Kelowna City Council will be getting its first look at an ambitious plan to redevelop a large property off Highway 97, near the Landmark District.
On Monday, city staff will be recommending that council receive the draft Burtch/Harvey Area Redevelopment Plan (ARP) for information only.
They will also be asked to authorize the preparation of the final plan.
The developer, Dialog, submitted a 159-page ARP in April for 1574 and 1634 Harvey Ave.
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According to a staff report headed to council on Monday, the area was identified as “an opportunity for growth” during the creation of the 2040 Official Community Plan (OCP).
Under the 2040 OCP, greater heights and densities than what is typically allowed in core area neighbourhoods could be considered in the Burtch/Harvey area under an extensive ARP.
With that in mind, city staff entered into a Terms of Reference Agreement with the owners in October 2023 for an ARP for the property.
The goal of the ARP is to consider increasing housing and commercial uses in the area.
“The applicants submitted three concept plans in February 2024 and held two Public Information Sessions in April 2024,” the report says.
“Staff circulated and reviewed the concept plans and directed the applicants to proceed with developing the preferred concept plan into a draft plan for Council consideration.”
The draft ARP includes:
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1,600-1,700 residential units
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About 2,000 m2 of office space and 3,000 m2 of commercial/retail space
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Buildings between six and 26 storeys
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Density and height bonuses could be allowed
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Taller buildings along Harvey
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Lower buildings along Burtch
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The staff report notes that parks and outdoor spaces would be integrated into the site with pedestrian connections running through the property alongside roadways.
“The draft ARP indicates that the subject properties are particularly suitable for increased height and density due to the strategic location,” the report says.
“The ARP could increase housing supply adjacent to one of the City’s largest employment centres (Landmark), encourage sustainable transportation options with easy access to the rapid transit corridor on Harvey Ave, and act on climate by protecting riparian areas and promoting compact urban growth.”
According to city staff, two public information sessions held in April helped shape the draft plan.
Staff are recommending that council support the draft plan as presented and will be seeking direction to collaborate with the applicant to proceed to the final plan.
If council supports that recommendation, staff would bring back the final plan, an OCP amendment and a rezoning for consideration.
Kelowna council will review the application on Monday at 1:30 pm.
