(ADAM PROSKIW / iNFOnews.ca)

KELOWNA - City staff in Kelowna have identified two concept plans for the future of what they call the Capri-Landmark Urban Centre and have presented them to city coucil today.

After initial public engagement, key considerations for the project were identified as creating a mixed-use district, addressing walkability, improving pedestrian and cycling access - as well as transportation as a whole, and increasing green space in the area.

The concept plans were presented at city council's morning meeting today, Aug. 28.

Both plans focus on growing the area into a successful urban neighbourhood. By 2040, both plans seek to redevelop the Capri Centre as a work-live community with 1,000 residential units.

The two reports also address creating more park space, as well as making the area more accessible by public transit.

However, the preferred plan, titled ‘concept plan two’, has a more aggressive long-term growth projection, while ‘concept plan one’ maintains low and medium residential density. Additionally, the second concept allocates more space to public parks and plazas.

“The plan anticipates a 2040 build-out of 9,818 people and 4,757 jobs with 4,286 additional people expected beyond the 2040 horizon,” reads the report. “In addition, the plan takes a more ambitious approach to parks and public space with the daylighting of Ritchie Brooke which can serve as a central organizing feature for the urban centre, providing an important green corridor amenity while also enhancing stormwater management and water quality.”

The staff preferred plan also wants to re-align Sutherland Avenue, connecting it with Dolphin Avenue and Spall Road.

However, with an estimated magnitude cost of $25 million, the second plan is $6 million more than the first concept, which is estimated to cost $19 million.

Whichever plan city council endorses will go to public engagement this fall.

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