Kelowna City Council has approved the rezoning of two properties for potential apartment developments, alongside the greenlight for a downtown rental-only tower. These approvals highlight the city’s focus on addressing the growing demand for housing while maintaining alignment with the Official Community Plan (OCP).
Barlee Road: 160-Unit Apartment Development
One of the major projects approved is a six-storey, 160-unit apartment building on Barlee Road. The project received unanimous support from councilors due to its alignment with the city's housing objectives and its fit within the OCP. City staff noted that the rental-only zoning aligns well with the area’s growing need for rental housing, with councillors praising the developer for an excellent public consultation process.
"This is appropriate density for this area," noted Councilor Ron Cannan, emphasizing the importance of public engagement. The next steps will involve a detailed development permit review.
Glenmore Drive: Six-Storey Apartment Building
A second six-storey project located across from the Kelowna Golf & Country Club on Glenmore Drive also received rezoning support. This proposal, which aims to change the properties from the infill housing zone to an apartment housing zone, was met with some concerns from councillors regarding site access, parking availability, and overall density. Despite these reservations, the project passed with a 7-1 vote, moving it forward to the development permit stage.
While specific details about the unit count have not been finalized, the city staff and council believe the project aligns with the OCP and the need for more urban density.
Downtown Rental-Only High-Rise on St. Paul Street
Additionally, the council approved a zoning bylaw amendment to support a rental-only mixed-use tower in downtown Kelowna. This development falls under the Urban Centre zone, allowing for high-density rental housing near the UBCO downtown campus and other key amenities.
Concerns about parking reductions and building safety were raised, with Mayor Tom Dyas stressing the importance of monitoring structural integrity in light of past issues in the area. The project will now move forward to the development permit stage, with a focus on form, character, and safety considerations.
Conclusion
These approvals signify Kelowna’s push toward increasing housing options and addressing the city's growing population. As the Barlee Road, Glenmore Drive, and St. Paul Street projects proceed to their next phases, key factors such as density, parking, and structural safety will be further scrutinized to ensure sustainable development.
