Council approves measures on accessibility, redevelopment, student accommodations, and tenant protections.
The City Council has endorsed a new five-year Accessibility Plan, developed with public and community input. It targets five areas of focus, including the built environment, transportation, and employment. The Accessibility Advisory Committee is set to provide annual progress updates, with plan revisions every three years.
Council also backed the Burtch/Harvey area redevelopment plan, with an Official Community Plan amendment that could include up to 39-story buildings. The site aims to integrate housing, retail, public spaces, and better transit and park access. A public hearing will gather resident feedback on this amendment.
A bylaw amendment now allows Okanagan College’s KLO campus to offer student housing as short-term accommodations during summer months. This move addresses campus growth needs while providing affordable lodging and generating revenue for housing improvements.
Expansion plans for JoeAnna’s House near Kelowna General Hospital received Council approval, permitting the addition of 10 new sleeping units. This expansion maintains the building’s design integrity while supporting hospital patient families with affordable accommodations.
A development permit has been granted for two six-story rental apartment buildings on Pacific Avenue, comprising 208 units with varied bedroom offerings.
New tenant protection measures have been approved, requiring financial compensation and support for tenants displaced by redevelopment projects affecting five or more rental units. This policy will undergo a public hearing for community input.
Details on these decisions and presentations from the council meeting are available in the ‘Past Meetings’ section at kelowna.ca/council.