Development permit applications for a new Sikh Temple on Benvoulin Road have been submitted to the city.
About a month ago, Kelowna City Council adopted amendments to the Official Community Plan and zoning bylaw to allow the new building.
The new building is proposed to go up at 2809 Benvoulin Rd. and is needed because the Sikh community has outgrown their current gurdwara, located in Rutland.
According to plans submitted by SK Architect, the new building will be two-storeys tall and will total 2,671 square metres.
A total of 146 parking stalls will be provided.
The gurdwara will be located near the centre of the low with parking and circulation space surrounding it.
A four metre agricultural buffer is planned for the north and east boundary while a vegetative border will be located on the south and west lot lines.
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“The intent is to create a natural and welcoming boundary that enhances privacy and integrates the Gurdwara harmoniously with the surrounding environment,” the application says.
Primary access to the property will be off Boyd Road and secondary access will be located south on Benvoulin Road.
Substantial landscaping is laid out in the application, including a tall orange Nishan Sahib (Sikh flag), Japanese maple trees and strawberry vanilla hydrangeas flanked by boxwood, hedges along Benvoulin Road, garden boxes on the northeast side and a lawn at the back of the site.
“The proposed Gurdwara site has been carefully planned to harmonize traditional Sikh values with thoughtful landscaping and accessible design,” the application says.
“Through its balance of functionality, aesthetics, and community orientation, the project offers a serene, welcoming space that enhances its surroundings and sets a positive precedent for future development in the area.”
When council first considered the project in 2023, city planning staff were not supportive of the project because the OCP discourages public or private institutional use on agricultural lands.
Those sentiments were voiced by coun. Cannan and Stack in June. Both councillors did not support the adoption or waiving of outstanding engineering requirements necessary for the OCP/zoning bylaw adoption.
Those outstanding engineering requirements will need to be completed before a building permit is issued, however.
This application has been circulated around the city’s planning department and a report for council consideration can be expected in the near future.
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