since 1981.

For more information about city parks and public spaces, visit kelowna.ca/parks.

"Our residents are especially interested in their local government and being part of the decision-making process," says Kelowna Mayor Walter Gray. "This week, we're joining with municipalities across the province to encourage residents to continue to have their voices heard."

To encourage informed participation, the City has a public engagement RSS news feed accessible from kelowna.ca/getinvolved. During planning processes, the City seeks input on upcoming park, transportation, utility and community projects through open houses, workshops, surveys, online tools and social media.

"My Council and I are proud of the innovation exhibited by City staff in finding new ways to engage with the public," says Mayor Gray. "A great example is how staff have received information about the future of City Park - an online tool provides an interactive environment for residents and City staff to explore ideas for the future improvements of the park. City Park plans will evolve as a result of public input."

Online engagement platforms reduce barriers for residents who want the flexibility to be involved. Check out kelowna.ca/mycitypark to review the concept plan and ideas that have been submitted (submission deadline was April 26) and responses from City staff. This online engagement pilot tests the readiness of Kelowna residents to participate online in City-led initiatives. The online forum has shown early promise, with nearly 2,500 visitors, 179 ideas and 241 comments.

Residents will receive the annual City Views publication with their tax notices next week. The newsletter provides information on taxation and keeps residents up-to-date on City projects, including the changing face of Kelowna's downtown and waterfront, and opportunities for active transportation.

Residents can also stay informed by monitoring kelowna.ca, signing up for email updates through e-Subscribe or joining the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Kelowna City Council meeting agendas, minutes and highlights are posted on kelowna.ca, with Monday afternoon Council meeting audio broadcast live on Castanet.net and video recordings on Shaw Cable.

To discover more ways to get involved and connect with your City, visit kelowna.ca/getinvolved.

Recreation report Council received the recreation report for information, which identifies potential recreation facilities that might be needed over the next 10 to 15 years. The report emphasizes investment in existing versus new facilities. Suggestions will be brought forward for inclusion in long-range planning.

Ballet Kelowna receives grant Council approved the presentation of a $30,000 Professional Operating Grant to Ballet Kelowna.

artsVest Program Council received information about the artsVest Program, a national sponsorship training and matching incentive program that is being brought to the Kelowna area with support from the City of Kelowna. The program will launch at the Arts & Culture Summit on June 13, 2013.

Capital Plan Council endorsed the 2013-2020 Capital Plan, which strives to strike an affordable balance between capital projects that maintain current service levels, preserve existing assets and provide opportunity for growth and economic development. For more information, visit kelowna.ca/budget and view the Budget Process.