Housing densification won’t increase fire risk
The coming densification of most Kelowna neighbourhoods won’t increase the fire risk in urban areas, city officials say.
About 28,000 city lots are being rezoned to allow the construction of up to four new homes under a provincial directive for B.C. municipalities to increase housing stock.
Municipal officials are currently examining the ways in which the sweeping new direction could present challenges for the existing water and sewer lines, and firefighting capabilities.
“With past and future anticipated changes to the zoning bylaw comes increased pressure on aging and potentially capacity-strained infrastructure,” reads part of a report going to council at Monday’s meeting.
On balance, however, staff has concluded that the infrastructure, with some anticipated upgrades, can support all the new development.
The “vast majority of development will have sufficient water for fully extinguishing structure fires,” the report states. In other cases, modern flame-resistant construction methods, increased spacing between new buildings, and a capable and well-equipped fire department will be important.
“It is suggested that infill housing redevelopment presents a relatively neutral risk to community fire safety,” the report states.
But some changes will be necessary to existing design standards for future water, sewer, and transportation projects to ensure sufficient capacity to handle the expected population increase, the report states.
For example, it’s proposed that power and telephone lines be placed underground, rather than strung in overhead wires, for new development in the city’s core areas, which cover most built-up areas of Kelowna.
Until now, the requirement for underground service lines had applied only to the urban and village areas, such as central Rutland, downtown, and South Pandosy.
City officials in Penticton are hoping people will bark back with their thoughts on a leash-optional pilot program that launched Friday.
Under the six-month pilot program, off-leash dogs will be allowed in newly designated spaces at Riverside Park, Okanagan Lake Park, two spots in Skaha Lake Park, and at the entrance to the water treatment plant at 1900 Penticton Ave.
“We will be collecting feedback from each of the five locations to determine what works – and what doesn’t,” said Ysabel Contreras, the city’s capital projects co-ordinator, in a press release.
“Park users can share their experiences immediately by scanning a QR code at the park, or by filling out a feedback form at www.shapeyourcitypenticton.ca.”
City staff have reserved the right to make changes to the program if the need arises prior to its scheduled end date on Aug. 31.
Upgrades also began last month on the first of six off-leash dog parks that are in line for improvements like new surfacing and shades structures.