Property on Bernard Avenue rezoned to make way for 150-unit rental building

A rezoning application for a proposed 150-unit apartment building located on Bernard Avenue has been given the green light by Kelowna City Council.

The proposal was heavily debated during the public hearing on Tuesday night.

Zeidler Architecture is proposing the redevelopment of the former Monkeys Playhouse daycare centre, which is located at 1575 Bernard Ave, to construct a six-storey, rental only building.

The developers were seeking amendments to the OCP to change the land use to core area neighbourhood designation. They were also looking to rezone the property to the apartment housing rental only zone.

Councillor Gord Lovegrove was concerned about the height of the building. However, city staff explained that the MF – Apartment Housing zone allows for buildings up to six storeys.

Councillor Rick Webber was also concerned about the difference in grade from Bernard Avenue down towards Lawrence Avenue, something he thought might impact the height.

However, the developer said the property was about 30 feet above the ground water, which means they “could compress this building as deep as (they) possibly can.”

Speaking in favour of the project, councillor Luke Stack pointed out that the city was working to densify the core areas of Kelowna and avoid urban sprawl.

“So, then the question is, as we grow, how are we going to accommodate new people coming into our community,” stated councillor Stack.

“One of the fundamental principles of our new OCP 2040 is that we would densify our five core centres, particularly along transit routes, because if we don’t do that then, I guess, what we’re finally concluding is that Kelowna’s just not going to grow."

“Something has to change.The whole idea of trying to build a more responsible city was to take advantage of transit corridors so people don’t have to drive their car and can walk to the community," added councillor Stack.

He said voting against this project would be a mistake due to its location and the need to provide more densified rental options to Kelowna's housing market.

“For me, this checks so many of the boxes,” said councillor Wooldridge, who pointed out that the city's low vacancy rate also needed to be considered.

“It’s in a core area neighbourhood, its transit supported, its rental housing … We have a quality builder that has shown us in his last two projects that he is willing to work with neighbours and collaborate to minimize the effect on the community.

Both councillor Stack and Wooldridge urged the builder to work with the neighbourhood to address concerns about the loss of views.

Councillor Lovegrove stood firm on his belief that the building was too tall.

“We’ve heard loud and clear. We haven’t heard one person in support of this,” said councillor Lovegrove, pointing to the four people who addressed council in opposition of the project.

“These are owners, they’re going to be here for a while. I got elected on a platform to hear from the local residents and respect them.”

Ultimately, city council voted 6-2 in favour of the rezoning for the project. Councillors Gord Lovegrove and Ron Cannan were opposed to the project and councillor Maxine DeHart was not present Tuesday night.

The next steps will see council giving final readings to the rezoning and then dealing with development permits.