Kelowna Coun. Loyal Wooldridge was underwhelmed with the concept plans to develop the former Tolko Mill site when they were presented at council’s Sep. 25 meeting.
“The mill site is the last jewel in Kelowna that we’re going to be developing on the lakefront,” Wooldridge said.
“From the beginning, my expectation has been for the design team to come forward with an astounding, beautiful public access that is going to enhance the quality of life for people in Kelowna.”
Wooldridge noted that only three to four hectares of the 20-hectare development is dedicated to public open spaces.
“What I saw was a sea of towers and a lot of developable area which means a lot of money for the property owner, but it doesn’t necessarily mean improved quality of life.”
Wooldridge said he would like to see free, accessible public space that creates equity in the community.
“I think when you look at our pathways around the lake, whether it’s Sutherland Bay or the bird sanctuaries, it’s open space where people can interact with nature and connect with one another and you don’t have to necessarily have to pay to do it.”
Affordable housing, which is included in the three concept plans presented by Holar Developments, is also a concern for Wooldridge.
“It’s not lost on me that the likelihood of below-market housing on that site is going to be achieved because it is probably going to be some of the most prime property that we see.”
“But we can definitely leverage that for our affordable housing land acquisition fund which could potentially build in the North End itself.”
Wooldridge added there is also a need for caution regarding infrastructure demands with the level of density proposed for the site.
Concept plans recommend 3,500 residential units including affordable housing and spaces for seniors and students.
“That means through the North End in general we might have to have a lower amount of density outside of what we see on the mill site,” Wooldridge said.
He added he felt the design team could do better.
“These are first concepts which are really testing the waters to see what council and what the public is going to say.”
Holar Developments will be hosting open houses, including one at the Laurel Packinghouse on Oct. 26, as well as online engagement to gather public feedback on the concepts.
The concept plans can be viewed on the City of Kelowna website.
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