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Kelowna  

Cedar Ave project back on council radar

The much anticipated Cedar Avenue/South Pandosy waterfront plan is back for another look.

The original proposal, opposed by numerous residents and neighbourhood groups around the city, was shot down by council in June, 2011.

That proposal called for a mixed use commercial/park development on the 2.3 acre site along the waterfront on Abbott Street between Newsom and Cedar Avenues.

Most of those opposed to the project asked that the entire piece of waterfront be dedicated to parkland.

Staff is coming back to council Monday asking for support on a recommended communications and engagement process supporting redevelopment and to seek direction on site redevelopment parameters.

Initial consultation with recognized stakeholders has already taken place.

In July, the Kelowna Outrigger Canoe Club was granted a three year Licence of Occupation for lands at 3050 Abbott Street for use as a Kelowna Paddle Centre.

They have been working with the city toward a permanent facility on the site.

Staff have also been in discussions with the KLO Neighbourhood Association which approached the city with a willingness to work together in a public engagement process.

According to the report both groups have also been asked for input on potential parameters for site development.

These objectives include:

  • The site to include a public amenity component (paddle centre)
  • Include a park component
  • Redevelopment to consider the overall neighbourhood context/plan
  • Redevelopment to consider the continuation of the linear waterfront park concept
  • Redevelopment to involve public input and consideration

The commercial component in the original design was included as a way for the city to pay for development of the park.

The report concludes the stakeholders are cognizant of the financial impacts of development and supportive of initiatives which incorporate commercial or residential use to offset park and public space development costs.

Staff anticipate the engagement process and rezoning be complete by the fall of this year.

 

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