Kelowna seeing more apartment growth as city tracks progress on 2040 plans

Kelowna’s shift toward higher-density housing continues, with apartments accounting for 88 per cent of all residential units completed in 2025.

The city’s fourth annual progress report on its 2040 Official Community Plan and Transportation Master Plan shows 77 per cent of residential growth occurred in urban centres and the core area, exceeding the city’s 71 per cent target.

That marks a significant shift from 2022, when apartments represented 48 per cent of completed housing.

The report also highlights growing use of alternative transportation. Sustainable modes accounted for 19 per cent of everyday trips in 2024, up from 16 per cent in 2018, while cycling activity has increased by 25 to 40 per cent.

Shared e-bikes and scooters recorded approximately 585,000 trips in 2025.

The city also points to completed road improvements, the Bertram Multi-Use Overpass and continued transit expansion as examples of progress.

Of the 212 actions identified in the two long-term plans, nearly three-quarters are complete, underway or ongoing.

The report was presented to city council Nov. 9 for information.