Kelowna International Hostel property rezoned for new rental building

The lot that is currently home to the Kelowna International Hostel has been rezoned to allow for a six-storey, 41-unit apartment building.

During the Aug. 25 meeting, city councillors supported a staff recommendation to change 2343 Pandosy St. to the MF4r – Transit Oriented Areas rental only zone.

A rezoning application submitted earlier this year proposed 19 bachelor units, 12 one-bedrooms, eight two-bedrooms. Two of the units would be ground-oriented.

According to the application, there would be five levels of residential use.

The applicant has said one level will house a medical office space

There would be 12 residential parking stalls, surface parking for the commercial area, one car-share parking spot and 41 bike stalls.

That is more than what is required in a transit oriented area, which doesn't require any residential parking except for one accessible stall.

Kelowna city council supported the proposal with a unanimous vote.

“This is very supportable, makes sense being right close to the hospital. Appreciate staff’s explanation of seeking the rental subzone,” said coun. Wooldridge.

“In terms of locking it in for rental into the future, but also understanding possibly the intent of the revitalization tax exemption, (I’m) pleased to know that it’s been explained that the commercial units would both have to maintain their parking ratio.”

Mayor Dyas excused himself from the vote due to a conflict of interest.

Next steps will see council consider a development permit application.