West Kelowna highrise headed to public hearing, nearing approval

The first highrise in West Kelowna edged closer to reality this week as city council agreed to send plans for the 10-storey tower to a public hearing.

Although councillors voted 5-1 to advance the Lakeview Heights project along the approval process, they noted it could be a controversial proposal among many community members.

“I think this is going to be a very good test of the public’s appetite for substantial change in Lakeview Heights,” said Coun. Bryden Winsby. “I’m sure a lot of them will be concerned or opposed, but a great many others will see this as something we need.”

Those on council who supported moving the proposal along said the development, which also includes several six-storey buildings and a retirement complex, would help diversify housing options in West Kelowna. The project is planned for the southeast corner of Olalla Road and Anders Road.

“It might be nice if our first 10-storey building wasn’t in Lakeview Heights, but the fact of the matter is this is where people want to build it and this is where people want to live,” said Coun. Duane Ophus. “Lakeview Heights is a dynamic, up-and-coming neighbourhood that’s close to the bridge, close to Kelowna where lots of people work.

“Lots of people are looking to downsize in the neighbourhood and I think we need to put this forward and see how the public reacts to it,” Ophus said.

As part of the tentative agreement with the developer, the city has agreed to increase the maximum height from six to 10 storeys in exchange for the builder’s commitment to provide $2.5 million toward construction of a new firehall on the same site.

Coun. Rick DeJong voted against sending the project to a public hearing.

“The density bonusing of four storeys to create a 10-storey building in the middle of Lakeview Heights on a flat plateau is something I struggle with,” De Jong said. “I don’t believe it’s in the best interest of the community.”

The developer has a good track record in West Kelowna, Coun. Rusty Ensign said. “He’s got the confidence and vision I think we need to embrace.”

Coun. Carol Zanon noted council’s granting of second reading to advance the project along didn’t mean the development would necessarily proceed.

“There’s not a commitment here except to hear more, hear from folks, and see what they think of this idea,” said Zanon.