Kelowna’s city planners have put forward a recommendation for city council to support a new 120-unit rental project proposed by Kerr Properties at 765 Badke Rd., located just west of the Willow Park Shopping Centre in Rutland. This proposed development will bring much-needed rental housing to the area and includes a detailed tenant relocation plan that goes above and beyond legal requirements.

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The Development Plan

Kerr Properties plans to build a six-storey residential building on the site, featuring 30 one-bedroom units, 76 two-bedroom units, and 14 three-bedroom units, for a total of 120 units. In addition, the development will include 134 parking stalls and 100 bicycle parking stalls to accommodate residents and visitors.

The building’s parking area will be primarily located in an underground parkade, with some surface parking near the main entrance. The development will also offer common amenity spaces, including an entrance garden, a rooftop outdoor space with a children's play area, barbecue facilities, a dog run, and seating areas for residents to enjoy.

The developer’s landscape plan will feature a mix of small and large trees around the perimeter of the property, enhancing the aesthetics and providing a green buffer for the building.

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Tenant Relocation Plan

Currently, an existing low-rise apartment building built in 1981 sits on the property, which is nearing the end of its useful life. Although the building still houses 7 tenants, the developer has indicated that the cost of replacing the building’s roof is not economically feasible.

Given the demolition of the current building, the city has recommended that the developer’s tenant relocation plan be accepted. This plan exceeds the requirements of the Residential Tenancy Act (RTA), which mandates four months’ notice and one month of rent compensation for tenants displaced by development.

Kerr Properties is offering tenants four months' notice, three months' rent compensation, the return of damage deposits early, a $500 moving allowance, access to a relocation coordinator, and assistance with BC Housing programs. This comprehensive plan aims to ease the transition for tenants and support them in finding new housing.

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Supporting Kelowna's Housing Needs

This project aligns with Kelowna’s Official Community Plan and its Healthy Housing Strategy, which prioritizes the development of rental housing in response to growing demand. By adding 120 rental units to the area, this development will help address the city’s housing shortage, providing options for people who are seeking long-term rental accommodation.

City staff have noted that the project does not require any variances and meets all design guidelines. As a result, they are recommending that the proposal move forward without delays, given the urgent need for new rental housing.

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Looking Forward

The Kelowna city council will review this proposal in the upcoming meeting, and the support of the city’s planners signals a promising future for the project. With its focus on affordable housing, tenant relocation, and thoughtful design, the 120-unit rental development at 765 Badke Rd. could serve as a model for future housing projects in Kelowna.

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For more updates on Kelowna’s real estate market, and to hear more about this development and others, be sure to tune in to our Coldwell Banker Horizon Realty podcast. We keep you informed with the latest news and trends in Kelowna and beyond. Feel free to reach out to one of our experienced agents for more details on the local housing market or to explore other properties in the area. We’re here to help you make informed decisions in your real estate journey.