Planners want Kelowna council to approve a 45-unit supportive housing building

A four-storey rental supportive housing apartment that is proposed for Wilkinson Street will be given consideration by Kelowna City Council next week.

City council approved the rezoning of 2160 Wilkinson St. in early December.

The proposed apartment building would be operated by NOW Canada Society and would be exclusively for women, some of whom would have children, said a staff report.

The society has offered programs and services for women and youth who have experienced addictions, abuse and mental health challenges.

The building would have a total of 29 units, which would include 17 one-bedroom and 12 two-bedroom apartments.

Eighteen vehicle parking stalls and 45 bicycle parking stalls would be provided in the building.

According to city staff, the parkade is setback further from Wilkinson Street and the building would appear as three storeys from the street with the parkade being located fully below grade at the front of the building.

The parkade will be partially exposed along the side yards and fully exposed towards the rear yard,” the staff report said.

Three new large trees would be planted on the property as part of the landscaping plan.

Each unit would get its own private balcony and there would be an outdoor amenity place on the roof and city staff point out there is a park within walking distance.

City planners also say there would be an indoor amenity room and an outdoor amenity space located between the building and street with raised garden planter boxes.

City are recommending that city councillors support this project because it meets the Official Community Plan design guidelines, support the city’s Health Housing Strategy and there are no variances being requested.

Kelowna City Council will review this application during the Monday afternoon meeting.