Rutland developments a go

Photo: Conceptual drawing

Kelowna city council has given the go-ahead for housing developments in the Rutland area.

The projects will add 33 rental units to the respective areas.

The largest of the proposals is a 24-unit development on Hein Road, near Houghton.

Planner Terry Barton told council the future designation for the area is a medium-density, multiple-housing zone.

"This was changed in 2011 in order to promote redevelopment and revitalization of the area," said Barton. "This is the first proposal to come forward."

The planned development is for a four-and-a-half-storey building with 24 units ranging from studio to two bedrooms.

"I'm happy to see people wanting to invest in that part of town," said Coun. Mohini Singh.

Coun. Luke Stack says he's also pleased to see the development come to council.

"It's something we've been hoping for for a long time, to see the redevelopment of higher density," said Stack.

"I have lots of optimism that this will be a very nice addition to the streets."

The other development is a townhouse project on Kneller Road, just north of Highway 33.

Planner Lydia Korolchuk says the development includes three buildings, made up of nine, three-storey townhouses.

All would be three-bedroom units.

Council gave both projects unanimous support. Both will come to a future public hearing.