Last night's public hearing had Kelowna city council balancing densification with residential quality.
A motion was proposed to amend the Official Community Plan and rezone a section of Groves Ave. in South Pandosy, to RM6 – High Rise Apartment Housing zone, in order to facilitate the development of a new apartment building.
Zeidler Architecture painted a pretty picture of a 6-storey building with an added half storey for underground parking, fully equipped with tiered landscaping, trees and lighter paint to diminish scale from the street.
Eleven members of the public came forth with concerns over height of the building, road congestion, and losing the smaller “village by the lake” feel.
As discussions went on, it became apparent that not only would the building’s roof reach 22 metres, but the added ventilation and rooftop access created an almost 7-storey building in total.
General assumption was that changing the zone would open the opportunity for anyone to build a high rise in the area, thus raising land value significantly.
“Values of land are based on how many square feet you can build and the more square footage you can put on land, the higher the value. When we allow the ratio to expand we’re really saying land is worth more.”
Councillor Luke Stack urged his colleagues not to support the motion. While buildings would be approved on a case by case basis, allowing one high rise would start a trend that will change the shape of Pandosy.
The building would offer luxurious 1,650 sq/ft. loft-style homes with two bedrooms, some with an additional den.
Councillours Dehart, Stack, Singh and Hodge all agreed the location wasn’t appropriate for a high rise.
“The impact it will have on the park, the ambience of the park, and impact on the neighbourhood I find difficult. I have concerns with the lane access when I look at 22 units and 39 possible vehicles up and down that lane,” said Counc. Hodge.
On the other side of the table, Councillors Given, Wooldridge, Sieben and Mayor Basran all commended the applicant for larger units and visual appeal of the building.
“I think that our town centres need to evolve as our community grows and I think that a small bump in some height in South Pandosy in some particular areas will not be the end of South Pandosy. I think it will add to the vibrancy and the eclectic nature of the neighbourhood,” said Mayor Basran
In Councillor Ryan Donn's absence, the vote was tied 4 - 4, resulting in a defeated motion.