Residents in Kelowna’s Heritage Conservation Area (HCA) are voicing concerns over provincial legislation they feel could disincentivize the retention of historic buildings.
A report going to council May 13 highlights the need to encourage the retention of heritage buildings and landscape elements and discourage demolition.
The number of demolitions have more than doubled, rising from an average of two per year between 1998 and 2021 to five per year in 2022 and 2023. Five buildings on the heritage inventory or registry have been lost to demolition.
The report also emphasizes the importance of preserving heritage values while accommodating the needs of a growing population.
Provincial legislation mandates three to four dwelling units when redeveloping a single-family lot.
With 366 residential properties in the HCA, including 52 properties on the heritage register, and eight properties protected by the registry and/or heritage designation, the impact of the legislation on heritage preservation could be significant.
“While HCAs can accommodate denser housing than their original single-family intent, the addition of the Core Area – Heritage District (C-HER) future land use designation aims to allow for gentle densification while encouraging adaptive re-use of existing homes with heritage assets,” the report states.
The report, resulting from a comprehensive three-phase HCA review initiated in 2021, underscores the necessity of adapting strategies to manage growth while preserving heritage.
Later this summer, staff will present recommendations, including updates to the Heritage Conservation Area Development Guidelines and HCA updates, to council.
Public awareness efforts will include direct mailing of information to property owners in the HCA and updates on the project webpage.
A public hearing on May 14 at 4 p.m. at city hall will provide an opportunity for residents to voice their concerns regarding the implications of the provincial legislation.
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