Townhouse project between downtown Kelowna, Capri area moved forward

A rezoning for a townhouse project between the downtown core and Capri area was given initial support from Kelowna City Council on Monday.

During the regular meeting, council gave first reading to a rezoning which could eventually see 925 Laurier Ave from the RU4 – Duplex Housing to MF2 – Townhouses zone to develop a five unit townhouse.

Staff recommended support for the project because it complies with Official Community Plan future land use designation and introduced “gentle densification” to the neighbourhood.

Staff said this site and surrounding properties were pre-zoned to the MF1 – Infill Housing zone, which allows for a townhouse building form and density up to six units.

However, the applicant was moving forward with the townhouse zone because their project was originally designed to meet that zone's development regulation and to achieve three-bedrooms in each unit.

The buildings will be three storeys in height and will have two parking stalls and a rooftop patio.

The developer will be required to provide a three-metre road dedication at the rear of the property to facilitate an extension of the rear lane from Ethel to Bowes Street.

Staff said the developer will also be required to construct the portion of the lane on their property including Laurier Avenue, including sidewalks, boulevard, curb and gutter improvements.

Next steps will see council members give second and third readings and eventually adopt the zoning bylaw amendments.