Could this site become Kelowna’s own Granville Island?

This story was initially published in September 2022.

It once was a bustling hub of activity but now sits dormant.

But that will soon change.

The former Tolko Industries mill site, which was built in 1932 and served residents for over 80 years, has been demolished to make way for a new development.

Planners have floated drawing inspiration from places like Granville Island and The Shipyards District in North Vancouver.

“We’re a solid year into the planning process right now and I suspect we’re another year towards getting any kind of approvals in place,” Rob Keith, manager of special projects with Holar Developments told Kelowna10. “I hear so many amazing ideas from the public about what they want to see on this site… and that’s what really excites me.”

Holar Developments is the sister company of Tolko Industries, and both are owned by Timber Investments Ltd., meaning the redevelopment initiative is being undertaken by the same family business that owns the site.

On Saturday, members of the public were able to get a tour of the site led by Keith to ask questions and give input. Although most of the property is empty, a few older buildings and features remain, which Keith hopes will be incorporated into the design.

“One of the things we kept hearing from the public while we were doing very initial stages on this site, was the idea of a Granville Island,” he explained. “The rule essentially on this site when we were doing demolition was, ‘if it’s older than 1950. I don’t want it touched.’”

Although the land is in the North End, Keith said it’s important to know the city’s North End Neighbourhood Plan is different from the mill site plan.

“It’s one step ahead of our plan and forms the ideas that happen here on this site,” Keith said. “We need to be able to work with the city to make sure that it works with the residents around and that we’re not taking things in a totally different direction that nobody wants.”

Keith said residents can expect to see some concept designs next year. There is no strict timeline on a full build-out, though it's anticipated it will take 15 to 20 years.

“Every day is different. It’s a lot of fun,” Keith said. “And the challenge of trying to wrap [my] head around a 40-acre site in downtown Kelowna and coming up with something really exciting we can share with the public.”