Kelowna City Council has announced plans to explore pre-zoning select transit-supportive corridors in order to address the growing need for housing in the area.
The decision was made after a thorough review of the city’s current housing situation, which has shown a significant shortage of affordable housing options. This shortage has been exacerbated by the increasing demand for housing in Kelowna, as more people are drawn to the city’s vibrant economy and beautiful surroundings.
By pre-zoning select transit-supportive corridors, the city aims to create more opportunities for developers to build housing that is both affordable and conveniently located near public transportation. This will not only help to alleviate the current housing shortage, but also promote sustainable and efficient use of public transit.
The pre-zoning process involves designating specific areas along transit routes for future development, with the goal of streamlining the approval process for developers. This will allow for a quicker turnaround time for new housing projects, ultimately providing more options for those in need of housing.
Mayor Colin Basran emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating that “pre-zoning select transit-supportive corridors is a proactive step towards addressing our housing challenges and ensuring that our city remains accessible and livable for all residents.”
The city will be working closely with developers and community stakeholders to identify the most suitable areas for pre-zoning. This process will also involve public consultation to ensure that the needs and concerns of the community are taken into consideration.
Kelowna’s commitment to exploring pre-zoning as a solution to the housing shortage is a positive step towards creating a more inclusive and sustainable city. With the support of the community and collaboration with developers, this initiative has the potential to provide much-needed housing options for residents while also promoting a more efficient and environmentally-friendly use of public transit.
