New townhouses and wine bar before council

Highlights of May 25 Kelowna Council meeting

Retaining walls

Council considered amendments to the Zoning Bylaw to implement new regulations for retaining walls and slopes. The proposed regulations limit the height of a retaining wall to 1.2 metres and the number of tiers to two with a maximum total height of 2.4 metres, with the aim to increase the integrity of retaining walls and slopes and the safety of retaining soil. Council forwarded the proposal to the June 23 public hearing.

Downtown wine bar

A unique proposal for a 110-year old building downtown was considered by Council. The rezoning proposal is to develop an establishment featuring a wine bar; lounge; roof top deck; interpretive centre and tasting room; education centre & lab; and wine shop at 1570-1580 Water Street. 1580 Water St. was originally built in 1908 to house the Kelowna Courier while 1570 Water St. was originally built circa 1910 to house a Chinese restaurant. Council forwarded the proposal to the June 23 public hearing

Kirschner Mountain development

Council considered a rezoning request and Official Community Plan amendment for a multi-family development as part of the Kirschner Mountain development, which would extend Loseth Road and provide eventual road connection to Gallagher Road. The proposal is for 77 townhouses and would include a mix of three-, four- and five-plex buildings with three-bedroom units. Council gave first reading to the proposed rezoning and OCP amendment and forwarded the project to the June 23 public hearing.

Bernard Ave closure

Council approved using public space as patio space to help businesses enhance capacity, including limiting the majority of Bernard Avenue to pedestrians-only beginning June 30 until Sept 8. This will help businesses such as restaurants expand their outdoor seating and will comply with BC provincial health orders, WorkSafe BC requirements and physical distancing suggestions.

Council priorities

Council received an update on the 2019 progress report on its priorities for 2019 – 2022. Council has identified six priority areas where they want to see a difference during their term of office. Read the full Council report here.