The public has a say in the cop shop
Photo: Contributed
The public will have the opportunity to participate in the redesign of the former RCMP site on Doyle Avenue.
A public hearing was launched after the Council unanimously submitted a first reading request to rededicate the site.
If the rededication request is finally approved, the property would be the first domino to fall in an expected full overhaul of what is known as the Civic Precinct, which includes redevelopment of properties between Queensway and Clement Avenues and Water and Ellis Streets.
This would include a new community theater and possible redevelopment of the Memorial Arena, museum and other buildings within those boundaries.
The city would also build an extension to the Art Walk as part of the Doyle property, if approved.
Planner Terry Barton told the city council that when the plan for the Civic Precinct was approved in 2016, the official community plan was also changed to allow for mixed-use development on the property that is being proposed.
According to preliminary drafts, several commercial areas are planned on the first two floors and residential rents are planned for the remaining floors of the 13-story building.
Street-level commercial space would open up to both the Art Walk and Doyle.
“When reviewing the city’s development policy, the proposed C7 zoning is consistent with future land use regulations,” says Barton.
“It is in line with the direction approved by the borough plan and is in line with many of the intentions of the OCP’s urban infill policy.”
The zoning also includes a lease term that Barton says the residential component will be earmarked rents.
A Kelowna group of companies opposed plans for a mixed-use building on the property, preferring the city to slow down its process and look at a much “bigger project”.
The public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, November 16.
