Kelowna calls for more highrises in response to new provincial housing rules
New provincial infill housing rules that require for more density in core areas of cities means more highrises will be possible in Rutland and South Pandosy.
Kelowna city council will be asked on Monday, March 11, to approve recommendations from city staff and take them to a public hearing.
There are no detailed explanations in the current report but past presentations to council outlined the province’s new rules that have to be in place by the end of June.
Most of the focus has been on infill housing where up to four housing units have to be allowed on most single-family lots and, in some cases, six units.
But areas close to major transit routes, the province says, must allow for buildings up to 12 storeys.
Currently, there are just three blocks in Rutland that are designated for highrises up to 12 stories. Those are on the north side of Highway 33 between Dougall Road and Rutland Road as far north as Shepherd Road.
The new plan includes the block on the south side of the highway to Gray Road across from that area, as well as three more blocks to the north, reaching to Houghton Road and beyond, along with a few other areas to the west of Dougall Road.
In the Pandosy area, properties on both sides of KLO Road between Gordon Drive and Casorso Road are designated for a maximum of six storeys.
The proposal calls for those lands to be re-designated to allow 12 storeys.
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