City Council approves major plans to guide development in various neighborhoods.
The council supported the North End Plan designed to steer growth in the North End neighborhood through comprehensive guidelines on land use, housing strategy, transportation, parks, utilities, and community amenities.
Refinements to the plan include the reintroduction of low-rise apartments up to six stories in Manhattan Point, flexibility in industrial area consolidation, clarification of land dedication for Brandt’s Creek improvements, and adjustments to the future Bertram Active Transportation Corridor route.
The plan will proceed to a public hearing scheduled for April 8, 2025.
In addition, the council approved initial rezoning of 12 properties along Bernard Avenue, D’Anjou Street, and Richmond Street to facilitate a six-story, 361-unit rental apartment building.
A development permit was also granted for a new four-story academic building at Okanagan College’s KLO Road campus, aimed at enhancing food, wine, and tourism education with classrooms, food labs, offices, a restaurant, and student lounges.
The council reviewed the 2024 progress report on its 2023-2026 priorities, noting 12 measures on track, with seven needing improvement, five without significant change, and highlighted achievements such as reduced property crime, increased public safety investment, stabilized housing affordability, and a rise in rental availability.
Challenges remain in improving public safety perceptions and meeting targets for below-market rentals.
Access a replay of the Council meeting and view all presentations at kelowna.ca/council under ‘Past Meetings’.