Here’s how Kelowna is expected to build 950 homes quickly

Almost a thousand more homes will be built in Kelowna through the federal government’s fund aimed at higher density and affordable units.

The Government of Canada and the City of Kelowna announced Wednesday they’ve reached an agreement to fast track an additional 950 housing units over the next three years.

Cutting red tape and streamlining the building permit process is part of the initiative, along with encouraging local government to “think big and bold in their approaches.”

According to a media release, the federal government said this would help create a potential for up to 20,000 additional homes over the next decade.

The agreement, under the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) will provide over $31.5 million to eliminate barriers to building the housing that’s needed.

"Everyone deserves a place to call home,” Kelowna Mayor Tom Dyas said, in part, in a prepared statement. “That’s why increasing diverse, attainable, and affordable housing options is one of Council's top priorities. We are grateful for the Government of Canada's significant investment that will further advance Kelowna's innovation and commitment to accelerate housing for our rapidly growing community.”

What Kelowna has done to boost housing

Beginning in 2016, the City of Kelowna began a progressive approach to infill housing. Over 800 parcels in specified urban areas were permitted to develop up to four residential units on one lot.

Through expansion of their Infill Options Program, the City of Kelowna has committed to pre-zoning an expanded area of the city’s core area to permit infill housing as-of-right to reduce barriers to housing construction.

Other initiatives include: incentivizing private sector housing development, transit supportive corridor planning and using city-owned land for affordable housing.