Large commercial, residential project proposed for Black Mountain

Several applications for a large mixed-use development in Black Mountain have been submitted at Kelowna city hall.

Urban Design Group Architects Ltd. is eyeing three properties near the intersection of Highway 33 and Gallagher Road, which is near the Black Mountain Elementary School.

According to the application letter, the five acre site includes 2040 Joe Riche Rd, 2021 Highway 33 E and 1655 Gallagher Rd.

The document shows the project would be built out in three phases and aims to build 148 new residential units and several thousand feet of commercial retail space.

There would be an 4,720 square foot “internationally acclaimed burger restaurant” with a drive-thru on the site. Design plans suggest it would be a McDonald’s, however, that has not been confirmed.

Around 3,500 square feet would be provided for a convenience store with an eight pump gas bar and car wash and 14,400 square feet for a multi-tenant building for other opportunities for small-scale retail, personal service and restaurants.

The existing heritage building that houses the Black Mountain Liquor Store, which opened last year, would remain and be incorporated into the project.

“The proposed form of development takes into consideration the current market conditions and responds to a severe lack of market supply of residential and neighbourhood commercial space in the area,” the developer says.

There would be 74 surface parking stalls for the commercial portion of the project along with 140 underground parking stalls for the future residential tenants.

The development permit, rezoning and Official Community Plan amendment applications were all submitted on Wednesday.

The OCP amendment is looking to redesignate the subject properties from Neighbourhood Commercial and Parks to the Village Centre and Parks designations.

Currently, the property is rezoned as Large Lot Rural Residential, Parks and Open Space, and Vehicle Oriented Commercial.

The applicant is looking to change the zoning to the Village Centre, Parks and Open Space and Utilities zones.

These applications have been circulated around the city’s planning department and a report will be brought forward for council consideration at a future date.