Highrises could tower over Prospera Place

Skyscrapers of 37 and 27 storeys proposed for arena parking lot

Two new skyscrapers, of 37 and 27 storeys, are proposed for what is now the parking lot at Prospera Place in Kelowna.

The company that built the hockey rink 20 years ago owns the land around it, and has now come forward with an ambitious plan to add 330 new homes and a new shopping area.

“The site represents a noteworthy major opportunity for a development with a vibrant new mixedused development to grow into a destination to live, work, play and learn as envisioned by the City of Kelowna’s civic precinct plan,” Graham Lee, owner of GSL Group, writes in an application received this week by municipal planners.

Preliminary drawings for the project show two slightly curved towers with rooftop gardens, water features and commercial premises fronting onto Water Street.

“This retail podium playfully interacts with the plaza and streetscape in a dynamic layering of retail shops and cafes,” Lee writes.

The proposed development supports the city’s aim of increasing residential density in downtown Kelowna and increasing its economic vibrancy, Lee writes in his submission to the city.

“The unique location of this development supports the concept of smart, planned growth of the community and will provide many aspects of sustainability such as driving less, walking more, cycling and access to entertainment within Kelowna’s city centre,” Lee writes.

For the project to proceed, city council would have to rezone the property as the current designation allows a maximum building height of 12 storeys. Lee says that restriction is outdated, based on a bylaw from 1976.

The City of Kelowna and Lee’s company entered into a partnership in the late 1990s for the construction of a 6,000-seat hockey rink, now named Prospera Place.

The $20-million arena opened in September 1999. For hockey games and major events, it replaced Memorial Arena next to City Hall.

“It was the most amazing thing seeing the building come to life. And I hope many of you feel, as I do, that this is a dream come true,” Lee said at the opening of the rink.

Terms of the city’s deal with Lee’s company also allowed him to buy properties adjacent to the arena for future development, at 1997 valuations, until 2003.

The City of Kelowna will assume ownership of the hockey arena in 2028.

Artwork contributed The City of Kelowna has received a development proposal for two towers, of 37 and 27 storeys, for between the front entrance of Prospera Place and Water Street. The project would also include new commercial premises on what is now the arena’s main...