Check out Kelowna's real estate boom over the years

Kelowna has been named as the fastest growing city in British Columbia and with population growth comes new development.

According to Statistics Canada, Kelowna had the highest population growth from 2014 to 2015. When the folks at Point2 Homes found out about the growth, their research team decided to compare the Kelowna landscape over the past five years.

Kelowna residents may think that the Landmark tower groups have been in city for a long time, but it has only been a handful of years since the 18-storey tower went up across from the Parkinson Rec Centre. The largest building in the Landmark Centre helped define the area and created unity among the buildings.

If you haven’t driven down Ambrosi Road in a while, you may be surprised to see the massive development that has transformed the street. The area consisted of single family homes, some in a very rundown state. But over the years, a multi-family development was built and brought life back to the drab street.

In the heart of downtown Kelowna is a development that is helping to redefine the area. The Sole DownTown development is not only a 2016 Tommy Award winner, but an attractive building that is inspiring others to build in the area. In 2009 an empty lot sat where the one and two-bedroom unit building now stands. It’s much nicer to look at and also helpful for those looking for housing.

In the Mission area, The Ponds community has redefined the area which consisted of an empty space. The planned community consists of single-family homes, trees, and perfectly landscaped gardens. A major development that was needed thanks to the population boom.

One of the largest development projects in the community over the past few years has been the Kelowna General Hospital. Located in Kelowna’s South Central neighbourhood, the hospital has redefined the area with its sleek design and multiple buildings.

Many residents may not remember what Ellis Street looked like before a major redevelopment occurred between 2009 and 2015. Several older buildings were torn down and new, businesses took up shop along the busy downtown street.

A Rutland neighbourhood has also seen major redevelopment over the years as life has been brought back along Highway 33. The corner of Taylor Road and Highway 33 was once an eyesore but is now the location of professionally designed condos.

Further up the road, a new two-storey building created a hub on another corner along Highway 33. The Valley First Credit Union building breathed life back onto the street and created business space for the growing population.

Another busy street in Rutland has seen major redevelopment as the New Gate Apartments were built for men and women who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The area along Rutland Road is now seeing more and more growth and revitalization.