Low-income housing proposed for Glenmore

Subsidized rentals planned

Photo: City of Kelowna

Turning Points Collaborative Society is proposing to build an affordable rental housing project in Kelowna’s Glenmore neighbourhood.

M’akola Development Services, on behalf of the society, submitted development permit and variance permit applications for its planned development at 1951 Cross Rd., which is located on the southwest corner of Cross and Glenmore roads.

The property is well into the process of being rezoned to apartment rental housing, so Turning Points is taking the next steps in the process.

“Kelowna continues to experience a rise in housing costs, which has resulted in increases to housing insecurity and homelessness,” M’akola Development Services wrote in the application. “… With recognition that community connectivity is necessary to sustain a quality of life, the project’s location is within walking distance to stores, near schools, parks and the downtown core.”

The six-storey building would feature 68 affordable rental units, including six studios, 24 one-bedrooms, 24 two-bedrooms and 14 three-bedrooms. Fourteen percent of the units would be adaptable, while 7% would be accessible for persons with disabilities.

“The target tenant populations for the proposed housing will be low?income individuals and families,” M’akola Development Services wrote. “The proposed building will also contain two amenity spaces, including an outdoor rooftop terrace, while the site will include a dog run and community garden.”

Turning Points is asking for a variance on the number of parking spots required. The development would have 58 surface vehicle parking stalls—eight fewer than required—and 102 bicycle parking stalls.

“In Turning Points Collaborative Society’s extensive operating experience, affordable rental projects that are close to services, transportation and schools have less parking uptake than is required by typical parking bylaws,” the application stated.

The applications will circulate among City of Kelowna planners before making their ways to council.