105-suite project given green light

A stretch of Brandt’s Creek will soon look less like a ditch and more like a waterway, a developer says.

What are described as “drastic” improvements to the creek, with more plants and shrubs, are promised as part of a 105-suite project at 722 Valley Rd. approved this week by Kelowna city council.

“The project will feature a well-appointed rooftop patio, a guest suite for visitors and a terraced community garden allowing condo residents to grow their own food and enjoy a benefit typically afforded only to those with a private yard,” the developers wrote in their submission Tuesday night to city council.

As part of the approval, the developers will also pay for traffic lights at the corner of Summit Road and Valley Road and for the widening of Valley Road.

The 105 condos will be “affordably” priced, with half consisting of studio and one-bedroom units.

Council approved a height variance, from 4.5 storeys to five storeys, and reduced the parking stall requirement from 142 to 133.

“The developer believes residents will make use of bicycle, transit and ride-sharing options rather than own a second vehicle,” documents filed with the city state.

“Given the expected younger resident demographic and the easy access to Kelowna’s extensive bike path network, (we) are providing 96 Class A bicycle storage stalls, 43 more than required,” the developers say.

Still to come forward for final approval in the so-called Glenmore Valley Landing development area are plans for 49 townhomes, a care facility for people with dementia and a seniors-oriented condo building.