Kelowna City Council has unanimously approved the rezoning of a property at 438 Valley Rd. to make way for a new six-storey, 154-unit rental apartment building. This decision comes as the city grapples with a growing demand for rental housing.
Building Details
The new building will offer a variety of unit configurations to cater to different needs. Here's a breakdown of the planned unit mix:
- Studios: 24 units
- One-Bedroom Units: 75 units
- Two-Bedroom Units: 47 units
- Two-Bedroom Units with Den: 8 units
Parking will be plentiful with plans for 180 parking stalls. Cyclists will also be well-served with 122 long-term and 6 short-term bicycle parking spaces.
Zoning and Development Considerations
The rezoning application changes the property designation from MF1 – Infill Housing to VC1r – Village Centre Rental Only. This new zoning allows for a wider range of uses within the Glenmore Village Centre, including apartments, townhouses, small-scale retail spaces, and limited office space. However, the "r" subzone designation restricts development on this specific property to long-term rentals only.
The building height is capped at six storeys or 22 meters, which falls in line with the VC1r zone limitations. This zone also offers developers a 0.3 floor area ratio, allowing for efficient use of space, and a 10% reduction in minimum parking requirements, reflecting the focus on alternative transportation options.
Landscaping plans call for the incorporation of 17 trees, with half being large trees. This greenery will contribute to the aesthetics of the development and provide environmental benefits.
A Focus on Climate Resilience
This rezoning application marks a shift towards a more climate-conscious approach to development in Kelowna. City planning staff will now include a "climate lens" presentation as part of future rezoning applications. This presentation will explore how Official Community Plan (OCP) policies related to climate resilience apply to the rezoned property.
The "climate lens" will consider factors such as:
- Walkability: How close is the development to essential amenities like shops, restaurants, schools, and public transit? This can reduce reliance on cars and their associated emissions.
- Green Space: The impact of the development on existing green spaces and the incorporation of new landscaping elements like trees, which can help regulate temperatures and improve air quality.
While this is just a first step, it paves the way for a more comprehensive set of criteria for climate-resilient development in Kelowna.
Next Steps
With the rezoning approved, the development permit application for this project will be reviewed next. This will provide further details on the project timeline and construction specifics.
