Kamloops council green-lights first major build on Columbia Precinct lands

Now almost two years after Kahlon’s announcement, Kamloops city council has green-lit the first of two major builds on a site that used to house two provincial office buildings, which were demolished in 2024.

(Image Credit: City of Kamloops)

“In accordance with the BC Builds program there is a requirement for 20 per cent of the units to be rented at below-market rates. Therefore, there are 26 units within the phase one complex that would be secured for below-market rental,” outlined Director of Development, Engineering and Sustainability for the City of Kamloops Marvin Kwiatkowski at council’s regular meeting Tuesday (June 9).

The build is being designed for middle-income earners, according to city staff.

City council approved the project unanimously in a 7-0 vote – Councillor Margot Middleton and Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson were absent – highlighting the surge in new housing flying up around Kamloops.

“You just have to look around the city right now and we have housing building everywhere,” said Councillor Dale Bass. “This one matters to me because when Ravi Kahlon stood up there and said we are going to do this here, I kind of went, ‘Yeah, sure. You’re the provincial government.’ And they are doing it.”

Council did raise questions around parking as the project will provide fewer spots under the bylaw.

“Total for phase one would be a total of 62 parking stalls and that would form part of the housing agreement,” confirmed Kwiatkowski.

The project will be able to apply under the revitalization tax exemption as it includes below market rentals.

No timeline for the build was provided.

by Michael Reeve

Kamloops council green-lights first major build on Columbia Precinct lands

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