Projects look to improve housing affordability

Kelowna council is discussing future steps after getting an update from staff on the city’s housing affordability issues.

As part of Canada’s fastest growing metropolitan area, Kelowna is continuing to struggle with housing affordability. Between 2016 and 2021, the city’s population grew by over 13 per cent. However, housing supply is responding to increased demand. Over the past five years, the City has issued permits for over 11,500 new homes. Of these, a growing share have been multi-unit (78 per cent in 2022), and located near transit and amenities (78 per cent in 2022). Rental housing has also been a major source of new homes. The full impact of these units on the housing system has not been seen, as many are still under construction. (City manager in report to Kelowna council)

The city said over the next several years, numerous projects will look to improve affordability, including a housing needs assessment, an updated housing strategy, rental incentives review, secondary suites expansion and an ongoing public lands inventory assessment.

In other Kelowna council news,

Council heard a summary of grants received in 2022.

The city was awarded 24 grants with a total value of $27 million.

Grants, including those from other levels of government and research institutions, are key alternative forms of revenue to support and enhance the City’s capital and operating priorities.

Changes to Council meetings

Several changes to the Council Procedure Bylaw were considered by council.

The changes include releasing council agendas for Monday meetings on Wednesdays rather than Thursdays, starting Tuesday meetings at 4 p.m. rather than 6 p.m., and ending public hearings at 8 p.m. unless otherwise voted on by council.

The bylaw received first, second and third reading.