Costco gets city approval for new site

Kelowna council has approved a rezoning request and Official Community Plan Amendment that allows the existing Costco store to relocate to a six-hectare property at the intersection of Leckie and Springfield roads.

The proposal includes a 167,000-square-foot warehouse, room for more parking, and a gas bar.

Council’s decision in a 7-2 vote, came after a public input session this week where the main concern was traffic issues at the new site.

The project now goes to an application development permit, and Costco has committed to providing $2.5 million for traffic improvement.

Costco’s current location is on Highway 97 at Highway 33.

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In other Kelowna council news this week:

Leon Avenue development

Council issued a development permit and OK’d three variances for a project that includes three towers at the corner of Leon and Water Streets – each at 24, 28 and 42 stories tall. The project includes 650 residential units, office space, a 5-storey parking podium and a pedestrian overpass connecting the towers. The development permit and variance permit are valid for two years.

Action Plan 2021

Council adopted the annual Action Plan 2021 as part of the City’s strategic planning cycle. The Plan holds staff accountable to Council priorities and responds to the community’s vision identified in Imagine Kelowna.

2040 Official Community Plan

Council heard a summary of the draft 2040 Official Community Plan process and content, and OK’d the last public and stakeholder engagement process. Following this, staff will provide Council with a report outlining feedback received and any major shifts in the draft plan being considered as a result.

Kelowna Community Theatre fees

Temporary fee changes for main stage rental rates at the Kelowna Community Theatre were OK’d by Council, in recognition that the creative sector has been severely impacted by COVID-19 and what’s predicted to be a slow and gradual return of performing arts. This fee adjustment would enable smaller-scale activities to be offered to the community while gathering restrictions are in place.

Temporary process changes

Council supported several temporary changes to processes and approvals for development applications and real estate agreements in light of the ongoing COVID-19 situation. These include delegating approvals to staff to issue development permits and extend bylaw deadlines, expanding the criteria to waive public hearings, suspending committee meetings, and directing applicants to notify and consult with the public without face-to-face interactions.