Kelowna City Council Approves Zoning Change for Six-Storey Apartment Building

Strategic Insights -

A zoning change has been approved by the Kelowna city council, allowing for a six-storey apartment building to be constructed on Lakeshore Road. The change, from MF1 (Infill Housing) to MF3 (Apartment Housing), was recommended by city staff and will enable the developer to combine the two properties and build apartment housing. However, one councillor, Ron Cannan, expressed concerns about traffic congestion and neighbourhood fit, citing the need for a centre turning lane and the potential for increased vehicular back-up and bottlenecks.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Kelowna city council has approved a zoning change from MF1 to MF3, allowing for a six-storey apartment building at 3577 and 3581 Lakeshore Road.
  • The developer must meet several conditions, including consolidating the two properties, dedicating three metres of land for road widening, and an additional two metres for a road reserve.
  • City staff noted that the five metres being taken from the front of the lots is a step towards achieving the city's long-term vision of adding a centre turning lane to Lakeshore Road.
  • Councillor Ron Cannan expressed concerns about traffic congestion and neighbourhood fit, citing the need for a centre turning lane and the potential for increased vehicular back-up and bottlenecks.
  • The council voted in favour of the rezoning with Cannan opposing.
  • The developer must also dedicate additional land for road widening and road reserve as part of the city's long-term transportation plan.
  • A centre turning lane on Lakeshore Road is planned, but its development will require redevelopment of nearby properties to obtain the necessary road dedication.

Statistics:

  • The proposed apartment building will be six storeys high.
  • The developer must dedicate three metres of land for road widening along Lakeshore Road, as well as an additional two metres for a road reserve.
  • The existing road on Lakeshore Road is a two-lane road.
  • A centre turning lane on Lakeshore Road is planned, but will take longer to develop and require redevelopment of nearby properties to obtain the necessary road dedication.
  • The developer must complete the consolidation of the two properties and meet the necessary conditions for the rezoning.

Sources:

  • Kelowna Capital News, "Kelowna city council approves zoning change for six-storey apartment building" (no date).