Cheap rentals planned
Photo: S2 Architecture
A highly anticipated high-rise affordable housing project slated for downtown Kelowna will hit the city council on Monday.
The apartment complex preferred by BC Housing comprises 20 floors on the east side of Bertram Street near Bernard Avenue.
With final approval, it would be BC Housing’s first affordable high-rise apartment building in the Okanagan.
Two adjacent lots were consolidated for the project. One is empty, according to the personnel report, while the other has a single-family house that is to be demolished to make way for the tower.
The building would include a 17-story residential tower on a three-story park podium.
The podium would include space for a planned day-care center as well as 14 row houses that would shield the park behind. The residential tower will comprise 162 rental units.
“Affordable rental units within the city center are urgently needed,” says an employee report that supports the application.
“The development suggests affordable non-standard and standard rental apartments, barrier-free living and day-care centers. The project is designed to benefit middle- and low-income seniors, couples, individuals and local families who face challenges in meeting their residential and childcare needs. “
A height deviation would be required to move the project forward. The building height map of the city center provides for 12 floors and 37 meters on the property.
The motion to the council concerns OCP and zone changes.
Should the Council take a first reading on both, it would be brought forward to a public hearing.
