The City of Kelowna Council will be reviewing a proposal for a 20-unit apartment building located at 3539 Lakeshore Road for the fourth time on Monday, May 27th, 2024.
This application has been previously considered by the council in October 2023 and December 2023, but was deferred in April due to concerns regarding the building's design and impact.
Previous Concerns
- Building Design: Council members raised concerns about the building's aesthetics, calling it "bare minimum" and resembling a "hospital wall" with its initial design.
- Traffic Impact: The council requested more information on the potential traffic impact on Lakeshore Road.
- Greenspace and Amenity Space: A lack of green space for tenants and a bland design for the amenity spaces were also cited as concerns.
Proposed Changes
The developer has addressed the concerns raised by the council and incorporated the following changes in the new proposal:
- Improved Building Facade: Wood slats will be extended to all sides of the building, with additional features to improve articulation and frame the balconies. A variety of materials will be used to add visual interest.
- Enhanced Amenity Spaces: Seating areas, fire tables, and additional landscaping will be incorporated on both the north and south sides of the property. The south side will have additional screening for privacy. The north side will include a dog run and benches.
- Improved Streetscape: Large trees will be planted along the Lakeshore Road frontage to enhance the visual appeal of the street.
Staff Recommendation
City staff is recommending approval of the revised proposal. In their report, they state that the changes address the Official Community Plan (OCP) Design Guidelines for low and mid-rise apartments and improve the building's overall visual interest and livability for future residents.
Next Steps
The City Council will review the revised proposal on May 27th, 2024. The public can attend the meeting and voice their opinions on the project.
