Two city councillors are opposed to rezoning a corner parcel that used to house Kelowna香蕉视频直播檚 Farmers and Crafters Market.
The site is located at the intersection of Springfield Road and Dilworth Drive, across from Orchard Park Mall.
At council's June 9 meeting, staff brought forward a rezoning application that would see part of the land reserved specifically for rental-only housing.
Plans by Empowered Development Ltd. for the multi-family project include a rental building with 169 units and a condo building with 125 for-sale units. Both buildings will be six storeys.
Councillors Ron Cannan and Rick Webber voted against the initial rezoning consideration.
香蕉视频直播淚 think that the project has lots of positives香蕉视频直播擨 don't support the rental only,香蕉视频直播� Cannan said.
At council香蕉视频直播檚 May 26 meeting, Cannan urged his colleagues to consider rebalancing the city香蕉视频直播檚 housing development efforts with a focus on supporting first-time home buyers.
City planners support the rezoning, stating it aligns with the Official Community Plan and fits the Healthy Housing Strategy by promoting rental housing options. The rental-only subzone (UC3r) ensures any future housing built there will remain rentals, as it prohibits stratification or sale of individual units.
The site is also a designated Transit-Oriented Area and is near parks and major shopping areas.
Concern from residents living near the proposed project centred on access to the development, traffic, and density. Up to 15-storey towers are permitted in the area, however, submitted planning documents indicate the buildings will be much shorter.
Final approval still depends on meeting several conditions, including internal reviews, engineering requirements, and getting the green light from the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.
The Kelowna香蕉视频直播檚 Farmers and Crafters Market left the site in October 2023. It had spent 25 years in that location and moved to its new venue in the Landmark District in April 2024.
