Stabilization work has resumed at the University of British Columbia’s Okanagan campus site in downtown Kelowna, after a brief pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The project, which began in January 2020, aims to stabilize the land and prepare it for future development. The site, located at the corner of St. Paul Street and Doyle Avenue, was previously home to a parking lot and a former RCMP building.
According to UBCO’s Director of Campus Planning and Development, the stabilization work is a crucial step in the university’s long-term vision for the site. The project involves installing a deep foundation system to support the future buildings and ensure the safety and stability of the land.
The work was temporarily halted in March 2020 due to the pandemic, but with strict safety protocols in place, the project has now resumed. The construction team is following all necessary health and safety guidelines to ensure the well-being of workers and the community.
The stabilization work is expected to be completed by the end of 2021, with the next phase of development to begin in 2022. The university plans to build a new academic building and a student residence on the site, as well as a public plaza and green space.
The project is a collaboration between UBCO, the City of Kelowna, and the Province of British Columbia. The city has contributed $7.5 million towards the stabilization work, while the province has provided $8.4 million for the future development of the site.
The university is excited about the potential of the site and its contribution to the growth and development of downtown Kelowna. The new buildings will provide much-needed space for academic programs and student housing, while the public plaza and green space will enhance the livability of the area.
Residents and visitors can expect to see continued construction activity at the site over the next year, as the stabilization work progresses. The university and its partners are committed to completing the project safely and efficiently, and look forward to the future development of this important site in downtown Kelowna.
