Kelowna considers future for former Tolko site

Kelowna council has received an update on the North End Plan, which will be used as a guide to manage the evolution of the North End Neighbourhood over the next few decades now the Tolko sawmill is removed.

The city says the next steps include establishing the vision and objectives for the plan area, providing a high-level perspective on how the neighborhood will look and function and will include everything from land use, housing, transportation links, parks and public spaces, recreational and cultural facilities, heritage conservation and urban design.

The planning process will unfold over the next 18 months in four phases.

In other Kelowna council news:

Knox Mountain Drive access

Council was updated on a report looking at vehicle access to Knox Mountain Drive.

A survey asking people how and when they use Knox Mountain Park had more than 8,100 responses and 4,000 comments. The most popular activity was found to be hiking, followed by driving to look at the view. These activities were followed in popularity by wildlife viewing, mountain biking, visiting the dog park, running, road cycling, long boarding, and bus tours.

Regarding access, the survey outlined five options for Knox Mountain Drive. The overall highest rated option was to keep vehicular access to the First Lookout.

Council supported maintaining vehicle access to the First Lookout, seven days/week from noon to 8 p.m., on a two-year trial.

Okanagan College student housing

Council considered a zoning bylaw amendment to allow for taller buildings on the Okanagan College campus, to six storeys from three storeys.

The height increase would allow the College to construct a new six-storey student residence, located directly east of the existing student residence.

The proposed text amendment would also allow future development of other six-storey buildings across the campus. Council gave first reading and forwarded to the November 30 public hearing.

Capri Landmark multi-family housing

A rezoning application to allow for a condo building on six single-family lots north of Sutherland Avenue was considered by council.

The proposal is for a six-storey, 206-unit condo building on 1264, 1274 & 1284 Devonshire Avenue and 1281, 1289-1291 and 1299 Belaire Avenue.

Council heard the development will provide ‘smart suites’ intended to allow first-time home buyers to enter the ownership market.

Council gave first reading and forwarded to the November 30 public hearing.