Kelowna council has moved forward five rental housing projects planned for several locations in the city.
Initial consideration to rezone properties at 1531 Bernard Avenue and 1402 Cara Glen Court for rental-only developments was given at council’s May 6 meeting.
The project on Bernard Ave. is a six-storey building providing long-term rentals. The Cara Glen Crt. development, at Clifton Road, is also a long-term rental project.
Councillor Gord Lovegrove brought forward residents’ concerns about the lack of an Active Transportation Corridor along Clifton Rd.
“I’d like for this to be reconsidered, I’d like to hear back from staff on that.”
Coun. Charlie Hodge raised concerns about a lack of amenities, greenspace and whether the development is appropriate for families, citing a need for more three-bedroom units.
The applicant is seeking to have the property changed from townhouse to apartment zoning.
Staff reminded council that such concerns are better suited when considering a development permit, rather than rezoning.
“If we left the zoning it would likely have more family space, maybe bigger units,” Coun. Rick Webber said.
Staff noted that the developers’ request is seeking a different type of housing for the area as presumably, they see a need for it.
“There’s quite a few townhomes and quite a bit of market housing in this neighbourhood already, and we see less rental housing in this neighbourhood,” said Ryan Smith, director of planning.
Other rezoning applications were for a six-storey apartment at 1085 Martin Ave. at Gordon Drive, another rental-only project on Glenmore Dr., across from the Kelowna Golf Club, and a development at 1097 Dilworth Dr.
All the projects were moved forward by council, however, Lovegrove voted against rezoning the Cara Glen development.
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