Developer seeks to replace old Kelowna condos with new construction

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Gentrification Issues

Photo: Gravity Architecture

The proposed development is located at 765 Badke Road.

Kelowna city council will once again be asked to consider a request to demolish an old low-rise apartment building and construct a new six-storey, 120-unit building.

Although city staff supported rezoning the property to rental-only zoning, the City Council put a moratorium on similar applications nearly three months ago.

in this case, The Council expressed concern and the gentrification of the property and the lack of city policy regarding the resettlement of tenants displaced by it.

There is legislation in place for mobile home residents displaced by redevelopment, but not for apartment dwellers.

The committee postponed its decision on the project on Mills Road until staff has a chance to develop a relocation policy.

Planning director Ryan Smith said the policy had been incorporated into the 2040 Official Community Plan, which was expected to be before council before the end of the year.

“We’re in a unique situation where housing prices are higher than they’ve ever been,” Councilman Luke Stack said during a previous discussion about the Mills Road project.

“Many of our policies are geared towards trying to provide affordable housing, and nothing would make us sadder than losing affordable housing.

“I do recognize the need for the area to be redeveloped, but I would feel much better if I knew there was a better transition plan.”

In its application to the city, developer Kerr Properties said it had received only one letter objecting to the redevelopment, which said the tenant was concerned about finding affordable accommodation.

Kerr said the company will develop a “robust tenant relocation plan” in accordance with city policy and provincial legislation as part of its development permit application.

The application submitted to council on Monday is for a six-storey, 120-unit building at 765 Baddeck Road.