Kamloops examining zoning model from Kelowna to help address housing needs

“We have been looking at what other cities have down. In particular, Kelowna has an ‘RU7’ zone that they have had in place for a little while. We have been talking to them about what has worked well, what hasn’t worked well and we are looking at implementing that here,” said Rod Martin, Planning and Development Manager for the City. “The first stage of that would be going to city council with our North Shore Neighbourhood Plan that has policies that encourage that kind of housing.”

The zoning change will need approval by the next council, as it’s slated to come forward later this year or early in 2023. The next municipal election will take place October 15.

At first, the zone will not be implemented broadly, as it will be more focused on populated city centres.

“The first stage would be in the more established area of the North Shore ‘downtown’ and the city centre downtown. In the areas with existing infrastructure, close proximity to transit, rear-lane access to provide parking. That would be the first stage of implementing that type of zoning in the city,” added Martin.

by Michael Reeve

Kamloops examining zoning model from Kelowna to help address housing needs

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