The changing face of Capri-Landmark area

Kelowna City Council approved a rezoning this week for 1200 Pacific Avenue.

The change allows a new all-rental apartment project in the Capri-Landmark Urban Centre.

The proposed 15-storey development would be a medium-density apartment building with almost 160 units designed for a range of renters, helping to meet the city’s goal of offering diverse housing options. The developers were allowed to reduce the stipulated amount of parking spaces because it's in an urban core with access to transit and walkability.

Planning staff say the project aligns with official community plan policies that encourage residential growth along Pacific Avenue. The rezoning passed overwhelmingly among council although there were concerns raised about the size of the building, parking, and adding to traffic congestion.

Currently, a 12-storey tower is permitted on the site but that could increase to 15-storeys under the City’s density bonusing regulations.

And a separate proposed height variance seeks to increase the maximum permitted building height on the property to 20 storeys.

That would require a public hearing.