UPDATE: Traffic concerns dominate discussion on Benvoulin Court project

(UPDATE: Feb. 7 @ 9:40 am) – Traffic concerns were the focus of the discussion about a proposed 187-unit apartment complex on Benvoulin Court.

Kelowna council was considering a development permit for two five-storey buildings at 2165 Benvoulin Ct, south of Orchard Park Mall.

The vacant 3.31 acre lot is between Benvoulin Road and Copper Road. A new road is proposed for the project, which would be constructed between the two and named Mayer Road.

Mayor Tom Dyas asked if the extension of Mayer Road would create a new intersection at Benvoulin Road.

Terry Barton, the city’s development planning department manager, said there would not be a full intersection with traffic lights, however, people would be able to turn left off Benvoulin Road into the future complex and additional crosswalks would be built.

Councillor Maxine DeHart expressed concern about the existing congestion on Benvoulin Road.

“It’s really difficult there,” said councillor DeHart.

“I go by that corner every day, sometimes two and three times. Benvoulin is completely congested most of the time.”

Barton said the planning for the extension of Mayer Road has been ongoing for several years.

“It’s been one that the city has been working on for the better part of a decade with contributions from a number of developers so the plan has been in place for a number of years.”

Mayor Tom Dyas asked about the process of approving the road extension and intersection.

“The development permit is effectively the onsite considerations,” noted Barton, bringing up the option of staff bringing forward a more technical report on the traffic and intersection concerns.

“Certainly, while it's associated with it, the offsite requirements, in terms of what happens with that intersection and the design, rests fully within the city’s control.”

Barton said the development permit needs to include the Mayer Road extension, however, the official approval of the road design would be established at the building permit stage.

Ultimately, council voted 7-2 to issue the development permit. Councillors Gord Lovegrove and Charlie Hodge were opposed while councillor Luke Stack excused himself from the vote due to a personal conflict.

In addition, council voted unanimously to have planning staff bring forward more information on the traffic concerns.

(Original story: Feb. 4 @ 9:50 am) – A development permit could be issued on Monday for an apartment complex with nearly 190 units on Benvoulin Court.

During the regular meeting, Kelowna City Council will be asked to issue the permits for Traine Construction and Development’s proposed project at 2165 Benvoulin Ct.

A rezoning application for the 3.31 acre property, which is located just south of Orchard Park, was given initial consideration in summer 2022.

According to the report that is headed to council on Monday, the complex will include two five-storey buildings with 187 residential units.

There will be 78 units in the first building, which will be located on the western side of the property, and additional 109 units in building two, which runs parallel to Benvoulin Road.

City staff say there will be 29 studios, 48 one-bedrooms, 94 two-bedrooms and 16 three-bedroom units.

The developer is providing 80 surface parking stalls and 157 spots in an underground parkade.

Access to the complex would be made available off Benvoulin Court while additional access to the parkade would be provided off the future Mayer Road.

“The proposal generally complies with the 2040 Official Community Plan,” planning staff explain.

“Objectives within the OCP support residential development for the Midtown Urban Centre to transition the area into a transit-supportive neighbourhood, with policies promoting residential apartment building development.”

Council will review the matter on Monday, Feb. 6 at 1:30 pm.