91Ƶ

Skip to content

Kelowna council concerned over displacement of residents for development

91ƵResidents will have a hard time finding a new place to live with similar rents91Ƶ
web1_240509-kcn-council-millsrd-millsroad_1
A developer plans to rezone and consolidate one property on Mills Road with two adjacent lots already earmarked for development to bring in eight townhouse buildings. (Image City of Kelowna)

A new townhouse development planned for Rutland has Kelowna council worried about how and where current residents will find a new place to live.

The developer plans to rezone and consolidate one property on Mills Road off Highway 33, with two adjacent lots already earmarked for development, to bring in eight townhouse buildings. The properties are home to older, multi-family dwellings.

Councillor Rick Webber raised concerns about replacing older, affordable units with less affordable options.

91ƵThese 20 existing rental units are to be replaced with 55 new purpose-built rentals,91Ƶ Webber added. 91ƵThe market rates are anticipated to be $2,400 to $3,000 a month.91Ƶ

While Webber didn91Ƶt vote against the project, he voiced dissatisfaction with the tenant transition plan.

91ƵThey got an extra month91Ƶs notice a list of agencies that may or may not provide affordable housing, and a list of potential moving companies they can hire.91Ƶ

He said current residents will have a hard time finding a new place to live with similar rents.

91ƵThat91Ƶs one of our major problems in Kelowna.91Ƶ

Coun. Loyal Wooldridge echoed concerns about the transition plan and the potential erosion of affordable housing stock.

Staff told council work is underway on a more broad tenant relocation effort as part of the housing supply plan which will be brought to council later this year.

91ƵI91Ƶm pleased staff will be coming forward with recommendations because we know that gentrification can have this effect on neighbourhoods,91Ƶ Wooldridge said.

Also citing concerns about the tenant transition plan, Coun. Gord Lovegrove said more assistance for residents is needed.

91ƵI think it should be in part the responsibility of the applicant to help and a one-month transition plan is not a transition plan.91Ƶ

City manager Doug Gilchrist cautioned council about their expectations regarding the applicant91Ƶs obligations, noting that currently, they have none.

He added that the applicant had shown intent to work with affected residents, and further efforts by the city might necessitate a discussion to explore options.

The Residential Tenancy Act governs matters of rental eviction for demolition and redevelopment. According to legislation, tenants are entitled to a four-month notice and one month91Ƶs rent as compensation.

Coun. Charlie Hodge was the only one to vote against rezoning the property.

READ MORE: Kelowna councillor reminds mayor of election promise in opposing final budget

READ MORE: Kelowna approves alcohol in parks program, yet one councillor doesn91Ƶt 91ƵLove91Ƶ it



About the Author: Gary Barnes

Journalist and broadcaster for three decades.
Read more



(or

91Ƶ

) document.head.appendChild(flippScript); window.flippxp = window.flippxp || {run: []}; window.flippxp.run.push(function() { window.flippxp.registerSlot("#flipp-ux-slot-ssdaw212", "Black Press Media Standard", 1281409, [312035]); }); }