Discussion on Kelowna council about attainable, affordable housing in the city, as it approved rezoning for a rental-only apartment complex on Harvey Avenue.
Westrich Pacific Corp. proposes a 171-unit long-term rental building between Richter and Ethel streets.
While councillors were pleased to see the building planned for the 800-block of Harvey, some expressed a desire to see rentals geared to income.
“We need to keep our foot on the pedal in building more rental tenure-only properties,” said Coun. Loyal Wooldridge.
Coun. Charlie Hodge said he felt that lately, the city has perhaps been approving more rental-only projects compared to units for purchase. He would like to see a breakdown of housing types.
“Some tally to be presented to us showing rental only and units for purchase,” he said.”
Staff told council a housing inventory of approved and in-stream developments should be available in the new year.
Councillors Hodge, Gord Lovegrove, and Mohini Singh also had concerns about green space and the possible removal of mature trees to make way for the project.
Staff indicated it would make those concerns known to the developer.
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