When you think of life in Kelowna, you probably think of beautiful beaches, spending time out on the water, and plenty of arts and culture to keep you busy. It’s a place where many people come from places like Vancouver, Calgary, or further east, selling their homes to move to the interior for a more luxurious and comfortable lifestyle. With all these people coming and going, it’s safe to say the city’s experiencing a significant surge in development and construction in order to house all these people.
As the city grows, so does the demand for new housing and commercial spaces. This boom is reshaping the landscape of both Kelowna and its neighbouring city, West Kelowna. In this blog, we’ll explore the latest developments, the evolving housing regulations, and what makes Chriscan a leading construction company that stands out in this dynamic market.
New Developments in Kelowna
Kelowna’s skyline is changing rapidly with numerous residential and commercial projects underway. The demand for new housing has been driven by the city’s increasing population, buoyed by its desirable living conditions, excellent amenities, and thriving local economy.
Some of the new developments include:
Nolita: This development boasts a combination of one- and two-bedroom condos plus a limited collection of garden-style townhomes in a building complete with 1Valet’s smart building technology.
Stride Townhomes: These 3-level townhomes feature rooftop patios, hot tubs, and private garages. 15-20 min walk to the upcoming UBCO downtown campus, Okanagan Lake, and Knox Mountain Park.
University Heights: This new development offers 200 single-family homes and is nestled in nature near UBC Okanagan’s campus, urban amenities, green spaces, as well as the Kelowna International Airport.
Pleasantvale 2: Located next to Pleasantvale 1 on the vacant lot owned by BC Housing, this development proposes to build 75 new affordable rental homes for people with low to moderate incomes. It includes 48 apartments for seniors and 27 townhomes for families and individuals.
Other developments in progress include office space as well as retail and mixed-use spaces. The rise in new businesses and startups has spurred the development of modern office spaces. These buildings are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to meet the needs of today’s dynamic work environments, like the Innovation Centre downtown. New retail complexes and mixed-use developments are enhancing the city’s commercial landscape, offering a blend of shopping, dining, and residential options in one location.
You can check out all the current development applications on the City of Kelowna’s website.
New Developments in West Kelowna
Similarly, West Kelowna is witnessing a surge in new developments to accommodate its growing community and the NDP government has tasked West Kelowna with building affordable housing into their new build plans.
Some new West Kelowna developments include:
- Westrich Bay: This resort-style community built at the edge of Okanagan Lake offers luxury and security on Westbank’s First Nation lands.
- Edge View: This small 26-unit modern townhouse community overlooks Shannon Lake and is a great spot for older people wanting to downsize, young families looking to start upgrading, or first-time homebuyers.
- The Residences at Lakeview Village: This new mixed-use development in Lakeview Heights promises a quiet, charming community next door to vineyards and retail spaces so you have everything you need at your doorstep.
Kelowna Housing Regulations and AirBnB Changes
Kelowna’s housing market is not only shaped by demand but also by regulations that ensure sustainable growth and community well-being. Here are some of the changes that have been put into place recently.
Bill 44: Small-scale multi-unit housing
This bill allows for up to 4 units permitted on one lot in suburban areas and up to 5 or 6 units permitted to be built on one lot in core areas. More than 4 units will only be possible on a limited number of large lots which can accommodate adequate parking. This bylaw amendment was adopted on March 18, 2024. This will help by allowing a sustainable and incremental increase in single dwelling lots. Otherwise you’ll need to consolidate and rezone the lot, which could take a long time.
Bill 46: New development finance tools
This bill deals with Development Cost Charges and Levies (DCCs), as well as Amenity Cost Charges (ACCs). This bill will not affect Kelowna as it’s already established fixed DCCs to help fund costs associated with new developments.
Bill 47: Transit Oriented Areas (TOA)
This bill deals with new builds within 200m of the Transit Exchange, limiting the maximum building heights to be 10 storeys, as well within 400m, 6 storey buildings are permitted.
AirBnB
Another significant regulatory change is related to short-term rentals, particularly AirBnB. Earlier this year, Kelowna’s city council moved ahead on changes to short-term rental regulations, restricting them from being able to be principal or secondary land use in Kelowna’s mixed use and residential zones.
This is to help address concerns over housing availability and community impact, Kelowna has implemented strict licensing requirements and zoning regulations for short-term rentals. Property owners must obtain a licence to operate an AirBnB, ensuring compliance with safety standards and neighbourhood zoning laws.
By controlling the number of short-term rentals, the city hopes to alleviate the strain on the housing market and make more properties available for residents.
Construction Companies and General Contractors in Kelowna
The construction boom in Kelowna is supported by a robust network of construction companies and general contractors. The city is home to over 500 companies and contractors that specialize in various aspects of construction, from residential builds to commercial projects.
Explore your next build project with us
Among the many Kelowna construction companies, we stand out for our extensive experience and expertise in handling complex builds and commercial projects locally. We’re here to help you bring your dream space into reality, whether that’s the custom luxurious home you’ve been planning your whole life, expanding your clinic or commercial space for your business.
Experience and Expertise
- Complex Builds: We have a proven track record of managing complex construction projects, including multi-storey buildings, intricate architectural designs, and large-scale developments. Our ability to handle challenging projects with precision sets us apart from competitors.
- Commercial and Clinics: Our expertise extends to commercial spaces and medical clinics. We understand the specific requirements of these builds, from regulatory compliance to the integration of advanced medical technologies, ensuring functional and efficient spaces.
Commitment to Quality
- Attention to Detail: We’re known for its meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that every one of our projects meet the highest standards of quality. This commitment to excellence is evident in our finished products, which stand as testaments to our craftsmanship.
- Client-Centric Approach: Our client-centric approach involves close collaboration with our clients to understand their vision and deliver results that exceed expectations. This personalized service has earned us a reputation for reliability and customer satisfaction.
Sustainable Practices
- Eco-Friendly Construction: As much as we can, we try to incorporate sustainable practices in our projects, focusing on energy efficiency, environmentally friendly materials, and waste reduction. This commitment to sustainability aligns well with Kelowna’s goals for green development.
Check out some of our latest builds in our portfolio.
A Thriving City of Development
Kelowna is experiencing a vibrant phase of development and construction, driven by a growing population and a strong economy. With new residential and commercial projects transforming the city, the demand for skilled construction companies and general contractors is higher than ever.
Thanks to our expertise in commercial projects and custom jobs, we stand out as a leader in this dynamic market. As Kelowna continues to evolve, the construction industry will play a crucial role in shaping our city’s future, ensuring it remains a desirable place to live, work, and thrive. Get in touch to talk about what we can do for you.
