Exciting news for the Black Mountain community! A substantial mixed-use development proposal has been submitted to the City of Kelowna by Urban Design Group Architects Ltd. This project, located near the intersection of Highway 33 and Gallagher Road (close to Black Mountain Elementary School).
Project Details
- Location: Eastern suburb of Black Mountain, Kelowna, BC (covering approximately 5 acres)
- Properties: Three legal lots (2040 Joe Riche Rd, 2021 Highway 33 E, and 1655 Gallagher Rd)
- Current Zoning: C2 (Commercial), RR1 (Large Lot Rural Residential), and P3:RR1 (Parks and Open Space)
- Proposed Rezoning: VC1 (Village Centre) allowing for mixed-use and 6 storeys with 22.0 meters in height
- Developer: Urban Design Group Architects Ltd. owned by 1371470 B.C. Ltd.
Project Components
- Residential units: A total of 148 new residential units are planned.
- Commercial space: Several thousand square feet of commercial retail space will be built to cater to the community's needs.
- Anchor tenant: Plans include a prominent fast-food establishment with a drive-thru, measuring approximately 4,720 square feet. While the application suggests it might be a McDonald's, official confirmation is pending.
- Convenience store: A 3,500 square foot convenience store with an eight-pump gas bar and car wash is also proposed.
- Multi-tenant building: The project incorporates a 14,400 square foot multi-tenant building to house various small businesses, including restaurants, personal service providers, and other retail shops.
- Preserving: The existing building currently occupied by the Black Mountain Liquor Store, which opened last year, will be retained and seamlessly integrated into the development.
Community Needs
The developer acknowledges the current market situation and emphasizes that this project aims to address the significant lack of residential and commercial space within the Black Mountain area. They believe this mixed-use development will offer much-needed amenities and services to residents.
Parking considerations
- Commercial use: Ample parking will be available for commercial tenants and customers, with a designated area offering 74 surface stalls.
- Residential units: Residents will have access to secure underground parking with 140 designated stalls.
Moving forward
The development application package, encompassing a development permit, rezoning application, and Official Community Plan (OCP) amendment, was submitted on Wednesday. The OCP amendment proposes redesignating the subject properties from a mix of Neighbourhood Commercial, Parks, and Large Lot Rural Residential designations to Village Centre, Parks, and Open Space designations with some Utilities zoning.
City of Kelowna's planning department is currently reviewing the applications. A detailed report will be prepared and presented to the council for consideration at a future date.
Coldwell Banker Horizon Realty will continue to closely monitor the project's progress and provide updates as they become available.
Please note: The complete application package, including detailed plans and drawings, can be accessed through the City of Kelowna's Development Applications website or here.
