A major new downtown Kelowna presence for UBC Okanagan will consist of educational, residential and office components.
The ambitious project, announced on Wednesday, is slated for 550 Doyle Avenue, currently the headquarters of The Daily Courier. The property was sold earlier this year.
The concept plans show a sleek and eye-catching combination of high-rise and mid-size buildings that cover the downtown block. Construction of the first phase is scheduled to begin within two years.
“This is an exciting day for all of us,” said Santa Ono, UBC president. “Today we have the pleasure of demonstrating the next important step in developing the University of British Columbia’s presence in Kelowna and in its ability to serve the needs of interior BC and the Okanagan people.”
Many details of the project remain to be worked out, including the exact university programs and courses that will be offered outside the city center, as well as the exact height and size of the future buildings.
“The most exciting thing about this website is that it is currently an open book,” said UBCO Director Deborah Buszard.
“We have a plan, but there is still a lot of work to be done to develop what will happen there and what programs will be delivered. The possibilities are endless,” she said.
The downtown campus will better connect the university to Kelowna’s business, high-tech, health and cultural sectors, Buszard said. “Here are the people in Kelowna,” she said of downtown.
Existing university operations are cramped on campus in North Kelowna with a lack of space, Buszard said.
“As much as we love this campus, we have an incredible shortage of space,” she said. “This gives us a little more freedom of movement and distributes some of our activities to the inner city.”
Initial plans include an academic space between 80,000 and 100,000 square feet at the new downtown location.
“I ask people to think about what this new campus will mean for UBC in the heart of Kelowna, not just today, but also in 50 years, 100 years from now, if we think about building a truly world-class university.”
As part of the project, the City of Kelowna purchased 67 hectares of agricultural land, previously owned by UBCO, on the west side of the North Campus for $ 7.4 million. The property will serve as a buffer zone for the city’s dump, and there are no plans for development in the area.
Kelowna Mayor Colin Basran hailed the downtown university project as a “meaningful day” that will bring economic, social and cultural benefits over the coming decades.
“It’s a game changer for Kelowna that is akin to UBC’s arrival in Kelowna 15 years ago,” said Basran.
“This project fits in perfectly with the council’s priorities of creating vibrant neighborhoods, attracting and retaining top talent, and now, more important than ever, demonstrating economic resilience.”
The sale confirms The Daily Courier will move. Although a new location hasn’t been completed yet, it won’t be far, said publisher Stephanie Goodban.
“We are very excited that the University of British Columbia has expanded its presence in Kelowna. It’s fantastic for the neighborhood and wonderful for the city and the entire Okanagan Valley.
“The Daily Courier will continue to operate as usual, serving our readers and advertisers as it has for over 115 years.”
