Kelowna council had much to say about micro suites at their Sep. 25 meeting.
They considered a form and character development application for a 240-unit apartment building planned for 1280 Sutherland Avenue.
Council was concerned about the number of micro suites (147), and the potential for them to be used as short-term rentals as the units will be for sale.
Coun. Charlie Hodge said he had asked months ago for reports on micro suites and short-term rentals and he still hasn91裸聊视频檛 seen them.
91裸聊视频淢y concern has been and remains that we91裸聊视频檙e doing an overkill. 91裸聊视频淚91裸聊视频檓 worried that we91裸聊视频檙e building, down the road, potential ghetto sites. That we91裸聊视频檙e going to create buildings that never get filled.91裸聊视频�
Mayor Tom Dyas asked the staff if the developer considered fewer micros and more larger units.
91裸聊视频淭he developer did confirm that they91裸聊视频檝e identified the opportunity and the marketplace will absorb these units,91裸聊视频� said Dean Strachan, community planning and development manager.
The project also includes bachelor, one, two, and three-bedroom suites.
Coun. Rick Webber asked if existing micro suites in the city were being used as short-term rentals or if owners were actually living in them.
91裸聊视频淲e do have some statistical information around how short-term rentals are being used in the community that will come forward in the report to council in about a month,91裸聊视频� Strachan added.
Coun. Loyal Wooldridge pointed out that there were a lot of positives to the development, including its large indoor and outdoor amenity spaces.
91裸聊视频淚 understand council91裸聊视频檚 apprehension with micro suites, but I think they91裸聊视频檝e gone above and beyond in terms of giving people liveable space outside of the units.91裸聊视频�
Coun. Luke Stack had mixed views about the project.
91裸聊视频淚 agree that the amenities are very beneficial91裸聊视频ut I do remain concerned that about 60 per cent of these units are micro suites.91裸聊视频�
He was also opposed to the units potentially becoming short-term rentals.
91裸聊视频淭here91裸聊视频檚 a part of my gut that makes me think that buyers who are lining up to buy these have every intention of using them for short-term rentals.91裸聊视频�
Coun. Mohini Singh added there is a place for microsuites in the city.
91裸聊视频淏ut I think we may have reached the zenith of the top of how much is allowable and supportable in Kelowna.91裸聊视频�
Mayor Dyas reminded council that the application before them pertained to the form and character of the development.
91裸聊视频淚f there are concerns with regards to that, that91裸聊视频檚 one thing, if not we91裸聊视频檒l just be looking at advancing accordingly more so than the other issue.91裸聊视频�
Council did support moving the development forward, with Coun. Ron Cannan opposed.
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