The first of three public information sessions on the North End and Tolko mill site redevelopment concepts was held on Wednesday (Oct. 11).
“We’re here to help people understand the concepts and also to encourage people to give their input and feedback,” explained Aaron Thibeault, senior planner, City of Kelowna.
Thibeault added there were divergent views from the public at Wednesday’s session.
“People liked some of the things we proposed and others not. I’m not sure we’re seeing a consensus or a theme, but lots of different opinions.
The North End Plan is intended to provide high-level guidance for development at the former Tolko mill site as well.
Holar Development is the lead on the Mill Site Area Redevelopment Plan.
READ MORE: Big plans for old Tolko mill site in Kelowna’s North End
“Our work to date has included quite a lot of background study and work with the city and community consultation on vision and values,” said Mary Lapointe, community relations, Holar Developments.
There are three concept plans for the site and Lapointe said residents liked aspects of all of them.
“Give us that feedback so that we can marry it into the next concept that we will come back and present to the community,” she added.
Holar Developments will also host a larger community event on Oct. 26.
“We’re inviting the entire community to come to the Laurel Packinghouse…and give a grand opportunity for people to see it all and give feedback.”
All the plans include space for affordable housing, something that appealed to Kelowna resident Heather Friesen.
“I’m all in, as long as we can work out what affordable housing means. I fully support this, I think it’s exciting.”
Friesen, who is an advocate for people experiencing homelessness, said she sees a great need to include affordable housing in the concept plans.
“So that we can start housing people who are right on the cusp of falling into homelessness, and that’s a reality here in Kelowna.”
Once the North End and Mill Site sessions are complete, city staff will use public feedback to develop a preferred concept which will likely go to council in the new year.
Additional public information sessions are:
- Sat., Oct. 14, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Knox Mountain Park;
- Sun., Oct. 15, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Knox Mountain Park;
- Thu., Oct. 26 4 to 8 p.m. - Laurel Packinghouse (Mill Site plan only).
Residents can also give feedback online through the City of Kelowna website.
READ MORE: Kelowna’s Tolko mill redevelopment should have ‘quality of life’: Councillor
