Kelowna high-rise condos opposed over affordable housing concerns

Unionized provincial government workers have registered their opposition to a 25-storey highrise in central Kelowna.

The Brooklyn project should be rejected by city council, the BCGEU says, because it will do nothing to promote affordable housing in Kelowna.

Union president Stephanie Smith wrote in a letter to Kelowna City Hall: “BCGEU members are finding it increasingly difficult to afford life in Kelowna — even with secure employment and regular negotiated wage increases. With a 0.2 per cent rental vacancy rate in Kelowna, working people are struggling to find long-term rental housing for their families, leading many to move further away from their work and others to leave the province altogether.

“B.C. is losing productive and experienced workers.”

Mission Group, the Kelownabased developer behind the Brooklyn project, has said buyers of the 178 suites in the tower will be able to rent their suites out on a short-term basis, through online services such as Airbnb.

Other letter-writers also raised concern about the impact of shortterm rentals, citing issues such as excessive noise and a tight market faced by long-term renters.

“You are all well aware of the desperate need for long-term rental units, but this proposal will not satisfy those needs,” wrote Peter Kerr, who identified himself as an occupant of a basement suite.

City planners had recommended council approve the Brooklyn, saying it conformed to the official community plan goals of economic development.